2023 ‘The Place and Time’ Bordeaux Blend | Unfiltered

Winemaker: Kelly Mason
Varietals: 58% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot
Vineyard: Mason Vineyard and Edgerock
Viticultural Appellation: Twenty Mile Bench

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Pick Date : November 6  (CF), 16 (CS), Nov 24 (PV) 2023
pH : 3.79
TA : 5.71
Alcohol : 12.5%
Residual Sugar :  0.99g/L
Fermentation: Wild Ferment
Ageing: French Oak, Burgundy barrels, 17 months with all neutral.

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WINEMAKER JOURNAL:  The Story Behind the Blend

Naming this wine wasn’t easy. For a while, it was simply called “Bordeaux Blend,” because nothing else quite felt right. Then it hit me—these varietals have been growing side by side for years, and the decision of when to bring them together is just as important as where they were grown.

When I tasted through the barrels, I selected only the very best barrels of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon for The Landed and The Outlier. What remained became the exciting part: seeing what the rest could do when blended together. Honestly, I almost named this wine Public Opinion, because it was you—our customers—who kept asking for this combination. And in 2023, we finally made it happen.

Working with JL on the Petit Verdot was a huge inspiration. He brought the experience and insight I lacked with the grape, and his collaboration opened up new possibilities. It made me wonder: why not blend all three?

I have to give credit where it’s due—Petit Verdot is the quiet hero here. At just 17%, it anchors the blend beautifully. It’s true what they say: a little Petit Verdot goes a long way. You can absolutely feel its impact—bringing focus, depth, and a certain energy that ties everything together. It’s a powerhouse, even in small amounts.

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NOTES: Each varietal was wild fermented individually at harvest and remained on skins for more or less 22+ days and was aged in barrel for 18 months. Sometimes a wine from one barrel can have it all - multiple layers, concentration, acidity, and balance etc… Other barrels might be one dimensional powerhouses (ex. all fruit and not much else) or expressively shy but amazing texture on the mid-palate. Shifting and combining different combinations of three different varietals requires focus, an open mind and of course a bit of a technical palate. These are black teeth blending sessions. Hope you find this wine as easy to drink and pair as I do.

Blending three different varietals requires focus, an open mind, and, of course, a bit of a technical palate. These are the “black teeth” blending sessions, where everything comes together, and there is reward for hard work.

I hope you find this wine as easy to drink and pair as I do.   

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TASTING NOTES: Medium-plus intensity cherry hue. Beautifully fragrant nose of cedar, rose petal, tobacco,
woodsmoke, bacon fat, black currant, tomato leaf and graphite. Significant aeration lets the fruit
notes really pop and a beautifully pure framboise character arises. Medium weight but firmly
structured with well-measured acidity and firm tannins. Great balance and length. Very
sophisticated. This wine has more than enough stuffing to continue developing and gaining
interest with some significant cellaring, but it is so pretty and elegant at the moment and is
drinking beautifully right out of the gate. Pop some open and decant for current enjoyment but
squirrel some more away as a future treasure for the years to come.  

Tasting Notes by Ryan Gibson

PRICE: $48