California Wine Guide

California

California is the center of the wine world in the United States. Every one of the
world’s noble grape varieties thrives in California’s diverse microclimates and soil
types. Though as a wine-producing region California is relatively young, the soils that
contribute to California’s finest wines have been developing for 10 million years. The
first vinifera vines were planted by Franciscan missionaries in 1770 but it wasn’t until
two centuries later, having survived Prohibition and phylloxera, that California’s wine
industry truly gained momentum. Today, nearly 90% of all wines made in the United
States are produced in California and it is home to the great majority of the country’s
American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).

• Reading a
California Wine
Label

• Understanding
California’s AVAs
and Terroir

• Recognizing St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Sequoia Grove

and Wild Oak wines
California Grape
Cakebread Cellars
Varieties Benziger Family Winery

• Identifying Domaine Carneros

California’s
“Green” Practices

• Exploring
California Wine
Regions

• Kobrand’s
Foley Estates
California
Portfolio
The California wine label

Brand or Proprietary Name

The name used by the bottler to
identify the product. If no other
name is shown, the bottler’s
name is considered the brand.

Vintage Date
Viticultural Area (AVA) Specifies the year the grapes
were harvested. For wines which
A viticultural area is a
designate an AVA, at least 95%
defined grape-growing region
of the grapes must be of the
distinguished by its soil,
specified vintage. For wines with
climate, history and geographic
a general “California” designation,
features. If a viticultural area
the minimum drops to 85%.
is cited on the label, at least
85% of the wine must be
produced from grapes grown
in that area. California law Varietal Designations
requires that 100% of the grapes Varietal designations, the names
come from within California. of the grapes predominantly used
to make the wine, are not required
to appear on a wine label;
however, if listed, at least 75% of
the grapes used to make the wine
must be of that variety and an
AVA must also be designated.

Estate Bottled
(when applicable)
Indicates that 100% of the wine
comes from grapes grown on land
owned or controlled by the winery Bottling Specifications
(which must be located in the The name or trade name and
AVA specified on the label). The address of the bottler must
complete winemaking process appear on the label.
through bottling must take place
on the winery’s premises.

Alcohol Content
Declaration of Sulfites Alcohol content in percent by
volume or the words “Table Wine”
Required on any wine that
(to indicate the wine contains
contains 10 parts per million
between 7% and 14%) must
(ppm) or greater of sulfur dioxide.
appear on the label.

Net Contents
Federal Health Warning Representing the liquid volume in
Required on all alcoholic metric measurement, net contents
beverages containing 0.5% or must be included on the label
greater alcohol by volume. or blown into the bottle glass.
Understanding California’s
Terroir and AVAs
California’s Terroir What is an AVA?

The various types of terroir found in California vineyards are a An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated grape growing
winemaker’s paradise. Loosely translated, the concept of terroir region distinguishable by geographical features, the boundaries of
can be defined as all the environmental factors (the vineyard’s which have been recognized and defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco
soil composition, topography, exposures, sunlight, orientation, Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The TTB developed this system of
rainfall, drainage, climate and weather patterns, etc.) that affect geographical designations in 1983. The only requirement of an AVA
a vineyard. In California, choice combinations of calcareous is that 85% of the grapes must come from within the AVA in order
shale and limestone, volcanic rock or loamy sand sit atop layers for it to appear on a label. While the area of origin has a vital impact
of metamorphic rock only a few meters underneath, all of which on the quality of grapes, an AVA is not a designation of quality
provide mineral-laden nutrients to vines that penetrate deep into and no other regulations are bound to it, i.e. it does not regulate
the strata to find water. Long, sun-filled days with cooling, grape varieties grown in the given region, maximum yields or aging
coastal breezes and chilly, dry nights with low yearly rainfall requirements. AVAs vary drastically in size, ranging from the Ohio
provide grapes extended “hang times” and the fruit is harvested River Valley AVA of 16,640,000 acres across four states to California’s
when growers determine optimum phenolic ripeness. There is Cole Ranch AVA of less than a quarter of a square mile.
little annual rush to harvest before rainfall, hail or frost, as there
is in France, Italy and Spain. Most vineyards are “dry-farmed”
(without irrigation) which reduces vine vegetation and grape
yields, with the effect that vines produce fewer bunches of
smaller grapes with more intense concentration of aromatic
depth and flavor complexity.
California AVAs

