Medium ruby color; cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, vanilla, forest floor on the nose; raspberry, black cherry, cranberry, licorice, plum on the palate.
Dry; medium body; subtle tannins and acidity (3.76). Vibrant with alluring texture. Engaging, balanced interplay of red and black fruits. Touch of oak. Cold soaked for three days; 25% whole cluster fermentation for depth and nuance. Aged 10 months in French oak, 30% new. Finished with a year of barrel aging before release. Notes from other wine writers affirm I was wise to hold for five years as it was somewhat frisky on release. I did not have to decant this to bring it around. You may not be able to find this vintage, but consider nursing a later vintage along to permit it to show its best. 14.2% ABV
Wrath farms 72 acres of vineyards and purchases from nearby grapegrowers. The Boekenoogen vineyard was established in 1998 when John Boekenoogen transformed his family’s fifth generation cattle ranch into a vineyard. John’s Great Grandfather, George Boekenoogen, came across the United States in covered wagons in search of gold in the late 1850’s. When gold mining did not pan out as planned George Boekenoogen decided to come to the Salinas Valley, purchase property, and start The Boekenoogen Cattle Ranch.
John saw the property’s potential for wine grapes and began turning the ground in the 1990s, just as his great grandfather did in the 1870s. Instead of raising hay to winter cattle, he planted pinot noir and chardonnay. Also cool-climate syrahs. The result are the grapes used in this bottling. Boekenoogen is just one of several producers Wrath employs.
Wrath asserts its wine represents the nexus of nature and an “unbridled passion for winemaking. We produce site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Falanghina and Sauvignon Blanc from our estate vineyard and respected properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Our production is small, our distribution is limited and our wines reveal attitude, passion, and an inherent respect for what a vineyard can give us.”
Wrath Wines Boekenoogen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2018 is splendid effort from wine country around Carmel-By-The-Sea. The winery is in Coledad. After five years the wine is a powerhouse pinot, but is no longer the sledgehammer others reported about its youth. Enchanting interplay of black and red fruits. Significant whole cluster fermentation for sophistication and subtlety. Pair with poultry, including turkey; roast lamb; grilled and roasted beef; veal; salmon and other heavy fish; wild game. Cheese—brie, gouda, manchego, cranberry nut goat cheese. $49-58
