2018 Skylark Las Aves

$40.00

Las Aves is our continued exploration of Rhone varietals married with Cabernet Sauvignon as done brilliantly in the Priorat region of Spain. Our Niemi Vineyard Carignane, planted in the 1950s, works beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon, lending an earth and structure component to the ripe fruit profile of the Cabernet. The blend is made complete by the floral character of Sawyer Vineyard Grenache and the density and midpalate of Ashurst Vineyard Syrah. The 2018 version of Las Aves also has a small dollop of Petite Sirah from Charlie Sawyer’s Mendocino site. Adjacent to the Grenache we harvest from Charlie, the Petite Sirah was so glorious in 2018 we were fortunate to make this small addition. 2018 got off to a slow start with a late and cool spring across the North Coast. Summer was a warm and temperate textbook season for grape-growing. Full crop loads enjoyed an elongated growing season with harvest accomplished under sunny skies with no real September heat spikes. Red grape harvest for Las Aves started with Ashurst Syrah on October 3 and finished with Niemi Carignane on October 18. As a harvest, 2018 will be remembered for its moderate temperatures, later harvest dates and exceptional quality.

Ruby red. Morello cherry with plum, cassis and savory herbs. The palate is pretty and expressive, with the textured fruits in seamless integration with the natural acidity. A chocolatey ripeness develops with aeration in the glass though nicely buffered by the fine- grained tannins. The balanced fruit profile and admirable structure suggest this vintage can be successfully cellared for at least 10 years.

  • 91 Points Jeb Dunnuck

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