
2019 Bismark Titan 750ml
Vineyard Source: Our Bismark Mountain Ranch is high above the city of Sonoma and San Pablo Bay. Here on the southwestern flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains plantings include Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon amid outcroppings of Rhyolite. We began planting in 1991 and continue to fine tune our mix of cultivars to this day. This is steep ground; shared with Creosote bush, Grey pine, coyote and mountain lion. Topographically it is like the Douro. Windy, sun drenched yet moderate in temperature, Bismark grudgingly produces grapes with an intense, deeply concentrated flavor. Bismark’s unique terroir is both fierce and alluring.
Vintage 2019: Winter was mild and very wet, providing much needed ground water recharge at Bismark. Degree-days tracked a bit higher than 2018, with ideal weather and no temperature spikes until we had two hot days in mid-August and late September-which alleviated any worries about our bit of mid-September rain. 2019 was an extremely long harvest with moderate weather continuing into early November.
Winemaking: The grapes for the Bismark Mountain Titan were harvested from October 9 to November 4, 2019. The clusters were sorted, destemmed, and partially crushed to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Pressing was done to taste, based on frequent tastings of the wines during pumpovers. The newly pressed wines were racked to tank and allowed to settle before barreling. The wine was barrel aged on lees for 28 months in 68% new French and Hungarian oak.
Tasting Notes: Its opacity hints at its depth. Brooding at first pour, this voice of the mountain soon rumbles with aromas of tart cherry, wet stone, Darjeeling tea and anise. It is rock polished smooth; and though weighty, keeps a delicious balance of blackberry fruit, savory au jus and notes of maple syrup and teak. (Tasted 11-1-22)
Variety
33% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Franc,18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot
Vineyard Location
Hanna’s Bismark Mountain Vineyard Blocks 26, 10, 6, 24, 16
Age of Vines 17-25 years
Harvest Dates:
October 9 to November 4, 2019
Alcohol 14.8%
pH 3.78
Titratable Acidity (TA) 0.67 g/100 mL
Residual Sugar 0.05%
Fermentation
Inoculated with selected yeasts. 5-10 days skin contact.
Length/Type of Aging
28 months in 60-gal oak barrels.
Oak Types
68% new French & Hungarian from Remond, Boutes, Nadalie and Trust.
Bottling Date
May 23, 2022
Number of Cases
296
Vegan