2021 HPW Primitivo

Blackberry, cinnamon, and anise, with a dark chocolate finish, grippy tannins, and bright acidity.

The Story

The HPW is 100% Primitivo and named after the eldest of the Wackman Brothers, Howard Putney Wackman III. Howard is our grower and vineyard manager, so the label features the vines he tends. The label also features the windmill, which has been on the ranch for generations and was used to provide water for the sheep that used to graze on the fields which are now vineyards. Howard chose Primitivo as his featured wine because he loves the fruit forward style, mellow tannins, and mild oak. The vines are challenging to grow but produce a very approachable wine.

Only 75 cases made.

Wine growing

This Primitvo was grown on our specially selected block in our Estate vineyards. We prioritize the use of organic practices incorporated with elements that enhance our vineyard sustainability such as introducing four more bee boxes added to our Estate this year and a block dedicated entirely to high output solar panels. 

Winemaking

For our reserve wines, our winemaker, fifth generation Michael (Mike) Wackman, dedicates both his highest attention and creativity.  Mike created these wines to represent the personality of each of his brothers. This Primitivo, is crushed in a traditional, hand wound basket press. This creates optimal extraction, for concentrated brilliantly poised wines. All of our wines are produced with minimal intervention. While our winemaker and team dedicate the greatest level of care to crafting a unique identity in each of our wines, we stand by the principles of minimizing additives such as sulfites and never adding sugar or acids. All of our wines are produced in small lots, with our reserve wines being produced in minute quantities. With our Primitivo, we aged the wine in neutral French oak, to poise our Estate fruit as the focal point to our wines with an additional elegance provided by the oak.