Wine Notes
2005 Fore Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Buy Now
Technical data
Harvest Date 10/18 27.5 brix 0.55 TA 3.60 pH
Pressed out 11/15 40% new oak French and American 18 months
222 cases released
$29 per bottle
Wine notes
Beautiful dark ruby in color. Initially closed, but quickly opens o an array of aromas—cinnamon, black cherry, sweet oak and vanilla. Aromas continue into the expansive flavors. A round and supple mouth is held in check by a structure that will sustain this wine for many years.
2006 Fore Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Buy Now
Technical Data
Harvest date 9-22-2006 25.2 brix 0.49 TA 3.85 pH 14.8 alcohol
Pressed out 10-02-2006 60% new French Oak, 18 months in barrel
215 cases released
100% Pinot Noir Stewart Vineyard Napa Carneros
$34 per bottle
Wine Notes
We harvested our 2006 Pinot Noir just as the hot offshore winds began to blow. Grapes were destemmed--most berries left intact-- and allowed to cold soak for several days before yeast inoculation with a strain chosen to enhance fruitiness and aromatics. Fermentation lasted approximately 7 days, with temperatures peaking in the mid-80 degree range. After pressing, the wine settled briefly in tank before getting racked into 100% French oak barrels, 60% of which were new. The wine aged for 18 months in barrel.
The wine displays a vivid, medium-ruby color, classic for Pinot Noir. Unmistakable perfumed floral notes--rose petal and lavender--announce the wine, followed by cherry, spice, and cola elements. In the same way that several clones of Pinot Noir serve to make the initial wine more complex, the same can be said of the oak barrel treatment. Several Burgundy coopers were selected, each with their own signature resulting in a more interesting nose and flavor profile of toast, roasted coffee and caramel.
The flavors reflect the bouquet. The wine is of medium body, an appropriate weight that never overpowers the charm and elegance of the wine. The structure and bright and lively flavors remind you of what all good wine demands--food! 2007 Fore Family Vineyards Pinot Noir
2008 Fore Family Vineyards Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Harvest date 10-21-08 38 brix , .86 TA, 3.26 pH, 12.54 alcohol
200 cases released
$34 Retail
Winemaker: Alison Doran
Wine Notes
Since 1999, Stewart Vineyard has established itself as one of the premier vineyards for Sauvignon Blanc in Carneros, Napa Valley. The resulting wines have been reminiscent of those from France’s Loire Valley.
In 2008, growing conditions allowed us to produce the first dessert wine, this time more akin to those emanating from Sauternes. Grapes were allowed to linger on the vine while persistent botrytis developed, but never made up more than about 15% of the final volume. Sugars continued to rise and cool breezes and frequent fog make a late harvest possible here even when other areas of Napa become too warm. With its amazing analysis figures it should age gracefully for years, mellowing out a bit from its present exuberance.
Aromas suggest super-ripe nectarines and apricots with a touch of honey and spice. Although quite sweet at 12.95 % residual sugar, the wine is still refreshing, never cloying, with great acidity that keeps the wine lively and balanced. It is easy to be captivated by the nose, but the flavors will do the same. Perfect with a dessert course, or for the adventurous, the classic pairing of pate or foie gras.
2007 Fore Family Vineyards Pinot Noir
Harvest date 9-5-07 25.1 brix, .56 TA, 3.66 pH, 14.8 alcohol
Pressed out 9-18-07 100% French Oak, 40% new French Oak 17 months in barrel
410 cases released
100% Pinot Noir Vineyard Designated
Silver Medalist for the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Gold Medalist for the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Wine Notes
2007 is clearly one of the outstanding vintages of the decade. A warm dry spring induced the vines to grow, and the result was a harvest that began roughly two weeks earlier than the previous year. Mild conditions throughout the growing season allowed grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
As in previous vintages grapes were de-stemmed--most berries left intact-- and allowed to cold soak for several days before yeast inoculation with a strain chosen to enhance fruitiness and aromatics. Fermentation lasted approximately 10 days, with temperatures peaking in the mid-80 degree range. After pressing, the wine settled briefly in tank before getting racked into 100% French oak barrels, 40% of which were new. The wine aged for 17 months in barrel.
Our 2007 displays the classic medium to light ruby color of Pinot Noir. For us, Pinot is all about the wonderful and exotic aromas that no other grape variety can offer. The nose is intriguing, complex and balanced with notes of cinnamon, black cherry, raspberry and sweet toasty oak. Flavors reflect the nose with a medium weight body, good acidity, and a lively finish. Elegance is a goal we always strive for in our Pinot Noir—we are confident our 2007 succeeds in that regard!
