The Hedonistic Taster | № 9
Small Vines Wines
by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML
“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer
Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of artisan wines.
The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.
The Hedonistic Taster allows me the opportunity to introduce you to some gorgeous pours through this intimate tasting format.
Santé!
Today’s Tasting:
Small Vines Wines| Sonoma
Small Vine Wines crafts small-lot, artisan wines from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Sebastopol regions of Sonoma Wine Country.
" data-orig-size="323,229" title="SV footsteps of the grower" data-image-title="SV footsteps of the grower" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/footsteps-of-the-grower.jpg" style="width: 716px; height: 716px;" height="716" width="716" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/footsteps-of-the-grower.jpg?w=300" data-original-height="716" alt="“The best fertilizer is the footsteps of the farmer.” -Old French Proverb. | Image: Courtesy Small Vines Wines." data-original-width="716" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/footsteps-of-the-grower.jpg?w=323" /> “The best fertilizer is the footsteps of the farmer.” -Old French Proverb. | Image: Courtesy Small Vines Wines.Paul and Kathryn Sloan craft exquisite, small lot, Grand-Cru inspired artisan wines sourced from their substainably-farmed estate vineyard in Sepastopol, as well as from a few select Sonoma Coast producers.
The label on their bottles – a rendering of their vine’s roots and shoots, which mirror one another in height and depth – symbolize Small Vines Wines devotion to balance, both in the vineyard, and in the cellar.
NOTE: You can view my exclusive interview with Paul Sloan of Small Vines Wine here.
Santé!
Wine: Small Vines Wines Rosé of Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2015
Alcohol: 12.5%
Suggested Retail: SOLD OUT
Specs
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Delicate vin gris hue.
Nose: Mimosa, blood orange, frisson de rose.
Palate: Sloan adds a little bit of Chardonnay to his Pinot Noir for texture, similar to a typical Champagne blend. This medium-bodied rosé pours out complex, multi-layered, and delightfully dry.
Suggested Pairings: Unicorn wine. Best sipped at sunset in your Secret Garden with your Prince or Princess Charming of choice while watching a rainbow slip into a pot of gold as the heavens part. It’s that rare.
Wine: Small Vines Wines Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.6%
Suggested Retail: $55
Specs
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Pale straw robe.
Nose: Inviting aromas of toast, butterscotch, and lemon zest.
Palate: Marzipan, brioche and lemon curd on the mouth. Minimal battonage and some time in stainless steel prior to bottling allows for a well-integrated, light bodied wine with under-stated acids.
Suggested Pairings: This subtle wine suits a simple summer meal of grilled, garden-fresh veggies, crusty loaf of just-baked bread, creamy unsalted butter, and free-range roast chicken.
Wine: Small Vines Wines Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $65
Specs
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Medium-opaque, deep garnet hue.
Nose: Black and raspberry, red apple and brandy nose.
Palate: Medium-light body, bright acids, silky tannins that ensure aging potential.
Suggested Pairings: A wine best shared al fresco with friends over a fire pit on the deck or patio.
Wine: Small Vines Wines TBH Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.7%
Suggested Retail: $72
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% The Barlow Homestead: Planted 2009, cool-windy ridge top with heavy coastal influences, Sebastopol.
Farming: Organically farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc.
Spacing: 4×3 (3630 vines per acre.)
Soils: Dark gray Goldridge fine sandy loam.
Yields: ~1.5 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Hyde Wente and Kistler Mt Eden Wente Selections.
Hand Harvest Dates: The Barlow Homestead 8/27, 8/29 and 09/2/2014.
Pressing Method: 100% whole cluster, very slow and gentle press cycle.
Brix at Pressing: Barlow: 21.8-23.6.
Fermentation: Barrel fermented with native yeast and native ML, minimal battonage.
Barrel Program: 10 months on fine lees; 7% New French Oak: Atelier. 93% Neutral French Oak: Francois Freres, Ermitage, Remond, Demptos.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered August 6, 2015.
Chemistry: pH: 3.13, TA: 0.77 g/100ml, RS: 1.4 g/L, Alc: 13.7%.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Pristine golden robe.
Nose: Aromas of sandalwood, grapefruit, orange blossom, wet rocks,
Palate: Elegant lemon-lime mouth with discrete creme brûlée back note.
