Gregory Graham "Cinder Cone Reserve" 2015 Lake County

The Cinder Cone Reserve is a unique assemblage of Rhone and Bordeaux varieties. The Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache are from the estate Crimson Hill Vineyard. The Malbec was selected from a nearby Red Hills vineyard, which results in the flavors of this blend so uniquely deep and complex. Because of our elevation (about 2,000 feet), climate and soils, Malbec does very well in our area. (The Petite Sirah in the 2010 vintage also comes from a Red Hills vineyard.) The name “Cinder Cone” and the burnt label design were selected to represent the unique area where recent and numerous volcanoes formed the unique terroir. The results are clearly visible in the formation of a cinder cone that adjoins the vineyard property that is a quarry for volcanic rock and cinder remnants from nearby Mt. Konocti.