KeplingerSumo Red 2016

Sumo is a Cote Rotie twist on Petite Sirah - Petite Sirah co-fermented with Viognier and blended with a small amount of Syrah. The 2016 Sumo is a blend of 84% Petite Sirah, 13% Syrah, and 3% Viognier, all from Shake Ridge Vineyard. The Petite comes from three blocks, one is 80% rock and produces small, thick-skinned berries with intense aromatics and dense structure. The second Petite block also has very rocky soil with a western exposure - the berries are ever so slightly larger and the skins slightly thinner (remember this is still Petite!), bringing a juicy elegance to the blend. The third Petite block is at the bottom of a north-facing block, and is all about vibrant, fresh fruit - the lifter of the trio. “This powerful wine needs a little time to open, with a gorgeous texture underpinning sweet and savory notes of blue and black fruit, tar, and heady flowers which run the full length of the long finish.” 295 cases were produced.