2016 Hudson Vineyards “Phoenix” Red Blend, Carneros
Metaphorically, the 2016 Hudson Phoenix is a velvet hammer, aromas of spicy candied apple, plum and anise from the wine which is stylishly forward, round with structure and a silky finish. The wine is an assemblage of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from four different sites at Hudson Ranch. Hand-picked at night, hand-sorted and individually fermented using wild, naturally occurring yeasts. The wine is further aged in 90% Darnajou, Francois Freres, Sylvain and Taransaud French oak barrels. After minimal racking, the wines were blended in January 2017.
68% Merlot & 32% Cabernet Franc
Bottled after 20 months unfiltered and unfined
518 cases were produced
“The 2016 Phoenix is composed of 68% Merlot and 32% Cabernet Franc from a collection of four separate vineyards on the ranch. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals an incredible perfume of kirsch, black plums, red currant jelly and red roses with touches of black tea, pencil shavings, cinnamon stick and underbrush plus wafts of black raspberries and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with tons of juicy plums and raspberry inspired flavors with bags of savory and mineral nuances plus a firm, rounded tannins frame, finishing long and earthy. 518 cases were made.” – 94 Points, Wine Advocate
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon “Rutherford”
A true reflection of that signature Rutherford dust, this Cabernet Sauvignon embodies an old world meets new world style. The Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is hand crafted entirely from our Rutherford Estate, sourcing from the top 5% off the property. Exhibiting rich characteristics of dark complex fruits, minerality and balanced intensity, the layers of this wine truly reflect our vineyards terroir.
In 2016, bud break in the Napa Valley was early for white varietals and later for reds. A consistent supply of rain in the winter months with a slight increase around the start of March was a welcome reprieve from the drought experienced in Napa Valley over several previous years. The higher moisture content in the soil allowed the vines to grow steadily throughout the season, without the normal heat spikes in July and August. Because of this, the fruit was able to hang longer on the vine and ripen more uniformly, helping to concentrate flavors. The result is a vintage where Mother Nature collaborated with the vineyard, allowing us to make elegant wines with depth and complexity.
Our flagship Estate Cabernet Sauvignon evolves in the glass with alluring aromas of ripe blueberries, black cherry, star anise, baking spices, and minerality reflective of our infamous “Rutherford Dust.” Elegant and dark, the wine gracefully dances across the palate with flavors ranging from lush blackberry preserve, rhubarb pie, and sage. Supple and layered with refined tannins, the mid-palate is enhanced with notes of mocha leading to chocolate-covered cherries on the finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon may be enjoyed now and will age gracefully over time.
Varietals: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec and 1% Merlot Aging: 18 months in 70% new tight grain French oak
Saint-Joseph 2014
The 2014 Saint Joseph Rouge is comprised of fruit from the exceptional vineyards of Domaine J. L. Grippat (purchased in 2000, the “Rolls Royce of Saint-Joseph”) and de Vallouit (purchased in 2001). Vines average in age from 20 to 50 years. Guigal only works in the southern area of Saint Joseph, on intensely steep hillside sites that are considered among the best in the appellation, with complex soils of decomposed granite with limestone and sandy granite topsoils that produce spicy and structured wines. The Guigal’s work with organic and sustainable growers and practices.
“Deep ruby. Smoky cherry, black currant, olive and candied licorice on the perfumed nose. Plush, open-knit black and blue fruit flavors are energized by a peppery nuance and gain vivacity with aeration. Spicy and focused on the persistent finish, which shows appealing sweetness and a hint of fine-grained tannins.”
– 91 Points, Vinous Media
“A fleshy, fruit-driven style, with enticing red currant, plum and raspberry puree notes racing through, flecked with light savory and anise hints and carried by a fine chalky spine on the finish. Drink now through 2026. 250 cases imported.”
