City Winery Van Dam Zin 2008

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: 96% Zinfandel from Madder Lakes Vineyard, Lake County, CA. 4% Merlot from Alder Spring
Vineyard: Mendocino, CA.
Vintage: 2008
Vineyard: see above.
Alcohol: 15% vol
Volume: 750ml
AVA: Lake County, CA
Cases production: 120 cs bottled

Vineyard description: NA-Blend of vineyards.

Winemaking Info: 13-day fermentation in tank with pumping over twice a day, partial press blended back into free-run juice. Full malolactic fermentation. Gravity pumped into a combination of 1/3 new Seguin Moreau and 2/3 used Taransaud and Francois Freres for 9 months.

Wine Description: A fruit driven and zesty Zinfandel from Lake County, CA with hints of spice & smoke, Powerful and youthful with an abundance of ripe red cherry, plum and black berry characters. Palate is big and boisterous, with lively acidity offset by an incredible density.

Aging Capacity: 2-4 years.

Food Pairing: Can be sipped by itself slightly chilled, or served with some grilled meat just out of the BBQ. Perfect party wine!

Buy the City Winery Van Dam Zin 2008 here.

City Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Obsidian Ridge 2008

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Vineyard: Obsidian Ridge
Alcohol: 14.1 % vol
Volume: Retail
AVA: Red Hills Lake County, CA
Cases production: 85 cs bottled

Vineyard description: Planted high on the ridge separating Alexander Valley and Clear Lake, Obsidian Ridge Vineyard is a 105-acre vineyard set on a northwest facing parcel of 5 to 20% slopes, ranging from 2,300 to 2,660 feet in elevation. The site benefits from cool evenings due to good air drainage, high elevation, and breezes off the Mayacamas Range.

Winemaking Info: 19 days of maceration using daily pumping over, press wine blended back into free run wine. Malo-lactic fermentation completed in barrel during winter. Aged for 17 months in French barrels (Seguin Moreaux, Taransaud), blend of 2 new and 6 used barrels, 4 racking during barrel aging to soften tannins.

Wine Description: From deep alluvial soils in Lake County, this powerful Cabernet Sauvignon is inky purple in the glass and exhibits dark briary notes on the nose. The palate is awash with supple tannins and balanced acidity. Dark fruit with a touch of minerality complements some clove and spice.

Aging Capacity: 7 to 10 years.

Food Pairing: Duck Sausage flatbread with caramelized onions + feta cheese, aged strip steak with gorgonzola butter.

Buy the City Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Obsidian Ridge 2008 here.

City Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Haystack 2008

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Vineyard: Haystack
Alcohol: 14.1 % vol
Volume: Retail
AVA: Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Cases production: 85 cs bottled

Vineyard description: Established in 1989, Haystack Peak Vineyards is located at an elevation of 1300 feet in the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley. Thin, rocky, volcanic soils, cool nights and sunny days above the valley fog combine to produce exceptional fruit.

Winemaking Info: 22 days of maceration using daily pumping over plus few rack & return during peak of the fermentation. Malo-lactic fermentation completed in barrel during winter and following spring. 100% free run wine (no press blended back). Aged for 16 months into 3 new French oak barrels (3 different cooper) and 3 one-year-old barrels(Taransaud)

Wine Description: Our flagship single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from the renowned sub-AVA of Atlas Peak in the Napa Valley. This is a distinguished and powerfully structured wine. The nose displays toasty cedar and dark red fruit. On the palate the theme continues with ripe fruit attack framed by grippy tannins. Balanced acidity lends additional weight to the mid palate. Finish is long and savory.

Aging Capacity: 7 to 10 years.

Food Pairing: Lamb mergueze with stewed lentils, braised short ribs with creamy polenta.

Buy the City Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Haystack 2008 here.

City Winery Reserve Cabernet Franc Alder Springs 2009

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2009
Vineyard: Alder Springs Vineyard
Alcohol: 14.1 % vol
Volume: 750 ml
AVA: Mendocino, CA
Cases production: 50 cs bottled

Vineyard description: 100% Cabernet Franc from Alder Springs Vineyard, Emerole Pool block.

Winemaking Info: 16 day Maceration into open-top fermenter tank with daily punch down and some pumping when needed, partial press blended back into free-run juice. Full malolactic fermentation. Gravity pumped into a combination of 1/2 new Taransaud and ½ one-year-old D&G barrel.

Wine Description: Tannic and powerful wine with the initial taste of red berries with the undertones of dark berries. Black pepper and spice aromas fill the nose and creaminess on the finish with a touch of maraschino cherry and red grape.

Aging Capacity: 5 to 8 years.

