2011 Quivet Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Tench Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley - $25

(41 cases produced)

With the roots of Quivet Cellars being entrenched within the great coastal region of Cape Cod, we found it appropriate to produce a wine to pair with the famous Oysters and Blue fin Tuna 'The Cape' is known for.  This opportunity arose with a last second offer to purchase Sauvignon Blanc from arguably one of the best vineyards in Napa Valley. Planted to 30 year old To Kalon clone vines, the Tench Vineyard sits off the Eastern Oakville bench which has ample drainage created from rocky soils and gentle sloping.  The 2011 Quivet Sauvignon Blanc is amazingly fragrant with pineapple, quince, fig, orange peel and apricot flavors that are focused and intense. The texture is slightly creamy with details of minerality, spice and clementine and is highlighted by a juicy natural acidity. A fresh crispness extends to the finish where the above notes dance over the palate.  Enjoy this wine in its youth with appropriate fare and try to keep some for those glorious summer months at the beach.

2010 Quivet Cellars Syrah ‘Hulda Block’ Las Madres Vineyard, Carneros - $38

(44 cases produced)

What a perfect vintage for cool climate Syrah!  2010 was a mild late growing season that blessed us with perfectly ripened fruit at lower brix level and therefore lower alcohol levels. We thinned to one cluster per shoot at verasion, to further add to the concentration level of this fruit. Once again, the Las Madres Vineyard brings out a bevy of dark fruits that emanate from the glass coupled with the trademark aromas of tapenade, citrus zest and meaty notes. Dark to the rim this wines looks like it’s going to be a powerhouse but once tasted, the firm and vibrant acidity carry the palate into a refined silky and inviting finish lasting several minutes. What makes this wine so amazing is its ability to straddle the edge of California ripeness while also doubling as an old world wine. Look for it to drink well on release, but 3-5 years of bottle age will bring out the secondary nuances that Syrah is known for.

2010 Quivet Cellars Syrah, Kenefick Ranch Vineyard, Napa Valley - $38

(42 cases produced)

In 2010 we were offered a small amount of Syrah from a micro sized block located at the Kenefick Ranch vineyard. A stone’s throw from the famed Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard, this bench land beauty has the ability to ripen any varietal earlier than most parts of Napa Valley. Twenty-Ten delivered an engaging Syrah that could be best described as the rich, boastful and the bipolar opposite of our Las Madres Syrah. Deep purple from the core to the rim, aromas of scorched earth, crystallized blueberries, sage and freshly cut hay combine with a rush of blue fruits. These are perfectly framed by ample natural acidity and carry throughout the wine, keeping this youngster in balance. The back end of this wine is loaded with the above components and glides into mile long finish of spices, structure and softened tannin. We recommend 2-4 hours of air to consume it in its youth and look for further development for 5-7 years.