The Grower Series focuses on expression of single orchard sites.

Fruit
90% Ruby Red Crabapple, 10% Wickson Crabapple

Orchard Site
Silver Creek Orchard - Nelson County, Virginia 1060’ elevation.

Vinification
Ruby Reds were pressed in mid October, directly to a neutral French oak barrel. A week later, a portion of over night macerated Wickson was added to the barrel. After an uninoculated, native primary fermentation the cider sat undisturbed for a seven month élevage. The cider was racked off its gross/fine lees in early June of 2022, bottled sparkling via traditional method undisgorged, and rested for an additional four months in bottle before releasing. No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of the cider. 

Notes
After falling in love with this cider last year, it was an easy decision to bring it back in 2022, cementing Rudy Red as the definitive varietal for our Silver Creek Grower Series. It is a deserving story as the mother tree was found behind an old cabin at the base of Priest Mountain by John Saunders and after noting the apples intense flavor and colored flesh, they chose to propagate the apple for commercial purposes. The fact that a commercial grower of Silver Creek’s capacity is willing to grow such an otherwise non-edible apple shows their real commitment to the cider industry. This year’s cider is closely akin to the previous vintage but with even more power in its aroma of banana cream pie and incredibly flavor, masking a true bitter sharp structure. This vintage is still developing in bottle, showing off much of its sorbitol, pouring with a lush and lively mousse. This cider defines what we seek to showcase in our Grower Series. 

23 Cases Produced, Alc. 10.8% by Volume, 750ml

*Available for shipments in Virginia & Washington DC OR pick-up at Oakley Farm. Ship to other states here. Shipments may be delayed based on temperatures.