Batch #1
Bourbon Barrel-Aged
1,000 Stories is produced in small batches, much like premium bourbon. Select parcels of Zinfandel were sourced from Mendocino County, some of which came from vineyards with family histories dating back to the 1880’s. 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 aging 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.
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.