2007 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: The 96er

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Revisit our friends at Grgich Hills Estate to acquire their delicious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Grgich Hills Estate

Wine Subject: 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Miljenko “Mike” Grgich

Backgrounder: In 1976, Mike Grgich rocked the wine world by creating a California that beat out French Chardonnays in the now famous Judgment of Paris. The French were outraged, and Mike Grgich earned the respect of wine drinkers and critics, worldwide. Today, Mike continues to oversee production of what have been heralded as “the finest wines in the world”. We are very proud to be able to bring you today’s fantastic Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winewriter Robert Whitley gave today’s wine a 96 point score, calling it a ”cure for the Cult Cab affliction.”

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep ruby hues, with a deepening heart of dark black cherry juice. Color maintains concentration, right out to the fine pinkish edges of the wine. On swirling, tight clusters of chubby, wine-stained legs collect high on the glass – and then move very slowly down the glass.

Smell – Deep and very aromatic, with dark layers of ripe blackberry, black cherry and red plum. After some swirling, aromas of soft cedar, chocolate dust, soft exotic spice and violets emerge.

Feel – Plush and very smooth, with a wonderful roundness at the initial entry. At the mid-palate, a chewy crushed velvet feeling spreads to the corners of the palate, introducing a slight dryness as the feeling coats the mouth.

Taste – Dark and complex with delicious black and red fruit. In the lead are blackberry, black cherry and cassis. Beneath these, black cherry, blueberry and a hint of black fig are revealed. As the wine opens up, soft spice, anise and soft oak make an appearance, mostly at the back palate.

Finish – Complex, flavor-filled and very long, with black fruit giving way to red fruit, chocolate dust, spice and a hint of peppery oak at the very end.

Conclusion – This is yet another masterpiece from our friends at Grgich! Their 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkable wine from one of our most popular wineries. Rich, deep, flavorful and aromatic, this wine delivers the sort of exciting experience that is often found in ultra-premium Napa Cabs. That is, those that deserve the higher prices that they command. Today’s wine seems like a bargain, comparatively. If you love classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, we encourage you to stock up on this wine. Overall, the 2007 vintage was a stellar one for Napa Cabernets (Robert Parker, Jr. gave the vintage a 96 point score), and this wine exemplifies the best of the vintage. Enjoy with a grilled steak, a hearty pasta dish – or all on its own.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Grgich Hills Estate can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 Vinum Cellars ‘The Scrapper’ Cabernet Franc

Mission Codename: The Scrapper

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Visit our good friends at Vinum Cellars and retrieve their fantastic 92 Point ‘The Scrapper’ Cabernet Franc.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Vinum Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 ‘The Scrapper’ El Dorado Hills Cabernet Franc

Winemaker: Richard Bruno

Backgrounder: The El Dorado County AVA is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain foothills and is well known for its Zinfandel crop. Increasingly though, Bordeaux and Rhone varietals are being planted. The rich volcanic soil, higher elevation and climate (similar to the Piedmont, incidentally) most influences the fruit from this relatively lesser known AVA.

Varietal Backgrounder: Cabernet Franc is one of Agent Red’s favorite red varietals. Perhaps this is because its flavors are often rich, layered, complex and elegant. Or, perhaps he loves Cabernet Franc so much because it pairs so exceptionally with many different foods. One of the most notable things about Cabernet Franc is the fact that finding excellent examples can be very difficult.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Beautiful dark ruby red with a clear dark purple heart. Along the edges, the color lightens slightly to brighter ruby and when swirled fast, thin legs ring the glass.

Smell – Bold and fresh dark red fruit including dark cherry, blueberry, cassis and currants are surrounded by woody oak and foresty earthy notes. Green bell pepper as well as black peppercorns add spice, subtle sweet tobacco with floral aromas bringing fresh balance.

Feel – Very smooth and supple, this full-bodied dry wine has finely textured and mouth drying tannins and minerality with a vibrant kick of acidity that lingers into the finish.

Taste – Perfectly balanced red and black cherry, along with some blueberry, cassis and plum blend with woody and vanilla oak, peppery spice and earthy forest flavors. Sweet and bittersweet mocha, soft dark minerals and savory leather adds complexity.

Finish – Long and super clean with this wine’s smooth fruit and other complex flavors gently fading, leaving behind a smooth and mouth drying texture that makes the mouth water for another sip.

Conclusion – The 2007 Vinum Cellars ‘The Scrapper’ El Dorado Hills Cabernet Franc is truly a fantastic wine. A great nose and abundant in flavor, but its smooth dry mineral and tannins along with great acidity makes this a perfect food wine. Drink this wine now or cellar for the next five years. A great steak wine!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Richard Bruno

WINE EDUCATION: Fermentation Science (Enology) from the University of California at Davis. Prior to that 12 years in San Francisco fine Dining including: Rubicon, Masa’s and Zuni Cafe. I worked with MS Larry Stone at Rubicon.

