Winemaker's Notes:

Coyote Cuvée 2007 | Wiley Ranch, Arroyo Seco
The third in the Bordeaux-inspired Coyote Cuvée Series is probably the inkiest yet, with approximately 2/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, ¼ Cabernet Franc, and the rest the blackhearted, assertive Petite Verdot (yes, we have a varietal PV coming before too long!). Early in its development, the Coyote tannins put up quite a front, but even then, it showed many layers of “black fruit,” complex spice along with pepper, and a tasteful vanilla contribution from the 2 full years of oak ageing. We waited…and waited…for the tannins to soften, which finally came around in 2014. This could be Salamandre’s slowest maturation cycle in our 30 years. It retains double barreled tannins, but they’re softer around the edges. James Bond wearing a tux. I find it takes immense discipline not to pour a second glass, and, alas, I have consistently failed that test. We originally predicted a peak in 2014-2015…but that was actually the beginning. I think this wine is going to soar until 2017 and then glide for a good while after that. Don’t tell Pierre it came from California.