Batch #48
Bourbon Barrel-Aged
Batch #48 Winemaker Bob Blue drew on a base of heritage Mendocino County (33%) and Paso Robles (33%) vineyards for this bold and texturally layered Zinfandel. Dry-farmed, head-trained Zinfandel vines from Mendocino imbue depth, classic structure and red fruit notes to the blend, while premium coastal grapes from the Paso Robles AVA lend polished tannins, depth of structure and enticing aromas of Asian spices and cherry licorice.
Individual lots for this intriguing wine began the aging process in traditional American and French oak barrels before being introduced to new bourbon barrels. The characteristic char from these sought-after vessels imparted attractive smoky notes to the nose and palate, where the lasting impression is of richly flavored vanilla, dried herbs and a hint of caramel.
As a final winemaking step, Bob curated an extraordinary selection of seven to nine-year-old bourbon barrels showing signature sweet vanilla notes from some of America’s most celebrated distilleries. Batch 48 was matured in these used barrels, over time developing the hallmark polished structure and depth the wine is known for. A touch of Petite Sirah (14%) elevates tannic structure and color in this batch, while imbuing the wine with a soulful minerality. On the palate, flavors of vanilla and sage spice feature alongside layered notes of red and black fruit, and old-fashioned licorice. As to be expected, 1000 Stories closes on a memorable note with a lingering finish.
Boldly crafted
The wine marries Mendocino’s historic old-vine Zinfandel sites with vineyards in Paso Robles, Lodi and Amador County. Zinfandel lends a generous core of ripe fruit, accented by fragrant notes of spice box and sautéed herbs, while Petite Sirah imparts considerable density, minerality and an unmistakeable ruby-purple hue. In signature 1000 Stories fashion, this batch was aged in traditional French and American oak, with a portion finished in charred bourbon barrels before the final blend was assembled.
1000 Stories begins its aging like most Zinfandels: in wine barrels. Then, the tradition transitions to innovation. Bob selects a combination of new and used bourbon barrels to complete the aging process. Each batch is crafted individually and is unique in its final profile. Aging in bourbon barrels imparts characteristics of charred vanilla and dried herbs.