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Don Sebastiani & Sons, Director of Winemaking 2001-2009 Niebaum-Coppola, Consultant 1999-2001 Tom Eddy & Associates, Consultant 1998-1999 Started Vinum Cellars, 1997 Bonny Doon Vineyard, Distiller 1996-1997 Gloria Ferrer Winery 1995, Harvest Intern 1995 Storybook Mountain Winery, Harvest Worker 1994

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: In the vineyard – To work with growers to maximize quality in the vineyard and harvest at optimal maturity. In the Winery – We use traditional winemaking practices, but use a variety of yeast strains to maximize the varietal character of each wine. As a rule, we use only French oak, but the newest barrels are second year (used once, we buy from another winery’s white program). We prefer integrated flavors, not heavy handed oak aromas or flavors.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Wine is a part of a healthy lifestyle (if consumed in moderation), therefore it should be affordable.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: June 1st, 1998

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Richard. We are thrilled to be showing your 2007 Scrapper Cabernet Franc today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

RICHARD BRUNO: Thanks Agent Red, I am proud to offer this exceptional wine to your customers at your price, this is a tremendous value.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

RICHARD: I don’t remember the exact first time, but my mother is a wonderful cook. Not an Alice Waters, more of a Julia Child type cook; my family’s roots are from the Mid-west and East Coast. Anyway, while in High School (and playing a lot of Soccer), my mom would cook early dinners (after practice) and serve a little wine that went with the evening’s meal that she and a friend would prepare. Her friend had a great cellar and brought over a lot of cool stuff like Guigals from the 1970s, Napa Cabs from the 60s and 70s and the occassional Chateau Palmer or Margaux. I was always taken by the importance of wine’s role with a meal based on these experiences. Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

RICHARD: My old boss, Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard. I was so intrigued to learn how to make Old World wines from new world grapes.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

RICHARD: I have always made wine for myself, by shunning too much oak in favor of a more European Food-Friendly style.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

RICHARD: The 2007 Scrapper Cabernet Franc is from a very special vineyard in El Dorado near Apple Orchard Hill. It is farmed by Ron Mansfield who is an accomplished grape grower but grows fresh mountain tree fruit for specialty markets such as Dean & Deluca, he is well-known for $3 peaches. His approach to grape growing is one of an open mind, by bucking traditional vine growing techniques. For example, he trains the Cabernet Franc vines as a head-trained vine rather than a typical cordon. The idea is to allow more sunlight into the canopy; which is very important with Cabernet Franc to resolve the varietal’s tendancy to be a little on the green, herbacious side.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

RICHARD: Anything you would serve with a Cabernet Sauvignon is appropriate with this wine. Grilled Filet Mignon or Rib Eye steaks with a peppercorn or bearnaise sauce. Serve it with some greens like wilted spinach, mache or a tossed arugula salad with ripe cherry tomatoes.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the El Dorado region so special?

RICHARD: El Dorado is high in elevation (1,600-2,400 feet) in the mountains providing good drainage which reduce yields. Also, vines struggle a little in hillside settings which is also beneficial to quality. Finally, the soils are red, which comes from the ferris (iron content) within the soil itself.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

RICHARD: Lately I have been busy travelling throughout our great country in support of our brand. What I am seeing is a definite up-tick in the economy. I have visited New Hampshire, Indianapolis, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Arizona and Florida. There are some really great restaurants in these markets, lots of interesting people doing great stuff. If you are ever in Indy, check out Recess; the chef Greg Hardesty and I actually worked together at Rubicon in San Francisco years ago and now he is doing his own thing. Recess is a great place, the menu prix fixe and all food is freshly made and created daily. Greg supports the Farm to Table concept who heartedly and uses only organic produce. Check them out online.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

RICHARD: Relaxed and without ceremony. It’s wine, not a painting. I think our wines are so balanced that people often don’t notice how good they are until second or third sip.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

RICHARD: I still feel like I’m 21, but I’m still trying to figure out who that guy is that is looking back at me in the mirror every morning.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the El Dorado County AVA can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 Epiphany Cellars Hampton Vineyard Syrah

Mission Codename: The Best 25 Months

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Revisit our good friends at Epiphany Cellars to retrieve their delicious, award-winning, Hampton Vineyard Syrah

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Epiphany Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 Hampton Vineyard Syrah

Winemaker: Blair Fox

Backgrounder:

France’s Rhone Valley stretches from Vienne in the north down to the Arles in the south may be best known for its intricate blends of red varietals as demonstrated by its legendary Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And, the white varietals of this region are not to be underestimated. It is in the spirit of these unique Terrior driven varietals that inspires today’s selection. Syrah, a native to the Rhone Valley find an excellent home in California’s Santa Ynez Valley just north of Santa Barbara. The Hampton Vineyard location in Santa Barbara County is exceptionally well suited to growing Syrah and after tasting this wine we are positive you will agree!

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep purple plum hues, with a darker heart of black plum. When swirled, the wine shows a springy surface that settles very quickly. After it stops spinning, chubby, wine-stained legs start half way up the glass, before running slowly downward.

Smell – Lush, dark and very expressive on the nose, this wine leads with prominent notes of dark blueberry, ripe blackberry and cured meats right out in front. Under these, rest lush plum, tobacco notes, black pepper and the slightest hint of toasty oak.

Feel – Light and smooth on the initial attack. Then, the wine becomes very full and mouth-filling. Plush tannins add grip and texture, especially at the edges of the palate, where the wine takes on a distinctly chewy and fleshy feel. Eventually, a mouth puckering dryness spreads to the lips and cheeks.

Taste – Lush layers of flavors, including darkest blackberry, cured meat, blueberry, dark plum, black cherry and black pepper. Soft oak and a hint of exotic spice round out the palate nicely.

