By Lone Madrone
2021 Oveja Negra Old Oak Vineyard Willow Creek District

Wine Details
Varietals: 37% Syrah, 19% Vaccarese, 19% Cinsault, 15% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise
AVA: Willow Creek District
Retail Price: $60
Alcohol: 14.00%
pH: 3.62
TA: 6.6 g/L
Primary Fermentation: Stainless steel open top, upright foudre, t bins
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Aging Vessel: Neutral foudre (660 gallons)
Aged: 18 months
Notes: CCOF certified

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 organic and 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 Rhone blend represents the commitment to detailed farming practices at Old Oak Vineyard, which we have been managing for the last 5 years. Each component is fermented and aged separately until malolactic is complete. The wine is then racked and blended to foudre. Aged an additional 10 months as a blend until bottling. The Syrah receives a small percentage of new Hungarian oak (Cadar) barrels.

Tasting Notes
A wine that displays balance and complexity. Fresh boysenberry, green peppercorn, and dark chocolate exhale on the nose. Red fruit that pops off the tongue, balanced tannins throughout, and textural salinity on the palate.
[Information provided by Wine Procurement Services]

Wine: Lone Madrone 2021 Oveja Negra
Score/Rating: 94+
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2034
Review Date: 06/2024
Reviewed By: Eric Guido
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Oveja Negra pulls the taster close to the glass to take in its seductive array of violet pastille, lavender and sweet smoke that gives way to crushed blackberries and hints of red plum. This is juicy and round on the palate with a savory mix of red and black fruits underscored by saline minerals as fine tannins slowly mount toward the close. This closes structured and pleasantly chewy, with primary concentration and hints of licorice that linger on and on. The 2021 can be enjoyed today with the right meal, yet the best is truly yet to come. Oveja Negra is a blend of 37% Syrah, 19% Vaccarese, 19% Cinsault, 15% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Counoise.