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Archive for the ‘Winery News’ Category

28
Oct

Dierberg Estate Vineyard, Star Lane Celebrate ‘Happy’ News.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on October 28th, 2009

October 28, 2009 — Happy Canyon, home to Star Lane Vineyard, has been officially designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

“This is happy news for Happy Canyon and all the wineries in this unique and distinctive growing area,” said Jim Dierberg, Chairman of the Board of First Banks, Inc., and owner of Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard. “Because of the success and reputation of wines from Happy Canyon, we were confident this area would achieve appellation status.”

Starting on Nov. 9, winemakers whose grapes are grown in the Happy Canyon area of the eastern Santa Ynez Valley will be able to list the region as a formal AVA on their wine labels. The new AVA includes 23,941 acres and joins Santa Barbara County’s other AVAs: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Sta. Rita Hills.

Currently, the United States is home to approximately 170 regions designated as AVAs, which are overseen by the TTB (a division of the US Treasury Department). Only wines that receive 85 percent of their content from AVA vineyards can proclaim an AVA designation on its label. The label also must display the wine region from where the wine was derived.

In order for a wine region to receive AVA designation, it must endure extensive soil tests and research. Applications and petitions must also be completed.

“Our local wine industry and all the winemakers involved deserve a lot of credit for their hard work in securing the AVA for Happy Valley,” said Dierberg. “It was a long process but well worth the wait.”

Star Lane Vineyard, located at the far eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley in the new Happy Canyon appellation, is both the warmest and the highest elevation vineyard in the appellation. The 4,000 acre property is planted to 237 acres of grapevines on Rangers Peak.

Nick de Luca is the winemaker. Rudy Bravo is the vineyard manager. In addition to Dierbergs Estate Vineyard and Star Lane, Dierberg, and his wife, Mary, make wine under the Three Saints label, and Hermannhof Winery in Hermann, Missouri. Paul LeRoy is winemaker and general manager at Hermannhof.

Bringing a taste of Star Lane to the Midwest

In October 2009, the new California Dierberg - Star Lane - Three Saints Tasting Room opened adjacent to the Hermannhof Winery at 338 E. First Street, where wine enthusiasts can now taste Star Lane Vineyard “Happy Canyon” Appellation Wine.

Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyard Wines Continue To Garner Recognition

2008 Wine Spectator Top 100 - #49 Dierberg Pinot Noir 2005
2008 Wine & Spirits Top 100 - Star Lane Syrah 2004
2008 Food & Wine: Best New California Cabernet - Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
2008 San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 - Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
2008 San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 - Three Saints Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
2009 Connoisseurs’ Guide Dierberg Chardonnay 2006 92 points
2009 Wine Enthusiast Dierberg Chardonnay 2006 92 points
2009 Connoisseurs’ Guide Dierberg Pinot Noir 2006 91 points
2009 Connoisseurs’ Guide Star Lane Merlot 2006 91 points
2009 Wine Enthusiast Star Lane Merlot 2006 91 points
2009 Connoisseurs’ Guide Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2007 90 points

For more information, visit www.dierbergvineyard.com.

Contact:
Greg Severin
314.968.3060

Published on http://wine.the-world-in-focus.com

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6
Oct

Titus Vineyards Harvest Live.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on October 6th, 2009

ST. HELENA, Calif.–(Press Release)–Titus Vineyards, located on the Silverado Trail in St. Helena, Napa Valley, will be offering Harvest Live, 2009 - the wine industry’s live harvest webcast that allows viewers to interact in real time with a working winemaker, vineyard workers and other winery employees. Harvest Live offers participants a true behind the scenes perspective of a Napa Valley harvest that even a personal trip to wine country cannot guarantee. Participants will have the ability to ask questions and receive answers instantaneously via web chat, offering a real time experience of the 2009 wine harvest. Titus Vineyards “interactive webcasts” will occur twice daily, between October 5th through 9th, at 10:00 a.m. and again at 3:00 p.m. (PST).

