Tag Archives: Collectors

October Collector’s Club

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Collectors Wine ClubOrin_Swift_Mercury_Head_bottleOrin Swift
Mercury Head
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The opaque core of the 2023 Mercury Head flashes with a neon crimson rim. Mesmerizing in the glass, the wine opens with notes of blackcurrant, Amarena cherry, California chaparral and an elegant kiss of oak. The palate is effusive with hints of ripe blue fruits, blood orange, dark chocolate and rhubarb, rich and layered as the wine continues to open. Fully integrated tannins are paired with an elegant and nuanced close of blackberry preserves and licorice.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 15.5% alcohol / volume
Maturation: Aged 13 months in French Oak, 52% New

WINEMAKING NOTES:
An assembly of the finest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon lots from the 2023 vintage, Mercury Head brings pure expression of the single varietal, nothing else blended in. Already proclaimed as one of the best vintages in Napa Valley history, 2023 not only produced fruit of the highest quality, but lots of it. A long, cool growing season allowed flavors to develop without any pressure to pick prematurely. Sourced from the Stagecoach, Morisoli, Indian Joe and Warnock vineyards, the 2023 Mercury Head is one to hold onto for decades.

Bold wine Style logoOrin_Swift_Papillon_bottleOrin Swift
Papillon
2022 Napa County Red Wine
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Pouring an opaque crimson core with a brooding cardinal rim, the 2022 Papillon opens with aromatic notes of ripe cassis, blackberry, coastal chaparral, cedar box and allspice. On entry, the palate continues many of the same notes from the nose—cassis, pluot, blueberry, boysenberry, shaved fennel bulb and a touch of earth. A round, weighty mid-palate effortlessly gives way to dusty, coating tannins—a pleasing texture—and finishing hints of barbecue tri-tip, Madagascar vanilla and toffee.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot & Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Analysis: 15.4% alcohol / volume
Maturation: Aged 13 months in French oak, 40% New

WINEMAKING NOTES:
A wine of juxtapositions, Papillon’s Napa Valley Bordeaux blend is comprised of all five varietals. French for ‘butterfly’, Papillon elicits an amalgamation of emotional responses; a delicate butterfly and the weathered hands of a farmer; a boisterous wine that also has an elegant side. Sourced from across Napa, much of the wine is made from the Stagecoach Vineyard with a small portion of fruit coming from just over the county line at the Monte Rosso Vineyard. Together, each varietal lends its own strengths and personalities to produce a blend hardly seen anymore today.

Our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman, photographed the label. – Dave Phinney

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Established in 1998 by Dave Phinney, the name comes from Dave’s father’s middle name, Orin, and his mother’s maiden name, Swift. Though Dave grew up in California, it was in Italy where his obsession began. In 1995, what was originally billed as a semester studying abroad, turned into an immersion on all aspects of wine. By 1997, Dave was all in and landed his winery job at Robert Mondavi as a temporary harvest worker. He learned a lot, including that he wanted to make his own wine. The next year, with two tons of zinfandel and not much else, Orin Swift Cellars was born. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Orin Swift – All Rights Reserved.

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July Collector’s Club

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Collectors Wine Clubwine bottle Round Pond 2021 Louis bovet Round Pond Estate Winery
2021 Louis Bovet
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This striking Cabernet opens with concentrated aromatics featuring black cherry notes, allspice, cocoa nibs and a hint of coffee. Mouthwatering flavors of blackberry, plum and mulberry lead to a touch of black pepper spice and dried herbs on the finish. Firm tannins envelop the palate and are beautifully balanced by the acidity, leading to a long, satisfying finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Home Ranch
Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Aging: 20 months in 70-85% new French oak
Winemakers: John Wilson & Jeff Plant
Consulting Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Release Date: July 2023
Health Considerations: Vegan friendly, gluten free, sustainably farmed
Accolades (from the 2021 vintage):

  • 94 pts Jeb Dunnuck
  • 94 pts Wine Enthusiast
  • 93 pts Wine Advocate
  • 92+ pts Vinous
  • 91 pts James Suckling

WINEMAKING NOTES:
The Louis Bovet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon embodies a sharp focus on aspects of Rutherford terroir. It comes from the most expressive blocks on their Rutherford estate vineyard and from the best lots in the winery, these vineyard blocks grow in gravelly and sandy soils in our Rutherford vineyard’s eastern edge. These vines grow small, intensely concentrated grapes which translate to dark fruited, structured wines. A true magnifying glass showcasing what the estate can produce, this wine is complex and layered, with rich fruit profiles showcasing the ultimate in finesse and balance. This wine is age worthy and deserving of a place of honor in your cellar and on your table.

