Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Philosophy With attractive aromas of black fruit and spice, this smooth, ready-to-drink Cabernet Sauvignon is made in Paso Robles with the same care as the highest quality, traditionally crafted Bordeaux styled wines. Our grapes are hand-picked and sorted by-the-berry for consistent quality and flavor. JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon then spends thirteen months in traditional small oak barrels to impart depth and complexity, highlighting the exceptional balance of flavors and textures that the unique climate and soils of Paso Robles add to the classic Cabernet character in this exceptional wine. Vintage Notes The 2018 vintage started with a cool winter with only 60% of normal precipitation, most of it occurring from late February through March. Bud break began in mid to late March. May and June alternated between warm and cool temperatures during flowering, including a few windy days that naturally reduced our yields a bit. The warm weather began in June and it was hot from mid-June through the end of July with veraison starting in the last week of July. High heat continued until mid-August causing the vines to shut down slightly, delaying ripeness and maturity, but a cooling trend later in August got things back on track. The characteristic Paso warm days and cold nights in September with the help of our calcareous soils retained natural acidity in the fruit while we waited for full ripeness and maturity. The rains stayed away through October allowing us to harvest only as perfect balance of flavor and structure developed in each block of our cabernet grapes through the second week of November. -
The Basics of Oak Barrels and Oak Additives
The Basics of Oak Barrels and Oak Additives Presented By: Daniel Brick 231-642-1112 [email protected] Objective To provide the basic and simple information about the selection of oak barrels and oak additives in order to develop an oak program that enhances your wine style and budget. Oak Species Over 250 different oak species throughout the world Over 60 different oak species in the United States Three species used for barrels (wine & spirits) Quercus Alba / American Oak Quercus Petrae / French – Eastern European Quercus Robur / French – Eastern European Predominately used for spirits Very wide grain High tannins / low aromatics Basic Difference Between American and French / Eastern European Oak American Oak has greater levels of whiskey lactones Very high aromatics Very sweet, coconut flavor Bold and aggressive flavors French and Eastern European Oak has two to three times more tannin Wider range of flavors Softer, more elegant American Oak Primary Growing Regions: Missouri Oak Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, W. Kentucky Very sweet, coconut, cloves Bold and aggressive Widest grain of American Oak Used for bourbon Minnesota Oak Minnesota, Wisconsin, N. Iowa, Michigan Tightest grain of American Oak Closest to the French, respectful of the fruit Appalachian Oak Pennsylvania, Virginia, W. Virginia Spice characteristic, pepper, clove Eastern European Oak Similar to French Oak, just different terroir Forests not managed (mixed Petrae and Robur) Grain width critical Aging time depends on grain French Oak Forest Designation: Allier, Troncais, Never, Vosges, Limousin Oak Forests Grain Width vs. Forest: Medium Grain, 3.5 – 2.5 mm, <12 mo. Semi-Fine Grain, 3.0 – 2.0 mm, 8-14 mo. -
Structure in Wine Steiia Thiast
Structure in Wine steiia thiAst What is Structure? • So what is this thing, structure? It*s the sense you have that the wine has a well-established form,I think ofit as the architecture ofthe wine. A wine with a great structure will often remind me ofthe outlines of a cathedral, or the veins in a leaf...it supports, and balances the fiuit characteristics ofthe wine. The French often describe structure as the skeleton ofthe wine, as opposed to its flavor which they describe as the flesh. • Where does structure come firom? In white wines, it usually comes from alcohol or acidity; in red wines, it comes from a combination of acidity and tannin, a component in the grapes' skins and seeds. Thus, wines with a lot of tannin (like cabernet) also have a lot of structure. Beaujolais is made from gamay which does not have much tannin. As a result, Beaujolais can lack structure; it feels soft, flat or simple in the mouth (though its flavors can certainly still be attractive). • While structure is hard to articulate, you can easily taste or sense it —^and the lack of it. • Understanding structure is critical to understanding any ofthe ''powerful" red varieties: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, nebbiolo, tempranillo, and malbec, to name a few. I just don't think you can understand these wines unless you understand structure, and how it frames and focuses the powerful rush of fruit. It adds freshness, and a "lightness" to the density ofripe fiuit. Structure matters when pairing wine and food. Foods with a lot of structure themselves— like a meaty, thick steak-need wines with commensurate structure (like cabernet), or the food experience can dwarfthe wine experience. -
No Oak CHARDONNAY 2017 Central Coast
