<<

2016 Napa valley

Tasting Notes Info The 2016 Adobe Road Sauvignon Blanc, composition Napa Valley was sourced from two dis- tinct growing regions in Napa. Yount- 100% Sauvignon Blanc ville produces a Sauv Blanc with rich tropical notes, juicy texture, and hon- Napa Valley and Coombsville eysuckle aromatics. Down south in the Coombsville AVA of Napa the weather (s) is relatively cooler, producing a in Yountville and Coombsville driven by citrus tones and aromas, with a bright core of refreshing acidity. This composition bottling is a blend of both and 60% stainless steel ferment; 40% neu- completes a picture of our ideal Napa tral barrel ferment Sauvignon Blanc: tropical, citrus aromas Barrel aging lead to a rich mouthfeel featuring ripe melons and pineapple. Bright acidity 10 months from to bottle caries it through to a lingering finish that Alcohol makes you grab another sip. 14.3%

Winemaker ’s Notes Garrett Martin Sourcing two lots of Sauvignon Blanc Cases from different Napa climates was key in 180 creating a blend that had all the balance and expression we look for in the . The combination of stainless steel and neutral is further complexed by inoculating separate containers with different yeasts, teasing out more flavors and aromas as each yeast creates its own unique version of the wine. Each barrel was carefully tested and folded into the final blend creating a depth of character that is incredibly appealing.

This Sauvignon Blanc really showcases the dance between cool and warm Napa cli- mates for sauvignon Blanc. Ripe melon and tropical fruits from Yountville are supported and lifted by the fresh, juicy acidity and citrusy elements of its cool-climate counterpart in southern coombsville. The beauty is in the blend and the balance.

The 2016 proved to be a plentiful and fairly moderate growing year for Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley. This was especially relieving coming on the heels of a short 2015 vintage. In southern Napa, average temperatures were a bit lower than more northern Yount- ville, but that made for perfect conditions.

Adobe Road | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2014 bacigalupi vineyard, Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes Info Aromatics of vanilla bean, ripe orchard fruit, Varietal composition and caramel are warm and inviting. On the palate, the Chardonnay is perfectly oaky and 100% Chardonnay buttery and notes of clove, vanilla, Asian pear Appellation and banana are balanced by mild minerality and a touch of citrus on the finish. Liquid Gold Russian River Valley for sure! Vineyard(s) Bacigalupi Vineyard “Bold, rich, spicy fig and apricot fruit fills out the palate, giving this an unctuous mouthfeel, Barrel aging joined by spicy, toasty oak and ending with a 10 months full-bodied finish that echoes the and honeydew flavors.” - 90 points, Wine Spectator Alcohol 13.5%

Winemaker’s Notes Winemaker Michael Scorsone Adobe Road Chardonnay returned for the 2014 vintage after a five year hiatus and we were Cases happy to source amazing fruit from this well- 297 known Chardonnay vineyard which gained recognition during the 1976 Paris tasting when Accolades 40% of the vineyard’s fruit was used in mak- 90 points, Wine Spectator ing ’s winning wine. Our 2014 Bacigalupi Chardonnay won a number of accolades, including 90 points from Wine Spectator.

The Vintage The 2014 vintage was known for having the earliest start on record, coming on the heels of the third consecutive drought year in Sonoma County. However, there was just enough rain- fall to charge the soil with water, making the growing conditions ideal in the dry winter and warm spring, which yielded a larger than aver- age crop.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2015 chardonnay carneros sangiacomo vinyeards - south sonoma block

Tasting Notes Info “The 2015 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Varietal composition Vineyard reveals delicate scents of fresh grapefruit, white and apples 100% Chardonnay with a waft of baker’s yeast. Medium Appellation to full-bodied, the palate is laced with Sonoma Coast (Petaluma Gap) elegant stone fruit and savory toast and almond flavors, with a creamy texture Vineyard(s) and lively acid frame, finishing long. Sangiacomo Vineyard, South Block Quite closed at this youthful stage, I’ve been conservative with my judgement, Barrel composition but expect this will offer even more with 100% French oak % neutral (primary), another year or two in bottle. Drink Now 20% new to 2020.” - 90+ points, Robert Parker Barrel aging 50% , lees aged 10 months, then bottled. Winemaker’s Notes Alcohol The were hand picked whole 14% cluster at 4 a.m.and promptly delivered to the winery and then whole cluster Winemaker pressed to release the juice. Primary - Garrett Martin mentation took place in neutral French oak barrels. During aging, 20 percent Cases new oak was swapped into the mix, 204 adding richness and complexity. The Accolades wine was aged on light lees and stirred periodically for increased volume and a 92+ points, Robert Parker brioche-nutty quality.

The South Sonoma Chardonnay is always a joy to make. Coming from a scrappy-looking organic vineyard in the south of Sonoma proper, the surprise is in the nuance and rich- ness of detail in this wine. Preserving and showcasing that detail is the challenge and reward of the vineyard and this bottling.