Suggested Pairings: A stealthy stunner worth savoring with guests over a casual-yet-elegant meal such as braised bronzino, swordfish, or salmon.
Wine: Small Vines Wines TBH (The Barlow Homestead) Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.2%
Suggested Retail: $82
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% The Barlow Homestead: Planted 2009, cool-windy ridge top with heavy coastal influences, Sebastopol.
Farming: Organically farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc.
Spacing: 4×3 (3630 vines per acre.)
Soils: Dark gray Goldridge fine sandy loam.
Yields: ~1.5 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Calera, Pommard, Swan, 943.
Hand Harvest Dates: TBH: 8/26, 8/30, 8/31/2014.
Brix at Cold Soak: 22.3- 24.4 Brix.
Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation; 3-5 day cold soak; On the skins for 14-18 days including pre and post-fermentation maceration; Native ML; 35% whole cluster.
Barrel. Program: 15 months on fine lees; 23% New French oak: Atelier, Siruge. 77% Neutral: Remond, Ermitage,Siruge. 100% free run.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered January 11, 2016.
Chemistry: pH: 3.52, TA: 0.57 g/100ml, RS: 0.4 g/L, Alc: 13.2%.
Release Date: August 2016.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Fuscia-infused deep opaque blackberry robe.
Nose: Cranberry, currant, raspberry, potpourri, sous bois on the nose.
Palate: Cherry cola, mushroom, green tea, dried rose petal on the palate. Unblemished acidity; well-structured tannins ensure a graceful aging.
Suggested Pairings: A pour to ponder.
Wine: Small Vines MK (Matt Keller) Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $82
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% MK Vineyard: Planted by Small Vines in 1999, east facing ridge above Occidental, 800 ft. elevation, 10.5 miles from the coast.
Farming: Organically farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc., using biodynamic practices.
Spacing: 4×4 (2722 vines per acre.)
Soils: Extremely sandy dark gray loam.
Yields: ~2.5 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777.
Hand Harvest Dates: 8/29, 8/30/2014.
Brix at Cold Soak: 22.7-23.1 Brix.
Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation; 5 day cold soak; on the skins for 14-18 days including pre and post-fermentation maceration; Native ML, 50% whole cluster.
Barrel. Program: 15 months on fine lees; 43% New French oak: Siruge, Atelier. 57% Neutral: Ermitage, Francois Freres. 100% free run.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered January 11, 2016.
Chemistry: pH: 3.69, TA: .54 g/100ml, RS: 0.4g/L Alc: 13.5%
Release Date: August 2016.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Opaque ruby robe.
Nose: Rhubarb, leather, red fruit.
Palate: Medium-light body. Balanced acids and tannins; this wine will turn velvety over time.
Suggested Pairings: Grilling wine – bring out the high-end, better-cuts BBQ.
Wine: Small Vines Wines Baranoff Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.2%
Suggested Retail: $82
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% Baranoff Family Vineyard: Planted in 2001, top of ridge above the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sebastopol.
Farming: Sustainably farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc., with organic weed control.
Spacing:4×4 and 4x meter (2722– 3350 vines per acre.)
Soils:Red sandy clay loam.
Yields: ~1.8 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Calera, 777, Swan, 459.
Hand Harvest Dates: 8/27, 8/30, 9/2/2014.
Brix at Cold Soak: 221.-23.5 Brix.
Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation; 5 day cold soak; on the skins for 17 days including pre and post-fermentation maceration; Native ML, 75% whole cluster.
Barrel Program: 5 months on fine lees; 43% New French oak: Siruge, Atelier. 37% Neutral: Ermitage. 100% free run.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered January 11, 2016.
Chemistry: pH: 3.74, TA: 0.56 g/100ml, RS: 0.3 g/L Alc: 13.2%.
Release Date: August 2016.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Deep garnet robe.
Nose: Dark cherry cola, balsa nose.
Palate: Cedar, red cherry, red raspberry, black pepper bouche. Frontal attack gives way to a velvety finish reminiscent of a Pommard Premier Cru.
Suggested Pairings: Beef Bourguignon, certainement.
View my exclusive interview with Paul Sloan of Small Vines Wines here. ❦❦❦Copyrighted 2016 binNotes | redThread™. All Rights Reserved.
The Hedonistic Taster | № 9
Small Vines Wines
by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML
“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer
Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of artisan wines.