“We did a test run last year and the response was tremendous,” stated Eric Titus, of Titus Vineyards. “We thought it would be fun to make it an annual event, not only for fans of Titus wines, but of the craft of winemaking in general. To be able to interact with a working winemaking team during harvest is a rarity, as we’re so incredibly busy this time of year,” Titus added.

This second annual Harvest Live will celebrate two special anniversaries, as 2009 marks the 20th harvest for Titus Vineyards, and the 40th Anniversary of family ownership and farming of the 40- acre Titus Estate in the Napa Valley.

To accomplish the feat of integrating the webcast with real-time Q&A, the Titus’ went to one of their employees with enough technical savvy to pull it off, Christophe Smith.

Smith explains, “In this challenging economy, this is an economical way to virtually experience the 2009 harvest with our winemaking team while they work. Harvest Live provides a genuine, yet fun glimpse of how harvest actually works, versus the romanticized version that is often on display for tourists that visit during this time of year. We think people will really enjoy being able to interact with Eric or Phillip Titus while they make the 2009 wines.”

To access the interactive webcast, viewers will simply log onto the Titus website at www.titusvineyards.com and click the “2009 Harvest Live!” link, which will direct them to the webcast and chat room, with instructions on how to interact with the winemaking team during the Napa Valley harvest.

Smith and the team at Titus Vineyards will be monitoring the web chat, allowing for direct conversation with the Titus brothers and winemaking team. Due to the participation of Mother Nature, Smith suggests checking the home page for any change in schedule.

“It’s really about providing an opportunity for anyone, anywhere to experience a Napa Valley harvest at Titus Vineyards. This is a chance for people to connect with us beyond what they have tasted in the bottle and to have a behind the scenes look into the 2009 vintage - our 20th Anniversary vintage,” Smith added. “We want to have a great exchange between wine enthusiasts and those in the business, during the most important time of the year.”

For more information, please visit www.titusvineyards.com .

Published on http://wine.the-world-in-focus.com

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17
Sep

JARVIS Winery Announces a New Winemaking Program called Associate Vintners.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on September 17th, 2009

NAPA, Calif.–(Press Release)–JARVIS, producers of cave fermented, luxury premium Napa Valley wines, has launched the first Associate Vintners Program, a rare chance for serious wine aficionados to be involved in the creation of their very own personalized-for-your-palate JARVIS wine.

“The JARVIS Associate Vintners Program is a unique, hands-on futures program that will be attractive for individuals and members of the trade who would like to be personally involved in the creation of a truly great individualized, customized wine,” said William Jarvis, President of JARVIS who announced the program this week.

The customer who wishes to participate in this Associate Vintners Program will likely start with a visit to the JARVIS Vineyards to become familiar with the different zones and micro-climates. Then with this background knowledge, will do a tasting with the JARVIS Winemaker, Ted Henry, to select one or more barrels of wine in the JARVIS cave. These barrels will be labeled with the customer’s, now Associate Vintner’s name, and placed in the secure Associate Vintners Chamber deep in the JARVIS cave.

From then until bottling, the Associate Vintner shepherds his wine through a series of wine making procedures, including as options, if desired, wine blending and different size bottles with personalized labels. Full barrel pricing begins at $25,000.

William and Leticia Jarvis acquired their Napa Valley home in the mid 1980s. With the assistance of world-renown winemaker Dimitri Tchelistcheff, who continues as the JARVIS consulting winemaker today, they spent a decade carefully developing the estate vineyards and followed by building the cave winery which opened in 1995. Unlike other wineries, JARVIS is totally underground in a 45,000 square foot cave, an eco-friendly facility that houses fully operational wine production and cooperage as well as the winery offices and hospitality space. The focus on quality commenced in the vineyards when they cherry-picked just four zones totaling 37 acres from the total 1,320 acre JARVIS Estate. Limited-production, luxury wines that total fewer than 9,000 cases annually are the result of this commitment to quality.

“Leticia and I invite people interested in JARVIS Associate Vintners Program to do exclusive barrel tasting in the winery,” added Jarvis. “Once they taste the wines and select their barrel, they will enjoy working with our winemaking team and then watch the development of their wine as the vintage matures.”

