Fall 2017 Releases – Proprietor’s Remarks
This month we release three new wines into our tasting room: Founder’s Collection Malvasia Bianca (2016) and Syrah (2014), along with a special release of our Heritage Collection Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2010).
Malvasia (pronounced mal va SEE ya) was introduced into our Valley by Italian immigrants over a century ago. But today, Malvasia is an orphan grape. Only 1500 acres are planted statewide, and most of these are in the warm Central Valley. That is why I was so excited to find a small amount of this cultivar planted here in our coastally moderated Valley.
Occasio is one of the few remaining wineries producing Malvasia, and only a small amount at that. In a nod to historical authenticity, we craft this wine in an off-dry style, as a small amount of residual sugar frames its unique, almost Muscat, perfume.
Accompanying our Malvasia is the most recent vintage of our Founder’s Collection Syrah (2014). When asked to name one of the better regions in California to grow Syrah, famed winemaker André Tchelistche highlighted Livermore Valley. He always believed that the climate and soils of our valley were perfect for growing a Syrah that could rival the best in the Northern Rhone. Indeed, when you taste our Syrah, you will notice the aromas of the “old” world accompanied with the fruit of the new. This is, simply, a wonderful wine – a testament to André’s judgment. Our previous vintage was rated 93 points, and sold out quickly.
Rounding out the release is a special treat for our members, our 2010 Heritage Reserve Cabernet. This wine was bottled in the fall of 2012, and then aged in our climate controlled cellars for five years. Late February, Dave and I decided this wine was entering an optimum drinking window, and felt it is time for its release. Especially now, as none of the Founder’s Collection 2010 remain! This release of our Heritage Collection 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve gives our Members the opportunity to revisit this vintage once again. I hope you enjoy these new additions to our collection.
