By Alienor Cellars
Grand Vin 2012

Vineyard Notes
All our grapes for Alienor Grand Vin are from Kelseyville; the Merlot clone 181 planted in 1993 is from Rooster Vineyard, planted on well-drained clay loam. The Cabernet Franc clone 312 and suitcase selection from Bordeaux were planted in 1999 on gravelly loam resolved from sedimentation along the bench of Kelsey Creek. The Petit Verdot was planted at Quercus Ranch in 2002, near Kelsey Creek, where the soil consists mostly of loam with some gravel interspersed.

Vinification
As usual, respect for the fruit is our objective. Hand-harvested, entirely hand-sorted on our state-of-the-art sorting tables, de-stemmed, and crushed prior to a five to seven-day cold soak at 35 to 40 degrees F. The fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled five-ton fermenters for 15 days with pump-overs twice a day. The wine is barreled after a two to three-week extended maceration monitored by daily tastings. The aging occurs in approximately 75% new French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the barrel. We do not fine nor filter the wine prior to bottling to keep it as expressive and balanced as possible.

Tasting Notes
The 2012 Alienor Grand Vin has a dark ruby color highlighted with a blue hue. In the glass, a sensation of ripeness, lush blueberries, dark cherries, and fig accompanied by a floral touch of violets, together with a great crushed rock-like minerality and notes of chocolate and cocoa powder. This lively and concentrated wine shows well-balanced curves, a good body, a mouth-feel of well-coated tannins, and a long silky finish.

Technical Details
Blend: 52% Cabernet Franc, 47% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Harvest: October 23rd and 27th
Alcohol: 14.10%
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

2012 Grand Vin Red Wine Lake County
Producer: Alienor
Place of Origin: United States, Other California
Color: Red
Grape/Blend: Bordeaux Blend
Rating: 91
From: California's North Coast (May 2014)
Reviewed By: Stephen Tanzer on May 2014
Deep red-ruby. Initially very dark and very closed on the nose, hinting at black fruits, licorice and creosote; redder notes of strawberry and raspberry emerged with aeration. Sweeter and lusher than the 2011 version, with more stuffing to support its big, chewy tannins. Finishes with intriguing citrus lift. This wine has only been racked twice; previously Denis and May-Britt Malbec racked more frequently but now they are seeking the floral quality that they believe comes from reduction. Very distinctive wine in the making.