The Sarah
Jane English Newsletter: 100th Edition
December 10, 2009
BUBBLES for the Holidays: Celebrate life with champagnes and other sparkling wines.
TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH (prices vary store to store) $Best Buy
SPLURGE WINE of MONTH: SHAFER 2005 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon $210 is 100% cabernet sauvignon hillside grapes from Shafer's Stags Leap District Estate. "Truly a wine of a place, it exemplifies the rich, supple wines consistently produced in our little valley within a valley," Doug Shafer explains. "With my first Cabernet Sauvignon release (1978), folks remarked on its softness and asked how much Merlot I'd blended in. 'None,' I replied; it was 100% hillside-grown Cabernet. It remains so today--with aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, black cherry, blackberry, cassis, richly dense, elegant balance, and black spices seamlessly integrated--all drawn together by silky-textured, ripe tannins.”
NEWS
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ANDERSON VALLEY WINEGROWERS (AVWA) TO HOST 2010 ALSACE VARIETALS FESTIVAL: For the fifth year, AVWA will present the International Alsace Varietals Festival - the only U.S. event to focus on the mostly dry, white wines from Alsace, France. ¶ The festival (February 20-21, 2010) capitalizes on the increasing popularity of Riesling and Pinot Gris and includes a technical conference, a grand tasting, a winemakers dinner and winery open houses. Producers from around the world will pour Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat during the two-day celebration. The affordable price tags on many wines will highlight some smart buys in the current economy. ¶ The Alsace Varietals Grand Tasting on Saturday will showcase producers in California, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, New Zealand, Alsace, and several other states and countries. Regular participating wineries include: Anne Amie Vineyards, Breggo Cellars, Brandborg Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Grand Traverse, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Chehalem, Claiborne & Churchill, Claudia Springs Winery, Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss, Domaines Schlumberger, Esterlina Vineyards, Foris Vineyards Winery, Gundlach Bundschu, Handley Cellars, Husch Vineyards, Londer Vineyards, McFadden Farm, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Robert Sinskey, Steele Wines, Thomas Fogarty Winery, Toulouse Vineyards, Tudor Wines, Zina Hyde Cunningham and Zin Valle Vineyards, among others. ¶ The gourmet, sit-down meal at the Boonville Hotel on Saturday evening (focus on Alsace-style wines) will be prepared by Chef/Owner Johnny Schmitt. For additional information: AVWA Web site www.avwines.com, or info@avwines.com, or (707) 895-WINE. Tickets go on-sale on the AVWA Web site on November 1, 2009.
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KIRK VENGE NAMED WINEMAKER FOR TUDAL WINERY: Napa Valley’s rising young Winemaker, Kirk Venge, will continue making family wines at Venge Vineyards of Calistoga, as he establishes his relationship with Tudal--2009 vintage was Tudal Winery’s 30th harvest. Owner John Tudal said, "Kirk is a natural fit. Appointing him winemaker was one of the easiest calls I’ve made at the winery. We've asked Kirk to make the best wine possible without the pressure of creating the next Napa Valley cult wine. We'll produce about 2,000 cases per year of two of the estate’s Cabernet Sauvignons." San Francisco Chronicle cited Venge as one of a quintet of “The New Guard of California Wineries.” Food & Wine Magazine named Venge in an article titled, “Generation Next: 26 Winemakers, The Scions of Great Wine Dynasties Around the World To Watch. Venge said, "I just put my nose to the grindstone and keep working. I’m reinventing myself every year--new yeasts, new barrel types. I do know, however, that there is so much I have to seen and learn. At the end of the day, being well-grounded and a good person is the job that you have to do.”
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LES VINS GEORGE DUBOEUF RELEASED 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau: – Les Vins Georges Duboeuf released its 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau on November 19. It was reported to be one of the best vintages in the past 50 years. This fruity wine is nice a complement for toasting the holidays. Georges Duboeuf formed "Les Vins Georges Duboeuf" in 1964. Directed by him and his sone Franck, it represents winegrowers in the Beaujolais region. The wines are sold in 120 countries throughout the world. W. J. Deutsch & Sons markets Georges Duboeuf wines and those of presstigious familiees from major wine regions of the world.
