BEST OF CLASS California Appellation
2009 California State Fair Wine Competition
This wine has beautiful deep ruby color that shows perfect clarity. Dark and dusky mixed berries lead the charge, giving way to raspberry, cherry, soft spice, earthen oak and a hint smoky meat and the most delicate eucalyptus. The taste is brightly exciting and delicious with a big smoky juiciness. Flavors of bright red cherry, blackberry, blueberry, soft spice and black pepper with the mild earthen components of a cigar box. The finish is long, bright and lush, the flavors morph and change as they gently tail off – ultimately finishing dry and slightly smoky.
The 2005 growing season was an excellent year for vintners. Record breaking crop yields and high quality grapes made outstanding wines from all over California without sacrificing quality. Harvest came a little later than normal due to a long, cool growing season. Fall brought a supply of heat and sunshine which pushed the berries to maturity but allowed the fruit an extended hang time. This offers great flavor development in the berries.
Cabernet Franc Sierra Foothills 60%
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 40%
The Cabernet Franc produces a lighter style wine, especially when it’s grown in a warmer area like the Sierra Foothills. The well drained, granitic soils make this area prime Cab Franc country. The Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in the Aetna Springs area of Napa Valley. This area is known for its warmer summers that really help to soften the grape skins and intensify the Cabernet flavors. The oak barrel program consisted of 40% new French oak barrels (Marchive, center of France, medium toast). It was bottled in May of 2008 after almost two and a half years in the barrel.
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92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
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A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
