B Side wines tell the story of the flip-side of Napa Valley. Nestled in rural areas and rolling hills along the eastern edge of the valley, these vineyards are just a few miles from the glamorous, high-priced wineries featured along Highway 29. The eastern side of Napa Valley includes areas such as Pope Valley, Chiles Valley, Wooden Valley, Stags Leap District and lower Calistoga. Vines in these areas are grown in thin volcanic soils, which yield smaller, more concentrated fruit.
From the winemaker – “The B Side Cabernet Sauvignon is a deeply concentrated, inky color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of blackberry compote, mocha, vanilla, sweet leather and lavender are pronounced on the nose. The fleshy, fruit-forward palate is packed with flavor including juicy fruit, cassis, melted chocolate and hints of Blackstrap molasses. The deep, dark fruit note is a solid line throughout and comes from the beginning all the way to the end of the wine. The tasty French oak frames the wine with ripe, round tannins underpinning the overall structure. The wine is aged for 14 months with 40% of the blend in new French oak barrels (Francois Frere & Radoux) while the remaining balance is in seasoned French oak. This wine is deep and brooding with layers of aromas and flavors, well-structured with smooth tannins and a noticeably, lengthy finish.”
Enjoy on its own or pair with slow-roasted beef brisket, blackened swordfish atop herbed couscous, or a wild mushroom tart with chevre topping.
Rating:
This wine was previously given a 81 point rating by Wine Spectator.
From the winemaker – “The nose shows lifted ripe blackberry, chocolate and clove aromas, enhanced by cedar and vanilla notes from the influence of oak. A rich, full-bodied palate showcases the classic varietal plum and forest berry flavors complimented by light vanilla and regional chocolate notes. The supple ripe tannins are typical of the Barossa Shiraz, culminating in a long, satisfying finish.”
Alta Luna (“High Moon”) Pinot Noir represents the finest selection of Pinot Noir grapes from prime vineyard sites situated in the foothills of Italy’s Dolomite Alps. This region provides the perfect conditions for producing some of the best quality Pinot Noir grapes in the world. Our winemakers have crafted a singular wine that exudes a seductive bouquet and a rich, silky palate.
Light in texture, with pretty cherry and orange peel aromas and flavors playing against refreshing acidity, lingering nicely.
Zesty, with spicy dried cherry aromas and appealing smoky plum and licorice flavors.
Four vineyards contribute 71% of the fruit for this wine. Collins Holystone Vineyard in St. Helena, owned by Conn Creek Winery founders Bill and Kathleen Collins, is the largest component at 37%. The vineyard’s site enjoys a warm climate and good drainage leading to consistent early season maturity. Surber Vineyard from Calistoga added 13% and Tall Trees from Yountville another 12% of the blend. The well-known Stagecoach Vineyard in the Atlas Peak appellation in the Vaca Mountains contributed 9%. The remaining 29% comes from the Oakville, Chiles Valley, Oak Knoll, Rutherford, and Mt. Veeder appellations. The combination of the various vineyard sites and their expressions of terroir all make contributions to this complete and complex Cabernet Sauvignon.
From the Wine Maker – “This classic Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich, dark fruit aromas that lead to flavors of black cherry, black plum, anise and chocolate. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon creates a wonderful density and concentration to this wine along with well-structured tannins. On the palate, hints of brown baking spice meld with the dark fruit and polished tannins. The finish is long with hints of sweet fruit.”
Don Miguel Gascón Malbec hails from Mendoza, a mountainous province at the foot of the Andes Mountains, along the western edge of Argentina. Regarded as the most important wine-producing province in Argentina, Mendoza accounts for more than 80% of Argentine winemaking.
This blend of 90% Merlot – 10% Cabernet Franc was produced in France at the Chateau De La Huste family estate, owned by the Rulliers since 1860. The Chateau de la Huste’s vines are on one of the highest parts of Saillans. In old french, La Huste means the bump.
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