For more information about the JARVIS Associate Vintners Program call 800-255-5280 ext. 109 or go to www.jarviswines.com.

Published on http://wine.the-world-in-focus.com

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5
Sep

Purgatory Cellars/White Owl Winery.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on September 5th, 2009

(Press Release)– Purgatory Cellars/White Owl Winery, (http://whiteowlwinery.com/) of Birds, Illinois has just been informed that their Persimmon Solera received a bronze medal in the 12th Annual Japan Wine Challenge held July 14th through 16th, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. This competition is the largest and most significant international wine competition in Asia.

Over 1,400 wines from 29 countries were entered, with just over 800 wines winning medals. Only eleven U.S. wineries won medals in this competition. Purgatory Cellars was the only U.S. winery, outside of the state of California to win an award.

Purgatory Cellar’s sherry-type wine is crafted from wild harvested Midwestern persimmons and is the only commercially produced persimmon sherry in the world. The Persimmon Solera has a lush, ripe persimmon flavor, with hints of caramel and butterscotch, finishing on a chest-warming nutty note. It is available for sale throughout the Midwest.

The eleven key judges for this competition are world-renowned for their wine judging abilities. Chairman of this event, Steven Spurrier of the UK, is the man responsible for getting Europe to recognize American wines as actually contenders on the world wine stage. The movie “Bottle Shock,” released late last year, is based on that story. Winners of this competition will be published in the Japan Wine Challenge magazine, on line, at the end of October. (http://japanwinechallenge.com/)

Published on http://wine.the-world-in-focus.com

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3
Sep

Inman Family Wines.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on September 3rd, 2009

Inman Family Wines (Press Release) , producers of small lots of highly regarded Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from their organic vineyard in the Russian River Valley, today announced the addition of a strategic new hire, as well as the ground breaking of the new Inman Family Winery and Tasting Room. Kevin Burton, formerly Retail Operations Director at J Vineyards & Winery, has joined Kathleen Inman as Director of Sales and Hospitality. Timely with the construction of the new winery, Burton will focus on generating wine sales, and creating a unique visitor experience in their new tasting room.

“Kevin is a wonderful addition to Inman Family Wines,” said Kathleen Inman, owner and winemaker. “As my first full-time appointment, he is joining me at an exciting time as we realize our vision of building our own small winery on our Olivet Grange Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Kevin’s experience in fine wine, hospitality and customer service, together with the new winery will take our small business of artisinal wines to the next level,” she concluded.

“This is an exciting next step for me in my career and it’s a joy to be working with a woman I respect as a winemaker and whom I also call a friend,” said Kevin Burton. “I’ve enjoyed building profitable sales via ecommerce, tasting room and wine club programs and I’m eager to do that for Inman Family Wines. To be involved in a small, family-owned business that’s also a serious Pinot Noir producer, has always been a goal, and I’m ready to put that entrepreneurial drive and focus to work,” he said.

The new winery and tasting room will also enable Burton and Inman to have a high-touch focus on the consumer as they create a best in class experience for visitors and wine club members that also educates them on the value of farmstead life and sustainability. “I’m looking forward to demonstrating that to our visitors and neighbors by letting them participate. For example, those who stop by may find fresh eggs for sale from the chickens that range the vineyard, or enjoy a glass of wine while touring our organic vegetable gardens and new facility, which is being built using primarily recycled materials,” she said.

Inman broke ground on Olivet Grange on July 15, 2009 with initial deconstruction of one of the barns. Those interested in watching the building process can become a Fan of Inman Family Wines on Facebook, where Inman is documenting the reconstruction of the new Inman Family Winery and Tasting Room, scheduled to open to the public this winter.