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NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS (
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CALIFORNIA WINE MARKET: With
a third of the U.S. market buying foreign wines, Fred Franzia called for a series of
specific programs to help the California wine industry increase its market share again.
Speaking to the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association (Modesto), Bronco Wine Company
President Franzia outlined ten steps that would make “Buy California” the best
choice for wine consumers and the trade.
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COCOA PURO PURE WHOLE BEAN CHOCOLATE has introduced a new
product, Caramelized Cocoa Nibs. Owner/Chocolatier Tom Pedersen says. "Five
years ago we started our business in Austin with nothing but $165 and a good idea.
We debuted our unique chocolate creation, Kakawa Cocoa Beans, at a local Austin farmer's
market and sold out our first day. You've supported us ever since and we owe you our
sincere gratitude. Thank you!" Now it looks like this master chocolatier
has something else yummy for us. "We're a small family business and we
concentrate on making a few really good things, by hand, using the finest
ingredients,"Pedersen says. "We sincerely hope you enjoy our creations.
If there is anything you would suggest to improve our service, please let us
know."
New! Caramelized Cocoa nibs
"We're very excited about these because cocoa nibs are the heart of chocolate
flavor. We caramelize them in just enough sugar to make a crunchy ~70% dark
chocolate, for the true chocolate fiend. Enjoy them as a garnish on ice cream,
yogurt, or flan. Any dessert is better with a little chocolate: macerated fruit,
cheesecake, cookies, and cake. These nibs are even great on salads. (try them with an
orange vinaigrette) Or simply eat them out of hand for a taste of pure unadulterated
crunchy dark chocolate! 1.5 oz, $4
Contact us with your order and we will prepare a shipping quote for your approval."
info@cocoapuro.com
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CALIFORNIA
NEW RELEASES (quotes are winemakers' comments; prices vary from store to store)
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KORBEL Sparkling wines from
California: "From our most popular KORBEL
Brut to our premium KORBEL Natural Champagne, KORBEL
represents the best wine-making expertise and commitment to quality. In the
mid-1800s, America offered new hope to three brothers seeking to escape political unrest
in their European homeland. Emigrating from Czechoslovakia to the United States,
brothers Francis, Anton and Joseph Korbel found success in exchange for their hard work
and innovation.
F. Korbel & Bros. began as a manufacturing business in San Francisco that produced
materials for the building industry. As their enterprise expanded, the brothers
eventually acquired a sawmill and began a full-scale lumber operation near the town of
Guerneville in Sonoma County. Lured by the beauty and opportunity of the mountainous
timberlands, the brothers eventually moved their families from San Francisco and settled
in the Russian River Valley. As Northern California’s lumber boom slowed, the
Korbels turned their attention to farming the bottomlands of their Russian River Valley
ranch. Here the soil was sandy, the mornings were filled with fog from the nearby
Pacific Ocean, and summer days were long with sunshine. In this valley the Korbels' love
of the land, their unmatched enthusiasm for hard work and their spirit for enterprise
would lead them to create a great American champagne.
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HANDLEY Brut Rosé is a wine for all occasions. In 2007, it was listed among TOP 100 WINES OF 2007 (San Francisco Chronicle). The current release is the 2006. HANDLEY Brut Rosé is one you buy by the case. On the nose, this sparkling wine exudes toasted hazelnuts with hints of raspberries and strawberries. Milla Handley knows just how to structure this wine for the most satisfying palate expression with a substantially fine texture and crisp acidity that is mouth filling and satisfying. The effervescence is ongoing and enhances the freshness of every delicious sip. Handley’s Brut Rosé serves successfully with any type of food, all sorts of friends and every gracious occasion. Its complex flavors, balanced acidity, and refreshing bubbles make it the preferred beverage for any delightful event thank you, Milla.