VINTAGE & VITICULTURE:
The 2021 vintage was marked by a second season of drought. The temperatures remained relatively mild, however the dry conditions resulted in smaller, more concentrated grapes with lighter yields and one of the earliest harvest windows to date. Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties are planted on loose, alluvial soils derived from the volcanic Vaca Mountains and the “California sprawl” trellis systems provide excellent vine balance and diverse sun exposures.

ABOUT LOUIS BOVET:
Bovet is Co-Founder Jan MacDonnell’s maiden name, and with this wine she is honoring her grandfather Louis. His passion for home winemaking and creating a self sustaining estate for himself and his children inspire Jan every day at Round Pond Estate. The icon on the label depicts the old wooden stamp that Louis used on the label of his homemade wine and the three bands on the capsule depict the three generations of family currently living on the property.

ABOUT ROUND POND ESTATE WINERY:
Round Pond Estate, owned and operated today by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, is a 468 acre Rutherford farm and winery that specializes in the creation of pure, expressive wines, artisan foods and unforgettable experiences, all from the heart of Napa Valley. In addition to a state-of-the-art winemaking facility and 362 acres of Rutherford vineyards, their estate includes 5 acres of gardens, 12 acres of olive orchards, and one of only two olive mills in the region. The family also owns a special 10 acre vineyard in the famed Oakville bench. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Round Pond Estate – All Rights Reserved

Bold wine Style logoNV-Kosta-Browne-Sonoma-Coast-Pinot-NoirKosta Browne
Appellation Series
2022 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

On the nose, this wine highlights notes of dark cherry, raspberry and elderberry that intertwine with intriguing hints of fresh basil and pomegranate. On the palate, delicate fruit flavors unfold, showcasing remarkable acidity with dynamic structure and an enduring finish.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.71
Total Acidity: 5.69 g/L
Fermentation: 78% stainless steel, 14% oak, 8% concrete; 5% whole cluster
Élevage: 38% New French oak, 45% neutral oak and 17% oak foudre/cask for 16 months; 5% whole cluster

VINEYARD DETAILS:
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
Vineyard: Gap’s Crown, Marshall, Pratt-Sexton, Balletto, Bacigalupi
Clones: Pommard, Mt. Eden, 777, 828, 115, 23, 113, 114, 2A, 828, 667
Trellising: VSP
Soil: Mainly Goldridge loam

APPELLATION SERIES:
Kosta Browne’s Appellation Series wine embodies their unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.

SONOMA COAST APPELLATION:
The Sonoma Coast is the largest appellation in Sonoma County, strongly influenced by its proximity to ocean and heavy rainfall – producing more than twice the annual amount of its inland neighbors.  Kosta Browne’s Sonoma Coast vineyards span the northern true coastal zone and the southern edge of the appellation.  This distinctive  blend is made from 11 different clones, fermented in predominantly stainless steel, and aged for 16 months in 38% new oak.  Fact of note – this Sonoma Coast blend was the longest to ferment in stainless steel from their Appellation Series.

ABOUT KOSTA BROWNE:
Kosta Browne is a celebrated California winery renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1997 by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, the winery began as a passion project and evolved into one of the most sought-after producers of premium wines from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands. With an unwavering commitment to site-driven winemaking, Kosta Browne sources fruit from esteemed vineyards, blending tradition with innovation to craft wines of depth, elegance, and balance. Today, the winery continues to honor its roots while pushing the boundaries of excellence in California winemaking. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Kosta Browne – All Rights Reserved.