About Inman Family Wines

Inman Family Wines handcrafts small lots of highly regarded Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir that reflect the unique imprint of the Inman Family’s Olivet Grange Vineyard, located amidst some of the Russian River Valley’s most respected vineyards. Owner and Winemaker Kathleen Inman is committed to sensitive, organic viticultural practices and to producing quality from grape to glass. Mostly direct to consumers nationally through Wine Club and Internet sales, Inman Family Wines are also available in key wine shops and restaurants throughout California. While the new winery is being built, consumers can taste Inman Wines in their tasting room in Windsor, CA Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information call 707-395-0689 or visit www.inmanfamilywines.com.

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20
Aug

Dave Koz, Launches KOZ Wine.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on August 20th, 2009

LOS ANGELES–(Press Release)–Internationally renowned saxophonist and six-time Grammy® nominee Dave Koz has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world over the past two decades through his recordings, radio shows, annual tours, cruises and now his wine – KOZ Wine. In his travels, Koz continually observed the strong connection between people’s love of jazz and their love of wine, echoing his own two passions.

While hosting his annual Smooth Jazz cruise in 2008, Koz met one of his fans, Patrick Bradley, the President of Whole Foods Market for the Southern Pacific region. They shared their passion about wine and, on the open seas, the idea to start a wine brand was born.

This is the first time Whole Foods Market has collaborated on a project such as KOZ Wine from start to finish. The company was involved from researching the vineyards, tasting the wines, developing packaging, shipping the product to the stores and the marketing. In fact, Koz accompanied Whole Foods Market team members to Santa Ynez, Mendocino and Napa to interview winemakers before they selected Chris Condos of Napa Valley’s boutique winery, Vinum Cellars (http://www.vinumcellars.com). “Chris has an intense passion for the winemaking process, a wonderful sense of creativity and openness that I felt was really important in this collaboration,” says Koz. “I’m certainly a student in this whole process, but I love it–I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time and the more I learn the more I want to know. That this project directly benefits Starlight, my long-time charity, it’s all the more sweet…doing good and drinking good will now go hand in hand!” says Koz.

“Whole Foods Market is thrilled to be partnering with KOZ Wine, Vinum Cellars, and Starlight Children’s Foundation in launching 3 types of KOZ Wine exclusively at our stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada,” says Bradley. “We are proud to be welcoming Dave and his wines into our stores and to be a part of Starlight’s mission to help brighten the world of seriously ill children and their families.”

Koz kicks off a series of bottle signings at Whole Foods Market stores after his headlining performance at The Hollywood Bowl with Tower of Power and Peabo Bryson on August 24. The bottle signings are scheduled for:
8-24-09 Venice/Los Angeles 5:00 – 7:00 pm
8-29-09 Hillcrest/San Diego

Noon – 2:00
9-23-09 Fairfax/Los Angeles

4:00 – 6:00 pm

As a humanitarian, Koz has served as global ambassador for the last 17 years to the Starlight Children’s Foundation and will be donating all his proceeds from KOZ Wine to help Starlight continue their vital mission. “With 17 years of steadfast support for Starlight under his belt, Dave’s impact on our children and families is truly unmatched,” said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight. “He continually comes up with creative ways to support our organization, and this cause-marketing concept enables him to join forces with Starlight and Whole Foods Market to let seriously ill children and their families know they are not alone.”

KOZ Wine is now available at all Southern California Whole Foods Markets as well as in Nevada and Arizona. There are 3 different varietals:

KOZ 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Retail Price: $29.99

An intense 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from low yielding, dry farmed, hillside vineyards in the Napa Valley. Aged exclusively in French Oak barrels for 20 months, only 200 cases have been produced.

KOZ 2008 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: Retail Price: $16.99

This Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is 90 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 10 percent Viognier. Aged in 50 percent stainless steel and 50 percent French Oak Barrels. 600 cases have been produced.

KOZ 2007 El Dorado “Red Alto” Blend: Retail Price: $16.99

This Rhone style blend consists of 48% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 21% Mourvedre, and 10% Petite Sirah. All the grapes were grown in red volcanic soils between 2500 and 3300 feet in El Dorado County. It was aged exclusively in French Oak barrels for 20 months and 600 cases have been produced.

For more information on Dave Koz and Koz Wine, please visit www.davekoz.com.