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KOBRAND: Upon repeal of Prohibition (1933) Rudolph C. Kopf founded the wine and spirits department of Macy's in New York. It gained a reputation as the finest wine and spirits shop in the country with Kopf recognized as one of America’s most knowledgeable wine and spirits professionals. He developed relationships with many fine wine and spirit producers worldwide. In 1944 he established his own company--the future Kobrand Corporation. His founding principles were quality of product; quality of people; and quality of relationships. Mr. Kopf represented the finest products in any given category and built an expert sales support team. Kopf was a visionary in developing partnerships with distributors and suppliers. Kobrand Corporation is a privately owned marketer of wines and spirits that serves as the exclusive agent for many fine European wines, some of which it owns.
TAITTINGER
Cuvée Prestige Rosé $70 is a traditionally-styled rosé champagne. The wine
accommodates a wider market than the limited production of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne
Rosé can reach. Following harvest, most grapes are pressed immediately in press
houses among the vineyards, yielding the "cuvée" pressing--no more than 26
gallons of juice per 350 pounds of fruit extracted from this pressing. The juice,
called must, is vinified under cool, controlled fermentation conditions. Taittinger
Cuvée Prestige Rosé is assembled from 70 percent Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and 30
percent Chardonnay grapes; of which 80 percent are vinified as white wine and 20 percent
vinified as red wine. The red wine vinification begins with a period of
approximately ten days during which the skins are macerated with the must to achieve
color. Vinification and aging are completed without wood contact, and blending
occurs at end of the winter, after the primary fermentation. The final cuvée is
blended from an extensive range of at least fifteen diverse crus, and usually more, of the
Champagne region and a narrow reserve of younger vintages which express the blend's fresh,
lively Pinot fruit, benefitting from Taittinger's cellar reserves of bottles to achieve
consistent excellence. Thereafter the wine undergoes the secondary fermentation in
the bottle at 45 to 50 F in Taittinger's cool cellars, during which time it acquires
complexity and the fine, pinpoint bubbles characteristic of its sparkle. Before
remuage, it is aged for three to four years in Taittinger's cellars to perfectly develop
its balance of fruit complexity and bouquet.
TAITTINGER Brut La Française $45 is produced from "select chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes grown in the finest microclimates of the viticultural area of Champagne. Taittinger's extensive vineyard holdings (717 acres) allow it to rely primarily on its own grapes for creating its portfolio of champagnes. Following harvest, grapes are pressed immediately in the vineyard press houses to yield a first pressing ('cuvée'). Two more pressings not used in the blend are named the first and second 'tailles'. The juice, called must, is vinified under cool, controlled fermentation conditions and the wine rests until the end of the winter. After the primary fermentation, blending occurs and the final cuvée undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle, 45 to 50 F in Taittinger's cellars, to create pinpoint bubbles and acquire complexity. It ages three to four years before remuage to develop body and bouquet. The blend from extensive ranges and crus of wines maintains a delicate and elegant style. The foundation and consistency of the distinctive Taittinger style relies greatly on the proportion of each grape variety in the blend: Pinot Noir lends the finished blend body, vinosity, structure and power as well as the elegant red berry aromas typical of the variety; Pinot Meunier provides a supple, round fruitiness to the wine; Chardonnay contributes elegance, finesse, crispness and delicacy to the blend, as well as a degree of structure and longevity. Taittinger's reliance on Chardonnay for this cuvée (approximately 40 percent) is the source of the exceptional refinement of the Taittinger style. Cellar reserves from prior vintages allows the house to consistently achieve this style and quality. The reserve varies slightly from year to year due to the harvest and global sales.
