Primabera 2017 - Library

Appellation:

Shenandoah Valley

Winemaker Notes:

The 2017 season was characterized by above average rainfall, almost 200% snowpack in the Sierras (50’ of snow at Heavenly!), great for skiers and farmers! With all the rain and colder winter temperatures, we pruned later in mid-March versus the usual mid-February. The summer was cooler for the most part aside from a heatwave in August. 

Our Primabera blend has the stronger usual Barbera tasting notes (dark cherry, plum, blackberry) but the added spiciness and flavors of Primitivo (black pepper, vanilla and licorice). A very balanced structure and mineral taste due to our Sierra granitic soil. Light on tannins and acidity, it pairs well with rich dark meats such as steak, lamb or pork, root vegetables and braised greens, pastas with tomato-based sauces.

Vineyard Notes:

Primitivo: Planted on deep growing and drought tolerant special rootstock, our Estate Old Vine Primitivo grows on a steep hillside at a 2,000-foot altitude in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley of the Sierra Foothills. It thrives in warm daytime breezes from the Central Valley and cool Sierra evenings, a 30 degree swing in temperature. Our Primitivo is dry farmed with sustainable growing practices. These are the oldest vines at La Mesa and grow just below the “Casa” on the upper hillside, head trained and planted 20 years ago.

Barbera: Our Estate Barbera grows on the upper hillside at 2,000-foot altitude planted in 2013 in the granitic and volcanic soil of our vineyard estate. It is grafted on special drought tolerant rootstock which allows it to dig deep in this soil for water. The infamous Cooper Barbera vineyard, whose owner Dick Cooper being the one who introduced Barbera to Amador County, is very close by to ours.