Winemaker Notes

Gold Dust Estate Vineyard

Our Gold Dust Estate Vineyard is situated on a ridge line high in Southern El Dorado County. Planted in 2000 at 2,700’ elevation, the 100% decomposed granite on the property produce wines of particular complexity and structure. Our Primitivo is planted in the smallest block on the vineyard, generally yielding only about 100 cases each year. The Primitivo block is on a slight south and west facing slope leading to a slight difference in ripeness from the northernmost to southernmost situated rows. The diversity in the grape development yield a wine that has generous aromatics, while finishing off with significant body structure, and complexity.

Vintage

The 2025 vintage was marked by a cool Spring, but the weather warmed up significantly in July, with a 7 day heat wave during the first part of the month. This head kickstarted verasion, but August cooled down significantly (not one day over 100 degrees!) which flowed into September, given us the benefit a little extra hang time for sugar and phenolic development.

Varietals

Primitivo is an Italian clone of Zinfandel; the two grapes are genetically identical. However, it wasn’t until we purchased this vineyard that I realized the distinct differences between the wines that Zinfandel makes as opposed to Primitivo. Small berries yield a wine of structure and depth, but the rosé yields a juicy and fruit-forward yet structured finish.