No Oak CHARDONNAY 2017 Central Coast WINEMAKER NOTES The No Oak Chardonnay is a classic representation of a cool climate Chardonnay. This wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, showcasing the true nature of the varietal. The cool climate shines in this wine’s tension and bright acidity. Malolactic conversion was not encouraged to preserve the freshness, while time on the lees built up the mouthfeel and mid-palate. The long finish is a true testament of its quality and persistence. The beauty of this wine is that it serves many purposes: its backbone of acidity makes for a delicious accompaniment with food and its refreshing personality is perfect to be enjoyed on a warm California day. Anytime is the right tine to drink a wine this attractive and tasty. ABOUT THE VINEYARD The Central Coast of California and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean offers the ideal climate for Chardonnay and is famed as a premier region for quality Chardonnay. The Central Coast vineyards receive a moderating influence from the misty marine layer and refreshing sea breeze. With the cool climate, the Chardonnay grapes experience a long hang time on the vine to achieve optimal ripeness, while maintaining a crisp acidity and fresh aromas. The coastal climate gives rise to a sophisticated and elegant wine with lower alcohol. Color Straw with a touch of a green hue On the Nose Candied apple rings, dried mango, ripe honeydew melon, vanilla blossom and salinity On the Palate Bright acidity start to finish, fresh white peach, Granny Smith apple, wet ABOUT TOLOSA stone minerality and showcasing a rich mid-palate At Tolosa, we are true believers in the special terroir that is Edna Valley, nestled amongst the Blend Chardonnay northwest to southeast running volcanic hills of San Luis Obispo County and the frontier Fermentation Stainless steel tanks for the most complex cool-climate varietals in California. -
Tasting Notes
TASTING NOTES 2019 DRY RIESLING Crisp, refreshing, and bright this wine offers enticing Varietal: 100% Riesling minerality. Pleasantly dry with lively flavors of Mandarin Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley peel, green apple, and lemon backed by zesty acidity. The Estate Vineyard: 100% Main Ranch finish is long, mouthwatering and delightfully tart. Harvest: August 30–September 17 94 POINTS (v. 2018) Residual Sugar: 4.6 grams/L (Dry) Wine Enthusiast June 2020 Alcohol: 12.0% 2018 CHARDONNAY Aromas of lemon and lime are complemented by a touch of Varietal: 100% Chardonnay apple blossom and white peach. Subtle notes of toasted oak Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley frame the palate which features more citrus flavors and hints Estate Vineyard: 100% Main Ranch of apple and pear. Harvest: August 17–October 1 Oak: 9 months, 13% new 93 POINTS Barrel Fermentation: 61% Wine Enthusiast June 2020 Malolactic Fermentation: 4% Alcohol: 13.3% 2018 MERLOT Aromas of ripe raspberry and plum are layered with earthy Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon spices of black pepper and tea leaves. Concentrated red fruit Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley flavors are fresh and bright on the palate leading to expansive Estate Vineyard: 100% Main Ranch notes of spice and forest floor. The finish is well-rounded with Harvest: September 17–October 23 balanced tannins and graceful acidity. Oak: 18 months, 37% new Alcohol: 14.1% 90 POINTS (v. 2017) Wine Enthusiast April 2020 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Ripe, focused flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and Varietal: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, blackcurrant are complemented by soft notes of cedar, bay 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot leaf, and a savory earthiness. -
And Cabernet Franc Is the Star
CAN WE BE FRANC? THE HUDSON VALLEY PREPARES FOR ITS CLOSE-UP —AND CABERNET FRANC IS THE STAR. Amy Zavatto he verdant, hilly climes of the Hudson Valley are known and praised for many things. The beauty of its rolling, roiling namesake river; its famed mid-nineteenth century naturalist art movement; its acres of multi-generational fruit orchards and dairy farms; T and, lately, as the celebrated place of culinary inspiration for chefs like Dan Barber and Zak Palaccio. But while these lands, just ninety minutes shy of New York City’s northern border, can claim the country’s oldest, continually operating vineyards and oldest declared winery, the cult of wine has yet to become the calling card of the region’s lore and allure. That might be about to change. 4 HUDSON VALLEY WINE • Summer 2016 Cabernet Franc, that beautiful, black French grape variety well known for its role in both legendary Right Bank Bordeaux and Loire Valley wines, is proving to be oh-so much more than a liquidy lark here. Not only does the grape seem well at home in the Hudson Valley’s cool-climate terroir, but collective work done between the area’s grape growers, winemakers, and Cornell University have tamed many of the conundrums that once plagued producers who yearned for success with vinifera. Now, with a force borne of a few decades of trial, error, and recent promising success, Hudson Valley vintners are ready (and more than able) to stick a flag in the ground for Franc. DIGGING DOWN “I’m of Dutch-German descent; I’m not big on failure,” laughs a region express itself with the kind of purity that wins critical Doug Glorie, who with his wife and partner, MaryEllen, opened acknowledgment. -
