Tasting Notes

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Ironstone Vineyards – Classic Label

With close to 100 years of expertise, the Kautz Family has forged a
celebrated legacy of excellence as farmers and more recently, as grapegrowers and winemakers.

Vineyard Background: Established by the Kautz family, who began farming in Lodi in 1926. The Ironstone Winery was completed in 1990 and is a replica of an 1859 Gold Stamp Mill. Winemaker and Vineyard Notes: This Lodi appellation wine is known for its balance and medium body, featuring aromas of red berry fruits, spice, and herbs. Flavors include red cherry, raspberry, and vanilla-oak. Grapes are sourced from the Alta Mesa and Sloughhouse sub-AVAs, which offer varied elevations and soil types. Sustainable Practices: The winery utilizes sustainable viticulture, including crop reduction, drip irrigation, organic materials, and the use of cover crops. They also preserve surrounding habitats through the installation of owl and wood duck boxes. Technical Data: Blend: 82% Cabernet Franc, 8% Tannat, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Petite Sirah. Alcohol: 13.5%. Aging: Five months in new French and American oak. Chemistry: TA 6.00 g/l, pH 3.56, and RS 4.79 g/l. Dietary: This is a vegan wine.

2022 Lodi Cabernet Franc

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Winemaker Notes: The wine is described as rich, complex, and approachable, featuring aromas of dark cherry and toasted oak. The palate offers flavors of black currant, raspberry, and dark cherry, with a well-balanced, sweet middle and a toasty oak finish. Technical Specifications: Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Tannat, 5% Petit Verdot. Appellation: Lodi, California. Alcohol: 14.5%. Chemistry: TA of 6.10 g/l, pH of 3.62, and RS of 3.6 g/l. Aging: Five months in new French and American oak. Additional Info: The wine is vegan.

2022 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon

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2023 Lodi Chardonnay

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Tasting Notes This medium-bodied wine features aromas of Bosc pears, honeydew, light guava, and a flint-mineral character. Flavors include pear, white peach, lemon zest, and citrus, leading to a crisp, plush finish. Technical Data Blend: 95% Chenin Blanc and 5% Symphony. Alcohol: 12.2%. Aging: Stainless steel. Acidity (TA): 5.5 g/l. pH: 3.55. Residual Sugar (RS): 1.9 g/l. Additional Details: The wine is vegan.

2024 Lodi Chenin Blanc

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2023 Lodi Merlot

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Vineyard and Viticulture The grapes are sourced from the Mokelumne River sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA, an area characterized by sandy loam soils and a Mediterranean climate. The vines are over 45 years old. Sustainable practices include drip irrigation, leaf removal, crop reduction, the use of organic materials, and cover crops to attract beneficial insects. The vineyard also preserves local habitats by installing owl and wood duck boxes. Wine Profile Tasting Notes: This medium-bodied Zinfandel features aromas of dark fruit and blackberry. It offers flavors of blackberry, ripe plums, and red raspberries with a hint of pepper spice, finished with a smooth, silky texture. Technical Specifications: Blend: 76% Old Vine Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah, 10% Tannat, 2% Merlot, 1% Syrah. Alcohol: 14.5%. pH: 3.57. TA: 6.2 g/l. RS: 4.2 g/l. Aging: 5 months in new French and American oak. Certification: This is a vegan wine.

2023 Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

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Winemaking and Profile: The wine is a blend of 90% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, and 5% Teroldego, aged for four months in new French and American oak. It has an alcohol content of 14.5%. The wine is characterized by bold aromas of berry pie, blueberry, vanilla, and pepper spice, with a full-bodied flavor of lush berries, dark chocolate, and warm cedar. Serving Recommendations: This wine is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. It pairs well with veal saltimbocca, braised beef with winter vegetables, or mushroom-based dishes. Awards: The winery has received numerous accolades for various vintages, including 92 points for the 2020 vintage and multiple platinum and gold awards for the 2018 and 2019 vintages.

2021 Lodi Petite Sirah

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Viticulture and Sustainability The grapes are grown at the Thornton Ranch in the Jahant sub-AVA, which is noted as the Lodi AVA closest to the California Delta, benefiting from cool ocean breezes. Ironstone utilizes sustainable practices such as crop reduction, leaf removal, organic materials, drip irrigation, and cover crops. The winery is "Certified Sustainable" and preserves habitats by installing owl and wood duck boxes. Tasting Notes The wine offers aromas of black cherries, cloves, spice, and vanilla. The palate features cherry and plum flavors with a touch of earthiness, finishing with soft tannins and notes of smoke, black tea, and tobacco. Technical Data Blend: 75% Pinot Noir, 17% Zinfandel, 6% Syrah, and 2% Souzao. Alcohol: 13.5%. Aging: 8 months in French Oak. Acidity and pH: TA of 5.60 g/l and a pH of 3.73. Residual Sugar: 2.03 g/l. Classification: This is a vegan wine.

