September Premium Club

Bold wine Style logoBelle Glos 25th Anniversary wine bottleBelle Glos
25th Anniversary
Pinot Noir
California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Deep ruby in color, the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and wild strawberry layered with cocoa, dried rose petal, and baking spice. The palate is rich and polished, offering concentrated dark and red berry fruit framed by vibrant acidity and refined tannins.  The finish is long and balanced, delivering the bold yet elegant style that defines Belle Glos.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Vineyards: 38% Las Alutras, 32% Clark and Telephone, 30% Diaryman
Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels (60% new)

WINEMAKING NOTES:
Fruit for this anniversary blend was harvested in the early morning so grapes arrived at the winery cool, preserving freshness and aromatics. The clusters were destemmed without crushing and cold-soaked to gently extract color and flavor. Fermentation took place in a combination of open-top and closed stainless-steel tanks, with punch-downs and pump-overs used to build structure and texture. The wine completed malolactic fermentation before aging up to 12 months in French oak barrels (60% new), adding depth and polish while allowing the coastal vineyard character of Las Alturas, Clark & Telephone, and Dairyman to shine.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“For 25 vintages, Belle Glos has pursued a singular vision: crafting bold, expressive Pinot Noir from California’s most compelling coastal vineyards. Named in honor of my grandmother Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, the brand is built on family, place, and an unwavering commitment to style. This 25th Anniversary Pinot Noir commemorates that journey, uniting fruit from Las Alturas, Clark & Telephone, and Dairyman into a single, celebratory blend. Each vineyard contributes its own coastal character—power, structure, and vibrant fruit—creating a wine that is layered, polished, and unmistakably Belle Glos. This limited anniversary release is both a tribute to the past and a statement of the house style that has defined Belle Glos for a quarter century.” – Joseph Wagner, fifth generation Winemaker

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Owner/winemaker, Joe Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna co-founded Caymus Vineyards in 1972 alongside Charlie Sr., and Chuck, Joe’s grandfather and father, respectively. She was an inspirational figure to Joe and an avid lover of Pinot Noir.

Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs produced from some of California’s top wine-growing regions. The vineyard locations can all be described as coastal, but the climate differences are significant, depending on the amount of fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type at each site. Each wine is crafted to distill the purest essence of the vineyard into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir. Learn more at Belle Glos>

Photos and information © Belle Glos – All Rights Reserved.


Bold wine Style logoStags Leap The Investor wine bottleStag’s Leap
The Investor
Red Wine Blend
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Investor shows inviting aromas of dark plum, bramble berry fruit and delicate floral violet on the nose with subtle hints of pencil shavings and sandalwood. The palate is plush and mouth filling with macerated dark berry fruits. Layers of ripe boysenberry, black cherry, blackcurrant, and black plum lead upfront while more rustic notes of wild anise, tea leaf and lavender provide freshness and appeal. The well-integrated oak provides notes of warmth with toffee, hazelnut, and mocha notes, adding nuance and richness, supported by the fine-grained tannins that create structure and softness, making this an incredibly appealing and drinkable red blend. A backbone of acidity provides a bright, vibrant note, that leads to a long mouth pleasing finish that is spiced and comforting. 

Varietals: 39% Merlot, 29% Petite Sirah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 2% Tannat, 1% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Maturation: Aged for 20 months: Petite Sirah in American oak barrels (25% new), Bordeaux varieties in French oak (35% new).
Pairing Suggestions: Perfect to pair with braised ribs, rich ragouts and hearty culinary treats.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
The Stags Leap District is located five miles north of the town of Napa, and east of the Napa River, along the Silverado Trail. This combination of Napa Valley’s extended growing season with the accentuated warmth and cooling of the Stags Leap District results in an ideal balance of acid and sugar in the fruit. The wine grapes are given time to mature and develop their characteristic soft texture and intense flavors. Maceration and fermentation followed suit for each of the varieties, which allowed our winemakers to monitor and evaluate each lot individually, coaxing each varietal to its maximum potential. The wine aged in oak for 20 months – the Petite Sirah in American oak barrels (24% new) while the Bordeaux varieties go to French oak (35% new). The final assemblage was blended just prior to bottling.