About Whole Foods Market®

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com), a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America’s first national certified organic grocer, was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” in 2008 by Health magazine. The Whole Foods Market motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”TM captures the company’s mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to its more than 50,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 12 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2008, the company had sales of $8 billion and currently has more than 275 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market, Fresh & WildTM, and Harry’s Farmers Market® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Wild Oats® and Capers Community MarketTM are trademarks owned by Wild Marks, Inc.

About Starlight Children’s Foundation

When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Children’s Foundation has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight’s programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Through a network of chapters and offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom. To learn more visit www.starlight.org

Published on http://wine.the-world-in-focus.com

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6
Aug

Home And Vineyard.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on August 6th, 2009

A Boulder, Colorado couple Blake & Tracy Eliasson have converted their home into a full-fledged vineyard, Settembre Cellars (http://www.settembrecellars.com/). And, as CBS News’ Karina Mitchell reports, successful varietals now grow here.

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24
Jul

(yellow tail) Wine Uncorks Their First Sauvignon Blanc.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on July 24th, 2009

White Plains, NY, (PRWEB) July 23, 2009 — (yellow tail), America’s number one imported wine*, introduces their latest addition to its family of renowned wines in the U.S. - (yellow tail) Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc joins three other white wine varietals in the (yellow tail) portfolio which include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling.

(yellow tail) continues to provide their consumers with the most comprehensive portfolio of wines to suit any occasion. Sauvignon Blanc is in high demand with the U.S. wine consumer; sales are up 6 percent since last year, according to Nielsen Scantrack.

“As we continue to expand our portfolio, we will maintain our promise of delivering great quality wines that are not only affordable, but fun,” said Mark Lyle, Vice President of Marketing for (yellow tail) wines. “Adding the Sauvignon Blanc to our portfolio grows our white varietals, which we see as a popular area for our consumers.”

All the wine from (yellow tail) including the new Sauvignon Blanc is instantly recognizable, both for its appearance, personality, and a taste profile which is known for being fruit-forward, easy-to-drink, approachable and fun.

(yellow tail) Sauvignon Blanc quick facts:
Availability: August 1, 2009
Suggested Retail: $7.99
Distribution: National
Nose: Vibrant citrus, passion fruit
Palate: Lime, tropical fruit and green apple notes
Finish: Flavor depth, crisp

*Source: Nielsen Scantrack, Total US Food, Drug, Liquor (52 weeks ending 2.7.09)

Media contacts:
Shaun Clair / Lisa Bruno
Catalyst Public Relations
212.714.7900

For more information on (yellow tail) wine please visit us at www.discoveryellowtail.com.

Please drink responsibly.

About W. J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd
W.J. Deutsch & Sons was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. Deutsch’s wines are sold to the trade with well-planned marketing support and offered to U.S. consumers at fair market prices. Today the company is renowned for its brand building prowess and ability to identify and fill consumer niches within the wine category. Bill’s son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine industry.

The W.J. Deutsch & Sons portfolio includes award-winning wines from: Australia; (yellow tail), (yellow tail) The Reserve, (yellow tail) Sparkling, California; Atlas Peak, Buena Vista Carneros, Esser Vineyards, Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, Geyser Peak, Kunde Estate, XYZin, France; Andre Lurton, Georges Duboeuf, Hob Nob Vineyards, J. Vidal Fleury, Pierre Sparr, Sauvion et Fils, Idaho; Ste Chapelle, Italy; Barone Fini, Castello di Monastero, Coldisole, Poggio alle Sughere, Villa Pozzi, New Zealand; The Crossings, Portugal; Quinta Do Vale Meao, Spain; Mar De Frades (Rias Baixas), Cruz de Alba (Ribera del Duero), Ramón Bilbao Vinos Y Vinedos (Rioja), and Volteo (Castilla), Washington; Columbia Winery, Covey Run. www.wjdeutsch.com.

About (yellow tail)
(yellow tail) is the champion wine brand for Casella Wines. Owned and operated in Yenda, Australia, the Casella family has winemaking links going back six generations to Italy. (yellow tail) wines are created with a simple philosophy - make a great wine that everybody can enjoy. (yellow tail) is everything a great wine should be; approachable, fresh and full of flavor.

