We hand sorted our grapes both prior to and after de-stemming, and following a four day whole berry maceration and cold soak, we began primary fermentation. After nearly three weeks, the wine was gently pressed-off and racked to 100% new Darnajou and Ermitage 36 month-aged tight grain French Oak barrels to complete a slow secondary fermentation for anoth-er few months. This year’s Reserve features 85% Cabernet Sauvignon (50/50 Clones 4 & 337), and 15% Merlot, which yielded almost two barrels, then hand blended from the top barrels in our progam.

The Pellet Reserve wine is unique every year. They let each season, each barrel, each varietal guide them in crafting this rare blend. Their approach differentiates from what most people expect from a Reserve wine – rather than the best lots of a single varietal or extra care for designated barrels – theirs is driven by what nature and vinification techniques result from each year. They exist to make great wine, therefore all of our lots are made with the utmost quality at their disposal – they treat every drop the same. It’s the standout barrels and varietals that rise above all expectations each year, from which they select pay close attention to, when blending the reserve program, only yielding about a single barrel or two. This is Henry’s Reserve – the constant pursuit of the most authentic expression, each year, from what fruit this historic vineyard provides them. It never will be, nor is meant to be, the same.