Vintage & Viticulture
We experienced a relatively mild and dry winter and early spring. Bud break was about 2 weeks earlier and May brought in summer like weather. The rest of the season remained warm and allowed grapes to reach ripeness not seen in a couple of years. By all accounts a great vintage for red wines.
Winemaker's Notes:
Our second edition of The Magician should prove to be better and bolder than the 2009. In this blend the Shiraz grapes were hand harvested and then slowly dried in our kilns by 25% over a 3 week period. The Pinot showed great ripeness and flavor that we decided the grapes would not improve by drying them out. The grapes were crushed and fermented on the skins for 18 days. After pressing the wine was moved into 1 year old French barriques and aged for 9 months in barriques.
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of sweet cherries, herbs, a touch of Niagara Earth with a hint of black pepper and cedar. The palate confirms sweet black cherries, herbal notes and cedar. A firm tannin structure balanced with a spine of acidity. Tasted July 13, 2011.
Food Pairings:
Pasta with Arrabiata sauce and grilled Cajun shrimp, spicy sausage, tuna or pork tenderloin.
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