2018 Napa Valley Estate Oak Free Chardonnay
2018 Napa Valley Estate Oak Free Chardonnay St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery is a 100% Estate Grown, sustainably farmed winery lo- cated in the renowned Rutherford growing region in the heart of Napa Valley. Committed to pro- ducing the highest quality estate wines without compromise, we focus on sustainable winery and farming operations to protect the land and environment for future generations. Our Napa Valley Estate collection includes Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Free Chardonnay, Rosé and Moscato. These wines are balanced and showcase bright, fruit-forward flavors. Winemaker’s Notes In the glass, the wine presents a bright, light-yellow straw color with hints of green. Rich tropical aromas combine with apricot, peach and a hint of kiwi. Apricot continues through the palate with ripe nectarine and mandarin orange flavors that are highlighted by lemon zest on the finish, creating a balanced and crisp Chardonnay. Vintage 2018 The 2018 growing season started with a relatively mild winter and spring. There was decent rain in early and mid-January, almost none in February, and a fair amount in March and April which filled our lakes and kicked off the growing season. July was warm and August saw markedly cooler temperatures absent of heat spikes, followed by ideal weather in September and October. There was a little rain in early October, but warm weather and dry breezes followed, allowing the grapes to hang on the vines longer and further develop their flavors. Harvest continued through November because of the ideal weather enabling the fruit to stay on the vine with no pressure from Mother Nature. -
Loire Valley
PREVIEWCOPY Introduction Previewing this guidebook? If you are previewing this guidebook in advance of purchase, please check out our enhanced preview, which will give you a deeper look at this guidebook. Wine guides for the ultra curious, Approach Guides take an in-depth look at a wine region’s grapes, appellations and vintages to help you discover wines that meet your preferences. The Loire Valley — featuring a compelling line-up of distinctive grape varieties, high quality winemaking and large production volumes — is home to some of France’s most impressive wines. Nevertheless, it remains largely overlooked by the international wine drinking public. This makes the region a treasure trove of exceptional values, just waiting to be discovered. What’s in this guidebook • Grape varieties. We describe the Loire’s primary red and white grape varieties and where they reach their highest expressions. • Vintage ratings. We offer a straightforward vintage ratings table, which affords high-level insight into the best and most challenging years for wine production. • A Loire Valley wine label. We explain what to look for on a Loire Valley wine label and what it tells you about what’s in the bottle. • Map and appellation profiles. Leveraging our map of the region, we provide detailed pro- files of appellations from all five of the Loire’s sub-regions (running from west to east): Pays Nantais, Anjou, Saumur, Touraine and Central Vineyards. For each appellation, we describe the prevailing terroir, the types of wine produced and what makes them distinctive. • A distinctive approach. This guidebook’s approach is unique: rather than tell you what specific bottle of wine to order by providing individual bottle reviews, it gives the information you need to make informed wine choices on any list. -
2018 Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Merlot
2018 Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Merlot Vineyard Notes: The Silenus Merlot is a blend of Merlot from the Materra Vineyard and the Silenus Estate Vineyard both located in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. The OKD is one of the most diverse growing regions in the Napa Valley. The close proximity to the San Pablo Bay provides the fruit with warm days and cool nights. It has a perfect convergence of growing conditions, the mildest climate in the Napa Valley, alluvial fan soils that provide the right balance of nutrients and stress, and the longest growing season, about 8 months, that results in full and complex flavor development in the grapes. The Materra vineyard enjoys especially cool evenings due to its proximity to Napa River and the San Pablo Bay, which is critical for growing rich and complex Merlot. The final blend is completed with Cabernet Sauvignon from our estate vineyard in Oak Knoll District in Napa Valley. Tasting Notes: Bright aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam and oak grace the nose. Dense and lush red fruit flavors of black raspberry and plum are followed by dark chocolate on the mid-palate. The finish is very long and silky with reverberating flavors of black cherry and toasted vanilla. This Merlot is wonderfully balanced with fruit, acidity, and oak all contributing to a classy and delicious wine. Blend: 92.05% Merlot: Materra Vineyard, Oak Knoll 7.95% Cabernet Sauvignon: Estate Vineyards, Oak Knoll All of the wine was aged in 40% new French oak, 10% new American oak (both medium plus and heavy toast), and 50% neutral barrels for 26 months. -
Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2010 “Pull” AWARDS Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot GOLD 92pts It is amazing how two varietals with very distinct personalities can be Los Angeles International blended to produce such a harmonious and beautifully balanced wine. Wine and Spirits Competition GOLD While each variety has the remarkable ability to stand alone, the great San Francisco Chronicle French producers have shown what can result when the best of both Wine Competition GOLD worlds are combined. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot account for Denver over 60% of the plantings on our estate vineyard in Paso Robles with Wine Competition the number of blocks at 12 separate areas, and terroirs. SILVER US National Wine Competition The wide range of plantings provides many alternative characters for SILVER San Francisco blending wines with distinct characteristics. The Cabernet Sauvignon International Wine Competition component is from one of the earlier picked blocks and has shown to SILVER Houston offer sweet ripe fruit but with much softer tannin structure - perfect for Wine Competition blending. The Merlot portion was selected from a similarly earlier SILVER San Francisco Chronicle picked block and was described, at selection, as having “wonderful Wine Competition primary fruit characters with exceptional mid palate weight”. SILVER California State Fair Wine Competition Cabernet Sauvignon is often described as lacking in the middle palate, requiring something to help flesh it out. The blending of Merlot completes that task but certainly adds its own unique characteristics. The result can be very rewarding and this wine shows that blended Varietal mix: Cabernet Sauvignon 50% reds certainly have a place in the market. -
Innovation Using Oak and Oxygenation for Winemaking
Table of Contents I. Introduction a. Exploring new paths to crafting quality wines ...........3 e. Color deficienies .......................................42 b. Benefits of using toasted oak and oxygenation ...........4 f. Acetaldehyde ............................................42 c. Production scale experiments support our claims .......5 g. Microbial spoilage/volatile acidity .............42 h. Brettanomyces ..........................................43 II. StaVin products i. Stuck fermentations ..................................43 a. Not all toasted oak is created equal ...........................7 j. Short time frame ......................................43 b. StaVin oak infusion systems ...................................... 8 c. Sensory evaluation of StaVin oak flavor and VII. Pre-bottling adjustments aroma attributes ..................................................... 11 a. Micro-oxygenation freshen-up ..................45 III. Pre-harvest preparations b. Oak and finishing tannins .........................45 a. It all begins in the vineyard ..................................... 15 VIII. Award-winning protocols by varietal ........47 b. Tank preparation .................................................... 16 c. The OxBox ............................................................ 17 IX. Chemistry d. Establishing a method for lees stirring ..................... 19 a. Basic building blocks of color and e. Setting up the snake stirring system ........................ 20 condensed tannins in wine ........................49 b. Polyphenols -
January 2019 Loire Valley Wines for Mark
GrapevineJanuary 2019 Price Chopper Plaza 1355 New Road Slingerlands, NY Price Chopper Plaza 1355 New Scotland Road Slingerlands, NY 12159 518.439.5535 [email protected] A Closer Look at Wines from the Loire Valley Called the cradle of France, and stone and half-timber the Loire Valley is the fourth homes, behind which, high largest region and sits in the on a plateau, sits the Château center of northern France, de Chinon. Chinon is known southwest of Paris. A mix of for growing exceptional chateaux, rivers, gardens, Cabernet Franc. With vineyards, fine cuisine and trademark herbal and bell exceptional wine, the grapes pepper flavors, it is dry and grown there are as different light, possessing intense as the four seasons. As is character. The cool climate so throughout Europe, wines grape tolerates temperature swings, often to excellent are named for the regions Vineyards at Domaine Martin in Sancerre from which they come, not results. Grapes for the 2016 the grapes. Let’s look at a France in Muscadet, the in tank. As Wine Spectator Charles Joguet Chinon few stellar varietals. sand and clay soils sit atop put it, it is “pure and Cuvèe Terroir come from layers of schist and granite, chiseled, with a sleek flint, the left bank of the Vienne While Chenin Blanc is grown kissing the grapes with gooseberry and fleur de sel River. The herbal flavors throughout the world, from oceanic elements. The profile.” If you’re a Sauvignon are tempered by black fruit, South Africa to California, grape grown in Muscadet is Blanc fan — and even if making it versatile and the Loire Valley has been Melon de Bourgogne, and it you’re not — this exemplifies food-friendly.