Our 2019 Rosé will not disappoint Rose fans. This vintage “rocks” with vibrant flavors of bright, red berries and hints of lemon meringue (we’re not kidding.) And the best part is its beautiful color – perfectly pink!
This Merlot is harvested from five separate hillside locations throughout the Truchard Estate Vineyard. The wines from these hillsides each have their own identity, and each contributes different characteristics to the final blend. Cabernet Franc is added in to provide additional softness and complexity. Spiced aromas of ripe plum, wild blueberry, and cassis with a touch of cedar, earth, and subtle mint. The mouth is smooth and round – layered with bright flavors of black cherries, red currants, and sweet vanilla. Ripe tannins fill the palate and provide an elegant finish of dried red fruits.
Ottimino means “Little Eight,” so called because he was the last of eight children and the smallest, but had big ambitions. When he came to America in 1913, he made his home on a beautiful ridge above Green Valley (western Sonoma County) and forged a life on new soil. Ottimino became a favorite in the area, and always spoke proudly of his vines. along the way one of the friends he made was Brad Alper, who had a dream similar to Ottimino's. Brad's first grapes grew as Ottimino's time was coming to an end, and the legacy was passed on. His inquiries led him to veteran winemaker Bill Knuttel, who instantly knew that Brad's (and Ottimino's) dream would soon become Brad and Bill's passion. Long time California wine-maker William Knuttel has concentrated on ultra-premium winemaking for the majority of his career. Knuttel’s winemaking journey began at Saintsbury. While there he founded and was owner/winemaker of Tria, producing fine Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel. Bill has also served as Vice President and Winemaker at Chalk Hill Winery and Dry Creek Vineyard, as well as producing his own label. The foundation of the 2018 Ottimino Zinfinity is the 50 year old vines in Biglieri Vineyard, Dry Creek, blended with some Bradford Mountain selection Zin from Ottimino Vineyard, their home ranch. To these finely nuanced Zins, they added a touch of fruit from Chalk Hill. Finally, they added Petite Sirah from Doug Rafanelli’s steep hillside vines to enhance the density and structure of the blend. Deep and defined, optimally ripened blackberry fruit is joined in the developing aromas of this complex Zin by a distinctive note of dusty soil spice, and the ensuing flavors reflect the same. A trim bit of tannin lends structural spine and neatly placed acids keep things agile, and all the while persistent fruit is the force that drives this one through to a very long finish.
Sean Minor was born in Kansas but he began his career in the wine industry after a formal education in finance from Arizona State University where he also met his wife, Nicole. They moved to California after graduation, where he began working for Napa Valley’s Beaulieu Vineyard. At the same time he took classes at U.C. Davis in Viticultural and Enology in hopes of developing a further understanding of grape growing and wine production. Then Sean moved to the Pacific Northwest after being recruited by King Estate Winery (widely renown for producing Oregon’s largest and most highly regarded Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris) to manage the Estate. He met Will Bucklin, King Estate’s then winemaker, and developed an even stronger knowledge of winemaking and gained a lifelong friend. Sean learned firsthand the importance of site-specific viticulture, and ended up leaving King Estate to lead Benton Lane Winery then the family returned to California in 2001 where Sean had the opportunity to manage Renwood Winery and enhance his wine experience growing and marketing some of the Golden State’s best Zinfandel and Syrah. Four years later, he founded Sean Minor Wines.
This lovely Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby in color and displays aromas of lavender, cedar and raspberry fruit. Flavors of blackberries and raspberries combined with hints of savory spices coat the palate. The soft tannins and sweet oak balance lead to a long and lingering finish.
