Laird Cabernet Sauvignon Flat Rock Ranch 2013
12 bottles for: $899.00
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| Country: | United States |
| Regions: | California California (Napa) |
| Grape Type: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Winery: | Laird |
| Organic: | Yes |
Laird Cabernet Sauvignon Flat Rock Ranch is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our Flat Rock Ranch vineyard is located near the north corner of where Yountville Cross Road meets Silverado Trail, on State Lane. This prized, complex fruit from the Yountville Appellation is a result of unique geological and meteorological conditions: volcanic soils similar to the adjacent Stags Leap District, but also display ancient coastal deposits, and sedimentary and alluvial soils that provide beneficial stress for our vines. Marine air currents from San Pablo Bay to the south are caught when they reach the “Yountville Mounts,” providing a natural cooling effect that balances warm, sunny days that ripen the rich tannins of our hallmark Cabernet Sauvignon to elegant distinction.
Tasting Notes: Bold violet-red color introduces a captivating bouquet of blueberries, tea leaf, and vanilla. This full-bodied wine has flavors of cassis, hazelnut and briary undertones with fresh acidity and chewy tannins on the palate.
Review:
"A focused and poised young cabernet with blackberry, blueberry and cherry aromas and flavors. Full body, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows depth and power. Better in 2019."
- James Suckling (December 2016), 93 pts
"The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Flat Rock Ranch, from another Yountville site, is softer than the Mast Ranch, with sweet tannin, dense purple color, plenty of crème de cassis, blackberry and blueberry. There is a nice floral element as well, and the wine finishes full, rich and impressive. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #222, December 2015), 94 pts
After nearly 50 years in the wine business, we understand the ins and outs of the industry, from the trends to the challenges. We believe that our success is due to our vineyard expertise as well as our shared goal to produce great estate wines.
With a concentration on Napa and Carneros vineyards, we have sought to produce wines that are “a window to a place.” Each one of our vineyards is different in expression, with its own subtle, yet distinctive character and voice. Each year renews in us an intense drive to understand, react to, and work with each vineyard to allow it to reach its full potential. This process, lead by our winemaking and vineyard management team, is crucial for the execution of successful wines.
With a concentration in Napa and Carneros vineyards, we have sought to produce wines that are “a window to a place.” Each one of our vineyards is different in expression: each has a subtle, yet distinctive vineyard voice. With every year there is an intense drive to understand, react to and work with each vineyard to reach its full potential. This process, lead by winemaker and vineyard manager, is crucial for the execution of successful wines.
While growing up to be a big city mechanical engineer in New York City, Ken held on to his family tradition of becoming a farmer. In 1970, Ken and his wife, Gail, purchased their first Napa Valley parcel. This neglected piece of land, adjacent to Tubbs Lane in Calistoga, held 70 acres of worn-down prune trees. With Prohibition forty years gone and Napa Valley positioned to re-emerge as viticulturally significant, Ken and Gail decided to develop the orchard into a grape vineyard. While knowing just short of nothing about viticulture, they were also $150,000 short to properly develop the orchard into a respectable vineyard. Picking up a tattered phone book, Ken went to the yellow pages and found eight listed wineries…Robert Mondavi being the only one he recognized.
With a phone call, Robert Mondavi himself agreed to walk the property. After they discussed soils, vines, yields, irrigation, and proper pruning, Robert agreed to finance a deal with the Lairds if they would plant 50% Gamay. The deal was struck with a resulting vineyard of 50% Gamay and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. Mondavi guaranteeing the Laird’s Cabernet “to be the highest harvest price paid in the Valley.” The support and encouragement of Robert Mondavi would allow Ken to return to his passion: his family farming heritage.
By the late 1990’s the Laird vineyard holdings had exceeded 2,000 acres and the idea of making their own premium line of wines began to take shape. Architect, Jon Lail, showed Ken and Gail the plans for the iconic pyramid-shaped, multi-level winery. Construction began on what would become the Red Hen Ranch vineyard property north of Napa. Ken and Gail’s son, Justin, worked side-by-side with Ken in the vineyards and became the Vineyard Manger, while their daughter, Rebecca, became the General Manager of the winery. Rebecca’s daughter, Jillian, was born in 2005, the same year the winery’s first red blend was produced, appropriately named Jillian’s Blend (and it happens to be Laird Family Estate’s most popular wine). Justin’s daughter, Megan, works in finance in New York City. His son, David, is continuing the family’s farming legacy by working with his dad in the vineyards.
