This vintage of The Old Goat takes inspiration from a classic Bordeaux blend, weaving together dark dried fruit, savory herbs, and an earthy complexity. The palate is seamless and vibrant, with oak playing a supporting role rather than dominating. Balanced and refined, it stands as one of the most elegant expressions of The Old Goat to date.
Check out Justin's thoughts on the 2021 Old Goat HERE!
Violets, crushed stone, graphite minerality. Generous and expansive with ample structure. spiced black plums, cloves, and boysenberry pie.
Vinification:
The fruit for this wine was destemmed and crushed leaving ~10% whole berries. No pump was used in the transfer of the must. The must cold soaked for about 5 days at 12o-15oC. Native yeast began fermenting after about 2 days. The primary fermentation was in small 1 ton bins. Extraction was achieved via hand punchdowns numerous times daily as well as a pump over with macro aeration until the desired level of extraction was achieved at which time it was pressed and racked to barrel. Free run, press fractions and new oak barrels were kept separate during ageing. The wine was gravity racked minimally in the cellar and was bottled unfined and unfiltered in May, 2024
Elevage:
20 months in 78% new French oak (Boutes, Sylvain, Gamba & Taransaud) and 22% neutral French oak. It was then blended and aged an additional 10 months
Decanter – 93pts (Clive Pursehouse)
The Old Goat is over-vintaged, spending nearly two full years in mostly new French oak (78%), and then is blended and aged an additional 10 months in concrete. Fruit from Ciel du Cheval and Red Willow, alongside three other vineyard sources. The Cabernet-dominant wine opens with aromas of violets, crushed stone, and a distinct graphite minerality. The palate is sleek and dark fruited, spiced black plums, boysenberry pie, clove, and five spice, and ample structure carries into mocha and pencil lead mineral elements
Jeb Dunnuck – 91pts
A well-integrated blend that leads with 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Old Goat also has 15% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. It’s youthfully tight and structured, the tannins grippy and firm. The fruit is generous and expansive, complemented by a sweet hit of oak. Drink through 2031.
Red Willow Vineyard, Ciel du Cheval, Chukar Vineyard, Two Blondes, Elephant Mountain
