Castle Rock Flashcards
(18 cards)
Basic Info: Winemaker, price point, founded, bottling
Castle Rock buys grapes from approximately 40 grape growers, bottled at wineries, boasting state-of-the-art equipment, located in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and Washington’s Columbia Valley.
Under the guidance and instruction of Castle Rock’s winemaker, Meghan Rech,
Founded in 1994
By virtue of having a low overhead, (no nagging real estate mortgages, no marketing teams or large staff to employ, and no elaborate facilities) Castle Rock is able to funnel all their capital into making the best possible wine for the best possible price.
Pinot Noir Los Carneros 2014
13.7%, medium, mild tannin, versatile pairing
Sweet oak, floral, cherry, herbal, nice finish. .57gm/100ml acid
Pinot Noir Central Coast 2018
14.5% med plus, plum, black cherry. Ocean breeze, longer time on the vines, more concentrated fruit.
Eric Laumann winemaker
.56g/100ml
Pinot Noir Mendocino County 2018
13.5% Northern California, vines planted in 1860s, headwaters of the Russian River carve a fertile and rugged landscape.
Warm summers, cool springs, crisp falls, wet winters, climate similar to Burgundy.
Elegant, rose petals, raspberry.
Eric Laumann
.56g acid
Pinot Noir Monterey County 2018
13.5% Cooling air from Monterey bay, more time on the vine, cherry, tea, herbal aroma. Black cherry, plum, spice on palate, mild tannins, silky finish. Eric Laumann
.56 acid
Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018
14% Similar cherry and spice aroma, palate vanilla from American oak, black cherries, cinnamon, floral, berries, more Burgundian style, longer finish.
.57
Merlot Columbia Valley 2018
13.5% hillside vineyard of Columbia valley, med-plus, plum, mocha, spice hint of oak
Eric Laumann, versatile pairing, steak
.56g acid
Paso Robles wine region history
The town El Paso de Robles (which means Pass of the oak trees) was co-founded by Kentucky outlaws Frank and Jesse James’ uncle Drury around 1869. Today, Paso Robles is still considered by many as the wine industry’s wild west, characterized by that same rule breaking diversity and innovative spirit in which the town was founded.
Paso Robles is California’s fastest growing AVA
Paso Robles Basic Tasting Notes
Basic Taste Profile: Opulent, sweet-fruited red wines with a plush mid-palate, high alcohol levels, and a suprisingly firm backbone of acidity that will make you sit up straight in your seat. Paso Robles wines are typically enjoyed in their youth. St Lucias Mountain Range, hot summer days and cool nights
Paso Robles Terroir
What makes it exceptional is its diversity in soils, elevation and rainfall. The Paso Robles AVA is California’s largest in size.
45 different soil types, large home of calcareous soil, clay-based soil with high lime content which produces higher pH levels. The high pH reduces the vine’s vigor, allowing for flavor concentration and retention of acidity in wine. Good for warm climates.
Merlot Paso Robles 2018
13.5% medium body, blueberries, similar profile, warmer climate.
.56 acid
Syrah Paso Robles 2018
14.5% full, black pepper, berries, cinnamon
Eric Laumann
.57
Zinfandel Lodi 2018
14.7% full, plum, blackberry, raspberry, pepper, earth spice.
Lodi- premium area for Zin since the 1850s, long, dry summers, cool moist winters, sandy clay loam soils
.56 acid
Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018
13.5% med plus, 18 mos French oak, cassis, blackberry, black cherry, ripe plum, hint of oak.
Meghan Rech
Columbia Valley is a continental climate, meaning a climate characterized by strong temperature variations from day to night and between the seasons.
Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2016
13.5% Rich, dark-purple, very expressive dark cherry and spice, full bodied, rich finish, spice and vanilla
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2017
14.5% Three vineyard in Napa, full, nuance, deep garnet, dark fruit, hint of cedar.
Barrel aged 12 months, 25%new, 50% american, 50% French 95% cab sauv 3% pet Verdot 2% cab franc
100% malolactic fermentation
~12k cases
Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino Country 2019
13.5% Medium body Northern California, headwaters of the Russian River carve a fertile and rugged landscape.
Warm summers, cool springs, crisp falls, wet winters, climate similar to Burgundy. I deal for Sauvignon bland
Crisp, refreshing, grapefruit, pineapple aroma, peach lemon palate. Fruity finish.
Chardonnay Central Coast 2019
13.8% Cooling breezes and warmth ideal for Chardonnay, grape Stacy on the vine one month longer than in other regions, depth of flavor. Rich ripe fruity character, vanilla, pear, citrus melon, subtle oak undertones, balanced finish.
