Brave & Maiden “Union” Santa Ynez Red Blend 2018

VITICULTURE AVA
Los Olivos District, Santa Ynez Valley

Year(s) Planted
1996-1998

Vintage Notes
The 2018 vintage was a return of cooler weather (such as 2010 & 2011). Another winter with rain was helpful in supplying the soil and plants with water. Spring was cooler than normal, but no significant frost events. With the cool spring, budbreak was delayed by 2-3 weeks. No extreme weather during set, which helped with good set and good yields. Summer was warm and promoted ripeness, but late summer and early fall were much cooler than past vintages and pushed harvest well into November. Despite the long drawn out harvest, crop levels were ample and fruit matured with excellent flavors and plenty of acid.

WINEMAKING
Description De-stemmed and hand-sorted to 3-4 ton fermenters, fermented for 14-21 days. Barreled down to 100% French oak, approximately 19% new and aged for 17 months.

Blend
40% Merlot, 40% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc

Residual Sugar
None

Bottle Date
31st of March 2020