The Vintage 2015 was a challenging vintage in both Sonoma and Napa; cool weather and less than ideal flowering conditions led to fruit set that left most vineyards lacking about 20-30% of normal production volumes. In the most affected vineyards this diminished fruit set was complicated by the fact that it was also drawn out, meaning that fruit achieved ripe- ness at different times within the same block. For the 2015 South Sonoma block, this became an advantage as we were able to pick at optimal ripeness while maintaining fresh acidity.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 Sangiacomo Vineyard, Petaluma Gap

Tasting Notes Info Aromatically, crushed ripe raspberry and dark Varietal composition cherry dominate. Red fruit, vanilla and flavors gain momentum on the palate, lifted by 100% Pinot Noir 60% Pommard, juicy acidity and supported by supple tannins. 20% 115, 20% 777 clones The broad, creamy mouthfeel lingers, echoing Appellation the core flavors. Sonoma Coast (Petaluma Gap)

“Offers a distinctive, even subtle mix of straw- Vineyard(s) berry, wild raspberry and plummy richness Sangiacomo Vineyard, Roberts that excites with its opulence and persistence. Road Drink now through 2025. - 92 points, James Laube, Wine Spectator Barrel composition 100% French oak 30% new, 70% neutral

Barrel aging Winemaker’s Notes 10 months Clones 115, 777 and Pommard were hand harvested around 3 a.m. and delivered Alcohol promptly to the winery. Each clone was pro- 14.4% cessed separately destemmed and whole berry Winemaker dumped into its own small open to fermenter. Cold soaked for two days then inoculated with Garrett Martin yeast, the clones were then folded together Cases over months of intensive blending and bottled 230 after 10 months of aging. Accolades Sangiacomo grown Pinot Noir is always an 92 points, Wine Spectator incredible expression of our hometown Peta- luma Gap. The vibrancy of fruit and ability of the three clones to compliment each other so well is a testament to the Sangiacomo’s plan- ning and farming. As is always the case with pinot, the goal is to guide the fruit into wine while retaining the expression of its place and time.

The Vintage 2016 was a fairly ideal growing season in the Petaluma Gap of Sonoma County, allowing the fog, wind and sunshine to produce opti- mally ripe fruit in a picking window that was precise but not too compact.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 Redline Sonoma / Napa - blend

Tasting Notes Info Premier Napa Valley , Zin- Varietal composition fandel, and Petite combine with lush Syrah from Sonoma to produce an impres- 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% sive yet approachable red blend encompassing , 12% Syrah, 10% the best fruit has to offer. This wine Petite Sirah, 6% Malbec. revs up with blackberry and mocha aromas Appellation (along with a nuance of anise), turning the cor- 72% Sonoma County, 28% Napa ner with velvety dark chocolate, black cherry, County baking and deep ripe fruit from palate to finish. Redline was aged in toasted French oak, Barrel composition enhancing the natural tannin of the 75% new French oak with a subtle smokiness. The balanced acidity holds up to a variety of foods such as steak, piz- Barrel aging zetta, pork belly and rich pastas. 12 months

Winemaker’s Notes Alcohol 14.8% Redline is a joy to make and is a celebration of a beloved flavor profile: dark, rich, jammy, Winemaker blue/black fruits, toasty, all with an incredible Garrett Martin depth and complexity. Redline is the art of the blend. Cases 2,000 Redline is a red wine blend that always over Accolades delivers on price point and quality. To those ends, we make each individual component 90 points, Wine Spectator of Redline to its maximum potential, fully extracting color, fruit and flavor. After each lot of component wine is finished fermenting, we begin trials to determine which lots will blend best with others to maximize expression and volume. At the end of months of careful aging and blending, the Redline blend is assembled and ready for bottling.

The Vintage 2016 was a fantastic year. All Across Sonoma and Napa Counties, a wonderful year of weather gave us all hope (and great fruit) after the less-plentiful 2015 harvest.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2013 APEX PREMIUM RED WINE BLEND

Tasting Notes Info “The 2013 Proprietary Red Apex has an opaque Appellation saturated blackish/blue color. Its dense black- berry, peppery and meaty flavors cut a broad Sonoma County swath across the palate. The wine is full, force- Varietal composition ful, pure and shows moderate tannin. This is a 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% big beefy, full-bodied red begging for a grilled Syrah, 26% , 4% Petit steak. Drink it over the next decade or more, Verdot because it’s likely to be long-lived.” - 90+ points, Robert Parker Barrel composition French oak followed by stainless steel. Winemaker’s Notes Barrel aging Apex is our pinnacle blend; our expression of the best of Sonoma County in 2013. As such, 20 months aged in new French winemaking is approached to highlight the oak barrels, blended and aged best of each variety, requiring unique tech- 10 months in stainless steel be- niques for each vineyard and grape. Ultimate- fore bottling to marry the wines ly, the blend is aimed to express each individ- together. ual grape personality clearly while forming a Alcohol harmonious whole; emphasizing edge 15.5% quality above all else. Winemaker The 2013 Apex is a creative blend that folds Garrett Martin together the best of Sonoma County. Cabernet underpins the blend with tannic framework; Cases Syrah and Grenache balance light and dark 253 fruit flavors; adds inky color and a Accolades back end length of complexity. 90+ points, Robert Parker

The Vintage 2013 was an epic year for growing. In the middle of a drought, the growing season brought perfectly warm conditions to ripen the best and most concen- trated fruit in Sonoma County for Adobe Road.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley, Bavarian Lion Vineyard

Tasting Notes Info The Bavarian Lion Vineyard Vineyard Varietal composition in Knights Valley is a special place. The vineyard’s raised elevation on one of the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon warmest eastern edges of Sonoma Coun- Appellation ty makes it perfect for growing amaz- Knights Valley ing cabernet sauvignon. A rich core of blackberry jam is surrounded by dusty, Vineyard(s) rich tannins. You’ll experience a mouth- Knights Valley, Bavarian Lion Vineyard ful of beautiful cabernet, but don’t take our word for it. “A big, expressive style, Barrel composition with layers of blackberry, red berry, lico- 100% French oak rice, anise, cedar and mocha flavors. De- Barrel aging spite the richness and power the tannins are trim on the finish.” – 92 points, James 30 months in 90% new and 10% used Laube, Wine Spectator French oak Alcohol Winemaker’s Notes 15.4% The Bavarian Lion Vineyard always Winemaker showcases vibrant blue/black fruits with Garrett Martin a tannin profile that is silky and smooth, yet firm in its youth. Knowing this about Cases the vineyard it is important to showcase 785 the fruit with tannins in proportion to Accolades the other flavor components. Choices such as fermentation temperature, pump 92 points, Wine Spectator over timing and intensity, yeast choice, 92+ points, Robert Parker cooperage and toast level, lees stirring and malolactic management all play critical roles in balancing this incredible fruit from one of the warmest and most eastern AVAs in all of Sonoma County.