VINEYARD NOTES:
The Investor is a red wine that beautifully blends together the unique flavors and expressions of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, resulting in a powerful, yet approachable assemblage with significant fruit presence. The Merlot contributes fresh red berry aromatics and a soft, velvety texture to balance the power of Petite Sirah, which adds concentration, tannins, spice, and blueberry flavors. The Cabernet Sauvignon further increases the final blend’s complexity and depth, and the Malbec’s incredibly vibrant floral aromatics heighten the blend’s freshness. Most of the Petite Sirah fruit comes from estate vineyards in Oakville and Oak Knoll, and additional fruit is sourced from a diverse selection of northern and southern Napa Valley vineyards to broaden the wine’s floral and spicy characteristics. The Merlot is sourced from Stags’ Leap estate vineyards as well as grower vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley, and a selection of southern valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon fruit makes up the balance of the blend.

ABOUT STAGS LEAP WINERY:
On one of California’s earliest wine estates, a unique terroir and ideal microclimate support a classical standard of viticulture, land use, and winemaking that is as relevant today as it was over a century ago. An intimate valley within the greater Napa Valley, Stags’ Leap is a 240-acre estate, of which 85-acres are planted with grape vines.
Learn more about Stag’s Leap and their history>

Photos and information © Stags Leap – All Rights Reserved.


Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases! 

Learn more about our Premium Club >

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Collectors Wine ClubPine-Ridge-Stags-Leap-District-bottlePine Ridge Vineyards
Stags Leap District
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine is a pure and exquisite expression of the world-famous Stags Leap District AVA. On first inspection, delightful notes of blonde roast coffee and cracked black pepper blend harmoniously with cherry cola and spiced blueberry jam. The wine’s texture is round, with classic Stags Leap District tannins surrounded by mouth-filling pomegranate juice and raspberry mocha flavors. These savory and sweet notes complement a generous serving of Gorgonzola Dolce on a crusty Pain au Levain boule. The wine’s fine grain tannins, balanced by refreshing acidity, create a lush and velvety back palate that brings forth black raspberry and toasted oak hints before gently fading away on the long finish.

Analysis: 15.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Sirah, 2% Petit Verdot & 1% Malbec
pH: 3.77
TA: 5.7 g/L
Region: Stags Leap District
Pairing: Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

VINTAGE NOTES:
The 2021 growing season was a prime example of why Napa Valley is such a great place to grow grapes. The winter heading into the 2021 growing season was colder than average with a drier than average spring. There were four total heat events over the growing season with the May and September heat events being outside the typical range for that time of year. The rainfall for the year was below average for the fourth straight year, presenting a challenge for the grower due to irrigation ponds and wells being at levels that have not been seen since 2017. The summer growing conditions were exceptionally good, making for ideal berry development. Both bloom and veraison, which typically last two to three weeks each, were each over in about a week! The start of harvest was early due to September being very warm. This was good, because in October California experienced a series of atmospheric rivers that dumped 9.5” of rain that month. The yields for the year were below average, but from a quality standpoint, it was a vintage year!

VINEYARD:
Their steep, densely planted Stags Leap District Estate has been the heart of the winery since Pine Ridge Vineyards was founded in the farmhouse in 1978.

VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING:
The 2021 vintage was harvested from September 15th to October 19th. The grapes were hand-harvested at night when temperatures often dip to 50°F to capture vibrant acidity and fruit expression in the wine.

First, the must (crushed grapes) was cold-soaked for gentle extraction and then fermented in stainless steel, concrete and oak barrel fermenters at 88°F. Rigorous pump-overs, increasing during the peak of the fermentation, developed deep color, rich varietal character, and fine tannins in the wine. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak barrels to meld the bright fruit expression with oak spice nuances. After three months of aging, we blended the vineyard components allowing them to marry for a total of 20 months of barrel élevage. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to present the attributes of the vineyard in the purest form possible, from the dirt to the glass.

ABOUT PINE RIDGE VINEYARDS:
Pine Ridge Vineyards, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, embodies a legacy of excellence in winemaking since its establishment in 1978. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Pine Ridge crafts wines that reflect the unique terroir of their estate vineyards. From the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon to the elegant Chardonnay and beyond, each bottle showcases the artistry and dedication of their skilled winemaking team. With a blend of tradition and contemporary techniques, Pine Ridge Vineyards continues to produce wines of exceptional quality that captivate wine enthusiasts around the world. Learn more about their story and team here.

