A warm, dry spring in 2013 led to an earlier than usual bud break. On through bloom and into mid-summer, temperatures were slightly erratic, ranging from uncharacteristically warm to sometimes quite cold. Shortly before veraison, these fluctuations calmed, providing an ideal uniformity of daytime temperatures and just about as close to a perfect weather pattern as one can get. Lasting through color, flavor development and on into a stunning harvest, it is to these conditions that we attribute the densely concentrated flavors, fully mature seeds, and supple skin tannins that have made the 2013 vintage receive such high accolades.
Dark ruby red in the glass and with aromas of dark berry confection, dried dates, musky spice, and pure cacao, the 2013 Toymaker is a blend of true pleasures. The mouth is one of an ever-evolving intensity that continues to divulge layer upon layer of rich flavors of dark chocolate, slow roasted almonds, fruit compote, and savory blackberry jam. The wine finishes ever so seductively with its mineral purity, velvety seamlessness, and a seemingly unending presentation of an exotic and densely fruit driven structure.