– 91 Points, Wine Spectator
Gaba do Xil Godello 2016
This slinky, mineral white hails from Valdeorras (“Valley of Gold”) in eastern Galicia, a region once famous for goldmining and now best known for its unique and complex wines made from the indigenous Godello grape. The wine is named for the river Sil that flows through the region (Xil is its ancient name, used by the Celtic people who once inhabited the area). Many of the river’s tributaries are flanked on either side by vineyards, planted in terraces on steep slate hillsides. The label displays a dozen bridges, symbolizing the idea of crossing from one vineyard plot to another.
“The entry level white 2016 Gaba Do Xil is old vine Godello from
a challenging year with lots of mildew in May followed by warm temperatures in July and September that resulted in a late harvest but somehow delivered very good grapes. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and was bottled unoaked. This is very obviously young, subtle and elegant. But it’s the palate that points you in the direction it’s going to go with time in bottle: clean minerality, with the upfront granite sensation, a texture rather than a flavor. Impressive for the price and volume, even though 2016 was a short vintage; it could very well be the finest white Gaba do Xil to date. It ends with an almost
salty twang.” – 91 Points Wine Advocate
Gaba do Xil Godello 2016
This slinky, mineral white hails from Valdeorras (“Valley of Gold”) in eastern Galicia, a region once famous for goldmining and now best known for its unique and complex wines made from the indigenous Godello grape. The wine is named for the river Sil that flows through the region (Xil is its ancient name, used by the Celtic people who once inhabited the area). Many of the river’s tributaries are flanked on either side by vineyards, planted in terraces on steep slate hillsides. The label displays a dozen bridges, symbolizing the idea of crossing from one vineyard plot to another.
“The entry level white 2016 Gaba Do Xil is old vine Godello from
a challenging year with lots of mildew in May followed by warm temperatures in July and September that resulted in a late harvest but somehow delivered very good grapes. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and was bottled unoaked. This is very obviously young, subtle and elegant. But it’s the palate that points you in the direction it’s going to go with time in bottle: clean minerality, with the upfront granite sensation, a texture rather than a flavor. Impressive for the price and volume, even though 2016 was a short vintage; it could very well be the finest white Gaba do Xil to date. It ends with an almost
salty twang.” – 91 Points Wine Advocate
2016 “Unity” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County/Sonoma County
Sourcing from small family growers committed to sustainable farming practices, we produce a wine that draws on the individual strengths of several vineyard sites to create a single harmonious effect that reflects the strengths of the region each vintage. Much as this wine brings together a variety of components to have a single, powerful effect, it also brings together a set of unique values: shared time to celebrate life with family and friends; healthful commitments to ourselves, our communities and the land for which we care; flavors of local foods and the culture of food stories.
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah
2016 “Unity” Chardonnay, Sonoma County/Mendocino County
100% Chardonnay produced from clones including Wente, Clones 4 & 17, and Dijon 76 & 95. Whole cluster are first sorted then gently pressed. The wine is then fermented and aged in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new. 10% of the juice is fermented and aged in 500L puncheon French Oak barrels. The wine is then Barrel aged for 15 months on the primary lees with a Bi-monthly batonage. The wine went through a partial malolactic fermentation for richness and mouthfeel.
2015 “Unity” Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
This 100% Pinot noir is a tale of five clones; Pommard, Clone115, Clone 667, Clone 777 and Clone 828. Grown on both the Valley Floor and Northeast Slope of Anderson Valley, the wine is 15% whole cluster fermented in a combination of two-ton Taransaud oak fermenters, cement tanks and stainless steel open top tanks. The finished wine was aged in barrel for 15 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Delicate aromas of sweet cherry, rhubarb and crushed violets. Garnet palate driven by flavors of rainier cherry, subtle clove sous bois, and tannin both from fruit and oak that creates an ornate contrapuntal tonality to this expressive pinot. Finishes gracefully and continues to evolve given time in the glass.