The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.
The Hedonistic Taster allows me the opportunity to introduce you to some gorgeous pours through this intimate tasting format.
Santé!
Today’s Tasting:
Small Vines Wines| Sonoma
Small Vine Wines crafts small-lot, artisan wines from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Sebastopol regions of Sonoma Wine Country.
" data-orig-size="323,229" title="SV footsteps of the grower" data-image-title="SV footsteps of the grower" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/footsteps-of-the-grower.jpg" style="width: 716px; height: 716px;" height="716" width="716" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/footsteps-of-the-grower.jpg?w=300" data-original-height="716" alt="“The best fertilizer is the footsteps of the farmer.” -Old French Proverb. | Image: Courtesy Small Vines Wines." data-original-width="716" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/footsteps-of-the-grower.jpg?w=323" /> “The best fertilizer is the footsteps of the farmer.” -Old French Proverb. | Image: Courtesy Small Vines Wines.Paul and Kathryn Sloan craft exquisite, small lot, Grand-Cru inspired artisan wines sourced from their substainably-farmed estate vineyard in Sepastopol, as well as from a few select Sonoma Coast producers.
The label on their bottles – a rendering of their vine’s roots and shoots, which mirror one another in height and depth – symbolize Small Vines Wines devotion to balance, both in the vineyard, and in the cellar.
NOTE: You can view my exclusive interview with Paul Sloan of Small Vines Wine here.
Santé!
Wine: Small Vines Wines Rosé of Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2015
Alcohol: 12.5%
Suggested Retail: SOLD OUT
Specs
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Delicate vin gris hue.
Nose: Mimosa, blood orange, frisson de rose.
Palate: Sloan adds a little bit of Chardonnay to his Pinot Noir for texture, similar to a typical Champagne blend. This medium-bodied rosé pours out complex, multi-layered, and delightfully dry.
Suggested Pairings: Unicorn wine. Best sipped at sunset in your Secret Garden with your Prince or Princess Charming of choice while watching a rainbow slip into a pot of gold as the heavens part. It’s that rare.
Wine: Small Vines Wines Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.6%
Suggested Retail: $55
Specs
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Pale straw robe.
Nose: Inviting aromas of toast, butterscotch, and lemon zest.
Palate: Marzipan, brioche and lemon curd on the mouth. Minimal battonage and some time in stainless steel prior to bottling allows for a well-integrated, light bodied wine with under-stated acids.
Suggested Pairings: This subtle wine suits a simple summer meal of grilled, garden-fresh veggies, crusty loaf of just-baked bread, creamy unsalted butter, and free-range roast chicken.
Wine: Small Vines Wines Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $65
Specs
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Medium-opaque, deep garnet hue.
Nose: Black and raspberry, red apple and brandy nose.
Palate: Medium-light body, bright acids, silky tannins that ensure aging potential.
Suggested Pairings: A wine best shared al fresco with friends over a fire pit on the deck or patio.
Wine: Small Vines Wines TBH Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.7%
Suggested Retail: $72
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% The Barlow Homestead: Planted 2009, cool-windy ridge top with heavy coastal influences, Sebastopol.
Farming: Organically farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc.
Spacing: 4×3 (3630 vines per acre.)
Soils: Dark gray Goldridge fine sandy loam.
Yields: ~1.5 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Hyde Wente and Kistler Mt Eden Wente Selections.
Hand Harvest Dates: The Barlow Homestead 8/27, 8/29 and 09/2/2014.
Pressing Method: 100% whole cluster, very slow and gentle press cycle.
Brix at Pressing: Barlow: 21.8-23.6.
Fermentation: Barrel fermented with native yeast and native ML, minimal battonage.
Barrel Program: 10 months on fine lees; 7% New French Oak: Atelier. 93% Neutral French Oak: Francois Freres, Ermitage, Remond, Demptos.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered August 6, 2015.
Chemistry: pH: 3.13, TA: 0.77 g/100ml, RS: 1.4 g/L, Alc: 13.7%.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Pristine golden robe.
Nose: Aromas of sandalwood, grapefruit, orange blossom, wet rocks,
Palate: Elegant lemon-lime mouth with discrete creme brûlée back note.
Suggested Pairings: A stealthy stunner worth savoring with guests over a casual-yet-elegant meal such as braised bronzino, swordfish, or salmon.
