december club newsletter
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CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
HAPP Y HOLIDAYS!
With the holiday season in full swing, we want to remind you to take a moment to enjoy quality
time {and a glass of wine} with the ones you love. As part of our Sunstone family, we invite you
to enjoy our Sunstone Estate during this festive season and throughout the New Year.
Check out our new Holiday Wine Sets, Culinary Items and Home Accents for some great gift
giving ideas. We look forward to Sunstone being a part of your Holiday CHEER!
Plan your New Year’s Eve party at either the Villa or Winery!! We also have Villa vacation
packages for your wine country getaway to recharge after the holidays, call our Private Events
Dept. at (805) 688-9463 for more info!
Cheers,
Club Sunstone
GREAT WINES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
December Newsletter, 2013
CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
PRICE: $35 � RE-ORDER PRICE: $24.50
2012 Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County
VINEYARD:
Santa Barbara County is internationally known for its beautiful
Chardonnays. Grown in the cooler climate of the Santa Maria
appellation, our 2012 Chardonnay was sourced entirely from the
old vines of Goodchild Vineyard.
WINEMAKING:
Hand-harvested at their peak physiological ripeness, the grapes
were gently whole cluster pressed into a stainless steel tank.
Approximately 85% of the wine was fermented and aged in
stainless steel, while 15% fermented in approximately one third
new French oak barrels for 13 months, and underwent 100%
malolactic fermentation.
This well-structured blend of two distinctly different styles of
Chardonnay fuses together the bright acidity and powerful fruit
forward aromas from the stainless steel portion with the deep,
rich, buttery and toasty oak portion.
TASTING NOTES:
A complex array of aromas like mango, pear, lemon
meringue and key lime are interwoven with deep vanilla
bean, sweet cream, and butterscotch aromas produced
from the French oak.
CELLAR
Although drinkable now, this wine will improve with a
few years of proper cellaring.
WINE STATS:
100% Goodchild Vineyard Chardonnay
Aged in 85% stainless steel & 15% French oak
480 cases produced. 14.2% alcohol. 3.35 pH. Dry
CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
BACKGROUND:Merlot, the most widely planted red grape in the Bordeaux region of France, reaches its apogee of quality on the Right Bank of the Gironde River in the Pomerol district. There, sometimes blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, it produces wines much appreciated for their juicy black plum and boysenberry flavors; soft, bushy textures; and moderately tannic backbone. Planted in sandy-clay soils, Merlot in Pomerol is known for its immediate charms and remarkable ability to evolve and develop with bottle age. At Sunstone, it is this very particular expression of Merlot to which we aspire.
SOURCEMade of 100% organically grown grapes from the Sunstone Estate, the 2010 Merlot Reserve expresses the gravelly-clay terroir of our vineyard. Planted in soils very similar to those found in Pomerol and in the neighboring St. Emillion, our Estate bottling is derived entirely from blocks A, B, C & D, located at the front entrance to the property and on a gently sloping hill behind the Villa. These blocks consistently produce wines that show vivid red fruit character and a moderately tannic structure, bringing an elegance to the wine that Sunstone is known for.
WINEMAKING:Picked at moderate levels of ripeness, the grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed into small open top fermenters and after a 3-day cold-soak, spent about 18 days on the skins. Aged for 36 months in 15% new and 85% neutral French oak, the wine was lightly filtered and bottled to 297 cases.
TASTING NOTES:Robust aromas of Bing cherry, black currant, allspice and toasty vanillin
oak are complimented by subtle hints of blueberry, cedar and tea. Flavors
of ripe red raspberry and black cherry take center stage on the palate,
followed by sage, black plum and dark chocolate nuances. The wine’s firm
structure is due to the cool nature of the 2010 vintage.
CELLARWe recommend cellaring this vintage for an additional year or two before
consuming. The wine will peak between 2014 and 2017.
