Vintage 2000

The grapes we used to make this proprietary blend--Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli--came from the vineyard locations that our experience has shown us are best suited for each varietal in California's Napa, Marin, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Tulare counties.

The 2000 growing season, characterized by cool temperatures and low yields but full physiological maturity in the grapes at harvest, gave us bright, true-to-varietal fruit flavors. Our intention since first introducing this wine in 1989 has been to combine these flavors in a way that highlights the unique qualities of each grape but results a wine that is greater than the sum of the parts, making it complementary to a wide range of foods.

Following hand harvesting, we vinted the five grape varieties separately. Some of the lots were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve their fresh fruit qualities, others were barrel fermented to enhance complexity and texture. About 70 percent of the wines were aged in French and American oak barrels for 7 months before we selected the final proportions. My goal was a rich, dense wine that coats the palate with big fruit flavors. The finish is almost dry but the sense of ripe fruit persists.

The Muscat Canelli, which thrives in a warmer climate, contributes concentrated tropical, orange flower and spice aromas and flavors, while the Viognier and Sémillon add other floral notes--suggesting verbena and honeysuckle. The Chardonnay brings a lush, round mouthfeel and apple/pear and creamy butter flavors, and the Sauvignon Blanc adds body as well as notes of ripe green melon and sweet citrus.

We believe the aromas and flavors of this wine are best enjoyed when it is chilled slightly.

Jon Bolta
Winemaker

Release date: August 2001
Suggested retail price: $24