Wine: Small Vines Wines TBH (The Barlow Homestead) Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.2%
Suggested Retail: $82
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% The Barlow Homestead: Planted 2009, cool-windy ridge top with heavy coastal influences, Sebastopol.
Farming: Organically farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc.
Spacing: 4×3 (3630 vines per acre.)
Soils: Dark gray Goldridge fine sandy loam.
Yields: ~1.5 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Calera, Pommard, Swan, 943.
Hand Harvest Dates: TBH: 8/26, 8/30, 8/31/2014.
Brix at Cold Soak: 22.3- 24.4 Brix.
Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation; 3-5 day cold soak; On the skins for 14-18 days including pre and post-fermentation maceration; Native ML; 35% whole cluster.
Barrel. Program: 15 months on fine lees; 23% New French oak: Atelier, Siruge. 77% Neutral: Remond, Ermitage,Siruge. 100% free run.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered January 11, 2016.
Chemistry: pH: 3.52, TA: 0.57 g/100ml, RS: 0.4 g/L, Alc: 13.2%.
Release Date: August 2016.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Fuscia-infused deep opaque blackberry robe.
Nose: Cranberry, currant, raspberry, potpourri, sous bois on the nose.
Palate: Cherry cola, mushroom, green tea, dried rose petal on the palate. Unblemished acidity; well-structured tannins ensure a graceful aging.
Suggested Pairings: A pour to ponder.
Wine: Small Vines MK (Matt Keller) Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $82
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% MK Vineyard: Planted by Small Vines in 1999, east facing ridge above Occidental, 800 ft. elevation, 10.5 miles from the coast.
Farming: Organically farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc., using biodynamic practices.
Spacing: 4×4 (2722 vines per acre.)
Soils: Extremely sandy dark gray loam.
Yields: ~2.5 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777.
Hand Harvest Dates: 8/29, 8/30/2014.
Brix at Cold Soak: 22.7-23.1 Brix.
Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation; 5 day cold soak; on the skins for 14-18 days including pre and post-fermentation maceration; Native ML, 50% whole cluster.
Barrel. Program: 15 months on fine lees; 43% New French oak: Siruge, Atelier. 57% Neutral: Ermitage, Francois Freres. 100% free run.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered January 11, 2016.
Chemistry: pH: 3.69, TA: .54 g/100ml, RS: 0.4g/L Alc: 13.5%
Release Date: August 2016.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Opaque ruby robe.
Nose: Rhubarb, leather, red fruit.
Palate: Medium-light body. Balanced acids and tannins; this wine will turn velvety over time.
Suggested Pairings: Grilling wine – bring out the high-end, better-cuts BBQ.
Wine: Small Vines Wines Baranoff Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.2%
Suggested Retail: $82
Specs:
Vineyards: 100% Baranoff Family Vineyard: Planted in 2001, top of ridge above the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sebastopol.
Farming: Sustainably farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc., with organic weed control.
Spacing:4×4 and 4x meter (2722– 3350 vines per acre.)
Soils:Red sandy clay loam.
Yields: ~1.8 lbs. per vine, naturally, lightly thinned for uniformity.
Clones: Calera, 777, Swan, 459.
Hand Harvest Dates: 8/27, 8/30, 9/2/2014.
Brix at Cold Soak: 221.-23.5 Brix.
Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation; 5 day cold soak; on the skins for 17 days including pre and post-fermentation maceration; Native ML, 75% whole cluster.
Barrel Program: 5 months on fine lees; 43% New French oak: Siruge, Atelier. 37% Neutral: Ermitage. 100% free run.
Bottling: Bottled unfined, unfiltered January 11, 2016.
Chemistry: pH: 3.74, TA: 0.56 g/100ml, RS: 0.3 g/L Alc: 13.2%.
Release Date: August 2016.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Deep garnet robe.
Nose: Dark cherry cola, balsa nose.
Palate: Cedar, red cherry, red raspberry, black pepper bouche. Frontal attack gives way to a velvety finish reminiscent of a Pommard Premier Cru.
Suggested Pairings: Beef Bourguignon, certainement.
View my exclusive interview with Paul Sloan of Small Vines Wines here. ❦❦❦Copyrighted 2016 binNotes | redThread™. All Rights Reserved.
