This blend of 53% Tempranillo, 26% Tinto Cão and 21% Touriga Nacional comes from Round Mountain Vineyard, which we lease and farm.  The fruit for this blend is sourced from the 2.5 acres of these varieties planted back in 2006.  2012 was a very moderate, mild vintage in a neutral pattern following a brutal drought from 2008 through 2011.  2011 was that year with over 100 consecutive days over 100 degrees, and no, Texas is not like that every year. Many vintages in the Hill Country see 5-10 days at those temperatures during the growing season for perspective.  Ample ripeness came with more acidity and lower pH in 2012 compared to 2011.  2012 being our first vintage with a winery, we put our best fruit (we only farmed Round Mountain this vintage as 5 Lions Vineyard at the winery wasn't planted until 2014) in tank, and experimented with extended maceration a little.  Or a lot considering Tempranillo's natural affinity for being tannic.  Tinto Cão's acidity and tannins accentuated the already massive tannic structure from the EM Tempranillo, as well as contributed it's lovely aromatic profile to this big red blend.  The Touriga Nacional was slowly fermented in tank and pressed near dryness, with amazing concentration of fruit and floral aromatics.  The Tempranillo was aged in mostly new  225-liter Seguin Moreau Russian Oak barrels, with one new 500-liter French Oak puncheon as well.  The Tinto Cão was aged in neutral 225-liter French oak and stainless barrels. The Touriga Nacional was aged is used American oak barrels.  The blend was assembled after two years in barrel with only one racking other than bottling.  Unfined and Unfiltered. 

Pair it with a juicy steak, Lamb, smoked venison sausage, or your holiday charcuterie board.