Finish – Dark, ripe fruit are supported well into the lengthy finish. Flavors coat the mouth and hang around as the wine takes on a chewy feel. Black pepper, spice and a hint of oak appear as the wine eventually dries the entire palate.

Conclusion – This delicious 2007 Hampton Vineyard Syrah, from our great friends at Epiphany, marks another rollicking Syrah-success. We absolutely loved the 2006 vintage, and we are thrilled to bring you the worthy successor in today’s deep, dark, delicious delight. Bold but balanced, chewy and ripe, this wine is a terrific solo-sipper that our tasting panel to a long time to discuss. The more we swirled and the more we sipped, the more the wine revealed itself. In fact, we enjoyed the wine so much that we got into the second bottle without hesitation. The next time I have a bottle, I will be sure to pair it with a generous t-bone steak, fresh from the grill. Enjoy now, or cellar for the next few years. We offer our hearty thanks to Epiphany and to winemaker, Blair Fox, for this wine is a beautiful Syrah!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Blair Fox

DATE OF BIRTH: 10/74

PLACE OF BIRTH: Santa Barbara, CA

WINE EDUCATION: B.S. Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Enologist for Fess Parker Winery ‘99, Winemaker Sunstone Winery 99-02, Consultant winemaker Fess Parker Winery 02, Vintage Winemaker- Haselgrove Winery- McLaren Vale South Australia 03, Associate Winemaker in charge of the Rhone Varietal programs at Fess Parker 03-05, Head Winemaker for Fess Parker Winery 05-present

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: I spend a lot of time in the vineyard because I feel that wines are truly made in the vineyard. I try to show the different qualities of the different vineyards and create wines with distinct varietal character.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: I have always been particularly fond of Syrah.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Traveling throughout the Rhone Valley in France and tasting some of the best examples of Syrah and other Rhone varietals the world has to offer.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: I feel privileged to work with some of the best vineyards and fruit in Santa Barbara County.

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AGENT RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

BLAIR FOX: Every year, this syrah is the first grape that we pick – usually the first week of September. The vineyard crew hand picks the grapes, which are then hand sorted and deposited into the destemmer once they reach the winery. Next, we prep the grapes for fermentation by crushing 50% of the fruit and leaving the remainder as whole berries. All the fruit is then pumped into 5-ton, open-top fermentors, which allows the crew to do punch downs, creating better structure in the wine. The lot is cold soaked for 5-6 days to extract the color and flavor from the skins. We then inoculate the Hampton Syrah with a Rhone-isolate yeast, a good steady fermentor, and keep fermentation with cooling around 85-90 degrees. After a 10-14 day fermentation, the juice is put into French oak barrels (50% new) for 25 months. Opaque and inky for a Syrah, you will find blackberry, blueberry, smoked meat, bbq spices, white pepper and a little hint of vanilla on the nose. The palate showcases blackberry, plum, black pepper, tar, dark chocolate and toasty oak.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

BLAIR: I think the 2007 Hampton Syrah would be a welcome addition to an evening with your favorite steak dinner, a wood burning fire and the people you enjoy most!

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Santa Barbara region so special?

BLAIR: Santa Barbara is a very unique region. We have very cool areas such as the Santa Rita Hills, which is the ultimate place to grow high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and we have the more interior Santa Ynez Valley where some of the most exciting Rhone varietals in the world are grown.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

BLAIR: Bottling and checking vineyards to make sure everything is maturing correctly.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Epiphany Cellars in Solvang can be seen in this satellite photo.

2006 Maloy O’Neill Vineyards Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: The Windy Hill

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Revisit our good friends at Maloy O’Neill Vineyards and acquire their wine club exclusive Windy Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Maloy O’Neill Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2006 Paso Robles Windy Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Shannon O’Neill

Backgrounder:

Paso Robles, in California’s Southern Central Coast region (San Luis Obisbo County) is one of California’s oldest and also newest wine growing regions. The first vines were planted in the late 1700s by the Spanish missionaries.

Paso’s unique climate, perhaps influences its vine more than any other area in California. The hot, dry weather that is only minimally effected by coastal fog and wine results in grapes that are more concentrated in flavor and intensity. This climate makes Paso uniquely suited to grow the big red varietals including Zinfandel, Syrah and as in this wine, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark purple and nearly black but still clear in its dense core. Hints of garnet show in its heart and along the edges and when swirled, slow thin legs ring the side of the glass.

Smell – Bold and spicy with rich jammy black fruit including black cherry, black berry and dark plum. Sweet spice, cigar box and toasted oak along with savory notes rounds out the ripe and fruity nose.

Feel – Very smooth, rich and expansive, this full-bodied dry wine has ripe tannins and initially tangy acidity that softens as it breathes. A touch of dark minerals dries the palate and lingers into the finish.

Taste – Fruit forward flavors of jammy black cherry, blackberry and other dark fruits are framed by a sturdy toasted oak component. Savory notes meld with hot and peppery spice, dark earthy minerals, soft green herbs and a touch of cigar tobacco adding a very approachable complexity to this wine.

Finish – Long and lush with lingering dark fruit, oak, spice and dark earthy minerals initially fading leaving behind plush hints as the palate dries and makes the mouth water for another sip.

