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theCompass mobile application is a winery, brewery, and distillery locator for North America. |
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Nalle Winery
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Nalle Winery is about as "family" as it gets. Lee and I are co-owners, with older son, Andrew, assisting with all aspects of operations. Younger son, Sam, pitches in when not off at college. We get invaluable help from a cadre of friends who like our hands-on approach. Steve Edgar, from Arizona, has managed to appear for crush every year since 1991. And we can't forget Solo, our mellow-yellow lab, who loves rides in the pick-up, swims in the creek and any grape that falls to the ground at the crusher. Our winery and home rest on land that has been in Lee's family, the Henderlongs, since 1927. Her cousins, the Saini family, run the vineyard. In addition to the estate Zinfandel vineyard, other local growers provide Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc with a smile and a handshake.
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Chardonnay
Yeah, we know, "This here world don't need no more Chardonnay." That was our mantra when we attempted to convert you to Dry Riesling. That focus group went underground a few years ago and has resurfaced as RETRO-CHARD. The pear and green apple character sings in harmony with restrained oak. Our 20 case test run of 2004 has expanded to 95 cases. Think 1973 Stony Hill. 3 bottle limit.
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Pinot Noir
Starting with the 1998 vintage, we've seen such pure Pinot character from the Hopkins Ranch vineyard. Not the blockbuster style... rather a cashmere caress. Rose, cherry and vanilla aromas with a very smooth and supple mouth. Only 260 cases produced - 6 bottle limit per household
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Pinot Noir
While it took six vintages for the wine press to notice this classic style, you previous buyers are already well aware. The 2004 model is a tad more plump than the 2003 and more like the '99 and '02. Same great Hopkins Ranch fruit with its cashmere caress texture. Only 260 cases, so if you are a Pinotphile, don't delay. The secret is out. 6 bottle limit.
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Sauvignon Blanc
From the Hopkins Ranch in the Russian River Valley, we co-ferment 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon and 10% Chardonnay in neutral Burgundy barrels and age it sur lees for 6 months. Acacia, fig, honey and green olive come to mind. With bottle age expect bee's wax and tobacco leaf. May we suggest oysters with lemongrass mignonette, a crab mousse or, perhaps, fresh goat cheese on toast points? Bien sur!
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Sauvignon Blanc
Those of you who tried our Hopkins Ranch 2004 S.B. can expect more of the same with the 2005. Once again, we've blended Semillon (12%) and Chardonnay (8%) to synergize this über-white wine. Aging sur lees for six months in neutral French oak gives a flavor profile unlike a Kiwi/New World Sauvignon. Lively acidity and tongue-on-stone purity. Bottle age a Sauvignon Blanc? With this one, yes. Then try it with lemon chicken and artichoke hearts. Yum. 6 bottle limit
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Zinfandel
From bud break to harvest, the 2003 growing season in Dry Creek Valley was stress-city. Yields were 60% of normal. We culled like never before and sculpted a Zinfandel worthy of our 20 year reputation. While Nalle Zin never lacks for fruit, there is a touch more cinnamon and white-pepper spice in this vintage. Old vines, open top fermentation, French oak, mumbo-jumbo.
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Zinfandel
The 2004 growing season was as textbook as 2003 was odd. Here is a sterling example of why Dry Creek Valley is known world- wide for Zinfandel: aromas of ripe blackberry and raspberry, lip smackin' juiciness, supple tannins and a depth of color not seen since 1999. It's a unanimous favorite at chez Nalle. A blend of seven vineyards from the appellation's four quadrants. Aged in French oak. Throw a rib eye on the grill.
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