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Rogers & Company
Super-Premium Napa Valley Collection
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| Greetings!
All over California, we're seeing exciting new wineries popping up - from Paso Robles to Anderson Valley to the Pacific coast of Sonoma County. Winemakers are traveling far and wide looking for that next magical patch of earth, but our connection to the wines of Napa Valley continues to draw us back to California's epicentre of collectable, world-class wine.
In August we traveled to Napa and met with many winemakers and winery owners, tasted and tasted (talk about taking a bullet for the team!), and selected five new wineries to introduce to the Ontario market. These wines are pure expressions of their Napa terroir. From Oakville, we introduce Tierra Roja, a tiny winery from an enviable part of the valley, which collectors have described as "the next Screaming Eagle"; Kapcsandy Family Winery, which has quickly earned a reputation as one of Yountville's top wineries; Progeny, a profound Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder; Dancing Hares, an all-star team of wine-minds working in Howell Mountain; and Levy & McClellan; the all-star husband and wife team whose vineyard lies in the northwestern foothills of the Mayacamas Mountain range. The allocations we received from these wineries are very limited so we'll do our best to distribute the wines as fairly as possible. Please note that some of the wines come in cases of 1, 3 or 6 bottles. We are placing orders with the wineries on November 28th. The cut-off date to have your orders in is Friday, November 25th. The wines won't arrive until March 2012 and your credit card won't be processed until your delivery is arranged. I look forward to hearing back from you. Please feel free to forward this to any friends or colleagues who also love wine.
Sincerely,
Chris.
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Tierra Roja Vineyard & Winery
 At the intersection of Oakville Crossroad and Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley you'll find some of the top vineyards in the world for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. There is something magical about the soil in this part of Napa, like the clay hill of Pomerol or the blue slate of the Mosel, a synergy exists between Cabernet Sauvignon and the iron-rich volcanic red soils found here.
To the southwest of the intersection, you find Screaming Eagle; to the northwest, Rudd and Plumpjack; to the east Phelps Backus, and on top of the bench, Dalla Valle's Maya and Ramey's Pedregal, and right in the centre of it all is a small 4-acre vineyard in Linda Neal's backyard called Tierra Roja.
After 20 years as a Vineyard Manager and CFO of M & L Vineyard Management Linda Neal decided to turn her expertise to her own label. Calling on the winemaking talents of the skilled David DeSante, Linda is producing tiny quantities of this luxurious, artisan Cabernet.
"To borrow the declaration that rock critic Jon Landau wrote in the '70s, "I have seen rock and roll future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen", I have looked at the Napa Valley and its future is the Cabernet Sauvignon from the tiny Tierra Roja vineyard (just off the Silverado Trail at the eastern head of the Oakville Crossroad)."
Alan Goldfarb, Appellation America, July 15, 2009
Tierra Roja 2003 [750ml/3case] $164.95
Only 150 cases of this wine were produced, and they were held back 7 years before winemaker David DeSante felt it was ready to be released.
The 2003 is a dark and deep wine. The rich, dark berry fruit aromas are complimented on the nose by notes of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, toast and dry earth. Aromas of cedar arise in the back end. It is structured and elegant. Soft tannins provide body without a lot of weight. A long wine, plump and satiny, flavours of dark red fruit and dusty earth are framed by medium-light acidity. An extremely elegant and balanced wine, truly delicious.
Tierra Roja 2008 [750ml/3case] $164.95
"The aromas are classic to Oakville Cabernet with dark cherry, blackberry and cassis finding complexity with an added note of mocha. However, it is the palate texture of the 2008 vintage which sets this wine into a remarkable class. Far from tight and sharp, the Tierra Roja is broad and expansive with its deft balance of refreshing acidity and tannin. This vintage is a fine example of the seamless elegance and power that has become a trademark for Tierra Roja.
Tasting notes for the 2008 vintage Tierra Roja are dominated with comments about the expression of the vineyard's fruit traits; cassis, Bing cherry, blackberry, and plum alternate on the palate and repeat in a vibrant succession of flavour. The finish features an elegant lift of raspberry that transforms into a pleasing floral and sandalwood sensation.
While youthful at this tasting, the 2008 is already in fine form and will figure prominently among the best examples of Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville when released this fall. While absolutely remarkable today, the 2008 vintage will reach it optimal expression of Oakville terroir from 2014-2025."
David DeSante, winemaker
Tierra Roja's website
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Kapcsándy Family Winery
Lou Kapcsándy is a man driven by one goal, to make California's best Cabernet, a true American "First Growth".
His successful construction business in Seattle afforded him the ability to assemble one of the best wine collections on the west coast, a distribution company specializing in Bordeaux and Hungarian wines and in 2000 he purchased the State Lane Vineyard in Yountville. This vineyard had provided the backbone for the great Beringer Private Reserves of the 1980s and 1990s, however, phylloxera destroyed the vineyard in 1999.