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April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubPEJU-Reserve-Cabernet-Franc-2019-bottle[224074]PEJU Winery
2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This luxurious wine offers beautiful aromatics and a captivating presence. The nose displays a bouquet of dried savory herbs, ripe dark berries, and star anise. On the palate, this wine is nothing short of a masterpiece. The smooth and scrumptious flavors of caramel, integrated dark fruit, and chocolate play off each other beautifully. The wine is complex and layered, with a long smooth finish that coats the palate and leaves a lasting impression.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 76% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Aging: French oak, 85% new, 26 months
Harvest: October 2019
Release: October 2024
Cases: 914
Winemaker: Sara Fowler
Accolades: 92 pts James Suckling; 92 pts Wine Advocate

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Peju believes great wines are made in the vineyard and are committed to farming sustainably and naturally to preserve these properties for the long term. The Peju team is certified Napa Green at their Rutherford winery and vineyard. In 2019 all six of their estate vineyards were certified Fish Friendly Farming, as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

VINTAGE:
The beginning of the 2019 growing season was defined by copious rainfall. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events, with foggy mornings setting the stage for vibrant and expressive wines. The long, relatively mild finish to the season, not without its moments of unpredictability, helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the fruit with abundant hang time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins.

ABOUT PEJU WINERY:
In 1983, Tony and Herta (HB) Peju purchased thirty acres of vines in the famed Rutherford district of Napa Valley. They worked hard to build a winery, plant estate vineyards and raise their family. PEJU remains family-owned with Tony and HB’s two daughters, Ariana and Lisa, guiding the business today. Ariana and Lisa are bringing fresh ideas while maintaining the meticulous focus on quality that began 40 years ago. With its landmark tower and warm hospitality, PEJU Winery is an integral part of the Napa Valley landscape. Learn more here.

Photos and information © PEJU Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Mellow style logoKosta-Browne-Sta.-Rita-Hills-Pinot-Noir-bottleKosta Browne
Appellation Series
2022 Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The nose is an intriguing fusion of blackberry blossom and strawberry with a hint of baking spice. The mouth is elegantly structured with bramble fruit notes and bolstered tannins, this wine unfolds on the palate, culminated in a memorable finish.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills, California
Varietal: Pinot Noir
pH: 3.64
TA: 5.87 g/L
Vineyard: Mt. Carmel, Rita’s Crown, Bentrock, Radian, John Sebastiano, Sanford & Benedict, Drum Canyon, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Peake Ranch, La Encantada
Clones: 828, 2A, Pommard, 667, 115, 777
Trellising: VSP
Soil: Silica (D.E. marine-based)
Fermentation: 64% stainless steel, 29% concrete, 7% oak; 3% whole cluster
Élevage: 37% new French oak, 42% neutral oak and 21% oak foudre/cask for 16 months; 3% whole cluster

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The Appellation Series embodies Kosta Browne’s unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.

This microclimate, sculpted over 20 million years ago by a tectonic dance, stands as a testament to nature’s miracles. Mountains, rising from the sea with a clockwise grace, broke free to form the distinctive transverse ranges along the Pacific Coast. This geographical marvel funnels cool coastal fog and wind directly to the vines, solidifying the Sta. Rita Hills AVA as one of the most compelling cool-climate growing regions for Pinot Noir.

The 2022 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir possesses profound aromas of layered boysenberry, blackberry blossom, and a hint of baking spice with bolstered tannins that seamlessly glide across the palate. With focused energy, this wine is composed with a near-everlasting finish.

ABOUT KOSTA BROWNE:
Kosta Browne is a celebrated California winery renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1997 by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, the winery began as a passion project and evolved into one of the most sought-after producers of premium wines from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands. With an unwavering commitment to site-driven winemaking, Kosta Browne sources fruit from esteemed vineyards, blending tradition with innovation to craft wines of depth, elegance, and balance. Today, the winery continues to honor its roots while pushing the boundaries of excellence in California winemaking. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Kosta Browne – All Rights Reserved.

 

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January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubThe-Mascot-2019-bottleHarlan Estate
The Mascot
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The wine is beautifully supple with a broadly fanned aromatic spectrum and an effortless depth of fruit. From a center point on the palate, the 2019 vintage undulates outward in all directions. Gentle, velvety swells pause and fold in on themselves, their liquid whorls of refined tannin and gratifying acidity gliding across the surface of smooth curves before retreating gradually to reveal, on the finish, the burnished dimensions beneath.

The Mascot is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made from distinct hillside vineyards: specifically, the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon – depending on the vintage, The Mascot is composed of 85-95% Cabernet Sauvignon, along with small quantities of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Vineyards: Harlan Estate, BOND, Promontory
Production: 8,000 cases

About The Mascot:
Founded by Will Harlan, The Mascot began as a small, informal project shared among the family, the winemaking team and a handful of close friends. Drawing fruity from recently replanted blocks within the vineyards, The Mascot reveals its distinguished pedigree while offering insight into the evolution of its parent properties: a youthful promise of their future. With the 2008 vintage the family had enough wine – 500 cases – to introduce the endeavor to the outside world; releasing the first bottles in 2013. An athletic balance of energy and density, The Mascot is expressive and approachable early in its life with potential to evolve long into the future. Learn more here.