2023 Lodi Pinot Noir

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Wine Profile Tasting Notes: Features aromas of zesty citrus, orange peel, and lavender, with flavors of passion fruit, green apple, and white peach. The wine is described as crisp, full-bodied, and clean on the finish. Technical Data: Blend: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Viognier, 1% Symphony. Alcohol: 12.5%. pH: 3.25. TA: 6.50 g/l. RS: 2.70 g/l. Aging: Stainless Steel. The wine is vegan and recognized by the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

2024 Lodi Sauvignon Blanc

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Ironstone Limited Release

Produced in limited quantities, our Limited Release wines are available exclusively in our tasting room and webstore. Each vintage is unique, so be sure not to miss one before it’s all gone!

Wine Profile and Technical Data Profile: This "Limited Release" wine is described as bright, approachable, and fruit-forward, featuring notes of raspberry, cherry, strawberry, plum, and cranberry. Composition: 100% Tempranillo. Appellation: Sierra Foothills. Aging: 12 months in French and American oak barrels. Specifications: Alcohol content is 11.0%. Other technical figures include a TA of 4.9 g/l, a pH of 3.72, and an RS of 0.10 g/l. Production: 161 cases were produced.

2024 Light Harvest Red Blend

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Vineyard and Sustainability Grapes are grown at 2,400 ft. elevation in Calaveras County, where unique soils consisting of decomposed granite, volcanic sediment, and red clay contribute to the wine's mineral profile. Ironstone utilizes sustainable practices, including drip irrigation, crop reduction, leaf removal, and the use of cover crops to attract beneficial insects. Habitat preservation is supported through the installation of owl and wood duck boxes. Wine Profile and Technical Data The wine is described as bright, crisp, and low in alcohol, featuring aromas and flavors of citrus, green apple, pear, lemon, and white peach. Composition: 57% Chardonnay, 22% Muscat, and 21% Viognier. Appellation: Sierra Foothills. Aging: 12 months in stainless steel tanks. Specifications: 11.0% Alcohol, 5.5 g/l TA, 3.83 pH, and 3.83 g/l RS. Production: This is a limited release with a total production of 223 cases.

2024 Light Harvest White Blend

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2023 Limited Release Petite Sirah

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2022 Limited Release Rose

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The Ironstone 2023 Limited Release Tempranillo is a 100% Tempranillo wine from the Sierra Foothills appellation in Calaveras County. **Wine Profile** * **Winemaker Notes**: This mountain-grown wine features rich notes of dark cherry, plum, and blackberry, complemented by hints of leather, cocoa, and warm spice. It is described as bold yet polished, with balanced acidity and a long, savory finish. * **Vineyard Notes**: Grapes are grown at 2,400 feet above sea level, where warm days are cooled by evening mountain air. The soil is a unique mix of decomposed granite, volcanic sediment, and red clay, which provides a mineral component to the wine. * **Production**: Only 287 cases were produced. **Technical Data** * **Alcohol**: 14.5% * **Aging**: 18 months in French and American oak barrels * **pH**: 3.76 * **Total Acidity (TA)**: 5.7 g/l * **Residual Sugar (RS)**: 3.5 g/l **Winery and Sustainability** * **History**: Founded by the Kautz family, who began farming in 1926, the Ironstone Winery was completed in 1990 as a replica of an 1859 Gold Stamp Mill. * **Sustainable Practices**: The vineyard employs crop reduction, leaf removal, organic materials, and drip irrigation. Habitat preservation efforts include using cover crops to attract beneficial insects and placing owl and wood duck boxes around the property.

2023 limited Release Tempranillo

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Ironstone Reserve

Ironstone Reserve wines are primarily from our estate vineyards in the Sierra foothills at about 2,400 feet above sea level. The soils are volcanic and granitic. The grapes soak up plenty of warm sunshine, then cool down in the evening mountain air. With a large diurnal range, the grapes ripen fully yet maintain their natural acidity. The terroir plus our meticulous and sustainable vineyard management techniques produce grapes with depth, complexity and remarkable flavors.

