2004 Rocks and Gravel

Rocks and Gravel has, for some years now, been the wine by which Edmunds St. John seems best known. At its best, it's a warm, spicy red that showcases lovely, ripe California fruit within a frame that seems decidedly European; ripe, yet lithe, rich, yet restrained, seductive, yet... you get the picture. We harvested fruit in 2004 that gave us the material for an exceptional rendition of Rocks And Gravel. A blend of Grenache (38%), Mourvèdre (34%) and Syrah (28%), the wine beautifully evokes the sunny reds from the Southern Cotes-du-Rhone, yet speaks unequivocally of its roots here in Sunny California.

FRUIT SOURCE:

Grenache from Rozet Vineyard, Paso Robles, Eaglepoint Ranch, Ukiah, Fenaughty Vineyard, Placerville. Gives sweetness of fruit, body, and tannin. Mourvèdre from Rozet Vineyard, Paso Robles,gives spice, suppleness, meaty aromatic note. Syrah from Parmelee-Hill Vineyard, Sonoma, Wylie and Fenaughty Vineyards, El Dorado County, gives smoky, plummy aromatics, pepper, and violet tones, sweet tannins.

WINEMAKING NOTES:

Fermentation in open-top tanks and bins, with manual punchdowns. Average cuvaisons: 12-15 days. Pressed into 20-25 year old French puncheons. Spontaneous ml in barrel. Racked May of '05, and into tank September '05. Bottled June '06.

WINEMAKER'S TASTING NOTES:

Deep purple-red color. "Sauvage" nose of roasted meat and black fruits, with a big dose of smoke. First taste provokes salivation, with supple body and juicy tannins. MMM-mmm. Wow. Fire up the grill. This stuff could provoke ravenous hunger. It's got a future, but it's going to be hard to wait for.

• Production: 800 cases
• Suggested Retail: $18.00
• Release Date: June 2006

Cellared and Bottled by Wayward Pilgrims Of The Vine, under the direction of Steve Edmunds, winemaker.