Hook and Ladder The Tillerman Red

The vineyards the russian river valley is an appellation that offers vintners many blending opportunities. Hook & ladder’s oldest vineyards thrive in the cooler section of our land just west of santa rosa. Here the morning fog gently blankets our 100-year old vines and allows the pre-prohibition zinfandel carignane and alicante bouschet to ripen to full maturity the growing season 2014 was an exceptionally good year for growing grapes in the russian river valley. A gradual heat progression through the growing season combined with an above average yield allowed the fruit to ripen slowly ensuring maximum flavor development. Winemaking with this blend we strive for a boldly flavored balanced wellstructured red wine. To achieve this we evaluate various lots and varieties grown at our los amigos ranch. The 2013 vintage yielded delightfully ripe richly flavored cabernet sauvignon cabernet franc and sangiovese. We added merlot to the blend to add opulence. The must was fermen