Following a recent buying trip to California, Hallgarten Head of Buying, Steve Daniel, discovered a whole raft of new wines from across this iconic wine producing state. One such producer he discovered was Peterson Winery. For our January #WineoftheMonth we are focusing on their Tollini Vineyard, ‘Mendo Blendo’ – a blend of Petite Sirah 42%, Carignan 25%, Syrah 25%, Grenache 8%. A perfect way to kick off #TryJanuary!
In a nutshell:
A smooth, balanced, yet robust blend showing ripe blackberry, toasty cocoa and hints of spicy cedar. Richly fruited, with coffee and cigar box on the finish.
The producer:
Owner Fred Peterson is an iconoclast with an old-world winemaking philosophy and a devotion to sustainable farming. He was the Vineyard Manager of Legendary Ridge Vineyards from 1985 to 1990. The Peterson approach is to capture the essence of vintage and vineyard, a philosophy they call ‘Zero Manipulation’, with low tech, yet high touch winemaking techniques to produce artisanal wines of a place: wines with soul. Based in the Dry Creek Valley in northern Sonoma County, Peterson Winery was established in 1987. The evolution of Peterson Wines and winemaking accelerated when Fred’s son Jamie became assistant winemaker in the summer of 2002 and by 2006, Jamie was given the overall responsibility of winemaker. As a winegrowing team, Fred and Jamie meticulously assess the grapes from each vineyard and vintage, evaluating how the weather, soil and site are interacting for the particular vintage. The duo pour their heart and soul into every bottle, producing beautifully balanced wines which truly reflect the time and the place.
The wine:
The gentlest winemaking techniques were employed to maximise flavours, aromas and the original essence of the grapes from the given vineyard and vintage. Spontaneous fermentation took place with natural yeasts and punch-downs and rackings to help the wine develop. The wine was then barrel-aged for 22 months in 18% new American oak, 22% two-year old European oak and 60% neutral barrels