Vintage Notes:
Winter leading into the 2019 growing season delivered impressive rainfall (nearly 30 inches in the first four months) that lasted into May. The cool, wet spring delayed budbreak; yet this respite in a sequence of mostly arid years imbued the young vines with renewed energy. This potential for vigor required thor- ough and thoughtful pruning, early in the season, to ensure that energy would be most nobly directed: to maturing the fruit. Early autumn was met with even and steady warmth, and picking commenced in mid-September and stretched across five and a half weeks. This “leisurely” approach allowed for collection of the fruit in precise, well-delineated passes, and the wine extracted from these berries confirmed their decision to, in places, wait a little longer.

Winemaker:
Each of the three “parent” properties contributes components to The Mascot, and the winemaking teams – led by Cory Empting, Director of Winegrowing for the family domain – work collaboratively to weave together the final blend.

Terroir:
The Mascot is crafted from the younger vines of the three parent properties. Within the Napa Valley, hillside vineyards make up a miniscule percentage of planted acreage. The Harlan family has spent the past 40 years identifying the very finest and rarest of these sites.

Farming:
The vines contributing to The Mascot range from 5 to 12 years old. The parent properties are replanted about twice per century, with a continual supply of young vines. Replanting began over a decade ago at BOND, Harlan Estate and Promontory. The process involves replanting with cover crops to support the soil ecosystem without tilling, maintaining continuity between vine generations. By waiting three years for rootstocks to establish before grafting, the vines develop a strong root system, which results in fruit with better tannin and acidity balance. This focus on root development also allows for early dry farming, enhancing the wine’s purity and distinction. The vineyard teams manage the land through a “Vine Masters” program, where apprentices oversee specific vineyard blocks after a five to ten year training. This individualized care ensures each vine reaches its full potential in quality and longevity.

Winemaking:
The winemaking teams vinify the grapes from each property in accordance with the character of their land. For aging the wines, Harlan Estate and BOND use new and neutral French oak barrels, while Promontory employs larger casks made of Austrian oak. They evaluate the young-vine lots at the blending table between 6 and 14 months after fermentation, selecting the finest for inclusion in The Mascot. In total, The Mascot is aged in barrel for nearly three years prior to bottling and another 18 months in bottle prior to release.

Photos and information © The Harlan Estate & The Mascot – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoProvenance-cabernet-napa-valley-bottleProvenance Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Deep ruby in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon expresses complex aromas of ripe blackberries, red cherries, espresso and violets. The fresh acidity on the palate lends a lively touch to the overall smooth mouthfeel and fine tannins. Notes of black fruits, fennel, dark chocolate and raspberries mix on the palate to create a mouthwatering wine with a long-lasting finish.

Analysis: 15.2% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah, 3% Malbec
RS: 1.2 g/L
pH: 3.74
TA: 5.9 g/L
Appellation: Napa Valley (22% Rutherfod, 18% Calistoga, 24% Single Vineyard Mountain Fruit (20% Diamond Mountain, 2% Other Mountain Fruit, 2% Oakville), 36% other Napa Valley
Aged: 18 months in winemaker-selected French oak barrels (35% new)
Fermentation: Night harvest, berry sorting, followed by a 3-day cold soak at 50ºF in stainless steel fermenters. 15 days in tank with an average fermentation temperature of 85-88ºF. Free run and light press to small barrels for Malolactic Fermentation.
Yeast: A33, three pump-overs per day, 8 hours apart.

Vintage:
The growing season in Napa Valley saw record-breaking weather events, with 80% of the total rainfall arriving before the new year. This filled vineyard ponds for the first time in two years but was followed by the driest three months on record, leading to an early bud break. The summer was generally average but slightly warmer. Harvest started 5 to 7 days earlier than the previous year and was 15% lighter but of exceptional quality. Overall, the harvest was the most condensed in recent memory.

Natural Winemaking:
Head of Winemaking Noel Basso has more than 20 years of experience with California vineyards and grapes. He is returning the brand to the purist philosophy of Founding Winemaker Tom Rinaldi, focusing on working in the vineyards and taking an unwavering grape-quality approach to each varietal. Minimal winemaker intervention allows the character and personality of the grapes to steal the show.