“Bergamot and ripe strawberry aromas are joined by a lick of vanilla. Poised and charming, there's a pleasing savouriness which runs alongside the generous, ripe summer pudding fruits, bound by tight acidity. Not a blockbuster, but finely-tuned and long.” – 90 Points, Decanter
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon “Coach Insignia”, Napa Valley
The Coach Insignia honors our family's tradition of craftsmanship, first represented in fine automobiles of the 20th century with “Body by Fisher” and now in Fisher Vineyards' wines of the 21st century. The Coach Insignia Cabernet represents the pinnacle of our winemaking craft, comprised of the finest selected lots of Bordeaux varietals from our Napa Valley Estate. Nestled at the foot of The Palisades mountain range, these vines grow on an alluvial fan that slopes gently west, following Simmons Creek to the Napa River. The Estate’s well drained soils are remarkably consistent, comprised primarily of cobble stones and loam.
“Fisher's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia is surprisingly dense and powerful. The flavors are dark, bold and incisive throughout. One of the more ample wines readers will come across, the 2014 Coach Insignia continues to develop nicely. A host of dark cherry, mocha, new leather, licorice and plum lead into the plush, inviting finish. The 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring." – 93 Points, Vinous Media
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon “Mountain Estate Vineyard”, Sonoma County
Following more than 30 years adapting farming practices to the mountain climate and terrain around the winery, we are pleased to produce this wine from several vineyard blocks yielding fruit of mature character and balance. The heart of this wine is Cabernet Sauvignon grown on steep, west facing terraces that rise above the renowned Wedding Vineyard, reaching a towering elevation of 1,400 feet. Other contiguous vineyard blocks incorporate a great diversity of soils and exposures, providing additional complexity and unmistakable mountain terroir.
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Estate Vineyard is gorgeous. Dark, powerful and inviting, but with plenty of Sonoma structure underpinning the wine's structure. Black cherry, mocha, plum and spice are front and center. Bold, intense and racy, the 2014 exudes concentration and richness from the very first taste. This is a superb wine, especially at this level.” – 93 Points, Wine Advocate
2015 Chardonnay “Mountain Estate Vineyard”, Sonoma County
Planted in 1999 with a selection of Dijon clones, this vineyard lies on a steep, rocky, Northeast-facing slope of our Mountain Estate at an average elevation of 1,300 feet. These vines receive early morning sun and minimal exposure to hot afternoon temperatures, an ideal environment for gradual ripening and maximum maturation of the grapes. The grapes are whole cluster pressed to tank after which 90% is fermented in barrel and 10% is fermented in concrete. Aged 18 months sur lees in 35% new French oak. No sulfite additions at harvest or during elevage. The lees are stirred twice monthly for 15 months after fermentation.
“Fisher's 2015 Chardonnay Mountain Estate Vineyard has turned out beautifully. Soft, silky and nuanced, the 2015 speaks to finesse above all else. Time in barrel seems to have really calmed down the Estate relative to how it showed a year ago. Tangerine, lemon peel and expressive floral notes grace the polished, understated finish.”– 92 Points, Vinous Media
2013 “Lake William” Blend, Napa Valley
William Jarvis made the mistake of his career in 1993, during midnight pump-overs, when he accidentally pumped a third of a tank of Cabernet Franc into a tank of Cabernet Sauvignon. The experience was devastating, but after the fermentation was complete, the winemaker Dimitri Tchelistcheff, who had not had much to say to William since the accident, said “this new blend turned out not that bad.” In fact, it kept getting better with age! It was enjoyed so much in the tasting room that this blend has become a staple ‘reserve blend’ here at Jarvis.