Lou hired Marcassin's John Wetlaufer and Helen Turley to consult on the replanting which focused on microclimates within the vineyard and how best to make use of clonal selection and planting density. A 14,000 square foot, state of the art production facility followed.
Helen Turley made the first 2 vintages, 2003 and 2004, then Helen recommended Rob Lawson, the winemaker at Napa Wine Company, where many of Napa's top "cult" wines are produced. In addition, Lou hired Denis Malbec, Chateau Latour's winemaker since 1992. Denis has winemaking in his bones. Denis' grandfather was vineyard manager there for 27 years and his father was cellar master for 25 consecutive vintages. Denis is the sole winemaking consultant since the 2007 vintage, working in concert with Lou's son Louis Jr.
There is no doubt in my mind that Kapcsandy is a true American "First Growth" and will in time, be recognized globally as one of the world's top wines. The 2007 and 2008 Grand Vin received back-to-back 100 point scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
 Kapcsándy Grand Vin 2008 State Lane Vineyard [750ml/1case] $639.95 "Another perfect wine (identical to the 2007) is the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard. Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (430 cases produced), this is an exquisite wine of great precision and profound concentration and complexity. It possesses an inky/purple colour in addition to an ethereal nose of cassis, chocolate, burning embers, espresso and forest floor. Sweet tannins, a multidimensional mouthfeel, full-bodied power and good structure as well as freshness make for a prodigious example of wine that will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, but will keep for 25-30 years. This is an awesome effort, particularly after what the Kapcsandy family achieved in 2007." 100 points, Wine Advocate, December 2010 |
 Kapcsándy Estate Cuvée 2008 [750ml/6case] $179.95
"The 2008 Estate Cuvée State Lane Vineyard (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is spectacular. In fact, I rated it the same as I did the 2007. A dense ruby/purple hue is followed by a gorgeous bouquet of espresso roast, chocolate, blackberries and black fruits. Full-bodied with extraordinary elegance as well as tremendous texture, intensity and length, this singular wine should drink well for two decades. For those who complain that California wines are too alcoholic, every one of the Kapcsándy wines is under 14.6% alcohol."
97 points, Wine Advocate, December 2010 Kapcsándy Estate Cuvée 2006 [750ml/6case] $169.95 "The 2006 Estate Cuvée State Lane Vineyard (a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc) possesses a dark plum/purple colour as well as notes of roasted coffee, cocoa, chocolate, black currants, sweet cherries, and subtle oak. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, layered, intense, pure, and long, it is approachable now, but promises to drink well for two decades or more. " 93+ points, Wine Advocate, December 2009 |
Kapcsándy "Endre" 2008 [750ml/6case] $129.95
"The 2008 Endre reveals an elegant nose of licorice, white chocolate, espresso, herbs, black currants and blackberries, soft, silky tannins and abundant fruit. It is ideal for drinking during its first decade of life."
90 points, Wine Advocate, December 2010
Kapcsándy "Endre" 2007 [750ml/6case] $119.95
"A new offering made from lots culled out from their barrels, the seductive, charming 2007 Endre (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is a sleeper of the vintage with a magnetic hedonism. White chocolate, dark berries, and lots of flesh are reminiscent of a ripe Pomerol vintage. It is best drunk during its first decade of life"
90 points, Wine Advocate, December 2009
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Progeny Winery
 Paul and Betty Woolls own a number of vineyards throughout the Napa Valley and two particularly special ones on Mt. Veeder, Woolls Ranch and Betty's Vineyard. The latter provided all the fruit for the inaugural 100 cases of 2006 Progeny. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a hand selection of the best lots from Betty's vineyard, which was matured in French oak for a whopping 30 months and in bottle for another 24. Mt. Veeder, located in the southwesteren Napa Valley, is composed of mainly volcanic soils. The marine influence of nearby San Pablo Bay and the long, sun-drenched days on steep vineyards produces wines characterized by herbal, floral aromatics, bold tannins and "briary" fruit flavours. Progeny 2006 [750ml/1case] $275.95 "Our inaugural release of 2006 Progeny Cabernet Sauvignon from our Mount Veeder vineyard has a saturated deep red colour with a solid core. Ripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry, currant, pomegranate, cherry wood and cigar box are surrounded by beautiful perfumed aromas of cherry blossoms, lead pencil shavings, sweet vanilla and barrel char. On the palate the wine is seamless with mature integrated tannins, concentrated vinous flavours; full and rich but with a high tone touch that lasts for several moments." Sean Capiaux, winemaker This wine is made in extremely small volumes and has not been released to the critics and so no third party reviews exist. Currently this powerful and rich wine is in its infancy with many decades of evolution still to come. It is sold-out at the winery and is only available through this offer. |
Dancing Hares Vineyard
 Following successful careers in software, Bob Cook and his wife Paula Brooks looked to embark on a new path. A small piece of land came available just east of St. Helena at the foot of Howell Mountain. This property opens to the west, with day-long sun exposure and magnificent soils.