Vineyard and Winemaking Growing Conditions: Grapes are estate-grown at the Hay Station Ranch Vineyard at an elevation of 2,400 feet, featuring soil composed of decomposed granite, volcanic sediment, and red clay. Sustainability: Practices include crop reduction, leaf removal, organic materials, drip irrigation, cover crops, and habitat preservation efforts like owl and wood duck boxes. Process: Following fermentation and maceration, the wine is aged for 18 months in small French and American oak barrels. Storage: Aging takes place in underground caverns that maintain a natural, year-round temperature of 60°F to preserve flavor concentration. Technical Specifications Blend: 80% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. Analysis: Alcohol is 14.5%, pH is 3.77, TA is 5.50 g/l, and RS is 3.5 g/l. Tasting Notes The wine is described as elegant, rich, and soft, featuring aromas of spicy oak, blackberry, and fleshy black cherry. The palate offers flavors of plum and dark fruit with a hint of sweet oak, leading to a smooth, medium finish.

2022 Reserve Cabernet Franc Estate Grown, Sierra Foothills

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Vineyard and Viticulture Origin: The wine is estate-grown in the Sierra Foothills, specifically within the Calaveras County sub-AVA. Environment: The Hay Station Ranch Vineyard sits at 2,400 feet above sea level, featuring soil composed of decomposed granite, volcanic sediment, and red clay. Practices: The vineyard utilizes ecological practices, including crop reduction, leaf removal, drip irrigation, cover crops, and organic materials to enhance flavor quality. Winemaking and Aging Process: Grapes undergo extended fermentation and maceration before being moved into small oak barrels. Aging: The wine is aged for 18 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. Environment: Barrels are stored in underground caverns maintained at a natural 60°F year-round, which helps preserve flavor concentration while lowering alcohol levels. Technical Data Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol: 14.5%. Acidity/pH: TA is 6.0 g/l; pH is 3.73. Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/l. Production: 212 cases were produced and bottled in November 2025. Tasting Profile Characteristics: The wine is described as full-bodied, elegant, and rich, with silky tannins. Flavor Profile: It features aromas of fresh berries, cassis, black currants, black cherries, and toasted oak. Palate flavors include sweet dark blackberry, plum, and creamy vanilla, balanced by unique mineral qualities.

2023 Reserve Kramer Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Sierra Foothills, Estate Grown

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2024 Reserve Chardonnay

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Flavor Profile Aroma: Notes of blackberry jam, cassis, cola, mint, and white pepper. Palate: Features flavors of cooked berry fruit, vanilla, dark plum, and blackberry, complemented by baking spice, toasted oak, and cocoa powder. Structure: The wine has silky tannins and a smooth, well-rounded finish. Technical Specifications Blend: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec. Alcohol: 14.5%. Chemical Analysis: TA is 5.6 g/l, RS is 3.72 g/l, and pH is 3.72.

2023 Reserve Meritage Sierra Foothills, Estate Grown

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Wine Profile Blend: 92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah. Tasting Notes: Rich and supple, featuring aromas and flavors of berry compote, strawberry, blueberry, white pepper, and chocolate, with well-rounded tannins. Technical Specifications: 15.0% Alcohol, 5.9 g/l TA, 3.4 g/l RS, and 3.61 pH. Production: 6,750 cases were produced. Certification: This is a vegan wine. General Information The wine was released in September 2023. Ironstone Vineyards is located in Murphys, California, with sales and marketing offices in Lodi, California.

2021 Reserve Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

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2022 Reserve Lodi “Rous Vineyard” Ancient Vine Zinfandel

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Obsession

Crafted with care by the Kautz Family. Pioneers of sustainable farming and winemaking, Obsession Symphony is the iconic expression of our commitment to fruit-forward, approachable wines that inspire connection and celebration.

Variety and Origin: Obsession Symphony is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris, originally created in 1948 by Dr. Harold Olmo at the University of California at Davis. The grapes are grown in the Mokelumne River sub-appellation of Lodi, California, in mineral-rich clay and fine sandy loam soils. Flavor Profile: The wine is described as seductively aromatic with notes of honeysuckle and ginger flower. The palate features tropical flavors, including honeydew, lychee, white peaches, almond, and ginger, with a crisp, clean finish. Technical Details: Blend: 95% Symphony and 5% Orange Muscat. Alcohol: 11.0%. pH/TA: 3.33 pH and 6.2 g/l TA. RS: 23.79 g/l. Viticulture and Sustainability Practices: Ironstone employs sustainable methods, including crop reduction, leaf removal, organic materials, and drip irrigation to enhance flavor intensity. Habitat Preservation: Cover crops are used to attract beneficial insects, while owl and wood duck boxes are placed around vineyards and ponds to support local habitats. Certification: The wine is a certified California Sustainable wine and is also vegan. Serving Recommendations Pairings: This wine complements a wide variety of cuisines, particularly spicy dishes like Pad Thai, hot curry, and jalapenos. It also functions well as an aperitif, pairing effectively with grilled fruits or prosciutto and melons.

