2005 Clos LaChance Whitestone Cabernet Sauvignon
Mission Codename: Leaving everything to Chance
Operative: Agent Red
Objective: Infiltrate Clos La Chance and secure an ample allocation of their
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Clos La Chance
Wine Subject: 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Whitestone Vineyard
Winemaker: Stephen Tebb
Backgrounder: California’s Central Coast region has become recognized as one of the state’s up and coming regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The generally warmer climate, moderated by the coastal fog, its sandy and clay loam soil, and broad exposure results in Cabernet of exceptional character
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark garnet with a concentrated heart of darker plum-garnet. When swirled, the wine shows a heavy and tight surface whose core continues to spin before finally settling down. The moment you stop swirling, ropey legs are fast to emerge, thinning as they run quickly down the glass
Smell – Bold, big and complex, with an intense opening rush of dusky dark cherry, black currant, blackberry and bramble. These sit atop delightfully authentic eucalyptus, soft cedar, anise and subtle oaky vanilla with soft spice
Feel – Soft and wet on the initial attack. The wine is the fast-moving across the mid-palate, where it grips in gently, drying just behind the tip of the tongue and then extending through the mouth to the cheeks and lips
Taste -This wine begins darkly fruity and dusky with juicy flavors of black cherry, overripe blackberry, currant and black plum with dark chocolate and natural cola
Finish – Starts dusky and dark and then finishes sweeter and softly tart with dark fruit flavors that linger for a long time
Conclusion – This is a boldly delicious Cabernet Sauvignon that delights every sense. With a brightness that is balanced beautifully against its darker character, this wine keeps everything in perfect harmony. This wine gives Napa Cabs a run for their money, delivering an experience that is balanced, food-friendly, rich and robust. This wine is also a great solo-drinker that the most demanding Cabernet lovers are sure to enjoy!
Mission Report:
WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER
SUBJECT: Stephen Tebb, Director of Winemaking Operations for Clos LaChance Wines
WINE EDUCATION: UC Davis, Fermentation Science BS
CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Prior to CLC, Assistant Winemaker of Artesa Vineyards & Winery, Six years with Cordorniu, Enologist, Prior-Mirrasou Vineyards and Chateau St. Jean
WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: “Ultimately, I seek continuity between the vinification process and viticultural activities. I like to bring forth all the elements that the vineyard has imparted upon the fruit in order to allow the characteristics and complexity of the wine to illustrate the unique contribution each site has to offer. Whether as a stand-alone varietal or as a blend, the most important focus of wine production is on the vineyard.
Once the farming methods are optimized at the proper site with individualized attention to each block, the winemaker’s job becomes one of ‘getting out of the way,’ gently steering the course of fermentation and aging. I emphasize gentle handling of the fruit utilizing the gravity flow features of the winery and fermentation of small lots in both open top and closed top fermentors. The attention to the cap management strategy during fermentation is unique to each lot of grapes and is important in obtaining the levels of extraction appropriate for that lot.
Aging takes place with little manipulation in oak barrels that are employed to frame the wine and add layers of depth and richness to the ripe fruit aromas and flavors obtained in the vineyard. All lots are kept separate during fermentation and aging to allow for evaluation specific to each vineyard site and its performance in the cellar. In blending, I take a traditional approach, yet seek to create a wine that encompasses the full range of aromas and flavors that are the hallmarks of a great wine.
To me, winemaking is utilizing a product of the land to create an experience of the senses that enhances quality of life.”
SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Meritage and Cabernet Sauvignon
WINEMAKER INTERVIEW
AGENT RED: Greetings, Stephen. We are thrilled to be showing your Cabernet Sauvignon today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.
STEPHEN: Hello Agent Red. Thanks for having me and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have to help you on your mission.
RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?
STEPHEN: My experience at wineries, through working with knowledgeable winemakers and peers. They showed me passion in their winemaking and the passion seemed to carry on to me.
RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?
STEPHEN: To me, winemaking is utilizing a product of the land to create an experience of the land to create an experience of the senses that enhances quality of life.
RED: How long have you been making wine?
WINEMAKER: Over 20 years.
RED: Who do you make wine for?
STEPHEN: Mainly Clos LaChance consumers and myself. The production crew and I try our best to stay consistent with the Hummingbird Series wines and with the Estate and Special Selection Series, the barrel room is like my playground. I like to try out new blends and see what others think of it.
RED: Tell me, what makes the Santa Clara Valley so special?
STEPHEN: Centuries ago, the land was used for farming. There are several wineries in the area with great wines. The flavors are unique and unexpected. Not to many know of the SCV, but need to come and check it out.
RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?
STEPHEN: Work a harvest in production. If you feel the passion within, pursue it.
RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?
STEPHEN: HARVEST!
RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today
STEPHEN: This is the first vintage of the Whitestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is located along the perimeter of the facility in San Martin, CA. Big cab with great fruit. I hope you enjoy it.
RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?
STEPHEN: Prime Rib!
RED:What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?
STEPHEN: Viognier
RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?
STEPHEN: Try it, you might like it.
RED: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?
STEPHEN: What is special about Clos LaChance? Family-owned. I work closely on a day-to-day basis with the Murphy Family and enjoy it. My co-workers I feel are my family too.
RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!
STEPHEN: Thank you so much.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Clos La Chance winery can be seen in this satellite photo.
