November 2011
Friends of Enkidu:
There is something magical about October: the light of deeper blue skies and golden sunsets; the smell of dried grasses, leaves, and dirt still damp with dew and past rains; feeling a chill in the air contrasted with the intensity of the sun on the skin; the sounds of harvest crews a buzz with energy in the early morning vineyard; and finally, the taste of grapes, and fermenting juice in tanks and barrels. For the past three weeks I cannot remember an October this amazing, except 2010 when the Giants were on their way to a World Series victory!
October also brings the promise of a new vintage, and as always, the weather plays a crucial role. Rain is nothing new, but it does bring challenges to both growing and the making of wine. Northern California endured two rain events during the 2011 harvest, and we were fortunate most of our thinned skin varietals – Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay – were picked before the storms hit. For other varietals that went through the rain we relied on our experience and expertise, monitoring the weather and vineyards daily to find our pick dates. Our patience paid off and we have been blessed with warm, dry weather for three weeks at the time of this letter… Bacchus has smiled down upon the North Coast once again.
What stands out in the 2011 vintage is the quality of the grapes we received from the mountains in Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma Counties. Beginning in 2011, we are adding a couple more Cabernet Sauvignon based wines to our portfolio, and sourced fruit from higher altitude vineyards in the Mayacamas mountain range that extends well up into Lake County. In fact, our highest vineyard source in Lake stands at an elevation of 2,650’. The higher altitude contributes a thicker skin grape due to the increase of UV light, which translates to incredible color and concentrated flavors. Winery dogs Anu and Kia also approve of these mountain ridge vineyards, which happen to be very large properties, and are perfect for long runs. They’ve never been this tired as in the past few weeks.
It is also time for the November Club Shipment, in which we are including for the first time a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I just opened a bottle of the Napa Cab, part of our “E” lineup, and it’s developing beautifully. You will also receive Napa Valley Petite Sirah, Odyssey Russian River Syrah and Humbaba, our Rhone Blend. All wines included in this shipment come from the 2009 vintage. Back in 2009 we were blessed with incredible growing conditions which promoted very good ripening. I find this vintage to be well balanced with complex flavors and expressive aromas, with generally lower alcohol levels.
We are also participating in two events this month: Holiday in Carneros at our winery location on November 19 and 20; and Holiday Open House at our tasting room in Sonoma Valley on November 25 and 26. I hope to re-unite with many of the members I have been fortunate to meet, and would really enjoy meeting those with whom I have yet to cross paths. Again, thank you all for your gracious support.
Drink Well!
Phillip Staehle, Owner/Winemaker
2009 Humbaba Rhone Blend
We’ve included something a little different, yet traditional, in the 2009 Humbaba. It is common for wineries in the Rhone region of France to add up to 5% white wine to their red blends, and we have taken a similar route by adding 3% Marsanne/Rousanne/Grenache Blanc to the 55% Syrah and 42% Petite Sirah. I find a white varietal contributes aromatics and a “feminine” touch to the brawny varietals of Syrah and Petite Sirah. This rendition of Humbaba shows wonderful aromas and flavors of brown spices such as cardamom and mace, combined with chocolate, and root. On the palate I find fruits of blackberries and ripe plum interlaced with dried herbs, a hint of olive, and pain grille. The body is rich and full with mouth coating, persistent tannins. Early in its life, I would suggest decanting 30 minutes before enjoying. The structure of this wine suggests a very long life, at least ten years. Try the Humbaba with Bistecca Fiorentina drizzled with a little olive oil. 550 cases. Drinking window: 2011 – 2021. $25.
2009 Odyssey Russian River Syrah
Odyssey is one of my favorite vineyards, and perhaps produces the most complex wines. The tell tale characteristics from this Russian River valley source are the camphor, dried herb flavor and aromas which are qualities of the vineyard site – gained from a grove of Eucalyptus trees east of the vineyard. Also as common is the olive and plum, and the intriguing aroma of beef blood, an iron-like characteristic that appears in almost all years. Whatever the vintage, I continue to find more descriptors in Odyssey than any other wine we produce. The 2009 rendition is showing incredible balance. Not as “large” or with the same alcohol of previous vintages, the 2009 shows all of the complexity, with a texture and weight that just melts in your mouth. The olive and herb components make the Odyssey an incredible food wine. Whether preparing lamb with an herb rub, or perhaps chicken in a Cacciatore sauce with ample amounts of green olives, the Odyssey will accompany these dishes exceptionally. 125 cases. Drinking window: 2011 - 2019. $34.
2009 Napa Valley Petite Sirah
Quite possibly our finest Petite Sirah to date, we produced just 100 cases. The structure is rich and balanced with very fine, filling tannins. Like our other Petite and Syrahs from 2009, the NV Petite shows rich, sexy fruit with seamless balance. You will find flavors and aromas of blackberries, forest floor, roasted coffee, tar, and a hint of marzipan. Toasted oak integrates well and supports a mouth filling structure with a long finish. I am always impressed with how well Petite Sirah pairs with a variety of foods. Many of those who drink Petite often comment about how well this wine pairs with steak: I agree. You can also make a case that you can take this wine to Louisiana for some Jambalaya filled with Andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp and reach gastronomic nirvana. 100 cases. Drinking window: 2011 – 2020. $34.
2009 Napa Valley “E” Cabernet Sauvignon
The fruit in our first Napa Valley “E” Cabernet bottling comes from Yountville, which provides sweet cassis and black cherry aromas and flavors with just a hint of dried herbs and saddle leather. The 2009 vintage shows a well rounded tannic backbone that provides a framework for the complex fruit. While this balanced wine shows very well now, consuming in six months will be rewarded with greater symmetry and complexity. 500 cases. Drinking window: 2012 – 2018. $24.