As a
vineyard matures, the winemaker and proprietor begin to notice
subtle differences and unique characteristics between blocks and
varietals. A sense of place begins to form for those who arduously
tend the land and diligently produce the wines. Distinct variations
and characters express themselves from vintage to vintage. Weather,
maturity and style can play many roles in elevating a vintage from
excellent to exceptional. Throughout the highest regarded wine
regions in the world, declaring a vintage exceptional is not taken
lightly. In the Duoro region of Portugal, declaring a vintage port
can make or break a proprietor. They declare selectively, possibly
once or twice a decade. In the chateaus of France, a vintage
Bordeaux year is only whispered among those who have nurtured the
possibility. A vintage of exceptional character and promise should
be left to age and develop at the hand of the winemaker, only to be
announced when he finds the wine worthy. Stryker Sonoma is no
exception to this rule. As the vineyards and character of Stryker
Sonoma have matured, certain vintages and varietals begin to shine
and show those characteristics that make a wine truly exceptional.
When winemaker Tim Hardin strolls through the Stryker Sonoma
vineyards, he sees the sense of place that exists upon our estate.
Through strenuous hand-harvesting and gentle handling, each block
of grapes receives the care required by it’s delicate berries as
they slowly ferment into wine. As each new vintage ages in the
barrel, Tim learns the slight nuances and balanced character one
can expect to find within the finished bottle. It is this continued
connection to the land and the wine it produces that allows Tim to
see the potential from vintage to vintage. Anticipation builds as
each barrel within that vintage is cared for through months of
aging. It is not until bottling that Tim may decided to hold back a
barrel or two he finds unique, varietals that are an exceptional
expression of our sense of place and style. These select barrels
become Proprietor’s Red.
Proprietor's Red is released exclusively to our Club
Stryker Sonoma members. Club members purchasing 6 bottles will
receive a custom designed wood box for storage and presentation.
Please sign in to complete your selection.
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