Winemaker Derek Irwin runs the definition of a pure family winery.  As Derek says, "there are no outside sources - no winemaker, no delivery man and no vineyard manager. There is us, the Irwinfamily. We harvest our own crops and make each delivery ourselves. We are a family winery, in every sense of the word, and we wouldn’t have it any other way."

Derek Irwin's inspiration for winemaking comes from his upbringing in Spain just outside of Madrid. He credits his taste in food and wine to his years living there, and now his California winery attempts to be a little piece of Iberia in the US. His boldest blend is called "The Bull," and it is reminiscent of wines  from the regions closest to Madrid.  It is a blend of Spanish and French varietals.  The exact breakdown in this new vintage is Tempranillo (50%), Malbec (10%), Petite Sirah (29%), Syrah (7.5%), and Grenache (3.5%).  The Bull is robust and full bodied.  It exudes flavors and aromas of blackberries, pomegranate, black plums, black currant, violets, mocha and earth.  When we first tasted this wine, we were blown away by the quality and depth of flavors.  The 2017 continues that tradition by overperformlng by every measure.  

In keeping with Derek's love of all things Spanish, be sure to pair this wine with some Iberico ham, aged Spanish Manchego goat's milk cheese, chicken and sausage paella, and traditional "tortilla española".  Good acidity, moderate tannins and a lingering long finish make this an excellent food pairing wine. This wine will benefit from a short decanting (about 25 minutes) to soften the tannins in the Syrah and Petite Sirah. Salud!