About the Winery:
Provenance Vineyards began in 1999 producing Rutherford Cabernets. Its founders had the vision to produce fine wines by discovering Napa Valley vineyards of unique “provenance” or origin. Over two decades, the brand was bought and sold twice and passed through the hands of two large corporations. Allen and Tiana Lombardi acquired Provenance Vineyards in November 2021 to infuse this iconic Napa Valley brand with the energy it deserves. They were attracted to its rich history, classic style and strong growth potential. They connected with the brand’s polish without pretense. The family will hold true to Provenance’s purpose to produce timeless Napa Valley wine. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Provenance Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

 

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October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubDAOU-Lion-2020-bottleDAOU Vineyards
Soul of a Lion 2020
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2020 vintage marks the 10th anniversary of Soul of a Lion, the true crown jewel of DAOU. It is an emblem of their quest to relentlessly produce unsurpassed Cabernet Sauvignon from the terroir of DAOU Mountain. This is the story of two sons, their beloved father, a history rooted in courage, and a wine called Soul of a Lion.

Analysis: 15.2% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California
Barrel Aging: 22 months in 100% new French Oak
Winemaker: Daniel Daou
Accolades:
• 97 pts. Wine Enthusiast
• 95 pts. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
• 94-96 pts. Jeb Dunnuck

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Daou-Vineyards-Tasting-Convention“The 2020 vintage presents an alluring profusion of black cherry, mulberry and Oregon blackberry aromas with notes of leather, cigar box and dark chocolate. Hints of desert sage and crème de menthe accent the rich fruit. The palate is silky and voluptuous, delivering loads of currant, cassis, black raspberry and ripe cherry. Notes of fig and baking spice are underscored by earthy tones of dates and truffle. Mature, ripe tannins yield a weighty, velvety texture integrated with a limestone minerality and subtle oak. A lengthy finish leaves lingering impressions of blackberry, plum and espresso with a touch of white pepper. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.” – Daniel J. Daou, Co-Proprietor/Winemaker

“Soul of a Lion is named for our father Joseph, who exhibited unwavering love, passion and courage throughout our lives together. That pursuit of the extraordinary drove us to discover DAOU Mountain—and to embark on a dream decades in the making.” – Georges J. Daou, Co-Proprietor

VINTAGE NOTES:
DAOU Estate wines showcase the visionary talent of Winemaker Daniel Daou and the unrivaled terroir of DAOU Mountain. These wines come from the mountain’s finest vineyard blocks and are made with the utmost passion, investment and intention. The 2020 growing season began on a dry note, followed by much-needed rains in April that replenished the soils and set the stage for healthy canopy growth. Conditions through mid-summer remained mild and steady, with the exception of a rare August thunderstorm. Subsequent heat waves and distant wildfires put DAOU Mountain to the test heading into harvest, yet despite the challenges the 2020 vintage produced some of the most complex wines yet.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Rediscovered by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in 2007, DAOU Mountain was originally celebrated decades earlier as a “jewel of ecological elements” by renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff. Their search for the perfect terroir led them to these steep slopes rising 2,200 feet above sea level, blessed with the rare calcareous clay soils found in the world’s finest wine regions. With a passion for crafting exceptional yet accessible wines, the Daou brothers transformed the Adelaida District into a global benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties. DAOU is committed to creating extraordinary wines, fostering emotional connections, and offering elevated experiences filled with life’s greatest joys. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Daou Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoOur-Lady-Guadalupe-Pinot-Noir-bottleOur Lady of Guadalupe
Pinot Noir 2022
Santa Rita Hills, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2022 Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir pours a dark persimmon core with a lucid rose hip rim. Laden with elegant aromatics, notes of bright raspberry and bing cherry develop into darker tones of black cherry, mocha and mahogany. On the palate, the entry is scrumptiously soft with cranberry crunch, ripe strawberry, redcurrant and a touch of maritozzo. Typical of the Sta. Rita Hills, the finish is lined with minerality and some saline hints with closing touches of fennel and anise.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
pH: 3.76
TA: 5.55 g/L
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills, California
Clonal Selection: All from “Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard” – 828, 777, Pommard 4, 667, 459, 115, Swan, Calera
Élevage: Aged in French Oak for 10 months, 49% New
Cooperage Selection: Alain Fouquet, Francoise Freres, Cadus, Ermitage and Damy
Winemaker: Dave Phinney
Accolades:
• 96 pts. Decanter
• 95 pts. Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast
• 94 pts. Vinous – Antonio Galloni