WINE STATS: 100% Sunstone Estate Merlot
Aged in 15% new French oak and 85% neutral French oak for 36 months
297 cases produced. 14.7% alcohol. 3.74 pH. Dry
PRICE: $55 � RE-ORDER PRICE: $38.50
2010 Merlot Reserve, Santa Ynez Valley
CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
PRICE: $34 � RE-ORDER PRICE: $23.80
2012 Grenache Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley
BACKGROUND:Grenache Blanc is the fourth most widely planted white grape in France. It produces rich, full wines with bright flavors and crisp acidity and is a key element in many Southern French white blends. It is also growing in popularity as a single-varietal wine, particularly in California’s Central Coast. As the name suggests, it is related to the more widely known Grenache Noir. Many grape varietals have both red and white variants; the best known is Pinot, which has Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris variations. Grenache Blanc, like Grenache Noir, is drought-resistant,
vigorous and ripens fairly early in the harvest.
VINEYARD:Produced 100% from grapes sustainably grown at the Saarloos family’s El Camino Real vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.
WINEMAKING:About 6.3 tons were lightly pressed as whole clusters producing 1,010 gallons. The resulting juice was settled for two nights, for natural clarification. After being racked from its solids, the juice was inoculated with a clean-fermenting (Rhone 4600) yeast and proceeded through a 12-day fermentation at moderate temperatures, peaking at 72-degrees Fahrenheit. Racked from its fermentation lees early on, shortly after the completion of fermentation, the resulting 959 gallons were aged in 65% stainless steel and 35% neutral French oak for 5 months. In March of 2013, the wine was cold stabilized, sterile filtered and bottled to 404 cases.
TASTING NOTES:Aromas of fresh white apricot, lychee, lime zest, and intense minerality are highlighted by subtle herbs and French oak aromas.
This Grenache Blanc exhibits citrus, lime and white peach flavors, with balanced minerality. Medium bodied, this wine’s rich mouth-feel contradicts its dry, zesty finish.
CELLARBest consumed in its youth to enjoy the freshness of the wine, our 2012 Grenache Blanc will develop some length and additional body with a year or two in bottle.
WINE CHEMISTRY: pH: 3.91, TA: 0.53, Residual Sugar: 0.3 g/L, Alcohol: 13.5%
CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
BACKGROUND:Despite its prominence, Cabernet Sauvignon is a relatively new variety, the product of a chance crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc during the 17th century in southwestern France. Cabernet Sauvignon became internationally recognized through its prominence in Bordeaux where it is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Its popularity is often attributed to its ease of cultivation—the grapes have thick skins and the vines are hardy and resistant to rot and frost—and to its consistent presentation of structure and flavors.
SOURCEThe 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, sustainably grown at the Coghlan Family estate located in Happy Canyon, in the Santa Ynez Valley; blended with 24% Merlot from 20-year old Sunstone Estate vines in Santa Ynez, organically grown (C.C.O.F.) since 1990.
WINEMAKING:Picked at high levels of ripeness, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were de-stemmed and gently crushed to small open top fermenters and, after a 3-day cold-soak, spent about 16 days on skins to best extract the intense flavors and aromas that these Bordeaux varietals produce. Separately aged for 34 months in 30% new French oak, 40% Neutral French Oak and 30% Neutral American oak barrels, the wines were blended together, gently filtered and bottled to 509 cases on October 9th, 2013.
TASTING NOTES:Bramble-berry, anise and black tea aromas are accentuated by wet earth, lipstick, dried herbs and cedar. Vibrant flavors of dark, spicy chocolate follow racy cranberry and dark cherry. A bold wine with excellent acidity, the wine is still youthful, but cellar ready.
CELLARAlthough the wine is still quite young as demonstrated by the acidy, tannins and finish, this wine will continue to develop some length and additional balance and complexity within two to seven years (2020) in bottle.
WINE CHEMISTRY: pH: 3.67, TA: 0.64, Residual Sugar: 0.56 g/L, Alcohol: 14.7%
PRICE: $50 � RE-ORDER PRICE: $35
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley
CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
Food Pairing Ideas for this Month’s Releases
2012 CHARDONNAY, SANTA BARBARA COUNTYWith this new twist on a Classic Chardonnay, adding just a kiss of oak, keeping the fruit flavors crisp and clean; with aromas like mango, pear, lemon meringue and key lime, interwoven with deep vanilla bean, sweet cream, and butterscotch, this Chardonnay will pair well with the crisp fruit flavors and savory chicken in this Caramelized Fall Fruit Salad with Chicken:
“When East Coast friends were visiting, Marilou Robinson wanted to make a meal that showed off local ingredients. Her combination of fruit, nuts, and cheese with Oregon-raised chicken made a tasty and unusual entrée - proof that what grows together goes together.” — by Sunset Magazine
Read more here.
