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Spring/Summer 2003
General Winery News Wine Industry Profile Uncorked! New Releases Personnel Corner Customer News Awards and Reviews |
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SIX NEW WINES RELEASED FOR SPRING
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This year’s Insignia is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc, primarily from estate-owned vineyards in Stag’s Leap, Rutherford, Yountville and St. Helena. With the exception of a short-lived heat wave between June 12th and 14th, Napa Valley experienced mild summer temperatures in 2000 which permitted slow, steady ripening of the fruit. Rains forecast between August 30th and September 2nd caused some concern, but the light showers that did occur were of little consequence and in fact contributed to flavor development, especially in red varieties. However, the cool nights and wet soil conditions that persisted throughout October did delay maturation, and a series of rainstorms beginning October 25th further affected fruit quality. Fortunately, grapes for our Insignia blend were picked prior to the storms, and the resulting wine exhibits concentrated aromas of black fruit, cinnamon, spice, tobacco and graphite. Supple tannins with hints of cassis and spice finish long and rich on the palate. Click here to read more. |
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Similar to an Alsatian white wine, the 2001 White Pastiche is a blend of 37% Semillon, 22% Viognier, 15% Marsanne, 9% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Chardon-nay and 8% Scheurebe. It offers floral, pear and citrus-like aromas, with bright fruit flavors ending in a long, lingering finish. This is an excellent choice for poultry and seafood dishes. Click here to read more. |
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In 2001 a mid-September cold spell brought picking to a halt, and vintners had to decide whether to resume picking or hold out for warm weather and hope it arrived before the rains. JPV’s commitment to harvesting fruit at optimal ripeness demanded we wait, and our patience was rewarded by a warm spell which began October 1st and allowed fruit to mature to desired flavor and ripeness levels. The 2001 Los Carneros Chardonnay is highlighted by tropical fruit and grilled nut flavors with an undertone of toasty oak. The wine is beautifully balanced with a long, persistent finish. Click here to read more. |
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Red Pastiche is a California version of a Côtes du Rhône blend, which this year consists of 33% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 19% Syrah, 6% Merlot, 5% Carignane, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Alicante Bouschet. The wine combines generous red, spicy fruit aromas with extractive ripe berry flavors, and is a perfect choice for barbecues, stews and spicy-styled dishes. Click here to read more. |
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Temperatures in July and August of 2002 were characterized by cool, foggy mornings and warm afternoons -- ideal conditions for ripening fruit. When September unfolded, the weather pattern changed dramatically, with three heat waves and a dry north wind triggering a rapid drop in air moisture. Vine physiology responded swiftly as sugars began to increase while acidity dropped. Our Sauvignon Blanc was picked prior to the September heat waves, and fruit came in perfectly ripe with good sugar/acid balance. Characteristic flavors of grapefruit and key lime are well integrated with the wine’s clean citrusy finish. Click here to read more. |
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The 2002 vintage introduces an elegant new package for Eisrébe wherein an ice crystal design has been engraved on a clear, straight-sided Bordeaux bottle known as “Bellissima.” The bottle is truly a work of art, surpassed only by the wine within it! In July and August of 2002, a total of 40 days were marked by cool foggy mornings and warm sunny afternoons, allowing vines to photosynthesize at full efficiency so that by late August grapes displayed remarkable color and flavor development. A warming trend in September saw sugars rise dramatically, and Eisrébe was picked under optimal conditions. The result is a stunning dessert wine containing flavors of ripe white nectarine and peach with excellent acidity balancing the high sugar content and a rich, long, rounded finish. This wine is equally at home as an afternoon aperitif or après-dinner dessert wine. Click here to read more. |
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