Hook & Ladder Station Ten Russian River Valley, 2016

An extraordinarily complex, lush wine and an immediate coup de cœur. It is dense in colour with woody, vanilla and coconut aromas that mingle with ripe dark fruits, blueberries, blackberries and blueberry muffin. It is mellow and rich on the nose. On the palate it is concentrated, medium to full bodied yet not overpowering. It has great depth with a firm acidity that keeps it fresh and lively, giving it great balance and potential for cellaring. Despite the fifth year of drought in 2016, grapes ripened evenly with maximum flavour development in Russian River Valley. It was however the earliest harvest on record at Hook & Ladder with grape picking starting on September 9. And yes, you’ve guessed it – Station Ten was the fire house in San Francisco where Cecil was working before he retired.