2020 Repoussé
(54% Mourvèdre, 27% Syrah, 19% Grenache)
Dazzling aromas of strawberry jam, dried fig, earth and crushed pepper introduce this big Rhone style blend. Mourvèdre’s flavors are prevailing and expressive unique qualities that are only heightened with the blending of Syrah and Grenache. This is a stand out wine amongst the many Sculpterra blends, especially for those who prefer light to medium bodied red wines. The palate is so clean and pure, offering a medium bodied mouthfeel and followed by a silky finish. This wine is lifted by a fresh, mineral note that displays fruity aromas that are a beautiful expression of the east side Paso Robles ripe Rhone grapes. The wine has firm yet elegant tannins, making it enjoyable now, or able to sit in your cellar through 2026.
Dazzling aromas of strawberry jam, dried fig, earth and crushed pepper introduce this big Rhone style blend. Mourvèdre’s flavors are prevailing and expressive unique qualities that are only heightened with the blending of Syrah and Grenache. This is a stand out wine amongst the many Sculpterra blends, especially for those who prefer light to medium bodied red wines. The palate is so clean and pure, offering a medium bodied mouthfeel and followed by a silky finish. This wine is lifted by a fresh, mineral note that displays fruity aromas that are a beautiful expression of the east side Paso Robles ripe Rhone grapes. The wine has firm yet elegant tannins, making it enjoyable now, or able to sit in your cellar through 2026.
This is where the fun begins! The grapes were handpicked overnight and delivered to the winery at first light. We implemented whole berry fermentation on all four lots, no crushing of the grapes, simply destemming and fermenting the berries from the inside out. Fermentation lasted about 3 weeks and we even barrel fermented the Grenache in 500L new puncheon barrels. The wine was extracted from the tanks and barrels and the skins were gently pressed by our vertical half ton basket press. We settled the new wine for 3 days in stainless takes before returning the wine to oak barrels for long term aging. The wine aged in 27 % new oak, including for Mourvèdre, two brand new 240L custom designed World Cooperage Fusion barrels, a blend of French, Hungarian and American oak all in 1 barrel! These barrels offered fine tannic structure while supporting the overall fruit taste of the wine. I loved the smoky element in these barrels providing a perfect pairing for tart berry flavors and tantalizing acidity. In total the wine aged for 14 months before we racked, filtered and bottled in December 2020.
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Varietal | Rhone blend |
| Varietal Composition | 54% Mourvèdre, 27% Syrah, 19% Grenache |
| Appellation | Paso Robles |
| Vineyard | Frankel Family Estate & Gene Alonso Vineyard |
| Acid | 0.68 g/100 ml |
| PH | 3.58 |
| Residual Sugar | 0.05 g/100 ml |
| Alcohol | 14.70% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 12/14/2021 |
| Cases Produced | 600 |
2020 Repoussé features three Rhone varieties, each one contributing incredible aromas, taste and length on the finish. This wine is mainly made up of Mourvèdre, and showcases loads of strawberry fruit with earthy spice notes and gamey qualities. Grown on the Frankel Family Estate at Sculpterra, these Mourvèdre vines ripen late in the year increasing the grape’s natural phenolic compounds. The vineyard is only 1.25 acres and is vertically shoot positioned on a trellis with cross-arms dividing the canopy. The vineyard is pruned early to promote quick bud break and extend the fruit’s “hang time” before being hand picked. Syrah, grown on a neighboring Penman Springs Road vineyard on Eugene Alonso’s property; offers dark rich color, a plush mouthfeel, and chocolate notes on the finish. Eugene’s vineyard is 25 years old and therefore the vines produce low yields with intense concentrated flavor. Lastly, Grenache is grown on the Frankel Family Estate on the 1.5-acre parcel called, “El Libro.” This vineyard sees extreme temperature swings and is protected by early season frost by steep terraced rows and a beautiful canyon for the cold air to settle. These Grenache grapes, though light in color, offer wonderful fresh fruity taste with hints of cola berry and cream soda notes.
- Paul Frankel, Winemaker