CAPOSALDO PROSECCO V.S.A.Q. Brut / Veneto, I.G.T. Veneto, Pieve di Soligo $15: The estate-grown fruit produces low yields on hillside vines averaging 20 years. Hand-harvested grapes arrive at the winery immediately after harvest; they are de-stalked and macerated for 12 hours. The free-run juice rests in well-chilled stainless steel tanks 10 to 20 hours, is decanted and the temperature is rained to begin fermentation. It lasts 15 to 20 days. The base wine is then blended, held at 10 degrees C until secondary fermentations is induced using the Charmat Method--natural fermentation in autoclave 30 to 40 days. This process allows maximum balance between freshness and complexity to create superior effervescence and retention of aromatics.
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J VINEYARDS & WINERY, some history: In 1986, Judy Jordan founded J VINEYARDS & WINERY to express Russian River Valley essence (terroir and grapes) in her wines. This Sonoma County viticultural area runs along the Russian River as it winds around rolling hills and through rich benchlands before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The region's unique topography and climate create a rich diversity of soils: The cool coastal climate prolongs the growing season, making it one of only a few places on earth ideal for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Other varietals thrive here, too, and Winemaker George Bursick crafts still wines from Pinot Gris, Viognier and Vin Gris by using traditional and innovative winemaking techniques. "In addition to our varietal wines, pinot noir and chardonnay grapes are the base in our critically-acclaimed sparkling wines," says Sparkling Winemaker Hollis Price. "I am dedicated to creating méthode champenoise sparkling wines--the traditional Champagne method. The labor-intensive regimen results in sparkling wines of incredible depth, complexity and dazzling effervescence."____________________
SCHRAMSBERG history: Jack and Jamie Davies, after a yearlong search for Napa Valley hillside property, discovered historic Schramsberg near St. Helena in 1965. It included an antique Victorian mansion and a tangled, overgrown entrance to underground cellars. The Davies wanted to produce sparkling wine; that is, "America's most prestigious, select and admired sparkling wine." There were many challenges for an American sparkling wine, but the Davies overcame them all and their decision has gratified Schramsberg's worldwide clients ever since. They began their immense enterprise by replanting the vineyards, renovating the house and cellars and telling their story. The 1965 Blanc de Blancs was first commercial use of Chardonnay in American sparkling wine. The premier California Méthode Champenoise1967 Blanc de Noirs followed, using Pinot Noir in the classic style. And so they began and continued, introducing year after year their wisdom and expertise in every bottle of various sparkling wines. History continues to be made at Schramsberg – time has proven that the original goals have been met with style, grace and elegance. The noted wine author and critic, Nathan Chroman, summed up the Davies' contributions to American winemaking this way: "Some producers will earn a paragraph in the history of sparkling wines in California. The coming of the French will need a page. But it will merit a chapter to spell out what Jack and Jamie have done here." Throughout the years Jack and Jamie gathered a strong and able staff to help them run the expanding business--many employees have been with the winery for more than twenty years. In 1996, Hugh, the Davies' youngest son, joined the winery full time, adding his talent to the winemaking staff. Sadly Schramsberg lost Jack Davies in 1998. Jamie carried on with her supportive family and dedicated staff until her death in 2008. Now, Hugh Davies, with his own family and friends, continues his parents' work and dream.
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CHANDON is the American property of Moët et Chandon in Champagne, France. "We blend the best of French tradition with new world innovations." Chandon's heritage dates to Hautvillers-abbey-cellar-master/monk Dom Pérignon (1690). He stumbled upon wine's effervescence and set about researching the process, ultimately developing the traditional champagne method. In 1743, Claude Moët founded Moët & Chandon in Champagne, France and the soon acquired the Abbey, naming one of its champagnes Dom Pérignon. ¶ In 1973, Board Chairman Robert Jean deVogué of Moët-Hennessy (parent company) set his sights on California expansion, buying land, planting vineyards and designing Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley. Chandon's first sparkling wine was released in 1976, the first French-owned traditional method U.S. sparkling wine venture. ¶ CHANDON's philosophy about sparkling wines includes étoile (star) Brut. It's winemaking team has carte blanche--free to express winemaking without appellation requirements. Grape sources are from the best vineyards and vintage. "We can blend the current vintage with a complement of reserve wines to build layers of depth and complexity--the concept of sur lies dating. We reflect the best style the vineyards have to offer."
