By Lone Madrone
2021 The Dodd Klau Mine Vineyard Adelaida District

Wine Details
Varietals: 49% Tannat, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot
AVA: Adelaida District
Retail Price: $60
pH: 3.53
TA: 5.4 g/L
Primary Fermentation: Upright foudre
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Aging Vessel: 53-gallon American oak neutral foudre (660 gallons)
Aged: 18 months

Estate
The Lone Madrone wine label was founded in 1996 with the primary goal of producing distinctive wines exclusively from vineyards in the hills of West Paso Robles. Growing steadily since then, the focus has become largely on vineyards that are dry-farmed, which winemakers Neil Collins and Jordan Collins believe to be "the purest expression of the unparalleled terroir of west Paso." Neil and Jordan feel that when you begin with grapes from vineyards of this quality in these inimitable soils, it only makes sense to "let them sing for themselves without being masked by our hand." To this end, all the wines are fermented with native yeasts and native malolactic bacteria. The intent is to have the wines be unique because of where they were grown. The wines of Lone Madrone are comprised of extraordinary blends and unique single varietals; all characteristically balanced with structure and finesse.

Winemaker Notes
This wine originally began as a field blend, combining all the grapes into a co-fermentation. Now we pick and ferment each varietal individually to achieve the optimal ripeness. After each lot completes malolactic fermentation in barrique (60-gallon barrels), we blend them together into a foudre for an additional 10 months.

Tasting Notes
As always, rich dark fruits, vanilla, and caramel on the nose. Olallieberry and pomegranate seeds, meaty and quite dense on the palate, with hints of tar. All of this, yet an alluring silkiness on the palate. The acidity winds through the long, rich finish.
[Information provided by Wine Procurement Services]

Wine: Lone Madrone 2021 The Dodd (Adelaida District)
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 09/01/2024
Reviewed By: Matt Kettmann
Tasting Notes: From the dry-farmed, head-pruned Klau Mine VIneyard owned by the historic Dodd family, this blend of 49% Tannat, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Petit Verdot reflects the area's forested mountains. Aromas of wild herb, sagebrush and dark berry aromas lead into a full-bodied, powerful yet very balanced palate of blackberry and toasted pastry.