Bolero

2003 California
Syrah

     Calling the 2003 Syrah simply California does not do the dance of flavors justice. The grapes for this spicy blend came from three superb appellations in Northern, Central and Southern coastal counties. All three are cold-weather climates with distinctive flavor components.

     The wine has blackberry, cherry and plum fruit flavors, pulling from the blend. A delectable structure, initially soft but with solid tannic structure and great balance. Nuances of leather, licorice and mocha add pleasure to the finishing flavors.

     This Syrah offers a harmonious blend with more complexity than wines from single appellations. The wine is very drinkable now, but will improve in the next 3 to 5 years. The wine was aged for 14 months in French oak, 5% new.

     Bolero is a spirited Spanish dance with two to three dancers, mirroring each other’s moves. This blend of Syrahs from three vineyards weaves a magic in combination which could not be achieved in solo.

Fusion

2002 Sonoma County
Zinfandel

     The 2002 Zinfandel is a blend from two legendary regions of Sonoma County, Approximately two thirds of the grapes were taken from the Dry Creek Valley and one third from the Monte Rosso Vineyard, owned at the time by Louis Martini. Petite Syrah is the final component.

     Blackberry, wild berry, raspberry and ollaliberry fruit flavors are complimented by a hint of pomegranate. The core is tightly wound, supported by a firm tannic structure. Spice flavors are sage, nutmeg, anise, mocha, cedar and toasty oak.

     This Zinfandel is classic in style, Rhonesque, balanced and understated. Neutral French barrels were used, along with 10% new American oak. While ready to drink now, the wine will reach its zenith in three to five years.

     The fanciful name Fusion was selected for our Zinfandel because the wine represents a blending of several instruments, jamming with each other to produce an upbeat melody. Jazz if you will.

Reprise

2002 Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon

     Napa’s best varietal is Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes for this blend were taken from three wonderful vineyards. The Cab came from south Napa, near the Stags Leap District, and the Rutherford Bench. The Merlot is from St. Helena.

     The wine paints a unique palette of fruit flavors, strawberry and plum with black cherry. The texture is layered with a solid tannic structure, silkiness, and minerally elements. Spice flavors are chocolate, mint, cassis and sweet oak mixed with smoke.

     Bordeaux in style and nicely balanced, the wine’s flavor and texture radiate. The wine was aged for 24 months in French varrels, 40% new. Although very drinkable now, the wine will improve with cellaring for those who are patient.

     The fanciful name Reprise, in musical terms, is a return to the first theme. This Cabernet Sauvignon is that renewal, a turn back to our first experience with winemaking, almost twenty years ago.

Suite

2003 Santa Lucia Highlands
Pinot Noir

     A small and relatively new appellation, Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County has quickly joined the ranks of the finest in certain selective varietals such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Our 2003 Pinot Noir is taken from this region, made from four Burgundian clones.

     The fruit flavors are of dark plum and black cherry enhanced by a very slight tartness. The texture is very full bodied, resonating across the palate with vibrato. Luscious flavors of chocolate, caramel, and cassis step up the complexity and round out its full offering.

     French barrels were used for cooperage, approximately 40% new oak. The wine was aged for 20 months before bottling. This Pinot Noir should age extremely well and still be singing on key for 10 years.

     A suite is a combination of passages or instruments of various lengths and tempos that are interwoven. Pinot Noir is the most noble of all wines and the flavors that it weaves play beautifully on the palate.