This delicious wine is a Bordeaux-style blend that presents a beautiful, ruby red in the glass to aromas of blackberries, cherries, and peppercorns, the ’06 Test Pilot F-86 takes off with appeal. This continues across the palate with currants, ripe cherry and blackberry, cassis, a sprinkling of chocolate and rich leather. The F-86 has a very approachable structure and a pleasing finish to round things out.
The rainfall for 2005-2006 was 38.9 inches, about 34% above average. Early rain in November and December gave the plants a good start for wintering. Had a cold spell in mid-February, but the Viognier was fine. Heavy March rains continued into April, giving the vineyard a good watering up to middle spring. A 100+ heat spell in early July followed by a cooler than average summer ensured fruit ripening and long hang time before harvest.