Grapes are all hand picked, a portion are whole bunch pressed, the balance are gently destemmed, chilled and crushed. Following several days days of cold settling, most of the partially clarified juices are filled to a high proportion of new Dargaud et Jaegle French Vosges oak barriques and hogsheads for vinification. Upon completion to sugar dryness, barrels are racked and inoculated through Petaluma's own native bacteria. The unique bugs present at malolactic impart a lovely creaminess and contribute textural mouthfeel. Batches are treated to regular lees stirring battonage over the course of several months, before being racked and rested for the final assemblage.