.:AN EARLY LOOK AT THE '03 WINES
:.
2003 Sauvignon Blanc
The 2003 harvest was a challenge but the Sauvignon
Blanc promises to be a terrific wine. Faced with reduced yield from our Green
Ravine Vineyard, we
looked to Napa and obtained additional fruit from the prestigious Juliana’s
Vineyard. We kept the two lots separate initially, but it soon became evident
that their flavor and structure were perfectly compatible, so a harmonious
blend was born. We also obtained some Semillion from nearby Sierra Foothills
neighbors to enhance complexity and richness. The Ophir Wines 2003 Sauvignon
Blanc is a traditional blend of 92% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Semillion.
estimated release date: June, 2004
2003 Oui Rosé
We didn’t know how people would react to a dry
Rosé so we made
only a small lot of the 2002. As it turned out, the response was very enthusiastic,
and we were determined to make more Rosé in 2003. The '03 growing and
harvest season proved uncooperative at best, and resulted in a reduced yield
of most of our red grapes. We did not want to reduce production of red wines
in
favor
of Rosé.
What to do? It can be fairly said that the harvest of 2003 was a mother --
of invention. So our 2003 Rosé is an only-in-California blend of five
French and Italian grape varieties -- Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Sangiovese,
and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a gorgeous looking wine of complex, vibrant
flavors, suggesting strawberry, plum and pepper.
estimated release date: June, 2004
2003 Syrah
The unpredictable harvest of 2003 did not spare the yield of our red wine
grapes. While the quantity of Syrah from our Gold Blossom Vineyard was about
what we expected, the yield of Gold Blossom Zinfandel and Petite Sirah was
less, and the Petite Sirah from our neighbor's Granite Bay Vineyard was
reduced considerably. The wines completed their primary fermentation normally
in open top containers, followed by the secondary or malo-lactic fermentation
in stainless steel tanks. The wines were then racked into oak barrels, about
15% of which were new this year. We’ve conducted our early taste trials
and made the first round of blends. Despite the unpredictable yields from this
goofy harvest season, the quality is fine, and the aroma and flavor of the
red wines is promising. Stay tuned.
The Syrah will remain in barrel 18 months to two years.
Expected release date: 2005.
2002 Syrah is currently available.
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