Farmed organically, and without irrigation. The soil type, Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, is rich in granitic minerals washed down from the Sierra Nevada over the millenia by the nearby Mokelumne River. Lodi may be the coolest area of the Central Valley, the evening temperatures moderated by breezes from the Sacramen- to River Delta. However, beastly hot daytime temperatures during July and August can be punishing for the vines, and the workers who tend and pick them. Grapes from younger vines in the neighborhood, albeit of different varieties, are demonstrably greener at the same levels of ripeness, as is typical in warm climates, and after weeks-long stretches of 100+ degree temperatures look as though they have been through a few rough innings. By way of some only partially understood alchemy, these 135 year-old vines shrug off these high temperatures, and bring home fully flavored grapes at remarkably modest levels of alcohol, and often surprising acidities. Such is also the case around the corner at the neighboring Montague and Mule Plane Vineyards. The relatively thick skins of Cinsault and Carignane do not hurt their causes. All of this being said, Bechthold Cinsault, year-in and year out, shouldn’t conjure aromas of violets and irises and memories of Cru Beaujolais, but there you have it.