Conclusion – Fans of rich and ripe fruit forward Cabs with love the 2006 Maloy O’Neill Vineyards Paso Robles Windy Hill Cabernet Sauvignon. Plush and generous with plenty of ripe jammy fruit on the nose and palate and a firm but not overbearing mouthfeel to hold it all together. We paired this delicious pan-seared prime rib on-the-bone with all the fixings. Enjoy now or for the next five to seven years.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Shannon O’Neill

WINE EDUCATION: B.S. Fermentation Science, U.C.Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: 1982-Present, Vice President, Vineyard Operations, O’Neill Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA; 1999-Present, President, Winemaker, Maloy O’Neill Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA; 2005- Present, Wine Production Consultant For Various Start Up Wineries on the Central Coast of California.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Making great wine while developing one on one customer relationships.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “I love making big, extracted, intense varietal character wines, and lots of them”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1999

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Shannon. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 Windy Hill Cabernet Sauvignon today. Every time we feature your wines, our Operatives love them. You’ve become very popular among our covert wine lovers. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

SHANNON: The pleasure is all mine!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

SHANNON: I think my horticulture class in the 5th grade, started my love for growing things. That developed into growing grapes when my family purchased 180 acres in Paso Robles in 1980. My sister convinced me to go to UC Davis because they needed winemakers for the new developing wine industry in the early 1980’s. She was in her 2nd year as a Viticulture major and I had just graduated high school and had plans to take over my father’s medical practice. My efforts to get into a premed university were daunting despite my great GPA and SAT scores. My sister suggested I sign up for the Fermentation Science Program at Davis which was the exact same first two years curriculum as a premed Biology major consisting of basically, lots of math and science. She told after your second year, transferring to a pre-med school would be very easy at that point. She was right, because there were only 13 students that signed up that year, and I slid right in. The only thing she was wrong about was, once I found out how cool being a winemaker was, med school was out!

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

SHANNON: Making Cabernet Sauvignon is the Holy Grail of winemaking. Cabernet has always been the backbone of my winemaking style and the history of my wines. Thank god, O’Neill Vineyards has been a never ending supply of high quality fruit for this endeavor!

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

SHANNON: Making Cabernet Sauvignon is the Holy Grail of winemaking. Cabernet has always been the backbone of my winemaking style and the history of my wines. Our two estate vineyards has always been a source of high quality fruit for this endeavor!

RED: Who do you make wine for?

SHANNON: I am the winemaker for our two estate brands, Maloy O’Neill Vineyards and O’Neill Vineyards and have been a production consultant and have done custom crush work for many small startup wineries on the central coast.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

SHANNON: The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon “Windy Hill” is from our Estate
Vineyards on Union Road, here in Paso Robles. The vines are deficit irrigated, which basically means that the vines are only given enough water to survive through the growing season. This technique reduces the water content in the berries when the grapes are harvested, making for a much more concentrated wine, with intense varietal flavors. It also drastically reduces the yields. These vines only produce 1 ton/acre, and are hand harvested, making for wines with great color and intensity.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

• SHANNON: New York Steak, with a red wine, blue cheese reduction.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Paso Region so special?

SHANNON:Paso Robles is unique because of its high diurnal temperature flux and great diversity in soil make up, from area to area. In the growing season, it will be in the mid 90’s during the day and in the 50’s at night. This radical temperature flux creates a wonderful sugar/acid balance that allows the vines in Paso Robles to become physiologically mature before harvest lending to the bigger style reds coming out of the area and a big part of our wineries success. Also, Paso is home to big red wines, and unpretentious tasting rooms – where you can meet the owners and winemakers, great restaurants, inexpensive hotels and just and overall good bang for your buck.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

SHANNON: Racking, Topping, and Bottling. And repeat!

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

SHANNON: I make 36 different wines a year so I have a huge portfolio of many different styles and varietals to choose from. There is literally something for everyone. But if your one of those wine drinkers that like big, huge, extracted, intense varietal character reds, than you’re going to love my wines, because that is what I specialize in, and that is where my passion is!

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

SHANNON: I would just like to thank The Wine Spies – and your Operatives – for your unending support, and also the wine spies who do a wonderful job at picking wines that are unique and of interest to people who are looking for something more than what is available on the supermarket shelves. The Spies have consistently choose wines from all the different wineries they feature, that are worth checking out, and they also expose wineries who do not have worldwide distribution to and audience that might never get a chance to try new and exciting wines from small mom and pop wineries from many different regions! I welcome all of you to come to Paso Robles to see all the great things going on here, and if you do! Please visit us and say hello. For all of those who take me up on my offer, just mention you’re from the Spies and we will give you an extra discount on all wines and waive your tasting fees! Thank you again, and hope to see you soon!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

SHANNON:* Thank you and all your customers for your loyal support over the years and enjoy Maloy O’Neill wines.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Maloy O’Neill Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

2009 Tenuta di Montecucco ‘Canaiolo’ Maremma Toscana IGT

Mission Codename: Etruscan Influences

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an example of the Tuscan varietal Canaiolo for our operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Tenuta di Montecucco

Wine Subject: 2009 ‘Canaiolo’ Maremma Toscana IGT

Backgrounder:

There is no arguing the Italy’s Goria Law is complex, but the system does give us a clue on some of the finer DOCG selections. In between the DOCG and their vini da tavola category sits the classification of Indicazioni Geographiche Tipiche or IGT. These wines are reflect the character of a specific region without the constraints of of the strict DOC or DOCG requirements thus giving the winemaker tremendous flexibility to produce wines with both indigenous and non indigenous grapes. These blends created an entirely new category of wine including the much loved Super Tuscan. Like many exceptional Tuscans, this 100% Canaiolo doesn’t qualify for DOC status but is every bit as good.

