2021 Old Stake 1901 “Field Blend”

This wine consists entirely of fruit from our Old Stake 1901 Vineyard in Lake County’s Kelsey Bench AVA. It is a “Field
Blend” of more than 20 unique Old-World, pre-Prohibition grape varieties, with many of the vines planted over a 120
years ago. The vineyard is registered with the Historical Vineyard Society and recognized as being one of only a few
100+ year old Field Blend vineyards left in California.

Lake County’s Kelsey Bench AVA was originally a pyroclastic
flow and is a transition between the volcanic Mayacamas
Mountains to the west and the alluvial flood plain of Clear
Lake to the east. The soils in the vineyard reflect this
transition, offering mildly rocky, red volcanic elements mixed
with alluvial loams. The vineyard sits at 1,450 ft. and this
elevation, along with the cooling effects of the lake and the
nearby mountains, create 50°F diurnal temperature swings,
producing wine of excellent acidity, improved tannin
structure and darker, more complex fruit characteristics.

The entirety of the 20+ different varieties of grapes are
hand-harvested together from the 7-acre, head pruned
vineyard in a single nighttime picking session. The fruit is
then transported to the winery where all of the assorted
varieties are co-fermented together in a style similar to the
traditional Old World field blends and then aged for
6 months in French oak. To finish the wine, we bottle
unfiltered and unfined to retain the Old Stake’s
characteristic freshness and unique aromatic qualities.

With a color dancing between red and deep purple, this
opulent and vibrant glass of wine gives off aromas of wild iris,
sandalwood and blueberry pie. The palate is enlivened by a
steady, generous flow of brambly huckleberry and bright
blackberry flavors. The mid-palate is accented by a refreshing
acidity that pleasantly escorts you to subtle spice notes of wild
thyme, white pepper and lavender on the way to a lengthy and
lingering smooth mocha finish.