August 11, 2011: Anderson’s Conn Valley “Prologue,” Evening Land, and Hedges CMS
Anderson’s Conn Valley is a premier estate located in Napa Valley. It is a family-owned and operated winery that is known for their world-class Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux-style blends. Conn Valley was founded in 1984, and today is managed and operated by second-generation family member, Todd Anderson. While their 100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon has long been the flag-ship of the estate, today they are also known for their Bordeaux-blends, called Eloge and The Right Bank, as well as their entry-level, or “second label” Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon called “Prologue.” Tomorrow night we will sample the “Prologue” Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $16.99 and $21.99.
“The Evening Land” has long been a symbol of the dream quest for the perfect garden. Evening Land Vineyards was named in honor of this age-old quest and today includes a collection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards located in three great growing regions: Eola Hills in the Willamette Valley, Sonoma Coast, California, and Santa Rita Hills, California. They organically farm more than 120 acres of heritage vineyards that produce 13 “Estate Wines,” each with unique terroir. These vineyard sites, located within three diverse climates, provides a rare opportunity to explore the sensitivity of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay when grown in the volcanic soil of Oregon, the “fog-wrapped ridges” of Sonoma, and the decomposed sea shells throughout the soils of the Santa Rita Hills. Tomorrow night we will sample their 2009 Oregon Pinot Noir and 2009 California Pinot Noir, both priced at $25.99 for the tasting.
Hedges Family Estate is located in Red Mountain, Washington, about three hours east of Seattle. It was founded in 1987, originally as a negociant winery called Hedges Cellars, by Tom Hedges (native of Washington State) and his wife, Anne-Marie Liegeois (native of Champagne, France). Today their estate in Red Mountain is organically-farmed and managed by their children, Christophe and Sarah, who are dedicated to producing traditionally-styled wines that speak of their origins. For the tasting tomorrow night we will sample the CMS white blend (Chardonnay, Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc) and CMS red blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah) both regularly $15.99, however we got an excellent deal from our distributor, so they will be $11.99 for the tasting.
We hope you will join us for an outstanding tasting tomorrow night!
The specific wines for the tasting are:
Anderson’s Conn Valley “Prologue” Chardonnay 2009- Napa Valley, California. Aged in oak barrel with no malolactic fermentation. It is golden/straw in color with bright aromas of tropical fruits, melon, ripe pears, pineapple, and custard. On the palate the wine has a creamy texture with vanilla, spice, and toasty oak hints, tropical undertones, and balanced, crisp acidity, followed by a lingering, complex finish.
Anderson’s Conn Valley “Prologue” Cabernet Sauvignon 2008-Central Coast, California. The majority of the juice that makes-up this wine is leftover from the 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($60 retail!). Scents of black cherry, toasted bread, pepper/spice, and briary fruits are enhanced by a full-bodied palate with flavors of black fruits, coffee, and a hint of violets. It is layered and complex with a long, textured finish. An outstanding value!
Evening Land Oregon Pinot Noir 2009- Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon. It’s bright, Burgundian nose gives off Willamette Valley aromas of herbs, flowers, and black tea, with subtle hints of smoke, earth, and berry fruits. It is silky and pure on the palate with juicy cranberry and wild strawberry notes, excellent acidity, and a hint of spice and savory qualities at the finish. A very food-friendly and complex Pinot Noir.
Evening Land California Pinot Noir 2009- Sonoma County and Santa Rita Hills, California. Made from 80% estate grown fruit from Taylor Lane in Sonoma, and 20% purchased fruit from Santa Rita Hills that aged in neutral oak barrels. Deep aromas of dark berry fruits and spice are offset with the slightest hint of toasted oak. Sweet, juicy fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry are enhanced with bright acidity that carries into the flavorful finish.
Hedges CMS White 2009- Columbia Valley, Washington. A blend of 77% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, and 3% Marsanne. Bright, lively aromas of ripe pear, grapefruit, green apple, and citrus blossom are followed by a lean, yet flavorful palate. On the palate, it is concentrated yet contains crisp, mouthwatering acidity. It is nicely structured, yet elegant, and offers outstanding bang for your buck.
Hedges CMS Red 2009- Columbia Valley, Washington. A blend of 45% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Syrah. It is dark ruby in color with sweet fruit aromas of red and black berry fruits with hints of toasty oak and vanilla/spice. The palate is richly flavored with bold, briary fruit, mild acid, and soft tannins, complete with a juicy, lasting finish.