If you are unfamiliar with the Canaiolo grape, you are not alone. It used to be much more prevalent when it was widely used as a blending grape with Sangiovese to make Chianti but since the blending requirements have changed, this grape has nearly gone extinct. A native grape of Italy, with cultivation records dating back to the 14th century and references back to the Etruscan period.

The Maremma region is located on the west-central coast of Italy half way between Rome and Florance and immediately south of the village of Grosseto.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark and deep ruby red with a dense but clear ruby core. Along the edges, the color is a more pale ruby and when swirled, this wine settles quickly and leaves clusters of fast thin legs with notably fatter heads.

Smell – Aromatic ripe flavors of red fruit including red cherry and hints of strawberry are framed with floral and earthy undergrowth and mushroom tones. Hints of soft smoke, green herbs and mocha also emerge.

Feel – Smooth and warm, this full-bodied dry wine has sweet youthful tannins and vibrant acidity with a touch of spice and minerality that dries the palate.

Taste – Ripe and fresh flavors of earthy and spiced red and black cherry with a touch of strawberry and plum also. Savory flavors with smoked herbs, mocha and a little undergrowth linger into the finish.

Finish – Clean and medium in length, this wine’s fresh and ripe red fruit fades leaving behind its spice along with a lingering tartness that dries the palate inviting another sip.

Conclusion – The unique 2009 Tenuta di Montecucco ‘Canaiolo’ Maremma Toscana IGT is a fresh and inviting wine that is both easy to drink alone but with sufficent acidity to pair with food. A pleasant departure from the typical Italian rosso enjoy this wine with anti-pasto, charcuterie or aged cheeses. Enjoy this wine now or cellar for the next few years.

Mission Report:

We are actively working to secure an interview with the winemaker – once we have it in hand we will post it here.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Tenuta di Montecucco about 15 miles northeast of Grosseto can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 David Noyes Wines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Mission Codename: Since 1850

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Return to our friend, David Noyes, and retrieve his fantastic Crane Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: David Noyes Wines

Wine Subject: 2007 Crane Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Winemaker: David Noyes

Backgrounder: Since 1970, winemaker David Noyes has made fine wines, all around the world, and for some incredible wineries. Early in his career, David made wine at Ridge and Kunde Estate. In 2006, David left Kunde to launch his own label. Today, as then, David is especially well-known for his delicious Zinfandels and Pinot Noirs, and we are proud to bring you David’s wonderful 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

The Sonoma Coast AVA, established in 1987, is the area directly adjacent to the Pacific coastline of Sonoma County. The ocean’s influence causing a cooler, higher rainfall and foggy climate most influences the vineyards of this region, many of which have exceptional views of the mighty Pacific. These factors cause grapes to mature and ripen more slowly which is idea for Pinot Noir. The region is approximately 750 square miles with about 7,000 acres under vine.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and pretty ruby red with darker burgundy hints in its clear core and pales slightly along the edges. When swirled, evenly spaced tears descend randomly and broaden as the sink to the wine below.

Smell – Rich and aromatic with earthy and spiced red fruit including red cherry with notes of dark raspberry and even hints of strawberry. Classic earthy undergrowth, black tea and sweet tobacco blend with toasted oak and vanilla notes inviting a sip.

Feel – Smooth and dry, this full-bodied Pinot has a sturdy but supple structure with finely grained tannins, lively acidity and dark earthy minerality that dries as the wine glides over the palate.

Taste – Dark red fruit flavors blends with hot spice and earthy undertones providing a classic Pinot flavor profile. Bold and rich with black tea, toasted oak, and hints of cola blend with floral and savory components adding depth and complexity.

Finish – Long and clean with this wine’s rich and ripe red fruit slowly fading leaving behind toasted oak, mouth drying tannins and earthy flavors.

Conclusion – The 2007 David Noyes Wines Crane Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a fantastic Pinot that bridges the gap very well between the generally more fruit forward California style and the subtle complexity found in Burgundy’s Cote D’or. A bountiful nose of red fruit with great complexity, smooth and balanced on the palate, great depth of flavor, and a finish that begs for another sip – what else could you want? We paired this lovely wine with pan-grilled pork tenderloin seasoned with a Latin inspired verde dry rub and a fresh mango and berry salsa. Enjoy now or for the next five years.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: David Noyes

WINE EDUCATION: Ridge Vineyards and UC Davis

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Currently making my own wine, working, consulting…

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: If it tastes good, they will drink it.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Wish I could encapsulate the numinous quality of wine in a single sentence…glad I cannot…

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Under my own label, 2001 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir…first commercial vintage I had a hand in…1970…oh that’s a long time ago!

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, David. We are thrilled to be showing your 2007 Crane Vineyard Pinot Noir today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

DAVID: Thank you! It is always a pleasure to spend time with the wine world’s secret agents.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

DAVID: Not really, I like to say I grew up in Palo Alto during the 60’s and wine was just one of the mind and mood altering paths we all enjoyed… Wine begins in the earth—there’s nothing more grounded than farming, yet, once in the bottle its as subject to fad, fancy and folly as any item of fashion or style. I find the spectrum fascinating.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

DAVID: Both David Bennion and Paul Draper of Ridge had profound effects—the Dionysian and Apollonian, as someone said. Wine as a sensual product and an expression of earthy pleasure as well as a calling, a profession and a practice…

RED: Who do you make wine for?

