" The mighty buffalo is an iconic symbol of American heritage, a heritage woven with a thousand stories, unique traditions and a pioneering spirit. Our country’s history of hard work and tenacity lives on today in each of us and continues to be at the essence of America’s character. This is the inspiration for 1,000 Stories, a unique wine aged in new bourbon barrels - a reflection of our winemakers’ pioneering spirits. It wasn’t a quick process, but creating something by hand to meet exacting standards seldom is.
1,000 Stories is produced in small batches, much like premium bourbon. Select parcels of Zinfandel were sourced from Mendocino County, some of which came from vineyards with family histories dating back to the 1880’s. Each individual lot started the ageing process in traditional American and French wine barrels. The next step was the introduction of the wine to bourbon barrels. Part of the blend was aged in new bourbon barrels from the Independent Stave Company. This process is similar to ageing in wine barrels, but with a flavor profile unique to the charred bourbon barrels – vanilla, dried herbs and a hint of caramel. The final step of the process was the most grand: the blend completed its barrel ageing in old bourbon barrels from famed distilleries such as Heaven Hill and Four Roses. Some of these barrels were 13 year old, single-use barrels, used to make the highest quality bourbon. " ~ Winery notes