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.
This wine is a blend of seven prestigious vineyard sites representing four unique soil types in the Walla Walla Valley. Its old world structure, dense dark fruit flavors and elegant tannins exemplify the best of Walla Walla. With an elegant, old world structure, this sophisticated Cabernet shows aromas of dark fruit, earth, and fresh herbs. A seamless core of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry mingle with notes of tobacco and leather on a dusty tannin, richly structured finish.
Supple and generous, the 2016 Schug Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley is a solidly built Cabernet blended in the classic Bordeaux style that Walter Schug pioneered in California while winemaster of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. A ripe mouthful of currant and cherry flavors is framed by fine tannins and a touch of spicy oak. It has a classic bouquet bursting with berries, cassis and spice. A generous portion of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec are blended in to add charm and grace, further enhancing the bright berry flavors and lively acidity. Try this wine with hearty stews, wild mushrooms and grilled meats. Though ready to enjoy now, this wine will develop gracefully with 5 to 7 years of additional cellaring.