DAVID: For myself, of course, but I enjoy pleasing people, so, for others…I like to make wine that I believe most people can relate to, can enjoy sensually…That said there’s also a story that appeals to the emotions and a respect for tradition and for style that can appeal to the intellect.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

DAVID: My 2007 Crane vineyard represents a selection of my favorite lots from the Crane Ranch, located just below Santa Rosa at the base of Crane Canyon Road. 2007 gave us almost ideal ripening weather, even, warm days, not sudden heat spikes and the grapes rewarded us with beautifully balanced wines, delicious almost from the day of bottling. After 3 years in bottle it is just coming to a peak of development—the lively fruit and black tea aromas and flavors softening into the cinnamon, vanilla and toast background derived from the winemaking.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

DAVID: I love it with lamb—I had it with a garlic stuffed leg of lamb w/Moroccan spices, pilaf and eggplant, (not my cooking!), which was delicious.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Crane Vineyard so special?

DAVID: The Crane family farm in a unique area—farmers in the area since 1858 they developed the ‘Crane’ melon, a wonderfully aromatic, late-ripening, low acid, orange fleshed melon that does well with their combination of heavy black soils, warm afternoons and cool evenings that work well for pinot noir as well! Just South of Santa Rosa their vineyards are just in line with the North edge of the ‘Petaluma’ gap and benefit from the daily marine breeze that comes down from Bodega Bay.

They cool nights preserve color and aromatics in the fruit while the heavy soils retain water and allow for dry farming, (no irrigation), which keeps vegetative vigor in check—this favors berry and fruit flavor over herbal or weedy ones. The warm afternoons allow for good ripening, both of flavor and tannins, so the tannins, while present are soft more like black tea than raw twigs…

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

DAVID: Selling wine! More to your point, I’ve finished my blend of the 2010 Crane pinot—most of the wine goes to my Sonoma Coast bottling, we’ve just bottled some 2009 Merlot and Zin and I’m crossing my fingers for good weather for the rest of the summer.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

DAVID: I like, currently, the metaphor of fashion…choose your wine as you would choose your clothes, or whatever it pleases you to make a choice in…ultimately it is a all matter of choice. Please, drink my wine as an homage to the tradition of zinfandel winemaking in California, or because it tastes good!

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

DAVID: I think I’ve said enough…

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Winery Check:

The location of the tasting room where David’s incredible wines can be found can be seen in this

2007 Z-52 Cellars Brsada Vineyard Zinfandel

Mission Codename: Northern Exposure

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to to Z-52 Wines, where prolific winemaker, Philip Zorn, crafts Operative-favorite Zinfandel. If the wine proves to be incredible, procure an ample allotment for our Zin-loving Operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Z-52 Winery

Wine Subject: 2007 Zinfandel Brsada Vineyard, Sonoma Valley

Winemaker: Philip Zorn

Backgrounder: The Sonoma Valley AVA is one of the oldest wine growing regions in California with the first vines being planted in the early 1800s. The AVA is located along California Route 12 and its eastern boundary are the southern end of the Mayacamas mountains. The unique micro-climate with less rainfall and fog than other parts of the region along with its unique soil provides ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and especially Zinfandel.

Varietal Backgrounder: Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Alexander Valley and the Russian River Valley, where this Zinfandel’s grapes are are grown are characterized by their balanced flavors, are gaining in popularity with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dark ruby red with garnet edges. The clear core is a darker ruby. When swirled, this wine leaves tall, skinny legs that move swiftly down the glass.

Smell – Lush candied blackberry, blueberry, black cherry and soft oak lead to earthen bramble, dusty summertime vineyard row, dark dried flower and a savory herbal component.

Feel – Smooth and soft on entry, this wine becomes mouthcoating and textured, with a softly dry feel. Medium tannins and a soft acidity guide the wine into a long and lingering finish.

Taste – Dark and juicy, with bold black cherry, dark strawberry and dark raspberry out in the front. As the wine moves across the palate, earthen flavors of dried leaves, cocoa dust and savory herbs appear on the mid-palate.

Finish – Very long, with dark fruit eventually giving way to red fruit and the earthen components listed above. At the very end, added flavors appear on the mid-palate, lead by dried leaves and subtle but tasty savory herbs.

Conclusion – The 2007 Z52 Zinfandel Brsada Vineyard, Sonoma Valley is a delicious, robust and inviting wine. This is a savory wine, but the dark fruit certainly shines through. While there is plenty of character here, this wine is not hot or overbearing, like some Cali Zins can tend to be. Decant for 30minutes, and be rewarded with more authentic fruit flavors and a softer finish. Pair with anything from the BBQ!

Mission Report:

With Summer now in full swing, wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties are busily tending to the vineyards. As such, we were unable to secure an interview with the busy Philip Zorn. Please be sure to subscribe to our Daily Dispatch, to stay informed on our next Z-52 sale!