The 2014 Bavarian Lion Cabernet Sauvignon has a richness and depth that was crafted by the choices from vineyard to bottle. Precision picking timing, exacting extraction, and careful aging for 30 months in 90% new French oak all contribute to this wine’s power and grace. Extra time in barrel helps mold nuanced tannins, aroma development, and greater expression of the wine’s personality.

The Vintage Riding on the heels of the legendary 2013 vintage, 2014 proved itself by being solid and steady, allowing for predictable growing season patterns and a large picking window to optimize the maturity and resulting flavor profiles of the wines.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard - Georges III

Tasting Notes Info The Beckstoffer Vineyards Georges III in Ruth- Varietal composition erford is one of the most prestigious growing regions for cabernet sauvignon in the world. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon The varying soil types paired with careful selec- Appellation tions of , clone, and row orientation Napa Valley, Rutherford sets the stage for the highest quality fruit . In the winery, it’s all about maximizing the ex- Vineyard(s) traction of juice from these amazing grapes Beckstoffer Vineyard, Georges III then patiently aging the wine in barrel for two A & F blocks full years before bottling. Barrel composition This wine exemplifies what is considered clas- 100% French oak sic Rutherford. With vanilla and tobacco on the Barrel aging nose, the rich mouthfeel is loaded with black- berry, chocolate, and savory baking spices. The 30 months in new French oak finish is long and defined with a memory of Alcohol mocha and dark berries. 14.8%

“Tames intense tannins with an overlay of Winemaker creamy, mocha-scented oak. The core is deep, Garrett Martin rich and concentrated, with dark berry, cur- rant, plum and cassis flavors. Sails along on the Cases finish, even with the tannins. Best from 2021 440 through 2034.” - 94 points, James Laube, Wine Accolades Spectator 94 points, Wine Spectator

Winemaker’s Notes Respecting the fruit and allowing its full expression is paramount. To that end, the fruit was de-stemmed and pumped to closed top tanks and then soaked, inoculated and fer- mented with peak temperatures in the high 80 degree Fahrenheit range. Gentle and extended aging in new French oak for 30 months was followed by careful bottling.

The concentration and full mouthfeel of this wine speak to the vintage conditions. The wine is fresh, vibrant, perfectly ripe in fruit and tannin. Due to the extended aging, it is well integrated with the oak profile and expressive of its place in Rutherford.

The Vintage Perfectly moderate and sunny California weather made it all possible in 2014. The vintage showed itself unique and powerful in the dark tannin structures found in the wines from Napa. The concentration of the fruit shone through at harvest, particularly in Rutherford. The picking window was large, allowing for harvest to occur at optimal ripeness.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2014 knights valley - bavarian lion vineyard

Tasting Notes Info Dark berry and violet aromas integrate well Varietal composition with the vanilla and spice notes from French oak barrel aging. The lush tannins and broad 100% Cabernet Franc mouthfeel are central highlights of this wine. Appellation The dusty tannins help structure and frame ripe Knights Valley berry components. Overall, this is Cab Franc Vineyard(s) done right. Knights Valley, Bavarian Lion “Soft aromatics dominated by red fruits and Vineyard hints of violets and petal entice you to Barrel composition move in closer. The palate is enveloped with 60% New French oak barrels luscious flavors of rich red berries balanced Barrel aging with warm oaky undertones and silky notes of caramel, espresso, and dark chocolate on the 20 months finish. Drink now through 2025.” 91 points, Alcohol Robert Parker 14.5% Winemaker Winemaker’s Notes Garrett Martin Bavarian Lion Vineyard Vineyard in Knight’s Cases Valley provides the perfect growing conditions 250 for Cabernet Franc in Northern California. The Accolades volcanic soils combined with the lower tem- peratures allow the grapes to hang on the vine 91 points, Robert Parker longer, enabling them to reach full ripeness Gold Medal, Monterey Interna- with added complexity typically not seen for tional Wine Competition this varietal in California.

Cabernet Franc winemaking is a delicate dance between harvest maturity and skin ex- traction in the winery. In the vineyard, there is a very small picking window to achieve a balance between fresh fruit flavors and mature tannins. In the winery we respect that fine balance by gently coaxing out all the color, flavor, and aromatic material without over extracting. In general this is true for all red winemaking, however Cabernet Franc is notoriously unforgiving if you get it wrong.

The Vintage Perfectly moderate and sunny California weather made it all possible in 2014. The vintage set itself apart in the fully mature skin and seed tannins found from our Knights Valley vineyard. These fully ripe tannins played a special part in the picking decision and winemaking choices for this fantastic bottling.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2015 Malbec beckstoffer vineyards

Tasting Notes Info Vanilla, violets, and ripe blueberries fill out the Varietal composition aromatics. Dark fruit flavors persist into the pal- ate; the rich mouthfeel is framed by dusty tan- 100% Malbec nins, cocoa, and juicy acidity. Richly colored Appellation and textured, this Malbec shows off the warm Napa Valley, Rutherford Rutherford soils. Intense violet and blackberry Vineyard(s) aromas leap out of the glass along with details of pencil lead and caramel. On the palate this Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard wine shows loads of dark fruit, cinnamon, va- Barrel composition nilla, and a savory edge of grilled meat and 40% new French oak barrels crushed stones. Barrel aging 24 months Winemaker’s Notes Alcohol There’s not much malbec planted in Ruther- 14.5% ford, these days. Almost everyone there has Winemaker succumbed to the popular (and profitable) Cases trend of growing cabernet sauvignon -- every- one except for Andy Beckstoffer, that is. Andy 130 lives on the Melrose Ranch and has a fierce devotion to farming small amounts of this unique variety. Luckily enough, we were able to secure some of this fantastic fruit. We are the first winery to release a 100% pure malbec from this vineyard.

