On our label is “The Dionysus Cup,” an ancient Grecian cup crafted by Exekias in 530 BC, which depicts Homer’s “Hymn
to Dionysus.” Homer tells the story of pirates, cruising along the Aegean, who spot a strapping man and decide to take
him hostage. The Helmsman warns them off, but the captain heads out to sea with their captive: Dionysus, the God of
Wine. Soon "wine sprang forth, babbling, bubbling over the speedy black ship: it was sweet, it was fragrant, the odor
was divine.” The sea turned wine red and vines grew up the mast. Dionysius turns into a lion and attacks the captain;
the other pirates dive over the edge, where they are turned into dolphins.
Vineyard
Tip Top Vineyard, 1700-2000 ft in elevation, with north and eastern exposures; Planted to steep terraces between 1996-1999; Only 1.42 acres out of the total 15.2 acres are planted to petite sirah, approximately 1370 vines
Soil
Red Chert veined with Green Serpentine, our namesake soils, intermixed with Sobrante Loam
Harvest
Hand-picked September 27th and 28th
Vinification
Fruit was destemmed onto a shaker table and berry sorted into open top stainless steel tanks. A 3-day cold soak was followed by an approximately 10-day fermentation. Aged 14 months in our cave, in 70% American oak and 30% French
oak barrels, 20% of which was new oak.
Production
92 cases bottled
