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Dear Dain Wines Mailing List!
First I trust everyone is enjoying the first part of spring, and is well. I have much to report and share, all of it good. Great when that happens!
I spent the weekend walking through vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley, enjoying the beauty of the area and the sight of the vines just starting to burst out with leaves and flowers. Rain would be nice, but it was a beautiful sight to see the beginnings of the next vintage! Too early for any predictions but as Casey Hartlip said at lunch, "lets all toast to a good year." Hear, hear, I will raise a glass to that! While walking in the Wentzel vineyard, Roland Wentzel commented, "The best fertilizer is the footsteps of the farmer." I hope the footsteps of a winemaker are helpful too. Roland and Casey are managing the Wentzel vineyard mostly organic and a new section, just planted will be biodynamic!
Another of my tasks this past weekend was to taste through all of our barrels from 2006 to get a preliminary idea of how things are going. In a word, great! Initially I thought, based on lab results, our 2006 would be lower acid wines than 2005, and they are, on paper. I was very happy with the perceived acidity and freshness I encountered in the samples I tasted. The alcohol levels are as predicted, about the same as 2005. Nothing much over 14% and mostly below, and the depth of fruit is quite nice, much like a hypothetical blend of 2004 and 2005 in the sense that there perhaps is a bit more dark fruit in the 2006 wines compared to their 2005 counterpart. I found good structure and plenty of fine grained tannins in the wines, which hopefully will provide them with the ability to age and develop. As I said, it is too early for any predictions but I am pleased and hopeful. Stay tuned.
And here are few words about some of our 2005 pinot from the Wine Spectator California critic, James Laube in follow up to our scores from Robert Parker.
Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Savage Juliet Hein Vineyard 2005
Score: 92
Sleek and focused, with complex spice, wild berry and blackberry fruit that's elegant, supple and delicate, ending with a pleasant, rich aftertaste that shows a hint of smoke and mineral. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases made. --J.L.
Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Rebel Rancho Ontiveros 2005
Score: 90
Floral wild berry, lavender and black cherry aromas are clean and supple on the palate, turning smooth and polished while keeping a focus on the fruit. Drink now through 2010. 75 cases made. --J.L.
Soon announcements will go out to our 6 lucky winners from our Market Research Survey. We are most grateful to all who shared their thoughts regarding how we can provide the best possible customer service and we will announce the names of our winners after they have been notified and received their wine and Rebel T-shirt!
Upcoming Events!
Pinot Days in New York City
We are very much looking forward to our trip to the right coast for Pinot Days in NYC, April 28th and 29th! If you can join us please do.
Link: Pinot Days
Hospice du Rhone
Our syrah will be making an appearance at Hospice du Rhone the first weekend in May, hope you can stop by if you are in the area. Look here for more information!
Link: Hospice du Rhone
I hope all of this finds you well, we wish you the very best in life.
Health, Grace and Peace,
Dain
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