Batch #13
Bourbon Barrel-Aged
1000 Stories Batch #13, the majority of this batch’s zinfandel grapes come from Mendocino vineyards (42% of the blend). Head trained and dry farmed, these vineyards give bold red fruit aromas and flavors of raspberry and cranberry. From the Sierra Foothills of Amador county and the Shenandoah Valley (21%) comes the big ripe and spicy Zinfandels of that area. In addition, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel (5%) rounds out the batch with its complexity black fruits and a distinct black pepper spice. Zinfandels from Lodi (10%) and Contra Costa (6%) and Colusa (14%) counties add more bright red fruit and liveliness to the flavor profile. And a touch of big Petite Sirah brings deep dark color and profound black fruit. Each individual lot started the aging process in traditional American and French wine barrels.
The next step was the introduction of the wine to bourbon barrels. Part of the blend was aged in new bourbon barrels from the Independent Stave Company. This process is similar to aging in wine barrels, but with a flavor profile unique to the charred bourbon barrels – vanilla, dried herbs and a hint of caramel. The final step of the process was the most grand: the blend completed its barrel ageing in old bourbon barrels from famed distilleries such as Heaven Hill and Four Roses. Some of these barrels were 13 year old, single-use barrels, used to make the highest quality bourbon.