Food Pairing: Pairs nicely with rack of lamb, beef, or BBQ ribs.

Buy the City Winery Reserve Cabernet Franc Alder Springs 2009 here.

City Winery Pinot Noir California 2010

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2010
Vineyard: 86% Bacigalupi Vineyard (not specified on label)
Alcohol: 14.1 % vol
Volume: 750 ml & Tap
AVA: Russian River, CA
Cases production: 110 cs bottled & Kegs

Vineyard description: Owned by Helen and Charles Bacigalupi since 1948, this is a benchmark vineyard in Sonoma County and the Russian River producing some of the best Pinot Noir in California. The terrain ranges from gentle rolling hills to extreme hillsides. City Winery’s grapes are planted in the alluvial soils close to the river. David Ramey and Williams Selyem are long-time clients.

Winemaking Info: 12 day maceration into open top tank, daily punch down and few pumping over, partial press blended back into free-run juice. Full malolactic fermentation. Gravity pumped into a combination of 1/3 new Dargeau & Jaegle and 2/3 used Taransaud and François Frères for 8 months.

86% 2010 Pinot Noir Bacigalupi Vineyard (Russian River)

7% 2010 Pinot Noir Hyland (Willamette, OR) to provide aromatic freshness and acidity.

7% 2010 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido (Santa Maria, CA), to provide mid-pallet richness.

Wine Description: Bright ruby color with a complex bouquet of black cherries, fresh earth and smoky spice. A refreshing, fruit-forward Pinot Noir. Shows a restrained power and richly expressive fruit. A fine acid backbone balances a medium-bodied palate, complex Côte de Beaune-style wine with immensely succulent cherry fruit, velvety texture, and a silky finish.

Aging Capacity: 2 to 3 years.

Food Pairing: Can be enjoyed by itself. Also pairs nicely with speck-wrapped duck breast on bed of cracked barley and pearl onions. Arctic char on creamed arugula pesto potatoes. Soft goat cheeses, semi-aged cheddar, mild cows milk cheese.

Buy the City Winery Pinot Noir California 2010 here.

City Winery New York City Cab 2009

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2009
Vineyard: Blend
Alcohol: 14.1 % vol
Volume: 750 ml & Tap
AVA: North Coast, CA
Cases production: 100 cs bottled & Tap

Vineyard description: Blend of two cabernets from Mendocino and Napa Valley with 15% of Merlot from Napa Valley.

Winemaking Info: 21 day fermentation in tank with pumping over twice a day, press wine blended back into free-run wine, full malolactic fermentation. Gravity pumped into a combination of 2-year new Seguin Moreau and 23-year Taransaud for 16 months.

Wine Description: Dark and concentrated yet elegant with aromas of ripe red fruit and note of rose flowers. Lush juicy mouth full with flavor of anise & toffee. Silky tannin finishing with some notes of toasted bread and nuts.

Aging Capacity: 3 to 5 years.

Food Pairing: Can be sipped by itself slightly chilled or be served with some grilled meat just out of the barbecue. Perfect party wine!

Buy the City Winery New York City Cab 2009 here.

City Winery Hudson Square Syrah 2008

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: Syrah
Vintage: 2008
Vineyard: Blend of two vineyards.
Alcohol: 14.1% vol
Volume: 750ml
AVA: North Coast, CA
Cases production: 105 cs bottled

Vineyard description: 46% Alder Springs Vineyard (Mendocino), 54% Syrah from Madder Lakes Vineyard.

Winemaking Info: Both Syrahs have been fermented in open top tanks with daily punch down and some pumping when needed, partial press blended back into free-run juice. Full malolactic fermentation. Gravity pumped into a combination of 1/3 new Seguin Moreaux, 1/3 used taransaud and 1/3 used D&G.

Wine Description: Notes of ripe red fruits with spices (black pepper, etc), nuance of eucalyptus and blond tobacco fill the palate with an oak flavor through the finish. A very elegant and savory wine.

Aging Capacity: 2-4 years.

Food Pairing: Needs to be matched with food– such as lamb chops, grilled vegetables.

Buy the City Winery Hudson Square Syrah 2008 here.

City Winery Houston Street Red 2009

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Variety: Cabernet
Vintage: 2009
Vineyard: Blend of several vineyards
Alcohol: 14.1% vol
Volume: 750ml
AVA: North Coast
Cases production: 120 cs bottled

Vineyard description: NA- Blend of vineyards.

Winemaking Info: Blend of cabernet sauvignon (82%) produced from 3 vineyards plus some Napa merlot (12%) and some Lake County zinfandel (8%). Blend can change depending on batch.