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JOSEPH PHELPS JOSEPH PHELPS was founded in 1972. Joseph Phelps Vineyards is an independent, estate-based winery near St. Helena on a knoll in bucolic Spring Valley. The redwood winery overlooks vineyard-studded hills, the town of St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. After years of studying the complex relationship between wine quality and place, Phelps has developed estate-owned vineyards in the premiere growing regions of Stag's Leap, Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll and the eastern foothills of Napa. In Sonoma County in 1999, land was purchased and vineyards developed along the Sonoma Coast. Today Phelps has 80 acres of Pinot Noir and 20 acres of Chardonnay planted in Freestone. Varietals produced annually at Phelps include Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Insignia (one of California's most successful first growth luxury blends), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, several Rhône-style wines, and a luscious dessert wine made from Scheurebe. Annual production fluctuates between 65-80,000 cases, and it is a source of pride that 90% of all wine produced comes from estate-owned vineyards.
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WILLIAM HILL Estate 2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay $22: "Our Napa Valley Chardonnay is made in a rich and elegant style with enticing aromas of creamy vanilla, honeysuckle and ripe fruit of white peach and pear. This wine is full bodied and rich with refined acidity that is maintained through the intense fruit and vanilla focused finish."
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KING ESTATE, celebrating 18 years of Oregon winemaking in 2009, is located southwest of Eugene, Oregon and produces Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and limited amounts of Chardonnay. Founded in 1991 by the King family, King Estate is committed to producing Oregon wines of exceptional quality using organic and sustainable farming methods, meticulous fruit selection, impeccable winemaking practices and judicious blending. The beautiful estate of 1,033 acres is certified organic and includes 465 acres of organic vineyards, as well as 30 acres of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The Estate is crowned by the charming, European-style winery, where the winemaking process is also certified organic.
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GRGICH HILLS: Miljenko “Mike”
Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated “Paris Tasting”
of 1976 when a panel of eminent French judges swirled, sniffed, and sipped wines in a
blind tasting of fabled French white Burgundies and a sampling of upstart Napa Valley
Chardonnays. When their scores were tallied, the French judges were shocked: they
had chosen Mike’s 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay as the finest white wine in the
world. Mon Dieu! The results stunned the international wine establishment and
immediately earned Mike a reputation as one of the greatest winemakers in the world.
After his Paris victory, Mike collaborated with Austin Hills and his sister,
Mary Lee Strebl, from the Hills Bros. Coffee family to found Grgich Hills (July 4, 1977).
It was an ideal partnership. Austin owned premium vineyards in Rutherford,
Napa Valley and with his extensive business background gave successful financial guidance
for the winery. Mike's commitment to making wines of the highest quality began
producing what immediately became the signature wine: the exquisite, richly complex
Chardonnays that win awards and delight wine lovers across America and throughout the
world. Grgich remains committed to making distinctive wines with quality,
consistency and longevity. "As always, we treat each of our six different wines
as a special child, carefully nurturing their development and character. Our main pride
and joy is our Chardonnay, an elegant example of the varietal displaying rich flavors and
exquisite balance. As a complement to the Chardonnay, we also produce a refreshingly
crisp Fumé Blanc, a rich and spicy Zinfandel, a Cabernet Sauvignon with tremendous depth
and complexity, a lush and richly fragrant Merlot, and a luscious dessert wine named
“Violetta,” in honor of Mike's daughter, Violet." Now 86 years old,
Mike was inducted into the Vinter Hall of Fame in March 2008 in honor of his many
contributions to the wine industry. Mike, along with his daughter, Violet, and his nephew,
Ivo Jeramaz, intend to stay small and improve the quality of their vineyards and their
wines, relying on Mike’s unique artistic and intuitive touch. Grgich Hills now
owns all of its own certified organic and Biodynamic vineyards, and beginning with the
2003 vintage, all wines were labeled “Estate Grown.” To recognize the
important milestone, the winery changed its name in 2007 to Grgich Hills Estate.
Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley $30: "We fermented 80% of the grapes in
previously used small French oak barrels with the rest in 900-gallon French oak casks
(foudres) using only naturally occurring yeasts. We then aged the wine six months on
its lees in neutral barrels. These techniques add body while showcasing the
wonderful fruit, not masking it behind new oak. the wine's mouth-watering acidity
and elegant flavors of tropical fruit, lemon grass and a touch of mineral at the end of
the long Finnish are perfect with grilled seafood, creamy pasta dishes and salads.
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FREI BROTHERS Chief Viticulturist Jim Collins reports on the latest wine releases FREI BROTHERS. Jim says, "With our 2009 harvest underway in Sonoma County, I’m stealing a few minutes before my crew gets in to give you information on our recent releases Frei Brothers Reserve wines from 2006, 2007, and 2008."
FREI BROTHERS 2006 Alexander
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FREI BROTHERS
2007 Dry Creek Valley Merlot $20: "Dry Creek Valley has warm
days, cool nights and a long, balanced growing season. Evening marine influences cool the
valley where it flows into the Russian River. This terroir produces refined, Bordeaux-like
wines in structure, body and complexity. The 2007 summer was dry--no rain threatened rot
or mildew. Sunshine developed ripe flavors, and cool evenings allowed a slow, even
maturation with proper acidity.
FREI BROTHERS
2008 Russian
River Valley Sauvignon Blanc $20 : "Grapes are whole-cluster pressed for maximum
fresh fruit flavors. The juice settles before fermentation to encourage an elegant
mouthfeel. Only a portion was barrel fermented to impart subtle oak flavors. Our 2008 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc has aromas
and flavors of citrus, melon, and fresh-cut grass on a frame of crisp acidity complements
by sweet aromatics from the oak, with layers of complexity from partial malolactic
fermentation.
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KENWOOD V.P. Margie Healy reports:"Even great vintages have harvesttime trials and tribulations--like 2007, when erratic weather made Zinfandel a real harvest adventure in Sonoma County. Fortunately, Kenwood experience and resourcefulness handled the challenges, translating these two Zinfandels into classic, delicious wines."
KENWOOD 2007 Zinfandel, Sonoma County, 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, (14.5% alc.) $14: "Full, forward raspberry and cherry aromas are accented by a hint of pepper. Blackberry and black cherry highlight the vibrant, medium-bodied flavors, complemented by assertive mint complexity. Displaying generous fruit, structure and balance, this superb Zinfandel drinks beautifully now, but will continue to evolve with a year or two of cellaring.
KENWOOD 2007Jack London Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, 86% Zinfandel, 14% Syrah (14.5% alc.) $20: "Concentrated aromas of blueberry, elderberry, cedar smoke and spearmint attest to the 2007 Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Vineyard Zinfandel’s mountain origin. Mouthfilling raspberry and blueberry flavors open to reveal spice and cocoa notes. Density and weight combine with integrated tannins to keep the palate polished through the lingering finish.
Sonoma's growing season had an early bud-break with spring and early summer near-ideal climate conditions (moderately warm days/ cool, often foggy nights). Zinfandel harvest in mid August accelerated to a fever pitch due to a two-week heat wave. KENWOOD Vineyards harvest experience (over 35+ years) enabled single vineyard picking at optimal maturity, sugar and natural balancing acidity. Moderate temperatures returned in early September and pickers achieved an exceptional Zinfandel harvest in 2007. ¶ "Jack London Vineyard’s Zinfandel block encompasses a wide range of elevations and with grapes reaching maturity over the course of weeks. To accommodate this exceptional vineyard, harvest occurred in portions rather than all at once. By putting in the extra time and effort needed to pick all of Jack London Vineyard’s Zinfandel grapes at peak ripeness, KENWOOD was able to fully capture its distinctive character in the finished wine." Established in 1970 in the Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Vineyards produces premium wines that express the exceptional quality and character of Sonoma County vineyards.
