News
2012 Rosé Release
March 2013
Rhone Time! New Release of 2012 Rosés (Rhone style and Rosé of Pinot Noir); Last Call on 2010 MJM
Welcome Spring! Plenty of winter rains and recent sunny warm days have combined to turn the Santa Ynez Valley green and lovely. Days have been in the 70’s and 80’s occasionally. We are starting to see springtime vegetables at the farmers’ market. And, outdoor events, such as the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Fest are coming up soon. In short, it is an excellent time to come to the Valley and taste the brilliant wines of Santa Barbara County. The tasting room is now stocked with several new wines, ready to hit the springtime table. Let us tell you about those and send out a last call on a real classic, the 2010 MJM.
New Releases:
2012 Rosé, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara (Grenache 75%, Mourvèdre 20%, Syrah 5%) – $20
In 2012 we selected precise vineyard blocks for red grapes that would be used specifically for this wine. After a long cool growing season, we harvested (with field sorting as always) Grenache and Mourvedre and whole cluster pressed the grapes over a long slow press cycle to provide just the right amount of skin contact while gently extracting maximum flavors. We added 5% Syrah, which had been bled off the Syrah fermenters, for additional complexity and body. 2012, as you are no doubt starting to hear, was a terrific vintage, and these grapes benefitted from being grown in almost perfect conditions. The juiciness of the Grenache and the complex, wild red fruits and orange zest of the Mourvedre work perfectly together in 2012.
Our Tasting Note: Aromas of sweet raspberry, wild strawberry, pear, gentle baking spices (star anise), with a touch of pine and thyme. On the palate, the wine delivers an explosive jolt of apple, strawberry, raspberry and cranberry fruits, orange peel, and stony minerals. Light bodied, but expressive, the wine has a smooth velvety texture and clean, refreshing acidity which deliver length and complexity.
2012 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills – $20
A small production run (75 cases) that we sell out (quickly) in the tasting room, this wine will be familiar to long time fans of ours. Saignée from our Pinot Noir fermenters, this wine hails from several esteemed vineyards in one of the top growing regions anywhere. Approximately 24 hours after these precious grapes are destemmed, we draw off small amounts of juice and transfer it to older French oak barrels for fermentation. At dryness, the wine is consolidated into full barrels, and malolactic fermentation blocked to retain critical acidity. The wine ages for several months before bottling. A more full bodied Rosé, it hints at red Pinot Noir, while remaining crisp, energetic and palate cleansing.
Our Tasting Note: The nose features notes of watermelon, rhubarb, earthy wild strawberry, lavender, bay leaf and a touch of orange peel. On the palate, the wine is substantial, with fresh cherry, apple, watermelon and strawberries in a light to medium bodied frame. The fruits are balanced by energetic citrus tinged acidity, which turns to lemon zest and grapefruit on the long finish.
Last Call – 2010 MJM – $58
By now, you know about the MJM, our Syrah based, Rhone styled homage to the wives that have supported us as we have embarked on this amazing journey. And, you also know that it is made in very small quantities – around 200 cases per vintage. As a result, it sort of appears in the tasting room, and the next thing you know it is gone. You might recall this wine received a sparkling review in from Josh Raynolds of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar:
“Opaque ruby. Black and blue fruits, incense and a touch of candied plum on the highly perfumed nose. Lush and powerful, offering sweet blackberry and boysenberry flavors and suave floral pastille and spicecake nuances. Bright acidity gives this fleshy wine lift, spine and focus. Closes with substantial but harmonious tannins and a jolt of exotic candied violet. 93 points.”
The 2010 version is now very close to being sold out, and we wanted to alert you and give you one last chance to get some. Approachable now with air, this wine will easily improve for 3-5 years and hold for many years after that.
Upcoming Events
Finally, we have several upcoming events, worthy of your attention. Full details and links on the website: dragonettecellars.com/events
Thursday March 28, 5-8pm. Winemaker Pouring at Paradise Pantry, Ventura, CA
Friday March 29, 5-7pm. Winemaker Pouring at Ruby Wine Company, San Francisco CA
Saturday and Sunday April 6-7, 1-6 pm. Pebble Beach Food and Wine, Pebble Beach, CA
Saturday April 20, 1-4 pm. Vintners’ Fest, Solvang CA
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Cheers!
DC