My ode to Côte du Rhône
The goal is to produce wine that comes across like a fantastic Côtes du Rhône. I want complexity and intensity like all my other wines, but be more approachable. As a lover of all things Rhône, I decided to make a Southern Côte du Rhône-style wine, but to include Zinfandel in the blend. I wanted it to be a great introduction to my Rhône-centric winemaking style. I also wanted it to be delicious and yes, MAGICAL! The name Smoke & Mirrors comes from my love of anything that is magic.
A deep black cherry color that is followed by exotic aromatics of ripe black fruits, raspberry, strawberry with a touch of wild Herbs de Provence and black olive. The palate is very full and layered and extremely decadent. Black and red fruits are intermingled with a mineral, savory, and sultry mouthfeel that makes this wine just fun to drink! 40% Whole cluster fermentation, aged for 12 months in all neutral French oak 350 to 600 liter barrels, a 600 gallon Foudrè and a 600 gallon concrete tank. In the Cohn Zone: drink now - 2035.
Wine Spectator 93 pts “A zesty version, with bold fruit, this generous red offers black cherry, espresso and smoky spice flavors that zip along toward lively tannins”
James Suckling 93 pts “So generous, dark and delicious, with soft tannins and a broad, rich texture. It’s a California take on a Cotes du Rhone. Dark cherries, blackberries, black figs and hints of flinty reduction and stony minerality.”
All my wines have an Iris on the label. Iris was my mother. She gave me not only the love and encouragement to start my own label, but also the funds to do so.
I have a Rhône-centric philosophy to my wine making. It all starts in the vineyard ⎯ passionate growers with organic and sustainable practices produce better fruit.
