2009 Syrah: This is our first production of the North Carolina Syrah. Prior to this release our Syrah was made from grapes brought here all the way from the Lawson Vineyards in Lodi, California. We were using those out of state grapes while waiting for the Syrah grapes grown in the Yadkin Valley vineyards to reach the quality that would meet our standards at Chatham Hill. And finally, in 2009 Von Johnson and his brother managed to grow very good Syrah grapes in their Winnbrose Vineyard. A small quantity received, less than two tons, nevertheless a very promising NC fruit. It was clear from the early tests of the grape samples before harvest that our young NC Syrah is no old vine CA Syrah. Therefore, we knew right away that it would be very risky to apply the same vinification method we used for the CA Syrah. We decided to use a different strain of yeast and different fermentation conditions to intensify the fruit character and reduce the build up of the vegetative components in the wine. The goal was to produce a lighter, fruitier Syrah, i.e. a different style wine than our earlier, CA grape based Syrah wines. Let us know if you think we accomplished that goal.
The wine is age worthy, i.e. it will keep improving in the bottle for at least two years. Enjoy it now and save a few bottles for later to discover its more complex flavors as it matures in the bottle.
Tasting Notes: Berry and earthy aromas with a touch of plum. Bright cherry flavors with hints of orange, cranberry, and peppercorn. Well balanced fruit and tannins. Flavors filled with black berries, light oak and a touch of pepper supported by mellow tannins and soft acidity. Dry finish with good acidity and fruit to support a long aftertaste.
Food Pairing: Try with lightly spiced chili, slow cooker beef stew, or a lamb casserole.
Note: We produced only 42 cases of this wine most of which was allocated for this club release. The rest will be available to our Club Members ONLY until March 15.
2009 Merlot: This is a new vintage of our Yadkin Valley Merlot. The wine was crafted from ripe Merlot grapes grown in the Winnbrose Vineyard. After arriving at the winery the grapes were crushed and cold soaked overnight. Fermentation was carried out at room temperature in open top fermenters using a French yeast culture, Fermol Premier Cru. This special yeast enhanced the complexity and intensified the varietal character of the wine.
Age worthy, will keep improving in the bottle for at least four years. To enjoy it now use a decanter or aerator to boost up the intensity of flavors and aromas of this young wine. Save a few bottles for later to discover its more complex flavors as it matures in the bottle.
Tasting Notes: The nose is sweet black cherry with a touch of mint and chocolate, and subtle notes of vanilla. Rich and dry. Mellow tannins with hints of almonds and chocolate minty flavors on the finish.
Food Pairing: Serve with lighter beef dishes, pork, and mild to medium hard cheeses. Great with a spicy turkey burger. Note: This wine was bottled only over a month ago. Although it drinks well now, especially with help of a decanter or aerator, we recommend holding on to your bottle for at least a month or two before opening. Additional ageing in the bottle will result in more balanced flavors and longer and smoother finish.
Sweet Carolina White: Our long time club members may remember our earlier releases of Sweet Carolina White. We stopped making it while turning to additional flavors of Sweet Carolina fruit-infused wines. Well, since then we heard from many club members and customers that they missed our fruity and refreshing Sweet Carolina White. So here we are, relentless with our mission to please our customers, reintroducing the Sweet Carolina White wine. The wine has enough sweetness to satisfy our sweet wine lovers while offering our semi-sweet and dry wine drinkers something to enjoy a sip of with desert or after dinner. Let us know what you think about this wine.
Tasting Notes: This semi-sweet delight starts off with grapefruit, lime and pale melon aromas. It continues with peach, nectarine, and honeysuckle flavors. Fresh, clean and mellow finish with notes of honeysuckle and peach.
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