MATHIS

PRE-RELEASE The 2020 Mathis Grenache has attractive depth of fruit paired with a supple, rich texture. Aromas of blueberry compote, black pepper and bramble are followed by plush raspberry and plummy fruit in the mouth along with a fresh acidity.  Supple tannins and a velvety fruit sweetness make the '20 winsome and easy to enjoy at the dinner table.  

PRODUCTION NOTES

2020 was the first in a string of three extreme drought years. For the Mathis vines, like all plants in the region, Spring came eerily early, with budbreak in February.  The dry conditions and warm summer temperatures led ot very small berries with concentrated flavors and high acidity.

The Grenache harvest was completed in one day on September 15th. The pick for the cuvee included small amounts of the interplanted varieties: Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Carignane.  The fruit was destemmed and left partially uncrushed to maximize fruit expression while holding tannins in check.  Fermentation was in 6-ton open-top tanks using native, grape-borne yeast and 2 to 3 gentle pumpovers per day. Pressed at dryness after a 14-day ferment, the wine was aged in 60-gallon, neutral French oak barrels for 20 months prior to bottling.

The 2020 Grenache drinks superbly at release with concentration fruit characters and supple tannins.  The acidity should allow it to age gracefully for ten years or more. 

2020 Mathis Sonoma Valley Grenache

VINTAGE: 2020

APPELLATION: Sonoma Valley 

VINEYARD: Mathis Estate Vineyard 

HARVEST: September 15, 2020

AGING: 19 months in neutral, 100% French Oak Barrels

ALCOHOL: 14.8% 

CASES: 376 

pH: 3.6

TA: 5.7 g/L

VINEYARD DESCRIPTION

Mathis Vineyard covers a 7.5 acre plot, situated in the hills above the town of Sonoma, on a warm, south-facing slope.  The soils are volcanic in origin, low vigor, with underlying rhyolitic rock.  The nearby San Francisco Bay, visible from the vineyard, provides a cooling influence and allows for extended hang time at harvest.