Castel is a French-American hybrid of Cinsault x V. rupestris, sustainably farmed and estate-grown since its planting in 2006. This "ink grade" wine showcases an incredible depth of color, with an inky purple, nearly opaque midnight black hue. Castel underwent a 30% whole cluster fermentation to enrich the mid-palate structure, adding hints of black pepper to its complex profile. On the nose, dense layers of dark plums, freshly cracked black pepper, and a nostalgic hint of Flintstone vitamins invite you to indulge. The palate reveals sun-warmed blackberries, Santa Rosa plum, and clove, complemented by a dash of dark chocolate. This full-bodied wine offers a rich expression of ripe, hillside fruit, balanced acidity, and soft, well-integrated tannins, culminating in a long, complex finish.