The vineyard holdings possess a cross section of geomorphic and microclimate idiosyncrasies that are poised to produce particular grape varieties that thrive in their desired terroir.
From the thick fog and marine winds in Carneros to the volcanic soils mixed with ancient coastal deposits in the lower bench of the Mayacamas Mountains, they farm their vineyards to produce fruit that best complements the hallmarks of the land.
Laird Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is made from 100 percent Napa Cabernet.
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from three vineyards: Mast Ranch, for its earthy and robust structure, Flat Rock Ranch, for its fruit-forward characteristic and silky structure, and Linda Vista Ranch, for its juicy and vibrant approach-ability.
Tasting Notes: Opaque ruby color with a tinge of purple introduces developing aromas of blackberry jam, cranberry, and acacia flower. This medium-bodied red wine expresses flavors of ripe black plum, walnut, and cassis on the front of the palate, and is complemented by chewy tannins and juicy cherry on the finish.
Vineyard: 42% Mast Ranch + 35% Flat Rock Ranch + 23% Linda Vista Ranch
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Review:
"A rich, unctuous wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is sweet, layered and enveloping in feel. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and new leather are all fused together. This is an especially intense, flamboyant expression of the vintage."
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (September 2016), 90 pts
"Aromas of blueberries, currants, spices and concrete. Medium to full body, firm and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs time to soften but so pretty already. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (January 2017), 93 pts
The Cabernet Sauvignon Casey’s Lakeview is similarly inky bluish/purple to the rim. Tasting like blood, this wine is dense and rich with lots of chocolate, espresso, earth and spice. It is deep, full-bodied, and again, a masculine style of wine that needs at least 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25 or more years.
Lakeview Vineyard is the winery’s mid-block vineyard planted to a combination of clone 6 & 337 Cabernet Sauvignon on 101-14 rootstock. Excellent drainage from the rocky and chalky soils plus plenty of sunlight throughout the day produces wines of bold character with mouth filling flavors.
Organic farming methods are used to produce this Cabernet Sauvignon Casey's Lakeview vineyard. Vines are 17 years old. Ageing in French oak barrels (85% new) for 20 months, then 12 months in bottle prior to release. Non-filtered.
Review:
"The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Casey’s Lakeview is similarly inky bluish/purple to the rim. Tasting like blood, this wine is dense and rich with lots of chocolate, espresso, earth and spice. It is deep, full-bodied, and again, a masculine style of wine that needs at least 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25 or more years."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #222, December 2015), 95 pts
"Darker tonalities of fruit along with distinctly savory undertones are two of the signatures in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Casey's Lakeview Vineyard. Rich, ample and powerful, the Casey's Lakeview offers notable richness to fill out its broad-shouldered frame. Hints of lavender and mint add nuance in a virile Cabernet Sauvignon that needs at least a few years to fully come together. - Antonio Galloni"
- Vinous (October 2015), 94 pts
Aromas of briarwood and pipe tobacco give way to blackberry pie, toasted macaroons and plums. The wine is velvety, supple and rich with a long, satisfying finish. This Zinfandel, a Sonoma County classic, will continue to age for many years to come.
Flatridge Ranch is a secluded parcel in the Coastal mountain range, west of the Rockpile AVA. Here the Trione family planted a 10 acre vineyard in 2008. The vines are a unique Zinfandel selection called Saint Peter’s Church, whose provenance is a 100-year-old block in Cloverdale, a small town north of our Geyserville winery. The 2013 vintage was a perfect growing season.
Cases produced: 575
Winemaking: We fermented the grapes in small, open top fermenters, hand plunging the cap three-four times daily. The wine aged 18 months in American oak barrels, 40% new, prior to bottling March 2015.
Winemaker Notes:
Aromas of briarwood and pipe tobacco give way to blackberry pie, toasted macaroons and plums. The wine is velvety, supple and rich with a long, satisfying finish. This Zinfandel, a Sonoma County classic, will continue to age for many years to come.
Alcohol: 14.9
Total Acid: 6.20 g/L
pH: 3.76
Laird Jillians Red Blend is made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 10% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot
21 months in 75% French Oak and 25% American Oak (40% new and 60% neutral)
Vineyard: Cabernet Sauvignon (60% Mast Ranch + 40% Linda Vista Ranch), Syrah (100% Eagle Vines Ranch), Merlot (100% Big Ranch), Malbec (100% Flat Rock Ranch) and Petit Verdot (100% Flat Rock Ranch).
