A special tribute to the oldest vineyard on the property, venerable head-trained vines form a classic field blend
2007 Estate Grown Ne Cede Malis
NE CEDE MALIS (pronounced Ne KAY Day Mah LEES), comes from the Latin phrase “Don’t give in to misfortune,” the family motto of Stags’ Leap founder Horace Chase and a befitting moniker for this southern Rhône-style wine. The old field blend vineyard located on the Estate features vines that are more than 70 years old. This graceful vineyard has survived over the years and continues to produce a small lot of wine that offers extraordinary depth and complexity year after year.
This lovely blend of Rhône varietals pays tribute to this historic vineyard and offers a wine that is unique for the region. The five acre block features old, head trained vines, including Petite Syrah, Carignane, Mourvedre, Grenache, Peloursin, Syrah and Viognier. Each harvest the grapes from this special lot are hand picked, cofermented and aged in mostly neutral oak barrels for twelve to fourteen months until ready for release to produce a true Field Blend Petite Sirah.
The growing season in 2007 began with a drier than average winter, which stood in sharp contrast to the wet weather that ushered in 2006. This trend continued throughout the season, and we received 60 percent of our normal precipitation overall. A warmer spring than usual resulted in an early budbreak, bloom and set in the vineyards, but the pace slowed down as mild spring and summer temperatures prevailed. Warm temperatures around Labor Day added the boost of sugar development that we were looking for to complement the excellent acid structure in the grapes.
This classic Stags’ Leap field blend opens with aromas of blackberry and cassis. The palate offers layered
flavors of black fruit, leather and tar balanced by velvety tannins that will age beautifully.
Suggested Retail Price $75
| Release Date: | October 2009 |
|---|---|
| pH: | 3.8 |
| TA: | 6.2 |
| Alc: | 15.3% |
| Bottled Date: | April 4, 2009 |