Tasting With Sam

September 16, 2009~ Library Tasting of the 2000 Wurtele Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

With a decade around the corner the 2000 Wurtele has retained a beautiful color. A lush fruity and creamy note predominates with notes of herbs, tea and juniper berries. Black licorice, red currants, dried cherries, cedar and dusty cocoa also round out the nose.

In the mouth the juicy red fruit characteristic remains bright thanks to the ample acidity when picked in 2000. A long, smooth red fruit finish with sweet oak tannins. Final verdict: Can easily age another five years, but today this serves as a savory food wine.

To purchase the 2000 Wurtele Cabernet Sauvignon from our limited library contact erina@terravalentine.com or call 707.967.8340

2008 Estate Riesling-Inaugural Release

June 2009 marks the inaugural release of Terra Valentine's Estate Riesling. The only white varietal planted to our 25-acre Yverdon Vineyard, this Alsatian-style Riesling has been one of the most anticipated releases, by our wine club members, as well as the team here at the winery. Fermented completely dry, the 2008 Riesling is a highly-aromatic white, characterized by vivid acidity and clean mineral notes. Our Riesling is to be served like any other dry white wine, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier.

With over a 30 year history in the Napa Valley, at one time roughly 25% of the valley was planted to this varietal. Planting of the Yverdon Vineyard began in 2001, and when deciding which varietals would flourish on our unique property, Sam became most interested in the aromatic white wine.

As he states, "Riesling holds an amazing potential to make a distinct and expressive wine that showcases our terroir."

Two different German-originated clones were planted in six separate blocks high atop Spring Mountain at an average elevation of 1,900 feet in our Yverdon Vineyard. The vineyard blocks were chosen based on the coolest microclimates of our vineyard characterized by very little afternoon sun exposure.

The 2008 grapes were picked upon ripening over a two week period in September and then whole-cluster pressed into 75 gallon stainless steel tanks. The wine was then barrel fermented and aged five months surlie in stainless steel drums, contributing to the creamy mouth feel. Only 89 cases were produced and allocated to wine club beginning in May 2009.

Tasting Notes: Intensely aromatic with white peach, white tea and white flowers. Intricate aromas of lychee, pear, ample minerality and allspice highlight the nose. On the palate, kumquat and candied persimmons explode in the mouth. The length of the finish is astounding with tart green apple acidity that floats into a smooth and creamy finish. Open this thoroughly chilled, and pair alongside an aged goat cheese or summer salad as your first course. Price: $34.00 750 ml

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