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Kevin's Picks
Wine Recommendations from Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
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If you haven't heard about Capture Wines, you most certainly will. This is a project to watch in the coming years, and one I am certain you will enjoy now with their first release.
Capture Wines is a project many have followed with eager anticipation and high expectation for the past few years. Proprietors Mike and Carol Foster found the perfect spot to build their home and grow world class Bordeaux wine grapes on the rugged slopes near the top of Pine Mountain, 2,400 feet above the Alexander Valley.
Inspired by t he historical legacy of Pine Mountain and its principles of land stewardship, Capture produces the finest Bordeaux-style artisan wines using the highest standards of sustainable winegrowing, while honoring Pine Mountain's distinctive terroir and heritage. The vineyards are organically farmed and the wines handcrafted. Capture produces fewer than 1,000 cases annually.
To grow the highest quality grapes and make the finest wines possible, the Fosters spared no expense in assembling the perfect wine producing team. The Fosters hired Glenn Alexander as Vineyard Manager. Glenn, who is committed to sustainable farming practices, also manages vineyards for Paul Hobbs.
The winemaking team is May-Britt and Denis Malbec of Chateau Latour in Bordeaux. Denis was born at Chateau Latour and grew up among the vineyards and barrels in the cellars of the Chateau. Denis succeeded his father and grandfather, who both served as Cellar Master and Vineyard Manager, and became Head Enologist and Cellar Master for Chateau Latour from 1994 to 1999. May-Britt is from Sweden where she established herself as being one of the top Sommeliers in the Nordic countries. She met Denis in 1995 at Chateau Latour. Since that time they have established themselves as a world renown winemaking team.
Capture's first release is a remarkable 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit for the 2008 "Tradition" was selected from two distinct terroirs, Kick Ranch in the foothills of Bennett Valley and the higher elevation Windrem Ranch in Kelseyville. These special sites yield fruit with a broad range of Sauvignon Blanc characteristics.
With multi-generational experience from Chateau Latour and an understanding of the methods of crafting a classic Bordeaux-style Sauvignon, the winemaking team employs meticulous hand sorting at a rate of only one ton per hour, ensuring that only the finest grapes at peak ripeness are selected. Cold soaking, gentle pressing and sur lees aging all combine to create this pure and truly remarkable wine.
Something to keep in mind about the reviews below is that Sauvignon Blancs rarely receive scores above 90 points. But to receive 92 points from Stephen Tanzer, one of the toughest critics, really got my attention.
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Capture 2008 "Tradition" Sauvignon Blanc
$390/case, $32.50/btl
 The first thing you will notice is the amazing French bottle with the deepest punt imaginable, followed by an elegant yet simple and clean presentation, all before the cork is removed. Then the symphony begins!
The color is translucent white gold. The aromas of lemon blossoms and pink grapefruit leap from the glass and the intense citrus flavors pierce the palate while the delicate minerality dances on the
tongue. The multilayered complexity is a symphony for the senses. Absolutely unique and unparalleled among domestic Sauvignons.
The richness of this Sauvignon Blanc is probably due to the grapes being fermented on their skins, an unusual process for Sauvignon Blanc.
Nonetheless, this is one of the most luxurious Sauvignons you'll find anywhere. Nicely balanced with bright acidity to give it a fresh flavor profile; reminiscent of a White Bordeaux-style Sauvignon Blanc.
There are numerous articles and reviews on this wine and this project. I have seleceted a few highlights.
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
"Very pale silvery-yellow. Pungent aromas of lemon, pink grapfruit, quinine, anise and white flowers. juicy, dense and penetrating, with lovely intensity and a light touch to the grapefruit, floral and mineral flavors. Very clean and suave sauvignon; brisk but not at all hard. Perhalps best on the tactile, gripping back end, which shows
sneaky, reverberating length. This sauvignon, made entirely in stainless steel, is a new venture by Denis and May-Britt Malbec." 92
Wine Spectator
"Intense, this straddles a pungent, racy, jalapeno-laced citrus side with a more viscous, smoky, lanolin - and hay - scented note. Aromatic, juicy and full of personality, with a long, intense finish. Drink now. 550 cases made. -MW" 91
In the Kitchen With Narsai David, -KCBS.com
"Lush rich aromas. Herbacious, floral, fruity all at once. This is a WOW! That richness follows onto the palate with a complex, lingering, mouth filling taste. A robust wine with excellent acid balance. Much like a fine wine from Bordeaux in France. A richness to save for a meal of lobster, or a poultry sauteed with cream." |
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Treat yourself and try this wonderful Sauvignon Blanc. You'll love it.
To order, cotact me at (702) 400-5604, kevinvogt@me.com or simply reply to this email
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Cheers!
Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
The Wine Shop
702-400-5604 - Cell
702-270-9456 - Fax
kevinvogt@me.com
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