Description
Overview:

Details:
Located in Calaveras County, just outside of the town of Murphys in the center of the Sierra Foothills Viticultural Area, the site was first ranched by the Shaw family in 1844. The property was purchased by Barden Stevenot in the 1960s; he became the godfather of the modern Calaveras County winegrowers when he planted own-rooted Wente Chardonnay from 1974-76. Several acres of these original heritage plantings still remain – they are a direct link to the first person who recognized the potential of this site’s soil and climate for wine grape cultivation. Barden eventually expanded the vineyard to its current 75 acres in 2000. Matthew Rorick purchased the property in 2013 and converted the farming to organic practices. At an elevation of 2000′, it is situated on limestone soils beneath a top layer of schist. The alpine growing season combined with limestone soils leave an indelible mark on the wines grown at RHV: beautiful aromatics, textural presence, and bright natural acidity are all hallmarks of the site.
Queen of the Sierra red estate blend was grown on the Rorick Heritage Vineyard in Calaveras County at 2000’ elevation, featuring soils comprised of a layer of schist over dolomite-rich limestone. Composed primarily of Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo, Trousseau noir, and Mondeuse, the Queen shows all of the aromatic complexity and textural presence that are the hallmarks of wines grown on the limestone of our estate. It presents with compelling dynamic tension between its bright and forward fruit and the supple tannins and lively acidity that make up this wine’s backbone.
Tasting Notes:
The Forlorn Hope estate wines are honest and pure representations of site and variety. They believe deeply in the magic of organic viticulture and the beauty of Calaveras Limestone. Producing wines that embody the uniqueness of the estate requires that the winemakers don’t alter what the vineyard bears, and to this end, they do not adjust the chemistry of the grapes with additives, commercial yeast, or bacteria. All of their wines are spontaneously fermented by native yeast that exist naturally on the grapes. In this way, whether the wine in question is complex and nuanced or bright, cheerful, and easy-drinking, it will be a true and unadulterated expression of the Rorick Heritage Vineyard.
Serving Suggestions: Five-spice duck breast w/ plum & balsamic reduction. Grilled chicken w/ garlic & lemon butter. Korean BBQ beef short ribs. Baked tofu honey mustard tenders.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts:
“Wine with great richness, yet smooth and elegant and silky on the finish. Really easy drinking. Best served with chicken, duck or any oily fish!”
– Jim Lufty, Fine Wine Source