Two meticulous vineyards were planted, each a tiny 2.5 acres, clay in the lower portion and fractured limestone on the top. Bob and Paula hired Napa's most esteemed viticulturist, David Abreu for the job. David's career began at Caymus and he's gone on to work for the who's who of vineyards in Napa - Screaming Eagle, Blankiet, Colgin, Sloan, and many others. His vineyards are known as "gardens" by the winemakers who work with them, managed almost to a "bonsai" level of precision.
To make the wines, Bob hired Andy Erickson's team. Andy is the top consulting winemaker in Napa, bar none. His resume reads as impressively as David's, having made wines for Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Arietta, Ovid, and his own label Favia.
To ice the cake, Michel Rolland, France's top winemaking consultant has been brought in to add further input on the winemaking techniques.
We were extremely impressed with the wines from this exciting property. The Dancing Hares is a top-flight Napa Cab with guts and deep, rich flavours. They also produce a super exciting "second" wine called Mad Hatter that could easily trump the top wines of some other Napa wineries. We will be offering this wine in 2012.
2007 Dancing Hares [750ml/6case] $159.95 "The 2007 Dancing Hares (39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, aged 21 months in mostly new French oak) exhibits a sweet nose of white chocolate, forest floor, blueberry, bay leaf, and cassis. Terrific fruit intensity, an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, with the considerable exuberance that is so much a part of this vintage's personality, and a long, lush finish make for a super wine to drink over the next 15 or more years." 94 points, Wine Advocate, December 2010 Dancing Hares' website |
Levy & McClellan
 Bob Levy and Martha McClellan are two of Napa's most acclaimed winemakers. Bob has been at the helm of Harlan Estate and Bond wineries since their inception 25 years ago, crafting wines that are regarded as some of the best in Napa, if not the world.
Martha McClellan worked along side Bob making Harlan from 1995-2000 before taking over at Sloan in the 2001 vintage. In 2006 she took on a unique project on Diamond Mountain called Checkerboard Vineyards, which premiered in Spring 2011 with a sell out debut and is now highly sought after by collectors.
Between the two, their wines have received nine 100 point scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate during their careers at these wineries. In 1999, they embarked on their own project to produce two Bordeaux variety blends from their estate vineyard, called Levy & McClellan and Ampersand.
The Levy & McClellan vineyard is only six acres, tightly planted in volcanic soils to Bordeaux varietals, 500 feet high in the western foothills of the Mayacamas mountain range. The location offers unique weather conditions, with temperatures influenced by the marine patterns which are often quite similar to that of Oakville. The wines are magnificent and of impressive stature. Levy & McClellan 2006 [750ml/1case] $599.95 "The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays beautifully sweet blue and black fruits intermixed with espresso roast, smoked meats, chocolate, and scorched earth. Dense purple in colour, deep, rich, broad, with plenty of tannin and concentration as well as noticeable oak, this wine is a massive Cabernet meant for long-term cellaring. I wouldn't touch a bottle for 6 to 8 years, then watch it unfold over the following 25-30. You couldn't ask for two more talented winemakers than the wife and husband team of Martha McClellan and Bob Levy. Their small, 400-case project from very tightly spaced vineyards (about 2,900 vines per acre) ... continues to produce prodigious wines." 95 points, Wine Advocate, December 2009
Levy & McClellan 2005 [750ml/1case] $599.95
"Levy and McClellan's 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, which spent 26 months in new oak (mostly Taransaud), is developing at an incredibly slow rate. Its opaque ruby/purple colour is accompanied by beautiful aromas of roasted coffee, melted chocolate, creme de cassis, burning embers, camphor, and a hint of cedar. On the palate, the wine combines considerable substance, power, and extract with a sense of harmony as well as elegance. Black currant, blackberry, and gamy, meaty notes are also present in this full-bodied effort with an incredibly long finish. The wine is just beginning to shed some tannin and become accessible. It will benefit from another 4-5 years of bottle age, and will easily last for three decades or more"
95+ points, Wine Advocate, December 2008
Levy & McClellan "Ampersand" 2007 [750ml/3case] $219.95 Just as Harlan has The Maiden, Levy & McClellan has Ampersand, a selection of lots culled from the flagship wine. Unlike a Bordeaux vineyard of hundreds of acres which may contain vines of many different ages, the Levy & McClellan vineyard is of uniform age and has always been farmed to the same standard. So these wines which in one vintage may be used for Ampersand, in another vintage of different quality may be included in the flagship wine. Traditionally Ampersand receives the Merlot, which rarely gets used in the L&M. It is an excellent wine in its own right, a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend, sharing many flavour components with L&M, however in a more forward package. My notes include the descriptors "really deep fruit intensity, warmth through the finish, creamy, power with suppleness, wow! 94 pts." Levy & McClellan's website |
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Chris McLean
416 961 2294 x 29 |
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