News

The editors at Wine Enthusiast have recently scored our new releases, with some appearing in the upcoming September issue. The 2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay received a Cellar Selection. Cheers!

2009 Napa Valley Proprietary Red ($95) – 94 Points

2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($125) – 94 Points

2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($75) – 93 Points, Cellar Selection

2010 Sonoma County Proprietary White ($50) – 92 Points

The 30^th-year anniversary of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen raised the bar (and many glasses), yet again! In addition to a dizzying amount of incredible seminars (the 10-vintage retrospective of Taittinger’s great Comtes de Champagne and the Hermitage and Cote Roti with Michel Chapoutier were among my favorites), we kicked off the Classic with our first Aspen Carte Blanche vintner dinner for 18 people in the elegant wine room at Syzygy restaurant. Five of our wines (in addition to some surprises from my personal cellar) were paired with cuisine by new Executive Chef Keith Theodore.

Additionally, we hosted our second private tasting at the Hyatt Grand Aspen. Guests sampled our newest portfolio and were entertained by bluegrass prodigy Bella Betts, daughter of master sommelier and mezcal master Richard Betts. The sun was shining, the music was captivating, and the wines were paired with incredible fare by acclaimed chef Alison Richman of The Rabbits Garden. We thank our guests and sponsors (Aspen Peak magazine and WorldLife water), in addition to Gregg Hemming of The Grape Bar, and the Hyatt Grand Aspen, for their continued support! Check out our online pics.

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar reviewed our 2009 Bennett Valley Three Peaks Syrah, giving it a 92-point rating, noting the “perfumed nose combines blueberry, blackberry, spicy black pepper and crushed rock. Juicy and classically dry, with a penetrating saline quality to the black fruit and spice flavors. A hint of strawberry from the Grenache perfumes the lingering aftertaste. Finishes with broad, serious, chewy tannins. Very good syrah, not a bit over the top.”

Not your typical domestic Syrah, this wine is a high-elevation, cool climate Bennett Valley Syrah/Grenache vineyard-designated blend that hails from Judge Vineyard. With 13.7 alcohol only, it’s food friendly and elegant.

We were honored to participate in Bruce Nichols’ 2012 National Meeting of the Société Mondiale du Vin USA and National Young Sommelier Competition, held at Napa Valley’s historic Silverado Resort and Spa (May 3-6). Carte Blanche was poured at the 2012 Taste of Napa Valley event, and info on this incredibly successful event was emailed to the 6000 members of Mondiale du Vin, part of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest international gastronomic society. Founded in Paris in 1248 (what history!), it celebrates the marriage of great wine and food.