Wine Description: A fruit-driven and approachable cabernet sauvignon from North Coast. Jammy red fruit with hints of spice. Powerful and youthful with an abundance of ripe red cherry. Tannins are present but well-integrated.

Aging Capacity: 2-4 years.

Food Pairing: Can be sipped by itself or served with grilled meat just out of the BBQ.

Buy the City Winery Houston Street Red 2009 here.

Alder Springs Vineyards

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has established relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Alder Springs Vineyards.

VARIETY: Syrah
LOCATION/REGION: Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County
CLONE: Divers clones over 3309 and 420a
TERROIR: Red Volcanic soil / gravel soils
OTHER INFO: VSP and Scott Henry Trellising
PRICE: $3,126 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Owned by Stuart Bewley, the vineyard ranges up the eastern flank of the coastal range in Mendocino County. Stuart has pushed the limits of elevation and farming in the region, with most of his vineyards planted in truly tricky situations. This vineyard rambles up the mountain coastward, amongst outcroppings of rock and virgin redwood with varied soils. The blocks are tailored to the specific soil variations and aspects. Alder Springs is a very special vineyard.

WINE STYLE: Dense ruby/purple-color, full-bodied, sweet-textured and hedonistic, with notes of mocha, blueberries, blackberries, cherry liqueur, chocolate, and espresso.

Alder Springs Vineyards is City Winery’s sole supplier of Roussanne grapes for the 2011 harvest. Here are the key details for that variety:

VARIETY: Roussanne
LOCATION/REGION: Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County
CLONE: Clone 468
TERROIR: Red Volcanic soil / gravel soils
PRICE: $2,739 per barrel

WINE STYLE: Roussanne’s complex aromatics, lively acidity and depth show why it’s the white wine for red wine lovers.

City Winery also sources Cabernet Franc grapes from Alder Springs. Here are some key stats on that variety:

VARIETY: Cabernet Franc
LOCATION/REGION: Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County
CLONE: Clone 214 & 327
TERROIR: Red Volcanic soil / gravel soils
PRICE: $2,909 per barrel

WINE STYLE: This Cab Franc is incredibly rich, perfectly ripened and aimed to please those fans of this great grape. The fruit is dark, blackberries, cherries and blueberries and the tannins firm but very easy to love.

Algodon Wine Estates

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Algodon Wine Estates.

VARIETY: Malbec
LOCATION/REGION: Sierra Pintadas foothills, Mendoza, Agentina
CLONE: Massal selection
TERROIR: Sloped vineyards on high calcium alluvial soils
OTHER INFO: 1800 vines/acre trained on bilateral cordon and guyot systems
PRICE: $1,500 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: High Altitude (2400 feet above sea level) with low precipitation thoughout the year. Mild daytime temperatures, consistent sunlight, and cool evenings combine for a long even growing season.

WINE STYLE: Dark and concentrated yet elegant with flavors of dried cherries, blackberry, dark plum, dusty cocoa and toffee. Due to their supple tannins, Mendoza Malbecs are generally approachable much earlier than any of their Northern hemisphere counterparts.

Bacigalupi Vineyard

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Bacigalupi Vineyard.

VARIETY: Petite Sirah
LOCATION/REGION: Russian River AVA, Sonoma County
CLONE: Clone 3 over 101-14
TERROIR: Alluvial soil from russian river
OTHER INFO: VSP trellising
PRICE: $3,000 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Petite Sirah (which is neither petite nor Syrah) has become something of a cult grape in California among lovers of massive, teeth-staining red wines. This site, owned by Helen and Charles Bacigalupi since 1948, is a benchmark vineyard in Sonoma County and the Russian River Valley. The terrain ranges from gentle rolling hills to extreme hillsides. City Winery’s grapes are planted in the alluvial soils close to the river.

WINE STYLE: This vineyard turns out pedal-to-the-metal, powerful, intense Petite Sirah, possessing a blue/black color as well as an exceptional perfume of acacia flowers, crushed rocks, blueberries, blackberries, and incense. Monstrous in dimension with powerful fine-grained tannins.

City Winery also sources Pinot Noir from Bacigalupi. Here are some key details for that variety:

VARIETY: Pinot Noir
LOCATION/REGION: Russian River AVA, Sonoma County
CLONE: Dijon clones
TERROIR: Alluvial soil from russian river
OTHER INFO: VSP trellising
PRICE: $2,996 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Owned by Helen and Charles Bacigalupi since 1948, this is a benchmark vineyard in Sonoma County and the Russian River producing some of the best Pinot Noir in California. The terrain ranges from gentle rolling hills to extreme hillsides. City Winery’s grapes are planted in the alluvial soils close to the river. David Ramey and Williams Selyem are long-time clients.

