Niner 2017 Bootjack Ranch Red Blend Paso Robles 750ml

Niner 2017 Bootjack marked the end of the drought in Paso Robles with a rainy winter and a return to healthy vines and good canopy growth in the spring. It was a relatively temperate year until a couple of heat spikes in August and September made things interesting.

The grapes in Niner 2017 Bootjack were grown vat our two estate vineyards in Paso Robles. Heart Hill Vineyard is located in the Willow Creek District and Bootjack Ranch in the Geneseo District. Only 13 miles apart, differences in soil and climate between the two create very different expressions of place.

We find that both vineyards complement each other in a blend to produce a wine that is a great representation of the quality that Paso Robles can achieve.

Fortunately, patience in the vineyard was rewarded as moderate weather followed into the harvest months. As a result we were able to achieve slow, even maturation with lower than average sugar accumulation.

Our goal in the winery was to treat each varietal separately using techniques that preserve the best characteristics of each. As a foundation, we used Cabernet Sauvignon for structure, Malbec for a juicy component, Cabernet Franc for fine tannin and length, and Merlot for subtle fruit and finesse.

All other varietals in the blend are accent pieces, each adding spice and different fruit characteristics. The barrels selected along with the amount of time spent in barrel brought all of the individual pieces together in a cohesive way.

Aromas include malt chocolate, hot cocoa mix, a dried woody character and tart cran-cherry. Vanilla, caramel and nutmeg baking spices round out the velvety flavor profile, with big texture and good tannin structure. In true Italian-style, this Sangiovese simply begs for food!