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Greetings!
As we dig out from a particularly harsh winter here on the East Coast, my thoughts are focused on the warm and sunny Spring ahead! Enclosed in this latest edition of the Davies Family Selections Wine & Spirits newsletter you'll find the newest seasonal updates from the wineries and distilleries within my portfolio.
Enjoy reading and happy Spring!
Cheers!
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Congratulations to Amisfield, recent recipient of the highest accolade (Gold Award) at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards for both their 2011 Pinot Noir and 2013 Sauvignon Blanc.
Amisfield's 2011 Pinot Noir is the winery's signature varietal, boasting taut and spicy, yet silk- and fruit-driven notes with a delicate finish. The Amisfield 2013 Sauvignon Blanc displays freshly cut pineapple and pink grapefruit on the nose, as well as a dimension of ripe stone fruit and subtle creamy notes.
The TEXSOM International Wine Awards are an annual competition celebrating quality wines from across the globe. Now in its 31st year, the TEXSOM International Wine Awards are judged by some of the world's top wine professionals and sommeliers. Bravo, Amisfield!
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Cabernet Sauvignon has always been the crown jewel of Bacio Divino Cellars and their 2012 Janzen Napa Cabernets continue this tradition. Bacio Divino produces three single vineyard cabernets sourced from Andy Beckstoffer's two renowned Napa vineyards and Bacio's own estate Vineyard, as well as one cabernet blend from all three vineyeards.
As Napa's first growth vineyard, the rich and blue-fruited Beckstoffer To Kalon is on every wine buyer and collector's radar, and Bacio Divino's cabernet is proudly sourced from one of the finest blocks (B1) in the center of that famed vineyard. Mr. Beckstoffer's other notable vineyard, Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper of southern Oakville, produces a red-fruited and mineral-driven vine, exhibiting a terroir uncommon for a single vineyard offering. And not to be forgotten, Bacio Divino's lauded estate vineyard, Cloudy's, sits 500 feet from the Calistoga floor where mature vines bursting with character take growth.
All four of Bacio Divino's Janzen 2012 Cabernets received high praise and ratings from Robert Parker in October 2014.
- 2012 Janzen Napa Cabernet - "outstanding," Robert Parker
- 2012 Janzen Cloudy's Vineyard Cabernet - 91-93 points
- 2012 Janzen Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cabernet - 91-93 points
- 2012 Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet - 92-94 points
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Known for wines with distinctive and effortless taste, B Cellars lives up to its reputation with the recent bottling of the 2013 Juliana Sauvignon Blanc.
Located in the Pope Valley, the Juliana Vineyard's rolling hills, warm summer days and cool nights preserve the acidity and fruitfulness that allow grape clusters to obtain optimum ripeness. Once harvested, the fruit is put directly to press to ensure the fresh and undamaged whole clusters. The juice then goes through an oxidative settling for 48 hours and endures a long and cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wonderful aromatics. From there, the wine is aged undisturbed for four months in 100% neutral barrels and then for two months in stainless steel before bottling.
Kirk Venge, venerable winemaker and son of esteemed winemaker Nils Venge, played an integral part in the winemaking process of the 2013 Juliana Sauvignon Blanc, which lauds luscious grapefruit, lemon zest and tropical fruit tasting notes.
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Back by popular demand, New Zealand's Lobster Reef has released the 2014 vintage of its beloved Sauvignon Blanc just in time for spring and summer. The 2014 vintage is another extraordinarily refreshing varietal from Lobster Reef, boasting hints of peach and apricot with underlying notes of citrus and herbs.
After a fortuitous mild spring and summer in New Zealand, the 2014 season yielded a large harvest of exceptional grapes, creating a clean vintage with classic elegance. Situated along the rocky coastline of Marlborough, NZ, these Sauvignon Blanc grapes are harvested in a dry environment, helping to deliver an immensely aromatic, bright and intensely flavored varietal.
A perfect complement to summer dishes, the 2014 Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with seafood and fresh summer salads. A must-bring to any summer soir�es!
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Since 2001, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Annual Napa County Pruning Contest has brought together a collection of Napa Valley vineyards' top pruners to challenge them in the art, skill and speed of grape pruning.
This past year, Renteria Wines sent two of their top pruners from the vineyard's management team to compete in the 14th annual contest. Renteria's Victor Silvestre took home 1st place in the main contest and Elizabeth Perez took home the 3rd place award in the Women's Division Pruning Contest.
Congrats to both Victor and Elizabeth!
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Distilled using the sap of maple trees, Vermont Spirits' Vermont Gold Vodka is the very essence of Vermont. Vermont Gold is lightly filtered and small batch-distilled in a glass fractionating column, allowing for the distinctive quality of the maple fermentation to shine through in the finished spirit.
As a perfect base for light summer drinks, Vermont Spirits will usher in the summer weather this Memorial Day weekend by sponsoring the Falmouth to Hyannis sailing competition. Each sailor will receive a bottle of Vermont Gold Vodka and an authentic commemorative Vermont Spirits hat to celebrate the most notable race of summer.
Stay tuned for photos from the race in the next edition of this newsletter!
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Situated off the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, Venge Vineyards was recently named among the "best Calistoga wineries you may never have heard of" in the May issue of San Francisco Magazine.
Home to smoky and spicy Syrahs, massive Cabernet Sauvignons, refreshing whites and juicy red blends, Venge Vineyards provides guests with an exclusive look into its core practices of dry farming, covered crops and hand-tending. Guests are invited to enjoy the views and relax on the patio at the vineyard tasting home, sipping on some of the most celebrated wines in California. If you find yourself in Napa any time soon, be sure to stop on by.
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