GSM

The 2021 vintage in Paso Robles, and most of California, delivered unparalleled quality. Despite generous January rainfall, the following winter and spring months were extremely dry. The dry conditions led to small but concentrated berries, typical of drought years in Paso Robles. However, the consistent mild daytime temperatures and cool nights allowed for patience in harvesting grapes at optimal ripeness. As a result, the extractable anthocyanin content from red grapes in Paso Robles reached an all-time high in 2021, producing wines that surpassed the color density levels of acclaimed vintages like 2007, 2013, and 2019. Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre were hand-picked from the challenging, gravelly slopes at Stairway. The fruit was cold soaked for 5 days, then fermented on skins for 12 days prior to pressing. The blend was aged for 8 months on light lees in neutral 500-liter French oak puncheons.