2015 Ridge Vineyards "Dutcher Creek Vineyard" Alexander Valley Carignane

Winery Notes: "Stan Buchignani's ranch is located on Dutcher Creek Road, in the hills on the far western edge of the Alexander Valley appellation. Stan's grandfather, Dominico Cerruti, first planted a five acre block in 1927; his father, Dino, added seven acres in the 1940's and planted the last in the early 1950s. The vineyard's climate bears a strong resemblance to that of upper Dry Creek Valley three miles to the south, where days are quite warm. Fog, which tends to hang low in the valley, burns off sooner in the hills. Carignane from Buchignani is complex, its fine structure much like that of a field-blend zinfandel. 2015 Dutcher Creek this Buchignani Ranch wine is from a small parcel of old vine carignane interplanted with zinfandel. Each year after we separately ferment the six vineyard parcels, we blind taste to determine which are most distinct. In 2015 we kept the Side Hill separate for its minerality, bright acidity and elegant tannins, naming it Dutcher Creek after the nearby stream. This exemplary carignane is enjoyable now and will further develop over the next five years. 9 barrels produced."