Malbec is famous for poor fruit set, leaving clusters scattered with some full berries and some berries that never matured. Add that to the variable conditions in 2015 and it under- lines how careful selection and processing was paramount to the success of this wine. Malbec is thick skinned, darkly pigmented, and has a distinctive floral aromatic profile from this site in Napa. Wanting to showcase its natural beauty, we sorted the fruit vig- orously to remove any defective clusters, green “shot berries” and stems, leaving beau- tifully whole, fully ripe berries to transform into wine. The fermentation was punched down by hand and peak temperatures were kept in the mid 80’s to retain fresh fruit and floral aromas while optimizing the color and tannin extraction.

The Vintage 2015 was a bit of a departure from the previous three years. California was in its fourth consecutive year of drought and the vine- yards reflected those conditions. The vines woke up early and struggled to produce a smaller crop. Cold weather during flowering caused an uneven fruit set in Napa made matters more challenging. All of this was followed by a few early heat spikes, adding further complications. However, the vintage rewarded those who rolled with mother nature and used a combination of common sense and the best technology available to produce superior wines.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2015 beckstoffer red wine beckstoffer vineyards - georges III & Melrose

Tasting Notes Info The aromas bring dark cherry, chocolate, and Varietal composition huge ripe red fruits along with a floral outline of violets. On the palate the chocolate and 82 percent Cabernet Sauvignon: berries gain intensity while being framed by Beckstoffer Vineyards, Georges medium tannins, vanilla and detail of smoke III; 18 percent Malbec: Beckstof- and spice. Ripe black plum and rich molas- fer Melrose Vineyard ses add complexity to the ultra-smooth finish Appellation of this magical 82 percent cabernet sauvignon Napa Valley, Rutherford and 18 percent malbec blend. Vineyard(s)

The Melrose Malbec is a uniquely darker and Beckstoffer Georges III and Beck- more floral expression of Rutherford’s soils and stoffer Melrose vineyards climate. The marriage of dark fruit with red, Barrel composition floral Malbec with structured Cabernet, and 80% new French oak both wines with powerful presence made for a Barrel aging beautifully harmonized wine. 24 months Winemaker’s Notes Alcohol This Adobe Road 2014 Beckstoffer red wine 15% blend red marks our latest offering from the Winemaker famed vineyard in Napa Valley’s Rutherford Garrett Martin AVA. We sourced incredible cabernet sau- Cases vignon as always for our flagship bottling of Georges III vineyard designate in 2015. We 125 were also able to source malbec from Andy Beckstoffer’s home property on Melrose Lane in Rutherford. Both of these wines are so good -- we had to blend our favorite barrels togeth- er. The result? Pure magic and the perfect balance between power and grace.

As we approached this Beckstoffer blend we knew we had something special. Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon always delivers bright red fruits and incredible depth of char- acter. This Beckstoffer red blend comes from Cabernet grown on the famed Georges III Vineyard and Malbec from Andy Beckstoffer’s home ranch on Melrose Lane in Ruth- erford. Both Malbec and Cabernet were sorted, fermented, and aged separately to enhance their unique characteristics.

The Vintage 2015 was a bit of a departure from the previous three years. California was in its fourth consecutive year of drought and the vineyards reflected those conditions. The vines woke up early and struggled to produce a smaller crop. Cold weather during flowering caused an uneven fruit set in Napa made for a challenge. All of this was followed by a few early heat spikes, adding more challenging conditions. However, the vintage rewarded those who rolled with mother nature and used a combination of common sense and the best technology available.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2015 Zinfandel dry creek valley - famighetti vineyards

Tasting Notes Info Our 2015 Zinfandel comes from one of our fa- Varietal composition vorite spots in all of Dry Creek Valley, Famighet- ti Vineyard. Mark and Sheila Farmer, along with 100% Zinfandel their vineyard dog Elsa, farm an incredibly Appellation steep, terraced bowl of Zinfandel almost 1,000 Dry Creek Valley feet above the valley floor. A true field blend Vineyard(s) of Zinfandel, there are even a few Petite Sirah vines planted along with the Zinfandel that give Famighetti a dark richness and intensity to the wine. Barrel Barrel composition aged 18 months in a mix of new and used oak, 60 percent used French oak; 40 the wine has a dark ruby color and jammy aro- percent new French oak mas of cinnamon and allspice. This Zinfandel Barrel aging is packed full of blue and black fruits, fresh and vibrant. Cinnamon and baking spices play in 20 months the middle with a rich mouthfeel and details of Alcohol cracked black peppercorns and licorice. Ripe 15.5% raspberries and blueberries fill the palate along Winemaker with rich vanilla, all framed by silky tannins. Garrett Martin The finish lingers, adding emphasis to dark ber- ries and shades of dark chocolate. 91 points, Cases Wine Spectator 170 Accolades Winemaker’s Notes 91 points, Wine Spectator Zinfandel is always a challenge. One of the most unevenly ripening varieties, you can find the whole spectrum of ripeness on any cluster at any time: green undeveloped berries next to fresh fully ripe berries next to raisins. It’s crazy, and a fantastically rewarding wine to make. Once harvested, clusters are sorted at the winery, then fruit is destemmed and berries are sorted again, ensuring that only the best fruit makes it into the fermentation. Grapes are transferred into a closed top fermentation tank and inoculated. Fermenta- tion temperatures peak in the upper 80 degree range, promoting full extraction of flavor and color. The new wine is gently separated from skins and moved to barrels for aging.

