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Current Wine Releases
A minimalist by nature, these wines should be an expression of vineyard, soil and climate with as few winemaking tricks as possible. I strive for balance, character, and I absolutely do not believe that “bigger is better”. The winemaking is fairly consistent throughout; minimal handling, gentle de-stemming, cold soaking, no fining or filtration, predominately French oak and no more than a third new oak used. The result is an honest wine that has the mark of its origin intact.
2007 Russian River Zinfandel
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley
VINEYARDS: Windsor Oak Vineyards and Sapphire Hill Vineyards.
RELEASE DATE: January 2009
VARIETAL: 80% Zinfandel 20% Syrah
OAK: 40% New French Oak
PRODUCTION: 160 Cases
WINEMAKER NOTES: Rich and jammy with spice and structure to balance it out, this Zinfandel is a great everyday drinking wine and also pairs very nicely with hearty foods. Flavors of dark berries, cherries and chocolate are first noticed followed by white pepper in the back palate giving it a great finish. Serve with foods off the grill, barbecued ribs, pulled pork, stews or just by itself with friends and family! This wine is sure to sell out - it's been a favorite during all our open winery events and is moving quickly...
RETAIL: $25 / bottle
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2007 Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah
APPELLATION: Santa Cruz Mountains
VINEYARD: Nelson Vineyards, Upper Zayante Road. At an elevation of around 1600 feet, this spectacular cool climate vineyard on the western slopes of Santa Cruz Mountains yields fruit that has more in common with a northern Rhone than its California brethren. The exposed sandstone and rocky terrain have contributed to this deeply layered wine, marked with intense spice and earth tones.
RELEASE DATE: January 2009
VARIETAL: 100% Syrah
OAK: 40% New French Oak
PRODUCTION: 100 Cases
WINEMAKER NOTES: A well spiced and aromatic Syrah, reminiscent of its Northern Rhone brethren. The modest fresh blackberry fruits are accented with expressive white pepper, coriander, allspice and carmel with just a note of earth, ending with a bright acidity.
RETAIL: $18 / bottle
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2006 Sapphire Hill Syrah
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley
VINEYARD: Sapphire Hill is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Picked from a small block planted with the Shiraz clone of Syrah, this perfumed red has the elegance associated with its cooler climate, yet shows opulent berry fruit typical of warmer regions.
RELEASE DATE: December 2008
VARIETAL: 100% Syrah
OAK: 60% New French Oak
PRODUCTION: 52 Cases
WINEMAKER NOTES: A real standout vintage for this vineyard, as we managed to pick at the ideal sweat spot for sugar levels and acid levels, yielding a beautifully balanced wine. Typical Sapphire Hill aromas and flavors of blackberry pie, rose petal, green tea and smoke, with a bit of the baking spices thrown in.
RETAIL: $25 / bottle
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Download Tasting Notes
2005 Fenaughty Syrah
APPELLATION: El Dorado County
VINEYARD: Located in the Apple Hill district - perched high in the Sierra Foothills at nearly 2800 foot elevation. Possibly some of the best Syrah grown in California is coming from this amazing vineyard with fruit that is destined to make well-structured wine that is built for the long haul.
RELEASE DATE: June 2006
VARIETAL: 100% Syrah (Heritage clone)
OAK: 60% New French Oak
PRODUCTION: 120 Cases
WINEMAKER NOTES: A nose of dusty cherry plum and spice, the lengthy palate suggests warm blackberries and cafe mocha, ending with allspice and graceful tannins, framed by a balancing acidity. This layered wine has many good years ahead of it - or hours, as the case may be. If you can't control yourself and must dive into this delicious Syrah tonight, that's okay too, I understand.
RETAIL: $18 / bottle
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Download Tasting Notes
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