2010 MERLOT RESERVE, SANTA YNEZ VALLEYThe firm structure of this wine, and flavors of sage, cedar, black plum and dark chocolate nuances stand up well in comparison with a hearty, savory dish such as this Smothered Filet Mignon:
“A great combination of flavors. Serve with some mashed garlic red potatoes and sweetened green beans for a fabulous special occasion meal.”
— by Allrecipes
Read more here.
CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
THE SUNSTONE VILLAOriginally conceived as a private home, the 8,500 square foot Villa now serves as an extension of the
Sunstone Winery lifestyle by providing a culinary center to entertain guests.
On a trip to France, Fred and Linda discovered reclamation yards containing architectural remains of
buildings in towns and humble villages in various regions of France, including Marseille and Provence,
from which the artifacts were incorporated into the Villa. Reclaimed materials, such as French limestone,
hand-formed roof tiles, a fireplace from the Bordeaux region of France and a thousand-year old limestone
kitchen sink were all incorporated into their dream building. Walking through the Villa is an opportunity
to see and touch pieces of history.
The Villa has five suites, each with private entrances and a view of the Santa Ynez mountains and
Sunstone vineyards. Fred and Linda Rice designed and built a house from which to watch the four
seasons that will become even more beautiful with age, a living piece of history.
Click here to learn more about the Sunstone Villa.
YOUR WEDDING AT THE SUNSTONE VILLATucked on the edge of the Santa Ynez River, in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine country, Sunstone
Vineyards, Winery and Villa is a beautiful event destination that greets your guests with the delicate
fragrance of French lavender and rosemary. Reminiscent of wineries in the Provencal French countryside,
the courtyard and architecture create the perfect backdrop for your special Wedding.
As a small family owned and operated winery we book only a handful of weddings each year. Sunstone
Winery also hosts events such as Rehearsal Dinners, Birthday and Anniversary parties, and Corporate
dinners. Please refer to the Sunstone Private Events section of this website for the booking details as
they differ from the Wedding requirements.
If you would like to visit Sunstone Winery for a site inspection or discuss the details of your wedding,
contact Annamarie Kostura at (800) 313-9463 ext. 234 or via email at [email protected].
The Villa
PACKAGE ITEMS WOOD BOX* KRAFT BOX*
Winter White Set 2012 Grenache Blanc $89.00 $73.002-bottle 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Winter White Trio 2012 Grenache Blanc $130.00 $109.003-bottle 2010 Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Viognier Paso Robles
Merlot Vertical 2010 Merlot Reserve $110.00 $87.002-bottle 2011 Merlot SYV
Bordeaux Set 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon $119.00 $98.002 bottle 2010 Cabernet Franc
Bordeaux Trio 2010 Eros - Bordeaux blend $183.00 $163.003 bottle 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Cabernet Franc
CULINARY AND HOME - Custom created sets, prices varyOlive Oil Set - prices varyWine with Olive Oil set - prices varyWine with Recycled Sunstone Candle - prices vary
+ Purchase 12-24 bottles, receive 10% discount+ Purchase 25-48 bottles, receive 15% discount+ Purchase 49 + bottles, receive 20% discount
*shipping rates outside CA will vary, please inquire for out-of-state shipping rates.
If you would like something extra special that you do not see here, please ask us. Receive your holiday wine package ready to give as a gift or let us ship it for you straight to their door.
Holiday 2013 Wine Gift Sets
Order by Dec. 18!(800) 313-9463 x 244
CALL: 800-313-9463 � EMAIL: [email protected] � WEB: SUNSTONEWINERY.COM
CRISP WHITES & ROSE2010 Sauvignon Blanc, SYV
2011 Grenache Blanc, SYV
2012 Grenache Blanc, SYV
2012 Grenache Rose, SBC
2012 Viognier, Paso Robles
2012 Chardonnay, SBC
MEDIUM BODIED, FRUIT FORWARD REDS2011 Merlot, SYV
2008 Merlot Estate
2010 Merlot Reserve
DRY & EARTHY REDS2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Rapsodie du Soleil
2010 Cabernet Franc
BIG, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL REDS2010 Eros Estate
SWEET DESSERT WINES2012 Malvasia Bianca, SBC