2024 Lodi Symphony

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Obsession Symphony Mango

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Obsession Symphony Peach

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Kautz & Kramer

Kautz & Kramer represents a culmination of a lifetime of passion and dedication. John Kautz, the son of hardworking German immigrants grew up on his family farm in Lodi, California. His parents moved to the U.S. in search of the “American Dream” and purchased a small parcel of land. Gail Kramer, the daughter of a lawyer and English

professor, was born in California. John & Gail were married in 1958. Together, they grew their family farming operation and helped pioneer premium wine grapes in Lodi. Kautz & Kramer wines encapsulate the passion that John and Gail have for each other, their family, and their community.

Tasting Profile and Technical Specs Aromas/Flavors: Bright black cherry and fresh currant aromas, with notes of vanilla bean, nutmeg, fig, and black licorice. Finish: Supple and rich, featuring a lingering blackberry-raspberry finish. Specifications: 100% Cabernet Franc, 14.71% alcohol, 3.38 pH, 6.7 g/l TA, and 3.1 g/l RS. Note: While the 2015 vintage received multiple awards, including Double Gold at the California State Fair, these accolades are distinct from the 2019 vintage.

2019 Cabernet Franc Sheldon Ranch Block 72

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Brand History Kautz & Kramer is a family farming operation founded by John and Gail Kautz, who were instrumental in pioneering premium wine grapes in Lodi, California. Vineyard and Sustainability Block 50 is located in the Clements Hills sub-AVA of Lodi, characterized by older soils containing volcanic sediments and clasts. The climate features warm days and cool evenings, which support ideal pH and acidity levels. The family has practiced sustainable viticulture for over 35 years, utilizing beneficial insects, owl and duck boxes, raptor perches, cover crops, and soil/water management programs. Harvest and Winemaking The grapes were hand-selected by Winemaker Steve Millier and harvested at night to ensure they arrived at the winery cool. Following a gentle crushing and 10 days of primary fermentation, the wine was pressed and moved to small barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 15 months in small French oak barrels. Tasting Profile Aromas include crème brûlée and vanilla. Flavors feature ripe plum, cranberry, olive tapenade, white pepper, and eucalyptus. The wine offers a rich, supple mid-palate and a finish with soft, lingering tannins. Technical Specifications Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Alcohol: 13.72% pH: 3.75 TA: 6.6 g/l RS: 3.5 g/l Production: 500 cases

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 50

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2022 Chardonnay Sentimental Journey

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Devil's Fog

Devil’s Fog is born from the mystique of the California coast, where early morning fog rolls through the vineyards and vanishes with the sun—just like the fleeting moments that inspire the best wines.

Crafted with intention, Devil’s Fog is a single-varietal wine brand focused exclusively on Pinot Noir. Each vintage captures the elegance and unpredictability of this delicate grape, grown in cool-climate vineyards chosen for their ability to express nuance, depth, and terroir.

Rooted in reverence for nature and the mysterious beauty of the fog itself, Devil’s Fog is more than a wine—it’s an experience, inviting you to get lost in the moment.

Product Overview: This is the third release of the Devil's Fog Lodi Pinot Noir. The name is inspired by the dense tule fog that nourishes the vineyards during dormancy but can also create challenging conditions for those working in the area. Viticulture: The grapes are sourced from the Thornton Ranch site in the Jahant sub-AVA of Lodi, California. This location is chosen for its specific climate, soil, and topography, benefiting from cool Pacific Ocean breezes that travel through the Delta river. Tasting Notes: The wine is described as intense with flavors of black cherries, raspberries, and blueberries, complemented by notes of vanilla, cloves, spices, and strawberries. It features a full finish with a "gratifying earthiness". Technical Specifications: Blend: 86% Pinot Noir and 14% Petite Sirah. Aging: The Petite Sirah component is aged for 10 months in older French oak barrels. Alcohol: 14.5%. Chemical Analysis: TA is 5.8 g/l, pH is 3.58, and RS is 3.2 g/l. Production: 504 cases (12 bottles per case). Classification: It is a vegetarian wine.

2021 Devils Fog Pinot Noir

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