2017 Lilied, 2019 Lilied, 2017 Ungilded, and 2019 Ungilded.
Lilied began as an idea from Sashi Moorman to produce a soulful, rustic blend of equal parts Syrah and Cabernet Franc similar in style to wines by inconclast Provencal producer, Domaine Trevallon. We co-fermented without additives or temperature control the Cabernet Franc fruit from the wind swept hills of western Potter Valley along with Syrah from the historic Rim Rock vineyard located in the cool climate Arroyo Grande valley 100% whole cluster. With these two tannic varieties, a long élevage — first in barrique then in puncheon — was crucial to resolve the firm tannins into silky, fine-grain tannins that dance on the mid-palate. The nervy nature and dark fruit profile of the Cabernet Franc married with the savage wildness of Syrah makes for quite a striking wine and one you can confidently enjoy now. The name ‘lilied’ means to adorn as well as a combination of the names of Lilian and Edward Kimmel the founders of Kimmel Ranch.
The 2017 Ungilded is 100% Cabernet Franc from the Kimmel Vineyard inspired by the wines of Domaine Clos Rougeard, all destemmed fermented without additives or temperature control, first in barrique then in puncheon — was crucial to resolve the firm tannins into silky, fine-grain tannins that dance on the mid-palate. The unadulterated fermentation gives a pure expression of Cabernet Franc given the name Ungilded. The nervy nature of the Cabernet Franc is softened by the natural fermentation process giving way to a lacey texture with classic Cabernet Franc floral aromatics.
The 2019 Ungilded slightly differs from the 2017 in its unique and rare unique making process, destemmed fermented first in an open top dairy tank giving a greater cap to juice ratio similar to the fermentation of the original Williams Selyem wines, then in puncheon. It still holds true to the name Ungilded, a pure Cabernet Franc, proudly all grapes are from the Kimmel land. Like it’s predecessor 2017, the 2019 Ungilded is also lacey in texture and will express classic floral aromatics.
The wines all go through elevage under the guiding hand of Sashi Moorman and his thoughtful team John Faulkner and Tim Fimpler.
