2018 J. Lohr Gesture GSM Rhone Blend
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Aromas of fresh strawberry, cranberry, and gamy sagebrush are integrated with notes of ash and flint. The 2018 shows exceptional color and a vigor on the palate that is reminiscent of the southern Rhône.
— Brenden Wood, red winemaker, and Steve Peck, director of winemaking
Wine Details
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Composition Blend
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73%
Grenache
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24%
Syrah
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3%
Mourvèdre
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Origin
Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, CA
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Cellaring
Enjoy the best fruit expression within 3 years or look for Old World charm near a decade from the vintage date.
3 Years -
Food Pairings
Our J. Lohr Gesture GSM is especially adaptable for food pairing. This blend complements a variety of dishes, from an onion tart to grilled lamb, spicy crab cakes, or a savory vegetable stew.
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Vinification
Fermentation: Fermented in an open-top fermenter, with light punchdowns daily
Maturation: 9 months cellar age prior to bottling
Barrel Type: 500 liter French oak puncheons from Cadus, 20% new
Bottle Aging: 12 months prior to release
Vintage
The 2018 growing season was blessed by “Miracle March” rainstorms that brought the majority of the seasonal precipitation in just a few days during the month. Total rainfall was just short of average, with roughly 19 inches falling at our Gean Ranch in the Adelaida district of Paso Robles. Budbreak arrived on April 15th, which is about 10 days later than normal for this ranch. Due to mild spring weather and gradual vine growth prior to bloom in late May, we saw nice fruit-set and an above average crop size which required stringent crop thinning to 4 tons per acre at veraison. We can always count on the chilly 50 degree nights throughout the summer in Paso Robles, which contribute to the unique fresh fruit character of the Grenache-based wines from this region. Our harvest decision was weighted on the softening of acidity which ultimately came on the 7th day of November, the latest harvest date on record for this block. We were pleased that 2018 delivered the fresh fruit character that Paso Robles Grenache is known for.
Vineyard
The vineyard source for this blend is our Gean Ranch, which is the westernmost vineyard in the entire Paso Robles AVA. This planting, located in the Adelaida district, was established in 2009 and is consistently producing wines of the balance and intensity required for our Gesture program. Our farming plan brings the crop to one cluster per shoot prior to veraison. In order to intensify flavor, these large-clustered varieties require trimming off the wings and the lower third of the clusters as well.