Forlorn Hope 'Queen of the Sierra' Red
Sierra Foothills AVA > Calaveras County > California > USA
Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo, Trousseau noir, and Mondeuse, 2020
The Queen of the Sierra wines are a celebration of the unique Calaveras County terroir of Rorick Heritage Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. A project of Forlorn Hope, the QofS estate blend “Red” was from fruit grown 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 limestone, presenting with compelling dynamic tension between its bright and forward fruit and the supple tannins and lively acidity that make up this wine’s delish backbone.
Sierra Foothills AVA > Calaveras County > California > USA
Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo, Trousseau noir, and Mondeuse, 2020
The Queen of the Sierra wines are a celebration of the unique Calaveras County terroir of Rorick Heritage Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. A project of Forlorn Hope, the QofS estate blend “Red” was from fruit grown 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 limestone, presenting with compelling dynamic tension between its bright and forward fruit and the supple tannins and lively acidity that make up this wine’s delish backbone.
Sierra Foothills AVA > Calaveras County > California > USA
Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo, Trousseau noir, and Mondeuse, 2020
The Queen of the Sierra wines are a celebration of the unique Calaveras County terroir of Rorick Heritage Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. A project of Forlorn Hope, the QofS estate blend “Red” was from fruit grown 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 limestone, presenting with compelling dynamic tension between its bright and forward fruit and the supple tannins and lively acidity that make up this wine’s delish backbone.
Blend: Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo, Trousseau Noir, and Mondeuse
ABV: 12.25%
The Story: We love the little guy because we’re all about tenacity, we relish a challenge, and – we admit it – we love us a good tussle. Taken from the Dutch ‘verloren hoop’, meaning ‘lost troop’, Forlorn Hope was the name given to the band of soldiers who volunteered to lead the charge directly into enemy defenses. The chance of success for the Forlorn Hope was always slim, but the glory and rewards granted to survivors ensured no shortage of applicants. These bottles are our headlong rush into the breach. Rare creatures from the limestone slopes of Rorick Heritage Vineyard, these wines are our brave advance party, our pride and joy – our Forlorn Hope. Matthew Rorick has been the winemaker behind the Forlorn Hope wines since the inception of the label in 2005, and tends 75 acres of organically farmed grapevines at Rorick Heritage Vineyard along with Mara Ambrose who oversees the bubbles program and the chickens.
All fruit for this estate red was hand-picked; fermentation was allowed to begin spontaneously with native yeast. Most lots were fermented separately due to different pick dates. All lots were pressed at dryness, averaging 14-21 days total time on the skins, and placed into neutral 227L barrique. After racking they remained in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel until being bottled unfined and unfiltered. As with all Forlorn Hope wines, no new oak is utilized, and nothing was added to the must or wine (no cultured yeast, ML bacteria, water, tartaric acid, enzymes, nutrients, etc) with the exception of minimal effective SO2 at bottling.
Personality: Dynamic and fun, this full-bodied wine has great tension with its forward fruit, supple tannins and lively acidity.
Harmony: A hit for any BBQ or hot summer day with a little chill.