2006 Pure Cru Wines Couples & Co Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: King Cabernet

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Mitch Cosentino enjoys the distinction of being The Wine Spies’ top-selling winemaker of all time. Most popular are, without question, his big Cabernets. Send Agent Red to Mitch’s winery – and return with an ample allocation of his exquisite Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: pureCru by M. Cosentino

Wine Subject: 2006 Couples and Co Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Mitch Cosentino

Winery Backgrounder: Mitch Cosentino’s wines enjoy the distinction of being one of our top-selling winemaker of all time. Mitch’s wines are varied, distinctive and always delicious.

Varietal Backgrounder: Napa Cabernet Sauvignon continues to dominate as the leader in California red wine. For good reason, too, as Napa produces some of the richest and most delicious examples on the planet. Today’s wine is a perfect blending and cross section of vineyard fruit from the Napa Valley.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Intense ruby hues, this wine shows a darkening core and color that remains concentrated right out to its edge. When swirled, wine-stained tears start high on the glass, becoming skinny as they march downward.

Smell – Lush and robust, this classic-on-the-nose Napa Cabernet leads with off with blackberry, ripe black cherry, overripe raspberry and dark currants. Bramble, exotic spice, toasted oak and dusty cocoa powder sit just beneath the lush fruit. After some swirling, additional aromas of licorice and warm candied cherry.

Feel – Smooth and lush on entry, the wine quickly coats the mouth. Supple tannins and a balanced acidity both support the wine on the palate, driving additional flavors and giving the wine a very lush overall feel.

Taste – Generous dark fruit, lead by ripe blackberry, plum, black cherry and cassis. Beneath these linger bramble, dusty earth, exotic spice and toasty oak, which all contribute to the tannin structure of the wine. After the wine breaths for a bit, dark chocolate, dark mineral and notes add complexity.

Finish – Very long and flavor-filled, this wine has flavors that linger long after your sip is complete. Dark fruit coats the palate and clings at the edges and then earthen flavors encroach, leading to a very gradual fading of flavors.

Conclusion – The 2006 Couples & Co Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is exactly the sort of delicious, classic Napa Cabernet that we have come to expect from Wine Spies’ favorite, Mitch Cosentino. This wine has a terrific flavor profile, and a big, chewy feel that drives flavors deeper onto the palate. The nose is lush and full, and the finish is ultra-long. This is a very approachable, interesting and exciting wine that our entire tasting panel really went wild for. Enjoy now, but cellar a few bottles for the next several years! Have a bottle with a favorite grilled steak, but be sure to keep some for the Winter Holiday table, as well.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Mitch Cosentino

WINE EDUCATION: Self Taught – and 33 years of practical experience

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker for Cosentino Winery from 1980 to 2010,
Consultant to various wineries and growers from 1989 to present.
Founder-Winemaker of pureCru Winery and Wines from 2009 to present

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Flavor and balance

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1980 Merlot and a 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon and a Blanc de Noir Sparkling wine all released in 1982 under the brand of Crystal Valley Cellars/Cosentino Wine Company.

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Mitch. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MITCH COSENTINO: No problem, I am always willing to help someone make a new discovery for the purposes of good over evil.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

MITCH: No, primarily “divine misguidance” telling me that I needed to learn about and pay attention to anything about wine.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

MITCH: Several notable winemakers like Myron Nightingale and Ed Sbragia of the old Beringer days, John Parducci, John Daniels thru his old Inglenook Cabernets and others from the 60’s, and 70’s.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

MITCH: I won’t make a wine that I wouldn’t enjoy myself, but otherwise the wines are made for the pleasure of all with food primarily.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

MITCH: This is a Jefferson Cup winner, one of only 17 wines award such, besides being a multiple medal winner at other prestigious wine competitions. Classic Napa Cab with selected fruit grown by very special long tenured growers primarily in the St Helena and Oakville regions. Barrel aged for 30 months in French Oak. Limited production of only 525 cases

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

MITCH: Flat Iron steak, a unique cut that i like to marinate in olive oil and steak seasonings for about 15 minutes before grilling about 4 minutes on each side.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

MITCH: Working on upcoming new blends and getting a couple of new wines ready for bottling that may be released later this year or early 2012.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

MITCH: Have fun, experiment and explore the possibilities.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

MITCH: More exciting things to come!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Mitch Cosentino’s Couples & Co. winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 RustRidge Winery Estate Chardonnay

Mission Codename: Rancho Catacula

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Send Agent Red back to RustRidge Ranch and Winery, from our field agents have spied a fantastic red blend. If the wine is as good as our Operatives say it is, procure an ample quantity.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: RustRidge Winery

Wine Subject: 2007 Estate Chardonnay – Napa Valley – Chiles Valley

Winemaker: Susan Meyer

Backgrounder:The Chiles Valley AVA is a very distinctive grape growing region the northeastern part of the Napa Valley with a history that dates back to the 1840s with a Mexican land grant called Rancho Catacula. It is a small, narrow and very steep growing region that sits between St. Helena to the west and Lake Berryessa to the east. The region’s generally warmer, more continental climate and well drained soils provide great growing conditions for Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as exceptional Chardonnay.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep golden yellow with orangish tints that pales along the edges. When swirled, this slightly viscous wine leaves pencil thin legs widely spaced around the side of the glass.

Smell – Bright aromas of citrus and tropical fruit blend with toasted oak and spice. A touch of biscuit and dried nuts and fruit along with mineral notes invites a sip. Soft notes of orange blossoms, honey and smoke also emerge as you explore this wine.