Appellation: Napa Valley
Our family has been proudly growing grapes in Napa Valley for two generations; this unique fusion of four varietals honors the youngest member of the third generation in our farming family, our daughter Jillian. This Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend with a twist of Rhone is structured, but easy to drink. Jillian’s is the only blend we make and it’s our most popular red wine.
Tasting Notes: Complex and precocious just like the real Jillian. Its deep, ruby red appearance accompanied by viscous legs leads the way to a seductive bouquet of toasted oak, lavender and ripe strawberries. A medium bodied palate, with delicate tannins and acidity, leads the way to tart dusty cherries and boysenberries that dance across your palate, while flavors of clove, vanilla and blueberry custard unfold on the finish.
Our Cabernet Sauvignon is always the last to ripen on the Alegria vineyard in the foothills of the Andes. And this year the Cabernet Sauvignon enjoyed high heat in January, followed by a cooler than usual countdown to harvest during February and March. The consequence was a crop of perfect clusters, exemplary concentration, enhanced flavors, and optimal, natural acidity. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon of rare finesse.
SonVida Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 boasts classic varietal notes, blackcurrant, ripe red cherry, cassis. But what distinguishes this vintage is the excellent body and structure, the soft, round tannins and minerality so characteristic of the award-winning Altamira district, and the bright balance of its finish.
Once again, we selected whole clusters by hand as we harvested relatively late, in the third week of April, with low yields of 75 hl/ha. There was then a double selection: first, by bunches, then grape by grape. Total maceration took 20 days, starting with cold soaking for four days, alcoholic fermentation 12 days, then four days additional. The Syrah came from our vineyard – as always, SonVida represents the single vineyard wine.
Yes, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon to be enjoyed with a quality steak, or cut of beef. But also it can be enjoyed on its own, its smooth balance and finesse lending ideally to a relaxed evening in good company. It will age well, as have earlier SonVida Cabernets, adding complexity and richness.
Review:
"A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah co-fermented, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in a combination of American and French oak for 18 months. This is a soft, juicy, deep, full-bodied wine with cedar wood, forest floor, blackcurrants and herbs. Drink it over the next 4-5 years."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 90 pts - Excellent Wine Values for Under $25
Laird Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard: 100% Big Ranch Road
Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and Rutherford
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
15% of Big Ranch fermented in Neutral Oak barrels + 2% of Smith Ranch fermented in Neutral Oak Barrels.
This lively and prolific varietal thrives in alluvial deposits composed of gravelly sand and gravelly loam, with good water retention and moderate fertility. Our Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is crafted in an approachable, fruit-forward style that is typical of the varietal and expressive of its terroir.
Tasting Notes: Translucent gold color leads to notes of juicy ripe pineapple, jasmine, Kaffir lime and Juicy Fruit gum entice the nose. Balanced, yet vibrant body of acidity tantalizes the palate with pineapple, passion fruit and Charentais Melon; a refreshing layer of minerality hits your mid-palate. The elegant, floral finish opens into a complex balance of white peaches, nectarines.
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Begude Bandol Blanc is made from 80% Clairette, 10% Rolle and 10% Ugni Blanc
Pale yellow color with bright highlights.
Expressive aromas of citrus fruits. Juicy, fresh, fleshy and opulent on the palate, it is precise and elegant with ample texture, good acidity and great balance fruit /alcohol.
Organic Agriculture
Yields: 20hl/ha
Average age of the vines: 30 years
Manual harvest in small crates.
Double sorting, total destemming.
Molding and pressing of the grapes prior to alcoholic fermentation.
Vinification in vats and aging in oak barrels (one-year old) for 6 months.
Pairs well with white meats, grilled fish, shellfish, vegetables, tapenades. Exotic and Mediterranean cuisine.
Chavy-Chouet Saint-Aubin Premier Cru Les Murgers des Dents de Chien is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The wine is produced from 30 year-old vines overlooking the grand crus of Puligny-Montrachet. The vines grow on limestone soils covered with white pebble stones.
The altitude and the poor soil result in a fine, subtle wine with bright acidity. It is a feminine wine that evolves slowly with floral and spicy notes before taking on greater density and revealing its power.
Ageing in oak barrels for 12 months (20% new).100% Chardonnay of 30 years of age.
The vineyard measures 0.17 hectare with a plenting density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
