KEPLINGER BASILISK 2018

Winemaker Notes

The Basilisk is 100% Grenache, from vines planted on a super-steep, very rocky hillside of Fractured Franciscan (essentially super-rocky ancient seafloor) in the Russian River, planted in 2009. The vineyard is the wonderful combination of a warm site located in a cool region – a 30 degree southwest-facing slope at 900’ above a bend in the Russian River with incredible exposure and drainage. The soil is an ancient seafloor uplifted by less ancient volcanic activity – rocky and poor, and perfect for producing intense Grenache. In 2018 the Grenache was harvested on October 1st, and co-fermented with 2% whole cluster Syrah in a single small tank. It spent 18 days on skins before being drained to two neutral Demi Muids and one Muids d'Oc Burgundian barrel for its 18 months of elevage in a very cold cellar before being bottled without fining or filtration. The 2018 Basilisk is a massive, yet ethereal wine with aromas of vibrant red raspberry, black tea, lavender, bergamot oil, vetiver, pencil lead. The super-silky entry opens to broad, velvety, palate-coating tannins and flavors of raspberry jam, star anise, and earl grey tea. A beauty. This wine will cellar effortlessly for 15 years or longer. 168 cases produced.