Photos and information © Pine Ridge Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.


Bold wine Style logoBelle-Glos-taylor-laneBelle Glos
Taylor Lane
2014 Pinot Noir 1.5L
West Sonoma Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Once on the palate, the acidity sparks a fire of smoked caramel and cinnamon spiked cranberry sauce. The silky-smooth texture gives way to a long and balanced finish that leaves your senses wanting more.

“Oak spice aromas, powerful black-fruit flavors and a firm structure of acid and moderate tannins give this wine a nice heft to help it pair with rich foods. Having aged extra long at the winery, it still should develop more complexity starting from 2025” – 93 pts. Wine Enthusiast

Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Bottle size:  1.5 L
Region: West Sonoma Coast AVA, California
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. Wine Enthusiast
Pair: Pairs well with duck, goose and game birds

VINEYARD DESCRIPTION:
The Taylor Lane Vineyard is located on the furthest western ridge of the coastal range, sitting just over the Pacific, looking out over the Faralon Islands. However beautiful as Taylor Lane may be, it was unlike any vineyard site the Belle Glos team had ever farmed along the California coast. The ruthless and challenging Pacific weather required years of farming innovation to get it right. The key was the similarity to Burgundy in the heat accumulation patterns. They consulted with a Burgundian winemaker to apply some of their traditional, old world techniques to make Taylor Lane a traditionally steeped, yet California Coastal Pinot Noir coming out of the true Sonoma Coast.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Belle Glos’ first wine under the newly minted West Sonoma Coast AVA and a cellared release, this majestic vineyard brings plum with a slight burnt edge in the glass and boasts aromas of freshly tilled land, a rich oak forest in Autumn, and Crème de Cassis.  “At age 15, Taylor Lane was my first vineyard project. I invite you to celebrate with our Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir. A wine that’s close to the coast, my family, and my heart.” – Joseph Wagner, Owner & Winemaker

ABOUT BELLE GLOS:
Belle Glos showcases award winning Pinot Noirs from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions, produced by fifth-generation winemaker Joseph Wagner. Joseph chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Although each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant for each. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Belle Glos – All Rights Reserved.


Collectors Wine ClubLove to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

 

 

Cliff Lede Tasting Event

Cliffe Lede Vineyard logoAugust Winery Spotlight

Please join us, as we Taste, Learn and Enjoy these ‘rockin’ wines from Cliff Lede Vineyards, Napa Valley.  RSVP at your local WineStyles location.

Cliff Lede Vineyards and FEL wines – Stags Leap District of Napa Valley

Cliff Lede Vineyards was established in 2002 by Canadian born Bordeaux enthusiast, Cliff Lede, following the acquisition of a sixty acre estate in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. With a focus on producing wines from estate vineyards, Lede tapped David Abreu, considered the best viticulturist in Napa Valley, to replant the vineyards. Lede decided to name each vineyard block after some of his favorite rock songs and albums—from “My Generation” to “Dark Side of the Moon,” creating what is known today as the Cliff Lede Vineyards “Rock Blocks.”

Whole Lotta Love vineyard sign

In 2005, a state of the art, 25,000 square foot winery and cave system was etched into a hillside overlooking the estate vineyards. Not only did Cliff create a beautiful property, he also assembled an unrivaled team that shares his passion for quality. Today, Winemaker Christopher Tynan crafts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, with the flagship, Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the steep eastern hillside portion of the estate.

Cliff Lede and FEL wine bottles

In 2015, Cliff Lede vineyards were awarded with a Napa Green certification which focuses on farming and production methods that meet and exceed more than twenty local, state, and federal “best practices.” Cliff Lede wines are an exuberant expression of Napa Valley vineyards and reflect the natural harmony and balance of sustained vineyard management.Napa Green Award plaques

Breggo Cellars was renamed FEL Wines as an homage to Cliff’s mother Florence Elsie Lede, who dabbled in home winemaking. Two years later, the Lede Family acquired the Savoy Vineyard, a benchmark vineyard for Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In addition to the Savoy bottlings, FEL Winemaker Ryan Hodgins crafts Anderson Valley appellation Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, and a collection of vineyard designate Pinot Noirs from select vineyards within the Anderson Valley and Sonoma Coast.

Join us! 

RSVP for the Winery Spotlight Tasting at your local WineStyles location

Cheers!

WineStyles.com