This Zinfandel is packed full of blue and black fruits, fresh and vibrant. Cinnamon and baking spices play in the middle with a rich mouthfeel and details of cracked black peppercorns and licorice.

The Vintage 2015 was a bit of a departure from the previous three years. California was in its fourth consecutive year of drought and the vine- yards reflected those conditions. The vines woke up early and struggled to produce a smaller crop. Making matters more chal- lenging, cold weather during flowering caused an uneven fruit set, making even Zinfandel more variable which is hard to believe! All of this followed by a few early heat spikes made for challenging conditions. However, the vintage rewarded those who rolled with mother nature and used a combination of common sense and the best technology available to produce superior wines.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 chardonnay carneros sangiacomo vinyeards - south sonoma block

Tasting Notes Info “The 2016 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Varietal composition Vineyard reveals delicate scents of fresh grapefruit, white peaches and apples 100% Chardonnay with a waft of baker’s yeast. Medium Appellation to full-bodied, the palate is laced with Carneros elegant stone fruit and savory toast and Vineyard(s) almond flavors, with a creamy texture and lively acid frame, finishing long. Sangiacomo Vineyard, South Sonoma Quite closed at this youthful stage, I’ve Block been conservative with my judgement, Barrel composition but expect this will offer even more with 60 percent new French oak; 20 percent another year or two in bottle. Drink Now stainless steel; 60 percent used French to 2020.” 90+ points, Robert Parker oak Barrel aging 10 months Winemaker’s Notes 30 percent malolactic fermentation Grapes were hand harvested and trans- Alcohol ported to the winery at the coldest point 14.8% in the night before sunrise. Loaded Winemaker whole cluster into the press, juice was gently extracted and transferred to new, Garrett Martin used, and stainless steel barrels, and Cases three different yeast strains were used to 210 increase complexity and mouthfeel. At Accolades the end of primary fermentation, malo- lactic was initiated and stopped early 90+ points, Robert Parker on a barrel-by-barrel tasting basis to preserve the balance of fresh acidity with round mouthfeel. The wine was aged on fine lees and stirred to promote creamy mouth- feel and texture.

The South Sonoma Chardonnay is a joy to make each year. It may look like a scrappy little organic vineyard but always surprises with its richness and intensity of detail. I especially appreciate the nuances of clove and spice married with fully ripe pear – This is truly the signature of the vineyard!

The Vintage 2016 was a fairly predictable, evenly ripening year. In Carneros, the Chardonnay was afforded more hang time due to favorable and predictable weather. With the smaller that is set up by this organic vineyard, the pleasant weather conditions let ripen- ing occur without sunburn.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2015 grenache dry creek valley - famighetti vineyards

Tasting Notes Info The 2015 Famighetti Grenache comes from Varietal composition one of our favorite spots in all of Dry Creek Valley. Mark and Sheila Farmer, along with 100% Grenache their vineyard dog Elsa, farm a small bench- Appellation top of these grenache vines almost 1,000 feet Dry Creek Valley high above the valley floor. This Grenache is Vineyard(s) extremely expressive: aromatically, the baking spices of cinnamon and nutmeg play a key role Famighetti Vineyard along with ripe red cherries, , and Barrel composition vanilla. On the palate: kirsch flavors and fresh 20 percent new French oak; 80 acidity reinforce the spice elements, all framed percent used French oak by smooth tannins and dark fruit. Barrel aging 18 months Winemaker’s Notes Alcohol Grapes were harvested at first light in the cold 15.4% of the morning and transported directly to Winemaker the winery. After being sorted, destemmed, Garrett Martin and sorted again, the best berries were gently Cases dumped into an open top fermentation tank. Gentle pumpovers and slightly cool fermen- 100 tation temperature helped retain and accent bright fruit flavors and aromas. The wine was aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels

Making Grenache from the Famighetti Vine- yard is very much like making pinot noir. As always, getting it right in the vineyard is the first priority. From there, ensuring every step respects the gentle nuances of the fruit is paramount: gentle extraction, cooler fermentation, clean lees aging, elimination of headspace and oxygen interaction. These steps result in our Adobe Road Grenache: elegant and packed with red fruits, spices and just a hint of smoke and wild game, bringing echos of syrah.

The Vintage 2015 was a bit of a departure from the previous three years. California was in its fourth consecutive year of drought and the vineyards reflected those conditions. The vines woke up early and struggled to produce a smaller crop. Making matters more chal- lenging, cold weather during flowering caused an uneven fruit set. All of this followed by a few early heat spikes made for challenging conditions. However, the vintage rewarded those who rolled with mother nature and used a combination of common sense and the best technology available to produce superior wines.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2017 Sauvignon blanc russian river valley - knights valley paradise ridge vyD (70%) bavarian Lion VYD(30%)