WINE STYLE: Medium-bodied, complex Côte de Beaune-style wines with immensely succulent cherry fruit, velvety texture, and a silky finish.

Bettinelli Vineyards

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Bettinelli Vineyards.

VARIETY: Cabernet Sauvignon
LOCATION/REGION: Yountville, Napa Valley
CLONE: Clone 337 over 110R
TERROIR: Alluvial Fan
OTHER INFO: VSP trellising
PRICE: $3,996 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Oakville is home to cult wines Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle, and this vineyard is on west side Mayacamas bench land… the real deal. Situated on an alluvial fan west of Yountville, with To-Kalon and Vine Hill to the north, this vineyard produces consistently top quality wines.

WINE STYLE: Opaque purple color with massively concentrated fruit and molten, velvety tannins. These wines are inky-black and opulent, with extract to spare.

Bien Nacido Vineyard

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Bien Nacido Vineyard.

VARIETY: Pinot Noir / Q block
LOCATION/REGION: Santa Maria, Central Coast, CA
CLONE: 777 & Pommard Clones on its own root.
TERROIR: well-drained sandy loams that have a cobbly clay loam subsoil.
OTHER INFO: Single cane on VSP
PRICE: $2,780 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Bien Nacido has the distinction of being one of the major viticultural nurseries in the state for certified, varietal budwood. Most of the vines were originally from stock grown by the University of California at Davis. While the average increase block in California is less than 10 acres, Planted 37 years ago, the Bien Nacido Vineyard is one of the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in the region, consisting of over 800 acres of planted vines. The maritime-influenced climate is conducive to growing the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the state.

WINE STYLE: Lovely juicy plum and red cherry fruit with rich flesh and spice; complex, dense and exquisite with balance and style.

Haystack Peak Vineyards

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Haystack Peak Vineyards.

VARIETY: Cabernet Sauvignon
LOCATION/REGION: Atlas Peak AVA, Napa Valley
CLONE: Clone 7,15 and chimney rock
TERROIR: Aiken Loam and Red Volcanic soil
OTHER INFO: Red Rock hill Block, Lyre Trellising
PRICE: $3,126 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: This high-elevation vineyard site is owned by Marlene Cerchi and Art Havenner, a UC-Davis professor. Stagecoach Vineyard is to the east and Stags Leap AVA is just to the west. Aiken loam and red-rocky volcanic soils define the vineyard. This is a soulfully farmed and managed operation with a holistic approach to sustainable farming.

WINE STYLE: Wines from the Oakville Hillside Vineyard, where Cabernet is planted, exhibit a dense purple color, tightly-knit structure, and extraordinary concentration and richness.

Hyland Vineyard

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Hyland Vineyard.

VARIETY: Pinot Noir
LOCATION/REGION: Willamette Valley, OR
CLONE: Ungrafted Coury clone
TERROIR: Well-drained Jory & Nekia soils
OTHER INFO: VSP Trellising
PRICE: $2,909 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: This vineyard is located on a 200 acre property in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Originally planted in 1971, it is one of Oregon’s oldest and largest vineyards. Hyland fruit has been used as a primary element in several wines that have garnered 92 scores from Wine Spectator. With a cool, moist climate and a variety of sedimentary and volcanic soils. Oregon’s largest AVA is recognized worldwide for its Pinot Noir. Cool night air moderates the hot summer days and tends to preserve acidity in the grapes during the latter part of ripening thus producing high quality fruit that creates a last impression on the palate.

WINE STYLE: Racy pinot noir. Light in color but high in character. Dark cherry notes with mellow mid-palate completed by an endless finish.

Obsidian Ridge Vineyard

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Obsidian Ridge Vineyard.

VARIETY: Cabernet Sauvignon
LOCATION/REGION: Clear Lake AVA, Lake County
CLONE: Clones 337, 7 & 4 over 101-14
TERROIR: Volcanic red soil with obsidian rocks
OTHER INFO: 5-20% slope, above 2300 feet
PRICE: $2,550 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Situated about three miles from the intersection of Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino counties, this vineyard is planted high on the ridge separating the Alexander Valley and Clear Lake AVAs. Its steep slopes of 5-20% face northwest and range in elevation from 2,300 to 2,660 feet. As part of the youngest volcanic flow in the North Coast region, the site is composed of intensely red soils shot with obsidian rock and gravel. The vines benefit from cool evenings due to good air drainage, high elevation, and breezes off the Mayacamas Range.

WINE STYLE: Bold and full-bodied, with powerful mineral and blackcurrant flavors, considerable tannins, and a dense, chewy finish.