Following in the footsteps of its sensational predecessors, the 2013 Lake William marks the 20th anniversary of this extraordinary mistake. A beautiful expression of both of vintage and terroir, this wine showcases aromatic notes of white pepper, black olive, thyme and leather— all complemented by wonderful flavors of violet, lavender, baked pie and smoked meat. A bright and full-mouthfeel with balanced acidity makes this delightful wine approachable at an early age, yet has the structure to continue aging well for years to come.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Our 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from our hillside estate vineyards following a delightfully warm and lengthy growing season. The additional hang time on the vine is apparent upon first glance, with its dark ruby and purple hue that is absolutely inviting, with an enticingly eclectic bouquet of blackberry, mulberry, coriander, allspice and graphite. The vibrant and nuanced aromas lead to a mouth-filling and focused palate.
The palate is supple and refined, with notes of currant, black olive, cassis and forest floor – flavors that exude ‘classic’ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The densely textured palate is balanced by its vibrant acidity, fine tannins and a long pure finish. It is a wine of stunning intensity, focus and depth. This wine was aged in 100% new French oak for 30 months prior to bottling, and underwent extended bottle aging in the Jarvis caves prior to release.
2013 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
Cabernet Franc, with its lavender color and enticing nose, continues to be one of our favorite varietals. Often used for blending, it is also a delightful stand-alone wine, and this 2013 vintage continues our tradition of producing it as a 100% varietal blend.
An ideal food pairing wine, our 100% Cabernet Franc is aged for 23 months in new French oak barrels. This wine showcases aromas of dusty rose petal with bright juicy blackberry and pepper spiced chocolate notes.
2013 Merlot, Napa Valley
Merlot, with its flavors of cassis and black cherry, accompanied by soft tannins and silky mouth feel, stands out as a very easy drinking wine. This is a varietal that does very well, year after year, on our gentle sloping vineyards. As a key component in our Lake William blend, Merlot contributes deep amethyst hues and dark berry flavors. Before bottling, the 2013 vintage was aged 19 months in new French Haute Futaie oak, which allowed the wine to integrate its plum, black cherry and spice flavor characteristics into a wine that is especially food friendly. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered delivering these delightful flavors intertwined with a hint of toasty vanilla on the finish. This wine was cave aged and was then released when our winemaker determined it was ready for full enjoyment. Best to consume five to ten years from the vintage date.
2016 Chardonnay “Estate”, Napa Valley
Our 2016 Estate Chardonnay greets you in the glass with a delightful golden, straw-like hue and vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, tangy stone fruit and citrus. This wine spent eleven months in new French oak barrels with sur-lie aging, imparting subtle notes of toasted wood to complement its initial brightness. This perfect kiss of oak results in a wine with a finish that is long, lusty and heady. As the wine playfully dances across the palate it transverses between refreshing and crisp, while being simultaneously rich and voluptuous as it coats the mouth fully from beginning to end.
“Honey, brioche and layers of pineapple and mango give this youthful estate wine a richness that's hard to resist. It's supported by integrated oak that's toasty and sprinkled in a nutmeg tone. Steely acidity provides a backbone of freshness.” – 90 points, Wine Enthusiast
D7 Chardonnay
D7 Chardonnay is a focused, elegant wine that strikes the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. Aromas of vanilla, orange blossom, and yellow delicious apple complement the judicious use of oak. Lush and ripe flavors of pineapple, Asian pear, vanilla and citrus finish with a hint of creamy, honeyed oak.
2016 Malvasia/Chardonnay Salento, Puglia, Italy
TASTING NOTES
Straw yellow color with lemon green shades. Notes of lime, kiwis, apple and flowers. Crisp, clean and easy to drink.
2015 Negroamaro - Salento, Puglia, Italy
TASTING NOTES
Deep ruby red; intense aroma, with notes of cherry and blueberry jam, cocoa, licorice and floral fragrances. Round with warm structure and smooth tannins.
2015 Scrio Syrah IGT Toscana
“A stunning syrah; the real McCoy for the variety. The depth of aroma takes your breath away with bark, tea leaves, peppermint, dried rosemary, thyme, sage, pressed violets, cedar, creme de cassis, blackcurrants and lavender. The palate is incredibly tight and yet, profound in its delivery of flavors. Full body, layer upon layer of fruit of every color on the spectrum, pinpoint acidity and a finish that seems endless.”
