Flaunt is the latest project from Dianna Novy. The name Flaunt represents Dianna's attitude in life towards fulfilling her wine making dreams. After 23 years of being a co-owner and co-winemaker, this is her first solo wine project.
Dianna worked in wine retail in Dallas in the early 90's. In 1994 she moved to California and worked in wine retail and shipping at Lambert Bridge and Benziger Family Wineries. In 1994 she co-founded Siduri Winery and in 1998 she co-founded Novy Family Winery. She made wine at both wineries until selling the brands to Jackson Family Winery in 2015. She had started making sparkling wine in 2013 but did not create the brand Flaunt and have her first release until 2017. 2023 is Dianna's 30th vintage as a winemaker.
Flaunt Pinot Noir Peake Ranch Vineyard Santa Rita Hills is made from 100% Pinot Noir.
Review:
"A light shade of ruby in the glass, this single-vineyard expression pops on the nose with fresh Bing cherry, strawberry, curry leaf and carnation aromas. The palate is very zesty as well, with a taut texture that presents flavors of smashed currant, melon rind, crunchy sage and wild thyme. - MATT KETTMANN"
- Wine Enthusiast (April 2022), 94 pts
Flaunt Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
A lively pinot noir which is forward on the nose. Medium bodied with red fruits - berries currant raspberry. Savory, very slightly herbal with a medium tannins on the finish. Gains on the palate as it opens up. Good acidity, focused fruit, integrated tannins.
There is no measurable residual sugar.
Total Acidity is 6.4
pH is 3.42.
Flaunt Russian River Valley Sparkling Brut is made from 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir.
This Brut is absolutely lovely. It is drier than the previous versions with only 1.5 grams of residual sugar. It is powerful and brisk with well integrated bubbles. There is an immediate hit of lemon zest with touches of nectarine and plum. Mid palate you notice the warm notes of brioche and a slight kick of white pepper on the finish.
This Russian River Valley Brut is a blend of wine from two vineyards in the Russian River Valley. It is approximately equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These two grapes work wonderfully in Sonoma County’s maritime climate where the long, cool growing season allows for adequate ripeness of both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while maintaining superb levels of natural acidity. Dianna Novy always loved the Russian River Valley for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, first as still wines, and now as Sparkling Wine.
Review:
"This crisp Brut offers fresh aromas and flavors of ripe pear and apple with a leesy fresh bread note. It is mouth filling with fresh acidity and has a sense of refinement, finishing long and chalky. Try it with oysters. A blend of 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir with 3 years en tirage."
- I-winereview.com (December 2022), 92 pts
When the founding fathers of the Napa Valley carved out new sub-AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in the 1980s, Soda Canyon Ranch was not yet on anyone’s map. The vineyard is neighbored to the northwest and west by the winegrowing districts of Stags Leap District and Oak Knoll District, respectively, which were among the early pioneers of California Cabernet Sauvignon to attain global fame. To the northeast and southeast—and further off the beaten path—were Atlas Peak and Coombsville, thought to be the next frontiers for the emerging wine-producing region.
This opulent wine has a broad and balanced mid-palate, notes of vanilla and blueberry, a dried floral character and chalky tannins. Anise and cherry lift the palate to a beautiful, lingering finish. In both aromatics and palate, this is an elegant vintage worthy of cellaring for years to come.
The winter of 2019 was marked by cold, foggy days in Napa Valley. Well-drained soils of Soda Canyon Ranch and steady, purposeful farming decisions mitigated the rainy and wet conditions as they persisted into spring. After months of ever-shifting weather, the vines were greeted by a consistent, warm and dry summer plus a mild harvest season, resulting in bright and ethereal fruit. Once blended, the 2019 vintage rested in French oak barrels for 16 months.
J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Petit Verdot 1% Malbec 1% Cabernet Franc.
Dense and soft with elegant layers of black cherry, currants, and toasted pastry.
Delicious with rosemary-seasoned ribeye and garlic roasted potatoes with parsnips and fennel.
Review:
The Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Caber- net Franc grapes in this wine were grown in gravelly, lime-laden soils at an elevation of 1,700 feet. Once drawn in by its immediate perfume of dark chocolate and blueberry preserves as well as its silky, plush, mouth-coating texture, you're treated to waves of milk chocolate covered boysenberry. Nutmeg-dusted cedar and dried violets flash across the palate, leaving behind a slightly chalky finish
-Tasting Panel 93 Points