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VINTAGE POINT, Partners in Wine has released a number of affordable and delicious wines. The company reports their portfolio consists of "independent boutique wineries that share a vision that wine offers a special connection to people and their experiences--not as an article of commerce, but a way of life." Vintage Point seeks wine-producer partners who are caretakers of the land. VINTAGE POINT respects each winery’s individuality—sense of place, history and personal commitment to the art of winemaking. With these distinctive wineries VINTAGE POINT shares a vision as “Partners in Wine.”
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BERINGER FOUNDERS' ESTATE winemaker tells me that these bottles offer handcrafted wines that are food friendly and immediately enjoyable. "Each varietal is true to its classic characteristics, with a consistently smooth and fruit-forward profile. The wines achieve a delicate balance of fruit and acidity, to ensure successful pairing with a variety of foods."
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RUSSIAN HILL ESTATE WINERY is a family owned and operated winery located in Russian River Valley that specializes in estate grown . "We also produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah from select vineyards in our area. Using the utmost care from vineyard to bottle, Russian Hill is produces world-class Pinot Noir and Syrah. We maintain the highest degree of excellence in viticultural and winemaking practices so wines to fully express the various vineyards that are their source. Edward Gomez and Ellen Mack established Russian Hill in 1997 after a two-year intensive search for the appropriate site. The imperative was that the land produces outstanding estate vineyards and allow property for a winery in order to produce the wine equality we envisioned. We are currently completing our 12th harvest. As is usual, we're excited about the Russian River Valley fruit and the wines in barrel. The proof is in the bottle and we can hardly wait for the right time to pull the cork to see is we've accomplished our intention to produce wines of elegance and substance."
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FOREST GLEN is offering high-quality, affordably delicious wines for the holidays.
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BAREFOOT BUBBLY Brut Cuvée is made from California Chardonnay (Charmat Method) $10. The company produces several other styles of sparkling wines and they have been popular with many of my tasters. This Brut has residual sugar of 1.1% and is the driest of all the BAREFOOT BUBBLY wines. For other styles and degrees of sweetness, try BAREFOOT BUBBLY Pinot Grigio, BAREFOOT BUBBLY Premium Extra Dry, BAREFOOT BUBBLY Rosé Cuvée and BAREFOOT BUBBLY Moscato Spumante.
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NEW GENERATION VINTNERS AND GROWERS
NEXT GENERATION,
Passing the Torch: This session focused on the family
nature of the California wine industry. A majority of the state’s wineries are
family-owned with about half making 5,000 cases or less. Speakers were from
multigenerational wineries, such as fifth-generation winemaker Karl Wente and
sixth-generation winemaker Mike Heringer. They described learning about winegrowing
and winemaking at a young age from parents and grandparents, as well as mentoring the next
generation.
EVOLVING
CALIFORNIA WINESTYLES: This
session compared growing popular varieties in different wine regions. Winemakers
Josh Baker from Edna Valley and Sarah Cahn-Bennett looked at growing cool climate
varieties such as Riesling and Chardonnay in San Luis Obispo and Mendocino counties.
Winemakers Andrew Murray and Clay Mauritson discussed achieving balance and sense
of place with Syrah and other Rhone varieties in Santa Barbara County and Dry Creek Valley
Rockpile vineyards. And winemakers Nick de Luca and Alan Viader talked about working
with Bordeaux varieties in Santa Ynez and Napa Valley.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Growing and Winemaking
INNOVATIVE MARKETING: The focus was on the digitally
connected new generation consumer. Cane Vanderhoof uses a combination social media
and traditional marketing tools to build the fan base attending his winery’s live
music events. Judd Finkelstein uses their web site to share his popular comic videos
and ukulele concerts. A content-rich web site, promoted with emails, social media
and blogs, publicizes Cheryl Murphy Durzy’s destination winery. Nicholas Miller
makes extra effort to promote client wines with wine critic scores and news on his web
site and through emails.
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