By The Joint
2016 Sonoma County Red Wine

Tasting Notes
This easy-drinking blend will have you wanting to lock this wine away for yourself! Opening with an inviting nose of dark brambly fruit including bright blackberry, red currant, and jam preserves framed by vanilla bean interlaced with notes of toasted oak and baking spice. On the palate, flavors of chocolate-covered berries and boysenberry unfold to rich notes of butterscotch. Soft tannins and bright acidity representative of classic Sonoma County fruit in the full, lingering finish.

Vineyard Notes
A wine is all about where the grapes are grown, and we've unlocked some of our best vineyards for this delectable blend that is sure to have you coming back for more. Primarily sourced from the Alexander Valley, located in northern Sonoma County just east of the coast, grapes grown here experience slightly warmer temperatures during the day than in those areas nearest the coast, but are cooled by the coastal fog that creeps inland in the evening from the nearby Pacific Ocean. This balance allows for full development and maturation of the Bordeaux varietals included in this blend: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Balancing out these classic Sonoma County flavors, fruit was also sourced from select vineyards in Lodi and Paso Robles, each providing distinct fruit-forward flavors and added body.

Vintage Notes
2016 was an ideal growing season for Sonoma County with steady growing temperatures throughout the year. While the growing season was relatively warm and dry, the harvest kicked-off a bit earlier than usual with fruit ripening to maturation in early August. Yields, however, were still balanced. Most importantly, though, the quality of fruit was impressive, marked by complex aromatics and concentrated flavors as showcased in this delightful blend.

Technical Details
Varietal Composition: 79% Malbec, 10% Zinfandel, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Syrah
Vineyards and Sourcing: 75% Alexander Valley, 10% Dry Creek, 5% Lodi, 10% Paso Robles
Alcohol: 14.50%
Residual Sugar: 3.7 g/L
TA: 5.1 g/L
pH: 3.7
Oak Program: Aged in 40% new French Oak for four months

Glenn Hugo, Winemaker
Glenn's background in the restaurant industry informs his approach to winemaking and wine as part of the culinary experience. A native Texan, Glenn developed his passion for wine in the restaurant industry before moving with his wife to Napa Valley in 2003 to pursue a dream of becoming a winemaker. Glenn's formative winemaking experience was in Napa Valley and includes early assignments with Provenance Vineyards, where he learned from Napa legend Tom Rinaldi. As General Manager of Bounty Hunter Wine Bar in downtown Napa, Glenn met Marco DiGiulio - mentor, friend, and award-winning winemaker - who launched Glenn's winemaking career at Girard Winery. He started at Girard Winery as a harvest intern. Quickly promoted to Cellar Master and Assistant Winemaker, Glenn earned the title of Girard Winemaker in 2010.

Glenn has garnered numerous awards, accolades and 90+ point scores for the Girard portfolio. With a passion for terroir-driven wines and minimalist approach, Glenn now brings his artisanal approach to winemaking to Sonoma County, always finding a way to let through the truest expression of the fruit and earth.

Glenn's winemaking philosophy is simple: wine is to be shared with friends and family; it is a living and breathing expression that constantly evolves and instills memories. With this in mind, his focus gives him a keen sense of place within the region, and he is driven to allow the wines of Sonoma to shine through in every bottle.
[Information provided by J.H.N.]