Reserve 2018 Chardonnay (Rutherford, Napa Valley)
The Vineyard Castellucci is located on the Silverado Trail in the eastern side of the Rutherford appellation. Two Chardonnay clones from these 20+ year old vines were hand harvested for the 2018 vintage. The fruit was de-stemmed, pressed immediately and then cold fermented in stainless steel to retain the natural fruit notes. Racking into French oak followed for the majority of the fermentation, including 22% new French oak, with 16 months of aging and frequent stirring on the lees. The tasting profile has minerals, green apple and guava with a pleasant, round mouth feel and a pleasingly crisp finish ALC 14.3% RS 0.03% pH 3.65 TA 0.69% 91 Points, June 2020 Anthony Dias Blue/Blue Lifestyle Reserve 2018 Pinot Gris (Ryan German Vineyards, North Coast) The grapes were whole cluster pressed, then the juice was racked clean and cold fermented slowly in stainless steel to maximize the fruit character. It was aged for 5 months before bottling, then bottle aged for another 4 months. Floral and lemon citrus aromatics come to the fore and pour onto the palate framed by a perfectly balanced mouthfeel. Medium bodied, juicy notes but dry with a citrus crispness and a slight mineral like spiciness that shows through to a lengthy and cleansing finish. Ideal with a wide range of cuisine. ALC 13.5% RS 0.04% pH 3.21 TA 0.65% 90 Points, June 2020 Anthony Dias Blue/Blue Lifestyle Reserve 2018 Pinot Noir (Parmeter Vineyard, Sonoma Coast) Aromas of cranberries, blueberries with hints of minerals and spice. Tart black cherries with some red currant flavors come through on the palate. The big structure from this Sonoma Coast mountainside vineyard created a Pinot Noir that is somewhat Pommard in style but more similar to Burgundy. Punch cap fermented in one ton lots. Aged in French oak for 18 months. ALC 13.5% RS 0.37% pH 3.69 TA 0.57% New Release Reserve 2017 Pinot Noir (Ryan German Vineyards, North Coast) Punched cap fermented in small one ton lots. Barrel aged for 15 months in French oak barrels. Red rose, pomegranate, and a stony mineral note in the nose. Pure red cherry dominates the palate and is buoyed by the structure to achieve excellent balance. This carries through the mouth to a long satisfying finish. ALC 14.4% RS 0.3% pH 3.77 TA 0.64% 90 Points, June 2020 Anthony Dias Blue/Blue Lifestyle 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Fermented 12 days on the skins at 90°. Pumped over 3-4 times daily. 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Multi-layered flavors of dark plums and black berries with gentle tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot ALC 13.5% RS 0.30% pH 3.59 TA 0.52% 2018 Chardonnay 91 Points, BEST BUY, Wine Enthusiast, June Issue 2018 (v. 2016) Hand harvested and moved through a 58°F fermentation using a Chardonnay yeast to enhance the bright fruit character. Aged six months in neutral French and American oak barrels. Complex citrus fruit flavors and aromas with a slight hint of oak highlight this crisp, clean release. The light straw color hints at the fresh, appealing flavor profile and delicate oak accents. 100% Chardonnay ALC 13.0% RS 0.38% pH 3.51 TA 0.61% 90 Points, June 2020 Anthony Dias Blue/Blue Lifestyle 2019 Rosé A cold soak with minimal skin contact for optimal color preceded an extended 53° fermentation in stainless steel. The bright, crisp strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavors are followed by a long lasting, fruity finish with just a hint of spice. It's nicely balanced and appealingly aromatic - a perfect selection before meals or with dinner salads, grilled foods and seafood. ALC 11.0% RS 0.10% pH 3.31 TA 0.68% 89 Points, Wine Enthusiast December Buying Guide 2018 2018 Pinot Noir Hand harvested and moved through an 82° fermentation using a Burgundy yeast to enhance the bright fruit character. The cool fog and bay breezes created a moderate vineyard climate resulting in a multi-layered, fruit driven wine with age softened tannins and a pleasant balance of fruit and oak. Aged 18 months in new and neutral French and American oak barrels. 94% Pinot Noir, 6% Syrah ALC 13.0% RS 0.50% pH 3.63 TA 0.55% 89 Points, June 2020 Anthony Dias Blue/Blue Lifestyle |