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Every year, we learn more about the intricacies of our special vineyard in the western – end of the Sta. Rita Hills. Coming off the heels of our successful inaugural vintage, the 2022 OLG Pinot Noir is a continuation of our quest to produce a wine that captures the Our Lady of Guadalupe vineyard , the vintage and the terroir it inhabits. Sandy loam and diatomaceous earth soils and the constant barrage from coastal winds, force our vines to focus their energy on producing concentrated berries, exemplified by the low yields. In 2022, we incorporated more sections of our vineyard and two additional clones — the famous Swan and Calera clones — to achieve a higher degree of complexity in the resulting wine. And while we do 95% of our winemaking in the vineyard, we experimented in the cellar with different types of barrel toasts, forest origins and cooperages to see what pairs best with each clone, furthering our goal of complexity.” – Dave Phinney, Winemaker.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Winery, nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in California, is the realization of a dream by renowned winemaker Dave Phinney. Purchased in 2015, the vineyard underwent a meticulous transformation, restoring its soil health and planting vines by 2018. The winery focuses on producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, utilizing unique clones and sustainable practices. The vineyard’s name honors Mary, mother of Jesus, symbolizing protection and peace for the team. Phinney’s dedication to quality and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the winery, from soil management to clone selection. Each decision is made with the goal of creating exceptional wines that reflect the terroir of the land. Still family-run, the winery embodies Phinney’s passion for crafting extraordinary wines while celebrating the beauty of the Sta. Rita Hills region​. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Our Lady of Guadalupe – All Rights Reserved.

Quattro-Theory-2021-Cabernet-Sauvignon-bottleQuattro Theory Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The classic Napa Valley varietal character is the star in this Cabernet Sauvignon, with the tannins and texture supporting the smooth fruit flavors. The wine’s balance and freshness make this a particularly food-friendly red wine.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc 
Clones: Cabernet Sauvignon: Clone 4 (Landon’s Favorite), Clone 7, Clone 8 | Merlot: 181 | Malbec: Clone 595 | Petit Verdot: Clone 7
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Aging: 15 months in 100% French Oak Barrel (45% new)
Winemaker: Landon Donley
Release Date: July 2023
Suggested Pairings: Grilled rack of lamb with fresh herbs, ribeye steak with sautéed mushrooms and braised short ribs.

VISION:
Winemaker Landon Donley seeks to showcase the freshness and classic varietal character of the highest-quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. Every aspect of the winemaking process is intentionally designed to ensure the wine’s structure supports and enhances the varietal character, resulting in a wine that overdelivers on quality and shows beautiful integration upon release.

VINEYARDS:
This Cabernet is structured primarily around valley floor fruit from two of their estate vineyards located in the St. Helena AVA, offering ripe fruit character, good structure and a smooth, long finish. Further complexity and elegance is added to the blend with the addition of estate mountain vineyards from AVAs including Mt. Veeder and Atlas Peak. The grapes are harvested by hand at night in small lots over the course of a few weeks, picked only when at the level that meets their style.

Quattro Theory - Vineyard Sourcing Map

© Quattro Theory Wines – Vineyard Sourcing Map

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The cellar is set up with every step intentionally designed to emphasize natural aromatics and varietal character. The grapes are chilled to 40°F to heighten aromatics and minimize astringency, then sorted by cluster then berry by our optical sorting system before undergoing a three-to-five-day cold soak. Careful yeast selection and an even, moderate fermentation temperature is key in maintaining the wine’s sense of place. Tannin extraction is constantly analyzed so the wine can be drained off the skins at the ideal flavor, concentration, structure and color, then finish fermenting to dry. The preliminary blend is assembled once the wine completes malolactic fermentation in tank to ensure integration, and ages in a selection of custom-toasted new and used French oak barrels from select coopers.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Quattro Theory wines capture the truest expression of Napa Valley bringing together four defining elements: winemaker Landon Donley’s intentional vision, quality vineyards, precision winemaking and experience with food and friends. Seriously made to be easily enjoyed. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Quattro Theory Wines – All Rights Reserved.

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