2008 Cabernet Sauvignon“Stone Place” $90 New Release
Estate Old Vines Sustainably and Organically Farmed
Vintage Notes: 2008 is all about quality and concentration of flavors. Mother Nature made sure the weather was at both ends of extremes throughout the growing season. In the end, she made it all good… The winter was tracking to be one of the wettest on record but then as spring came around, no rain – nada – dry as a bone. The cool and consistent summer climate put the final and most perfect touches on the grapes.
Winemaking: With intimate access to the finest vineyard blocks at the Crocker Estate, Pam begins to build the wine in the vineyard. The old-vine heritage clone is the core substance and power for this Cabernet. Pam uses both cold soak must and post fermentation maceration techniques to gain the most for the mid palate and overall density. Barrel aged for twenty months in eighty percent new French oak, this wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaker’s notes: Power, structure and balance are the hallmarks of our 2008 vintage. Black cherries, cassis and cocoa are followed by pipe tobacco, sweet oak, black fruit and cardamom. The thick viscosity and silky tannins carry through to a finish that evokes notes of cedar, violets and a lingering minerality. download notes
2009 Cabernet Franc $62
Teenage Vines Sustainably and Organically Farmed
Vintage Notes: In Napa Valley in 2009, Mother Nature was once again a super-hero, providing us with lush, beautiful grapes. Though rainfall was little more than two-thirds of normal for the third year in a row, the timing of the precipitation was on the vine’s side. Coupled with the lack of frost and the mild, relatively cool growing season, Mother Nature managed to have it all work in unison to give vines and grapes the best season possible, producing exceptionally bright flavors. Neither the grapes nor the vines experienced any stress—no raisining, no sunburn—just great hang time, and balanced sugars to acid. We were really excited about the early concentrated flavors. Late spring rains delayed irrigation needs and the warm spell in June helped curtail excessive canopy development. The pace of the 2009 harvest was terrific—even and steady, a phenomenal year in the vineyard. We were delighted with the 2009 vintage and the perfect growing season left us all smiles.
Winemaking: To maximize depth of flavors, sustainable & organic farming practices are used in our estate vineyards. Only small lot fermentations & 17 months in 70% new French Oak led to the blend of 97% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec & 1% Petit Verdot. A powerful & refined wine that will age beautifully for the next decade. Less than 500 cases made.
Winemaker’s Notes: This beautiful onyx and dark plum colored wine lifts notes of blueberries, cola, spices, lavender and tobacco to your nose. On the palate, mocha, dark fruit, exotic spices, cola and tobacco leaf flow seamlessly into a long, rich and persistent finish. Enjoy now through 2025.
“Pam Starr always does a terrific job with Cabernet Franc…” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate
“The 2009 Cabernet Franc emerges from the glass with pure varietal warmth and expressive generosity.” 92 Points Antonio Galloni –Wine Advocate
2011 Sauvignon Blanc $32
Appelation: St. Helena and Oak Knoll
Vintage notes: Vintage 2011 was one of our most challenging ever. A very wet winter and spring continued with rainfall into mid-June, with more than a third above normal rainfall. A long, cooler-than-average growing season followed.
Sauvignon Blanc found the latest harvest start in our memory. In spite of all these challenges, we were extremely pleased with the quality of fruit harvested in 2011. Although yields were very low, we were rewarded for our efforts with rich, concentrated, intense flavors.
Winemaking: 100% Sauvignon, 100% whole cluster pressed. Barrel fermented in 96% stainless steel barrels, 4% new French oak barrels. Aged on the lees for increased richness and intensity until late March.
From the House Palate:
“Napa Valley” is captured in our Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that we planted over a decade ago. Soils and climates specifically chosen to capture the best attributes of the sauvignon grape grown in Crocker Vineyard and Hyde Las Trancas Vineyard. The result is a juicy, ripe and balanced white wine. Fresh and forward aromas of spring bouquet flowers, lemon meringue, freesia and nectarine. The entry bursts with white peaches and guava, layered with key lime and minerals. Crisp and rich with a long like finish. Cheers to Sauvignon Blanc! Less than 700 cases produced. download notes
