Wine Portfolio

Racking

The separation of juice from the settled lees aids clarification and mitigates off-flavors and aromas. During this process, a layer of CO₂ gas averts the oxidation of this direct press Barbera.

Blade & Talon wines are produced with minimal intervention to promote authenticity and integrity. Winemaking decisions are steered by organoleptic assessment, making every wine a special release, as every year presents unique materials and conditions. The hope is to respect and showcase individual vintages, without manipulating the wine into something Nature didn’t provide. Effort is spent on what can be controlled, while reinforcing humility and appreciation for what cannot.

Winemaking begins in the vineyard. Close collaboration with the vineyard manager is key to producing quality grapes. Soil analysis, climate monitoring, cover crops, pruning, and canopy management are just some of the tools that promote good vine balance. To make quality wine is to be an integrated part of a living, thriving cycle.

Available for Purchase

2021 Falanghina

Calleri Vineyard  |  San Benito AVA
13.5% Alc. by Vol.

One of the noble white varieties from the Campania region in Italy, this Falanghina was made to pair especially well with seafood and salads. The grapes were destemmed and crushed, and the juice allowed 5 days of skin contact before pressing. The wine was aged sur lie, with bâttonage, in neutral French oak. While this treatment provides a richer mouthfeel, the phenolics from the skins should provide structure and firmness. Aromas of honey, melon and pine, along with saline and almond notes, are evocative of a coastal forest.

BAT 21 Falanghina

2021 Rose Madder

Circle S Vineyards  |  San Benito AVA
12.9% Alc. by Vol.

The grapes in this co-fermented blend were harvested from 2 separate vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon was direct pressed, producing a light rosé juice. After settling, the juice was racked to completely submerge whole cluster Cabernet Pfeffer and Petit Verdot. After 7 days of carbonic maceration, the bins were drained and pressed, to complete native alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. While the Bordeaux varieties lend depth and texture, the esters produced by carbonic maceration promote wonderful fruity aromas to make this a joyful wine!

BAT 21 Rose Madder

2021 Négrette

Calleri Vineyard  |  San Benito AVA
11.9% Alc. by Vol.

This uncommon black grape is rarely farmed outside of the Fronton and Fiefs Vendéens appellations in France. Native whole cluster fermentation resulted in dark and brooding notes, yet the fruit aromas remain lush and juicy, due to the inclusion of whole berries. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in neutral French oak. Initial aromas of plum and violet are followed by spices and bramble on the palate. This wine is both earthy and rustic. The stem inclusion promotes a textured mouthfeel and extended finish.

BAT 21 Negrette

2022 Vintage

San Benito AVA

Siletto Family Vineyards is comprised of 5 different vineyards, with the oldest planted in 1964. The vines are planted on 125 acres, representing 34 varieties of grapes.

Grapes are sustainably farmed by Siletto Family Vineyards, in historic San Benito County. The vineyards are located 30 miles from the coast, between the San Andreas and Calaveras Faults, along the Tres Pinos Creek. The alluvial fan and surrounding terraces feature a diversity of elevations, soil types, microclimates, and spectacular views.

New 2022 Wines Coming Soon:
(Whites) Crackling Orange Muscat, Falanghina; (Pinks) Aglianico Rosé, Rose Madder; (Reds) Ruchè, Négrette, Cuvée of Négrette/Malbec/Cab Franc

Previous Releases

2021 Barbera Rosé
Calleri Vineyard
90 points | Wine Enthusiast

2021 Négrette
Calleri Vineyard
91 points, Editor’s Choice | Wine Enthusiast

2023 Falanghina
Calleri Vineyard
91 points | Wine Enthusiast

 

2022 Rose Madder
Calleri Vineyard
92 points, Editor’s Choice | Wine Enthusiast

2022 Négrette
Calleri Vineyard
93 points, Editor’s Choice | Wine Enthusiast