The (yellow tail) wine portfolio includes eight (yellow tail) varietals (including Shiraz and Chardonnay), three blends and a Sparkling White and Rosé wine. The (yellow tail) The Reserve portfolio includes six varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio. (yellow tail)and (yellow tail) The Reserve wines are produced by John Casella and Chief Winemaker, Alan Kennett of Casella Wines, Australia.

Published on http://wine.the-world-in-focus.com

19
Jul

Mont Tauch Winery Winery.

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on July 19th, 2009

Saturday the 19th was the Fete du Vin/Fésta dal Vin in Tuchan (http://tuchan.the-world-in-focus.com/) and also the inauguration of the new tasting room/vistor centre at the Mont Tauch (http://www.mont-tauch.com) winery. Not being one to slack my wine related duties, I headed to Tuchan to check it out. I must say I was very impressed with the new centre, given that it used to be just a tatty old warehouse, they have really pushed the boat out and spared no expense.
The centre is packed full of the latest gadgets, with large touch screen computers, projected movies/photos and a video room showing videos about the winery, people and terrior. There is a long tasting bar plus individual tasting stations, plus a children area and you can even buy wine!
Needless to say, with Mont Tauch being just down the road from me, I’ve sampled all of their wines, so it was very relaxing just standing around enjoying the wine for the wines sake and not having to join my palate and brain to much. A very enjoyable and relaxing day.

Mont Tauch

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The Video

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23
Apr

Château Haut Brion

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on April 23rd, 2009

Château Haut Brion’s (http://www.haut-brion.com) released it prices for the 2008 vintage at a whopping €260 a bottle. Haut Brion Rouge is released at a modest (!!!!!!!) €125 a bottle. It would seem Château Haut Brion are bucking the trend of deep discounting and Chateau Palmer (http://www.chateau-palmer.com) is also following suit at €95 a bottle.

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15
Apr

Bordeaux primeurs, the first out of the traps!!!!

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on April 15th, 2009

Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé producer, Château Angélus have announced the price for the 2008 vintage. It will be 40% cheaper then the 2007 vintage, bringing the price back to levels last seen in 2004. €50 per bottle is the price set for the 2008 vintage. It will be interesting to see if others follow this example or wait for critics feedback and the reception that get at the start of VinExpo this year.

Château Angélus are edging thier bets because they are only releasing 50% of the production and not the 95% they released last year. This seems a sensible option to me. In a slow market there is little point in flooding it with wine futures ( or at least trying to) when buyers are thin on the ground. It is a much better idea to do a limited release and hold the rest for a few years or until a major economic upturns happens.

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31
Mar

France to ban ‘blened’ rosé wine

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on March 31st, 2009

If the EU permits the making of rosé wine by mixing red and white wine together, France will impose a ban on the practice. Rosé is made by briefly macerating red grapes and then draining off the juice before to much colour is leached from the skins.
Why anyone would want to make fake rosé wine is beyond me. I know the market for rosé is growing well, but that still does not mean producers should just be able to mix white and red and call it rosé. That is like selling a bottle of white wine with a alka seltzer tablet taped to the bottle with instructions to add once the bottle is opened and then calling the wine Champagne.

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23
Mar

Bodega Anta Natura ~ Antonio Banderas

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on March 23rd, 2009

Yes another celebrity is getting into the wine business. This time it is Antonio Banderas who has just purchased a 50% shareholding in Bodega Anta Natura in Burgos Villalba de Duero. Part of sale is that it will be renamed Anta Banderas.
Bodega Anta Natura (Anta Banderas) produces 1.5m bottles per year. The bodega was by Teodoro Ortega in 1999 and has had a €30m investment since then by Teodoro Ortega to make it a modern winery.

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1
Mar

Credit crisis hits Australian wines

Posted in Winery News  by Richard on March 1st, 2009

Australia’s wineries are facing a collapse in demand because of the global economic downturn.

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