Tasting Notes Info This Sauvignon Blanc comprised of fruit Varietal composition from two illustrious Russian River Val- ley growers sings with fresh citrus zest 100% Sauvignon Blanc and melon notes, backed up by a ripe mouthfeel of melon and tropical fruits. Russian River Valley and Knights Valley Finishing clean, the mineral rich acidity Vineyard(s) leaves the palate bright and refreshed. Paradise Ridge Vineyard (70 percent) Bavarian Lion Vineyard (30 percent) Winemaker’s Notes Barrel composition Our Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from 20 percent new French oak; 80 percent two distinct vineyard locations in 2017: used French oak Bavarian Lion Vineyard in Knights Valley 100 percent barrel fermented; 4 unique (30 percent), and Paradise Ridge in the yeasts Fountaingrove district of Santa Rosa (70 Barrel aging percent). Both vineyards were harvested just barely before the firestorm hit So- 7 months noma County. Paradise Ridge ultimately Alcohol burned in the fires and this Sauvignon 13.9% Blanc is likely the last from that vine- Winemaker yard for a few years. Once safely in the Garrett Martin winery, both lots were gently whole cluster pressed and fermented separately Cases utilizing a combination of yeasts and 500 cooperage types to increase complexity and mouthfeel. Racked off lees for pure flavor and mouthfeel, malolactic fermen- tation was inhibited and the new wine was aged for six months before bottling. Sauvignon Blanc winemaking is all about understanding the influence of the wine- maker’s hand on the fruit. Knights Valley brought ripe melons and straw, while Paradise Ridge gave a citrus zest with ripe grapefruit and clean finish. The winemaking goal is not to interrupt the expression of vineyard sites, but to best enhance each as they blend, age and are bottled.

The Vintage 2017 was a hugely unusual growing season in northern California. Late rains meant soggy vineyard conditions into the beginning of the growing season which increased mold and mildew pressure. Early temperate conditions gave way to heat spikes in June and July which threatened sunburn for many vineyards. Then October saw devastating wildfires ravage many of our vineyard and winery friends. In spite of the challenges, we move forward to craft incredible wines, utilizing the best time-tested practices coupled with technology and intuition.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2015 cabernet sauvignon dry creek valley - blue dog vineyards

Tasting Notes Info Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate Varietal composition covered cherries lead to a creamy mouthfeel with complex flavors of ripe blackberries, mo- 100 percent cabernet sauvignon cha, and super-dark chocolate. Medium-level Appellation smooth tannins balance the richness and add a Dry Creek Valley detail of savory cacao nib. Vineyard(s)

Blue Dog Vineyards Barrel composition Winemaker’s Notes 100 percent new French oak Dry Creek Valley is most famous for its Zin- Barrel aging fandels, but it is incredible Cabernet country 30 months too. With a small crop and hot weather the Alcohol picking window needed to be precise to capture the balance of freshness and ripeness. 15% Grapes were harvested early in the cold of the Winemaker morning, transported to the winery and sorted Garrett Martin to ensure only the best berries made it into Cases the tank. A warm fermentation with ample oxygen and pumping over extracted beauti- 98 ful color, flavor, and aroma compounds from the skins. The wine was barrel aged in new French oak to enhance varietal aromas and flavors.

The Vintage 2015 was a bit of a departure from the previ- ous three years. California was in its fourth consecutive year of drought and the vineyards reflected those increasingly stressful condi- tions. The vines woke up early and struggled to produce a smaller crop. Making matters more challenging, cold weather during flower- ing caused an uneven fruit set. All of this followed by a few early heat spikes made for challenging conditions. However, the vintage rewarded those who rolled with mother nature and used a combination of common sense and the best technology available to produce superior wines.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 chardonnay Carneros sangiacomo vineyards - kiser ranch

Tasting Notes Info At the intersection of Highway 12 and Varietal composition Arnold Drive in Sonoma is Kiser Ranch, farmed by the Sangiacomo family. Their 100% Chardonnay, Old Wente Clone attention to detail really makes the Appellation Old Wente clone sing in this vineyard. Sonoma Carneros Famous for “hens and chicks” (large and Vineyard(s) small berries on the same cluster), the Old Wente clone is packed with flavor Sangiacomo Vineyards - Kiser Ranch and retains a fresh acidity into full ripe- Barrel composition ness. During winemaking the goal is to 80% Neutral French oak respect the vineyard nuances while de- 20% New French oak livering a full-bodied, textural, aromatic Barrel aging Chardonnay experience. Ripe apple and pear explode on the nose! The creamy 10 months aged texture is framed by a juicy acidity and Alcohol lingering finish of baking spices. This 14.8% is a rich, fruit-driven Chardonnay that Winemaker showcases an amazing site within the Garrett Martin Carneros region of Sonoma! Cases 180 Winemaker’s Notes Clusters were hand harvested at night and cold pressed at the winery. Fermentation initiated in barrels utilizing a variety of yeasts for increased complexity and mouthfeel. Post-fermentation malolactic conversion was carried out in part, and stopped when acid became balanced with richness. Light lees were stirred for the first four months. Then the barrels were blended and bottled at 10 months.

The Old Wente clone of chardonnay is known for its “hens and chicks” berries; tiny ber- ries (chicks) next to larger ones (hens) on the same cluster. This characteristic creates nu- ances in the wine through skin extraction and variability in flavor due to berry size and maturity. On the nose this Chardonnay is intense with ripe melon, vanilla, butterscotch and almond paste. Honeysuckle, grilled pineapple, and golden delicious apple flavors unfold beautifully on the palate with a lingering finish of brioche.

The Vintage 2016 was a beautiful, evenly ripening year. In Carneros at the Sangiacomo Kiser Ranch, the Chardonnay was afforded more hang time due to favorable weather. This lead to increased maturity in the old Wente clone clusters, resulting in a wine with more aroma and flavor.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 pinot noir green valley of the russian river valley Big Pig Vineyard

Tasting Notes Info The pinot noir grape really sings in this Varietal composition wine. We blended Pommard and Calera clones from the vineyard to make this 100% Pinot Noir fantastic Russian River offering. Bright, Appellation fresh raspberry and cherry pie flavors Green Valley of the Russian River Valley play a central role with a vanilla and Vineyard(s) tobacco finish backing it up. Aged for one year in neutral oak barrels, this pinot Big Pig Vineyard is mouthwateringly juicy and ready to Barrel composition enjoy! 100% neutral French oak Barrel aging Winemaker’s Notes 10 months aged Clusters were hand harvested and imme- Alcohol diately destemmed at the winery. Berries 14.1% were gently transferred to an open top Winemaker fermentation tank and cold soaked to Garrett Martin increase aromatic potential. Fermenta- tion was managed at cool temperatures Cases to enhance and retain fruit flavors and 200 the resulting wine was aged in neutral French oak barrels for 10 months.

