Joughin Vineyard
2010 Primitivo
Andy Joughin, our Vineyard Manager for many years, was
looking for interesting grapes to plant in his small home vineyard in the Los Olivos area of the Santa Ynez Valley. Varieties that would have a niche value and not compete with the more common ones. Andy consulted winemaker Bruce McGuire who recommended several Italian red varietals.

One of these was Primitivo, the primary grape of the Puglia region of Italy. Los Olivos, in the central area of the Santa Ynez Valley, has a climate similar to that of Puglia.

The vineyard is small, less than 10 acres, and each variety is three acres or less. Since Andy's retirement Lafond Vineyards has been managing the vineyard. The small lots, that these grapes produce, are part of our program of offering special bottlings, of limited distibution, of interesting and unusual wines.

Recent DNA analysis has shown that Primitivo and California's Zinfandel are genenetically similar. Zinfandel was, until this discovery, a grape of mystery, and its origins unknown. Primitivo or Zinfandel, the Joughin Vineyard has produced exceptional wines year after year.

Winemaker's comments: The long cool 2010 growing season, of this normally warm area, has produced a Primitivo that accentuates the black pepper spice flavors associated with this varietal.

Suggested retail: 28.00

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