Jan 2008

Jacquelynn Cuvee Blanc (2006) Sonoma ($49-$53), (only 250 cases produced). This white cuvee is 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillion and is crafted in the tradition of the classic white wines of Bordeaux. This wine offers notes of melon and tropical fruit with a balance of fresh acidity, richness, and texture. The Semillon was sourced from eighteen year old vines farmed to just two tons an acre. Once whole cluster pressed it was fermented with native yeast in 30% new French Oak barrels and stirred sur lie for six months.

The next vineyard is Bouchaine vineyards nestled in the hills of Carneros at the southern end of Napa Valley. Established in 1928 by an Italian immigrant and sold in 1981, the Copeland family ownership still continues today. The wineries beautiful façade is made from recycled redwood from the wineries original wine tanks. Bouchaine continues the commitment to sustainable practices and green farming. The wines are produced by winemaker and general manager Michael Richmond. Donna Burke shared a taste of 10 different wines in the tasting room. The Bouchaine lineup started with three Chardonnays, a Sauvignon Blanc, three Pinot Noirs, Syrah, Rose, and a dessert wine.

Winemaker Mike Richmond shared a few hours touring the vineyards, tank room, and barrel rooms. Mike shared a taste from several barrels of different style Pinot Noirs. Wine is extracted from the barrel with a wine thief (long glass tube with an angle). Mike shared that the vineyard has 104 acres, green certification, uses no insecticides, clay soil, bird boxes, organic fungicides, and cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay and Pacific Ocean.