The winemaking goal with this vineyard is the clear expression of its site. Being a unique, low-lying pocket of the Russian River Valley, the extended hang time and cool conditions shine through with dark color, vanilla cream and tobacco aro- matics. On the palate the fruit intensity sings with ripe raspberry, dark red cherry, and cinnamon. Finishing long with a juicy acidity this wine brings you back for another sip!

The Vintage 2016 was a beautiful, evenly ripening year. In the cool Green Valley of the Russian River Valley the fog afforded increased hang time and flavor develop- ment.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley, Bavarian Lion Vineyard

Tasting Notes Info As Robert Parker noted, this is “serious Varietal composition Cabernet Sauvignon.” Dark color, aro- matically alive with a powerful and full 100 percent cabernet sauvignon mouthfeel, add up to classic cabernet Appellation from a spectacular vintage. This spe- Knights Valley cial shipment of the 2013 is especially Vineyard(s) exciting as the wine is gaining further complexity as it develops in the bottle. Bavarian Lion Vineyard The core aromas and flavors of dark Barrel composition berries, vanilla and toasted oak are 90 percent new French oak present and now complemented with 10 percent neutral French oak extra layers of tobacco and earth. The Barrel aging tannins are rounded and melt in your mouth like dark chocolate. This wine 28 months has gained more nuance, complexity Alcohol and depth with age. 14.5 percent Winemaker’s Notes Winemaker With fully ripe and mature cabernet Garrett Martin sauvignon, it is especially important Cases to balance fresh fruit and acidity with 350 richness and tannins. The picking de- Accolades cision is critically important to capture 90 points, Robert Parker the grapes at their peak of balance. At the winery, we shepherd the grapes with careful berry sorting, fermen- tation temperature regulation and vigilance for tannin extraction, while the wine is fermenting on skins. Long barrel aging adds complexity, softens tannins and molds mouthfeel.

The Vintage 2013 was one of the classic California . Warm and dry, the long growing season and plentiful sunshine allowed full maturity in the clusters at Bavarian Lion Vineyard in Knights Valley, one of the easternmost Sonoma County appellations.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2017 Petaluma Gap, Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile

Tasting Notes Info This year’s rosé blend focuses on Gre- Varietal composition nache and Pinot Noir (a combined 55%). For that reason, beautiful aromas of fresh 30 percent Pinot Noir: flowers and strawberries and cream leap 15% Griffins Lair and 15% Sangiacomo, from the glass. Layers of tropical fruits Roberts Road along with ripe peaches and nectar- 25 percent Grenache, Famighetti Vineyard ines unfold on the palate, and the broad 20 percent Syrah: mouthfeel gives way to a refreshingly 12% Fedrick Ranch and 8% Famighetti juicy finish. Vineyard 15 percent Zinfandel, Famighetti 10 percent Petite Sirah: Rockpile, Bran- ham Vineyard Winemaker’s Notes Appellations Rosé winemaking and blending is a spe- Petaluma Gap, Dry Creek Valley and cial art that starts at the beginning of the Rockpile process of making red wine. As red lots Vineyard(s) are destemmed and moved into fermen- tation vessels, a small portion of juice is Paradise Ridge Vineyard (70 percent); drawn from the tank which already has Bavarian Lion Vineyard (30 percent) a bit of color from its short contact time Barrel composition with the red skins. Each micro-lot is then 70 neutral French oak barrels; 30 per- fermented separately using unique yeasts cent stainless steel barrels and barrel types which add complexity to the final blend. After fermentation is 7 unique yeasts over, lot-by-lot assessments are made Barrel aging for color, aroma, and flavor, and trial 6 months blends are assembled. Over the next Alcohol few months, the best rosé micro-lots are carefully folded together to create a 13.9% harmonious single bottling. Winemaker Garrett Martin The Vintage Cases 180 2017 was a hugely unusual growing season in northern California. Late rains meant soggy vineyard conditions into the beginning of the growing season. Early temperate conditions gave way to heat spikes which threatened sun- burn for many vineyards. October saw devastating wildfires ravage many of our vineyard and winery friends. In spite of the challenges, we move forward to craft incredible wines, utilizing the best time- tested practices coupled with technology and intuition.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 grenache dry creek valley - famighetti vineyards

Tasting Notes Info Cherry, and rhubarb pie (with a Varietal composition warm graham cracker crust) come to mind when smelling and tasting this wine. Fresh 100 percent Grenache honeysuckle and violet floral aromas build Appellation with time in the glass (if you can wait that long), Dry Creek Valley and a savory, spicy character begins to harmo- Vineyard(s) nize with the fruit. The mouthfeel is broad and supported by supple, smooth tannins. Fruit and Famighetti Vineyards spice linger on the long finish. Barrel composition 80 percent neutral French oak; 20 percent new French oak Winemaker’s Notes Barrel aging The winemaker’s job is to produce a Grenache 18 months that best represents the fresh fruit in the vine- yard. The clusters were carefully destemmed Alcohol and gently dumped into an open top tank. 14.8% Yeast was added and the fermentation was Winemaker temperature controlled to ensure maximum Garrett Martin fruit expression with balanced acid and tannin structure. The wine was aged on fine lees in Cases mostly used French oak with a tiny portion of 200 new wood.