Feel – A balanced mouth-feel that blends a creamy expansive and fuller-bodied texture with crisp mineral and vibrant acidity that stays clean and crisp into the finish.

Taste – Tart citrus including grapefruit and lemon blend with more subtle tropical fruit and a touch of tart green tree fruit. Creamy yeast, toasted oak, soft butter and a hint of honey lies just underneath this wine’s crisp and fresh tart acidity and mouth drying minerality.

Finish – Long and clean, with its crisp tart fruit fading leaving notes of spice, flinty minerals and acidity to dry the palate and invite another sip.

Conclusion – The 2007 RustRidge Winery Estate Chardonnay is a classic Chardonnay that does an exceptional job balancing its weighty creamy and fuller-bodied texture with its lively acidity and mineral notes. Fresh citrus, tropical and tree fruit along with toasted oak and other complex flavors blend and mingle as you enjoy this fresh wine. We paired this wine for a perfect lunch with grilled fish tacos and homemade pico-de-gallo. Enjoy this wine right now!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Susan Meyer

WINE EDUCATION: On the job while I took on RustRidge from Merry Edwards and Ken Rosemblum

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Always here at RustRidge

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Handle the grapes as little as possible and let the fruit shine through the wine.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Wine with the spirit of a thoroughbred.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1992

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Susan. We are thrilled to be showing your delicious 2007 Estate Chardonnay today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

SUSAN MEYER: Hello to you – Agent Red.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

SUSAN: Wine has always been a part of my life and RustRidge specifically since 1972

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

SUSAN: Kent Rosemblum

RED: Who do you make wine for?

SUSAN: The people – our fans

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

SUSAN: Our 2007 Estate Chardonnay is an incredibly versatile wine, drinking well as a cocktail wine on its own, or paired with food.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

SUSAN: on risotto with rock shrimp and grilled asparagus.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Napa Valley sub-appellation of Chiles Valley so special?

SUSAN: This is a distinct microclimate that isolated from traffic and other pollutants. Our vines thrive here with the right amount of winter rain, summer sun, cool evenings and healthy soil.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

SUSAN: I’m finishing up the barrel selection and blending for our 2008 Racehorse Red Cabernet Sauvignon-Zinfandel Blend and Racehorse White Chardonnay.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

SUSAN: With good company, good food and a warm heart.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

SUSAN: The real passion here at RustRidge begins in our vineyards: by committing to both dry and organic farming, we’re allowing the most honest and true characteristics to shine through in each of our wines from the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnays to varietal Cabernet Sauvignons and Zinfandels.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the RustRidge Ranch and Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

2006 Alexander Valley Vineyards Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: Summer School

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Alexander Valley Vineyard to secure a limited-quantity Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Alexander Valley Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2006 Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Kevin Hall

Backgrounder:

Alexander Valley in northeast Sonoma County is located on the western side of the Mayacamas range and extends westward to the edge of the Russian River Valley. This appellation was formerly considered a part of Dry Creek Valley but became its own appellation in November 1984. The region is best known for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but recently people are starting to discover its Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Chardonnay as well.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dark garnet and purple with a dense nearly opaque core that only lets hints of light shine though. Garnet along the edges and when swirled, clusters of thin legs broaden as they descend to the wine below.

Smell – Rich and bold with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry mingle with earthy and brown spice notes. Spicy black pepper, green bell pepper, mocha and green herbs adds complexity and are all framed by a sturdy toasted oak component.

Feel – Very smooth on the initial attack, then at mid palate the firm, grippy and finely grained tannins, balanced acidity and mouth drying minerality hits with a warm wave that lingers into the finish.

Taste – Slightly restrained earthy black cherry, brambly blackberry and dark plum flavors blend with a generous toasted oak and both brown-baking and black pepper spice. A touch of green bell pepper, bitter-sweet chocolate and green herbs.

Finish – Long, smooth and clean, with this wine’s sturdy structure drying the palate cleanly as hints of the oak linger past the fruit for a minute or more.

Conclusion – The 2006 Alexander Valley Vineyards Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a lovely Alexander Valley Cab that is both sturdy and smooth with generous nose and long mouth watering finish. Enjoy this wine now (let breathe for at least 30 minutes) or cellar for the next five to seven years. This wine’s warm and dry texture makes it a great wine to pair with grilled red meat.

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Alexander Valley Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photoSUBJECT: Kevin Hall

WINE EDUCATION: I have a Master’s Degree in Enology from the University of California at Davis.

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: 13 years at AVV, 3 years at Sebastiani

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Be passionate about wine and never take short cuts

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ”Don’t screw up the fruit.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1998, Pinot noir

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Kevin Hall. We are thrilled to be showing your 2006 Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

KEVIN HALL: I am always happy to be here, Red

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

KEVIN: My wife’s family was involved in the wine industry and it was a way to get closer to her.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

KEVIN: I worked for a winemaker in New Zealand named Rod McDonald. His passion for wine was contagious.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

KEVIN: For our wine-loving customers

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Alexander Valley so special?

KEVIN: The Alexander valley has extremely diverse soil types and the climate is a blend of coastal and inland influences. We can have temperature shifts of 50 degrees in the growing season wheich allows the grapes to ripen slowly.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

KEVIN: Bottling!

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

KEVIN: Have fun and enjoy.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Alexander Valley Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.