Dry-farmed old vines have an uncanny ability to withstand the variations and extremes that we are experiencing in many recent vintages. The old Carignane and Petite Sirah vines at the Alfred Frediani Vineyard did just that in the drought year of 2021, staying happy with a full canopy that could easily handle the heat. The wine shows this in its exuberant, aromatic and juicy personality - a truly jubilant wine. Aromas of black cherry, plum, apricot, hot sand, white pepper and dried rosemary rise from the glass, leading to a lush, layered palate that retains its shape from the fine tannins and deep mineral cut. The finish is classy, long and refined.
A blend of 33% Carignane, 25% Syrah, 26% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, the 2021 Ritual Red Blend will no longer be made after 2022, as the vineyard was purchased by Eisele and replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon. This deep purple/ruby-hued effort has a gorgeous perfume of red, blue, and black fruits, some peppery, savory herb, and loamy earth notes, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a singular, layered, seductive wine.
The 2021 Ritual, a blend of 33% Carignan, 25% Syrah, 26% Grenache, and 16% Petite Sirah, is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of plum preserves, boysenberries, and cracked black pepper slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to a beguiling perfume of lavender and lilacs with a waft of mossy tree bark. The full-bodied palate is rich and multi-layered with loads of savory and peppery sparks and a sturdy frame of grainy tannins, finishing long with loads of mineral and earthy nuances. This is so good.