2015 Messoria Merlot IGT Toscana
“An opulent nose that shows plum cake, blueberry muffins, dark chocolate, mocha, coffee, plum liqueur and hot stones. However, there just the right amount of freshness with thyme, violets and cedar. Full body, very chewy tannins and a long, decadent finish. Very intense, but it still shows form and tension.”
2015 Paleo Cabernet Franc Rosso IGT Toscana
“There are so much essence-like fruits on the nose of this Bolgheri Rosso, from blackberry perfume and dark-cherry compote to fresher elements of rosemary, lavender, hot stones and citrus. Full body with generous fruit, but the firm and beautifully woven tannin backbone keeps the palate fine and elegant. Very long on the finish.”
2015 Paleo Bianco IGT Toscana
First produced in 1991 in tiny quantities for a local restaurant, Paleo Bianco today is a silky, mineral-driven blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with loads of savory Mediterranean character.
2017 Bolgheri Rosso
Bolgheri Rosso is a refined, irresistible blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, serving as an introduction to the estate. The wine is, frankly, almost too good at the price. All the intensive artisanal work that Le Macchiole carries out in its vineyards and cellars benefits this wine, and despite more availability than its Paleo Rosso, Messorio and Scrio siblings, it sells out nearly as quickly.
Bolgheri Rossi is also the youngest of Le Macchiole’s wines, first produced in 2004. The objective: to make a Bordeaux blend, but typical of Bolgheri.
2018 Sancerre “Anciennes Vignes”
Produced from only four hectares of vineyards consisting of limestone soil exposed to the southwest, the grapes are hand-harvested and pass through a sorting table, are destemmed and pressed. Fermented takes place at temperatures between 60-68ºF, and the wine is then aged on the lees for 4-6 months in stainless steel vats. The wine is then cooled to a temperature of 24.8ºF before being bottled. This wine has a fineness with clear green reflections. Complex and intense, there are aromas of acacia blossoms with Muscat-like notes of passionfruit. Long lees aging provide a richness and length to the finish.
2017 “Domaine des Berthiers” Pouilly-Fume
The vineyard of Jean-Claude Dageneau is situated in Berthiers, in the village of Saint-Andelain. The appellation is located on siliceous south-southwest hillsides overlooking the Loire River. As a result, the vineyard benefits from well-drained soils and very good exposure favoring the production of grapes that result in well-aged and complete wines. Vinification includes a slow-temperature regulated fermentation process for a period of three or four weeks which allows the maximum extraction of aromas as well as a final freshness. Aging on fine lees adds richness and is what gives this wine its ‘fumé’ taste. Generous and full-bodied, the wines exhibit the rich, spicy and smoky nuances of the Sauvignon varietal.
2017 Vouvray, “le Peu de la Moriette”
Jean-Claude and Christophe Pichot’s family is one of the oldest in Vouvray, with origins as viticulturists and restaurateurs dating back to 1739. The family cellars are located in the charming village of Vouvray, in caverns hewn from the rolling hills which were once quarried to provide stone to construct the grand châteaux of the Loire. Domaine le Peu de la Moriette has expanded over the years from thirty to fifty-nine acres of hillside vineyard, cultivated without chemical pesticides. Planted entirely with Chenin Blanc, the vines vary in age from thirty to fifty-five years. These steep and clay-limestone vineyards produce only 25 hectoliters per hectare, an astonishingly low yield for white grapes anywhere. Their Vouvray bottling is pale, delicate and nearly dry, with lively flavors hinting at quince and grapefruit. Its fresh, floral Chenin Blanc fruit is underpinned by firm and crisp acidity. This wine has been recognized by the Wine Spectator as one of its ‘Top 100 Wines’ and ‘Top Values’.