The Vintage 2016 was a beautiful, evenly ripening year. In Dry Creek at the Famighetti Vineyard, the Grenache was afforded more hang time due to favorable weather. This lead to increased ma- turity in the enormous clusters, resulting in a wine with more aroma, color and flavor. The fresh Grenache fruit, more than almost any other variety for me, shows aromas and flavors extremely similar to the finished wine.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 pinot noir

Tasting Notes Info “The 2016 Pinot Noir is pale to medium ruby-purple colored and gives up won- Varietal composition derfully spicy notions of Chinese five 100% Pinot Noir, clones 777 and 828 spice and Sichuan pepper with a core of baked cherries and black raspberries App: plus a waft of violets. Medium to full- Sonoma Mountain bodied with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, it fills barrel composition the mouth with spiced red berry layers 40% New French oak, 60% Neutral and finishes with great persistence. 400 French oak cases produced.” 92+ points Barrel aging Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 20 months

Alcohol Winemaker’s Notes 14.8% Sonoma Mountain AVA is uniquely Winemaker situated to grow fantastic Pinot Noir, Garrett Martin being on the hillside less than one mile Cases away from the Petaluma Gap. The elevation, slope, and wind influence all 400 work together to form intense, complex flavors in the grape. From there, gentle handling and patience help uncover the wine’s potential.

The Vintage The 2016 vintage was an evenly ripen- ing year without many extreme weather events on Sonoma Mountain. After the tiny yields from the 2015 vintage, more normal crop size and harvest timing were welcomed in 2016.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 The 24 Sonoma county red blend

Tasting Notes Info This blend features a healthy dose of Varietal composition fresh, fruity Grenache mixed with an almost equal portion of darker, spicier 35% Grenache Mourvedre. Syrah holds the backbone 33% Mourvedre of smooth tannin and velvety mouthfeel. 24% Syrah But here’s the secret: 9% Malbec makes 9% Malbec the whole thing burst with intensity! Appellation Sonoma County Barrel composition Winemaker’s Notes 80% Neutral French oak 20% New French oak Making a Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend is a very flexible style, meaning Barrel aging that the range of flavors and textures 22 months available to play with is extremely wide Alcohol while remaining within those commonly 14 percent used varieties. As always, the goal is to weave together an expression of Sonoma Winemaker County, while being uniquely Adobe Garrett Martin Road, and always pushing the envelope! Cases 1130 Accolades The Vintage 91+ Robert Parker Barrel Sample Across Sonoma County, 2016 was mostly an evenly ripening year with a more normal crop size across the board. It was a very welcome change from the previous vintage’s decreased yields and comparatively warmer weather.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 SHIFT sonoma county red blend

Tasting Notes Info Plush and dark Zinfandel, matched with fruity Varietal composition , lay down a base of balanced flavor and texture. Grenache adds a punch to the flo- 35% Zinfandel ral details with a spicy twist. Petite Sirah lends 30% Barbera depth, color, and smooth tannin. Carignane 13% Grenache brings an element of wild blueberry and ci- 12% Petite Sirah gar. All the components of this blend are very 10% Carignane unique on their own and, together in these pro- Appellation portions, create an amazing harmony. It’s like a Sonoma County party in your mouth! Barrel composition 35% New French oak 65% Used French oak Winemaker’s Notes Shift is all about pushing limits and breaking Barrel aging the rules of traditional blending. Who blends 22 months Zinfandel with Barbera? We do. And we don’t stop there -- we make the wine pop with Alcohol bursts of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Cari- 14.5 percent gnane. Carefully crafted and calculated, Shift is custom designed to impress! Winemaker Garrett Martin

Cases The Vintage 1900 Across Sonoma County, 2016 was mostly an evenly ripening year with a more normal crop Accolades size across the board. It was a very welcome 93+ Robert Parker Barrel Sample change from the previous vintage’s decreased yields and comparatively warmer weather.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com 2016 APEX Premium sonoma county red blend

Tasting Notes Info Apex is our pinnacle of Cabernet-based Varietal composition blending. Dark, rich, and smooth in texture, the aromatics are fresh blueber- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, Blue ries, roasted , anise, and caramel. Dog Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley Integrated tannins frame a core of ripe 23% Syrah, Famighetti Vineyards, dark berries and cocoa. Dry Creek Valle 22% , Sangiacomo Vine- yards, Carneros 5% Petite Sirah, Branham Vine- yard, Rockpile Winemaker’s Notes Appellation Sonoma County is incredible Cabernet Sonoma County country, so using it as an anchor in a Barrel composition blend is exciting. Blue Dog Cabernet 85% New French oak is the base for this wine at 50% and its 15% Neutral French oak location in Dry Creek Valley makes for fully ripe, rounded texture. Famighetti Barrel aging Vineyards’ Syrah, from up above the 22 months valley floor, lends aromatic complexity Alcohol and rich mouthfeel while the addition 14.9 percent of Merlot, from further south in Carne- ros, helps reinforce a red-fruit balance Winemaker of juicy acidity. The final element we Garrett Martin needed to fill in some deeper notes of Cases flavor and color was an inky drop of 440 Petite Sirah from Rockpile vineyard in far northern Sonoma County!

The Vintage Across Sonoma County, 2016 was mostly an evenly ripening year with a more normal crop size across the board. It was a very welcome change from the previous vintage’s decreased yields and compara- tively warmer weather.

Adobe Road Winery | 1995 S. McDowell Blvd. | Petaluma, CA 94954 | 707.939.7967 [email protected] | www.adoberoadwines.com