Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs produced from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions.
While each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant, varying with the amount of fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type at each site. Each Vineyard Designate is crafted to distill the purest essence of the locale into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir.
Owner/winemaker, Joe Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir.
JOE WAGNER OWNER/WINEMAKER As a fifth generation Napa Valley winemaker, Joe learned his way around a vineyard long before he was able to drink wine. By the time he was 19 he knew that he would continue his family’s winemaking legacy, working alongside his father at Caymus Vineyards. In 2001, he created Belle Glos, with a focus on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from throughout California’s best coastal regions. More recently, he has launched a number of new brands under Copper Cane Wines & Provisions. Joe has a keen interest in contributing to the evolution of the wine industry, by discovering new wine growing locations and through experimentation in the cellar. Joe lives in Napa Valley, has six children, and maintains a healthy balance between his family life and a passionate dedication to his business.
Belle Glos' first wine under the newly minted West Sonoma Coast AVA and a cellared release, this majestic vineyard brings plum with a slight burnt edge in the glass and boasts aromas of freshly tilled land, a rich oak forest in Autumn, and Crème de Cassis. Once on the palate, the acidity sparks a fire of smoked caramel and cinnamon spiked cranberry sauce. The silky-smooth texture gives way to a long and balanced finish that leaves your senses wanting more.
Review:
Located in the westernmost section of Sonoma County, this rugged, elevated, marine-influenced sub-AVA is the newest in the region. This almost nine-year-old wine immediately delivers a memorable experience through its perfume of jasmine, gardenia, and tangelo; on the palate, notes of brown-sugared cherry join a parade of orange peel and crushed stone. Grainy yet juicy strawberry weaves into vanilla and cedar as white pepper keeps the palate primed for more flavor.
-Tasting Panel 97 Points
Certified organic, ungrafted vines over 130 years old; a "grand cru" site of Paso Robles. Transcendent. Lovely sweet red fruits, loads of spice and pepper, violets, chalk, even a hint of pineapple grass on the nose. White stones and wild strawberries in a lovely pas de deux on the palate, with vibrant energy and finesse. What a knockout.
Review:
Broad-shouldered and powerfully structured yet detailed and stylish, with deep flavors of blackberry and cherry accented by bittersweet chocolate, orange peel and fruitcake spices that gather tension and richness on the slightly firm finish.
-Wine Spectator 95 Points
Le Jade Viognier is made from 100 percent Viognier
The wine comes from sun-drenched vineyards planted on the best terroir - specially selected for its physical and geographical characteristics - on clay and limestone hillsides called "costières" (coastal region). The vineyards are only a few miles away from the Etang de Thau, a coastal lagoon that is situated between the port of Sète and Marseillan.
The color is a wonderful brilliant yellow with pearl tints. Intense and seductive aromas of ripe fruits, especially apricot, and floral notes with a hint of rose petals. The texture is very harmonious, generous, round and long. The finish is long and balanced with a good freshness.
Perfect as an aperitif, or great with richer dishes like langoustines, smoked or marinated salmon. Great too with guinea fowl in creamy or curry sauce. Serve it also with a broccoli and Roquefort soup or for dessert with a mango and pineapple tarte Tatin. An extremely versatile wine!