AVA Name Acreage* Effective Date AVA Name Acreage* Effective Date

Alexander Valley 32,535 June 1988 Monterey 35,760 July 1984

Alta Mesa 55,400 August 2006 Mount Harlan 7,440 December 1990
Anderson Valley 600 September 1983 Mount Veeder 15,000 March 1990
Arroyo Grande Valley 42,880 February 1990 Napa Valley 225,280 January 1983
Arroyo Seco 18,240 May 1983 North Coast 3,008,000 October 1983
Atlas Peak 11,400 February 1992 North Yuba 22,400 August 1985
Ben Lomond 38,400 January 1988 Northern Sonoma 348,000 September 1986
Benmore Valley 1,440 November 1991 Oak Knoll District/Napa Valley 8,300 April 2004
Bennett Valley 8,140 December 2003 Oakville 5,760 August 1993
Borden Ranch 70,000 August 2006 Pacheco Pass 3,200 April 1984
California Shenandoah Valley 10,000 February 1987 Paicines 4,500 September 1982
Calistoga 4,500 January 2010 Paso Robles 666,620 November 1983
Capay Valley 102,400 February 2003 Potter Valley 27,500 November 1983
Carmel Valley 19,200 January 1983 Ramona Valley 89,000 January 2006
Central Coast 1,000,000 November 1985 Red Hills Lake County 31,250 September 2004
Chalk Hill 22,400 June 1988 Redwood Valley 22,400 February 1997
Chalone 8,540 July 1982 River Junction 1,300 July 2001
Chiles Valley 6,000 April 1999 Rockpile 15,400 April 2002
Cienega Valley 7,080 September 1982 Russian River Valley 96,000 November 1983
Clarksburg 64,640 February 1984 Rutherford 6,650 August 1993
Clear Lake 168,960 June 1984 Saddle Rock - Malibu 2,090 August 2006
Clement Hills 85,400 August 2006 Saint Helena 9,060 October 1995
Cole Ranch 150 May 1983 Salado Creek 2,940 August 2004
Cosumnes River 54,700 August 2006 San Antonio 150,400 July 2006
Covelo 38,000 March 2006 San Benito 45,000 November 1987
Cucamonga Valley 109,400 May 1995 San Bernabe 24,795 August 2004
Diablo Grande 30,000 August 1998 San Francisco Bay 1,566,715 March 1999
Diamond Mountain District 5,000 July 2001 San Lucas 33,920 March 1987
Dos Rios 15,500 November 2005 San Pasqual Valley 9,000 September 1981
Dry Creek Valley 80,000 September 1983 San Ysidro District 2,340 December 1990
Dunnigan Hills 89,000 June 1993 Santa Clara Valley 332,800 April 1989
Edna Valley 22,400 June 1987 Santa Cruz Mountains 1,400 January 1982
El Dorado 415 November 1983 Santa Lucia Highlands 22,000 June 1992
Fair Play 21,120 April 2001 Santa Maria Valley 80,000 September 1981
Fiddletown 11,500 November 1983 Santa Rita Hills 30,720 July 2001
Guenoc Valley 4,395 December 1981 Santa Ynez Valley 76,800 May 1983
Green Valley of Russian 32,000 December 1983 Seiad Valley 2,160 June 1994
River Valley Sierra Foothills 2,600,000 December 1987
Hames Valley 10,240 April 1994 Sloughhouse 78,800 August 2006
Happy Canyon 23,941 November 2009 Solano County Green Valley 2,560 January 1983
High Valley 14,000 August 2005 Sonoma Coast 480,000 July 1987
Howell Mountain 14,080 January 1984 Sonoma Mountain 5,000 February 1985
Jahant 28,000 August 2006 Sonoma Valley 4,000 January 1982
Knights Valley 36,240 November 1983 South Coast 115,200 December 1985
Leona Valley 8,576 November 2008 Spring Mountain District 8,600 June 1993
Lime Kiln Valley 2,300 July 1982 Stags Leap District 2,700 February 1989
Lodi 458,000 March 1986 Suisun Valley 15,360 December 1982
Los Carneros 36,900 September 1987 Temecula 33,000 February 1986
Madera 230,000 January 1985 Tracy Hills 39,200 December 2006
Malibu-Newton Canyon 850 June 1996 Trinity Lakes 96,000 April 2005
McDowell Valley 540 February 1987 Wild Horse Valley 3,300 December 1988
Mendocino 275,200 July 1984 Willow Creek 6,000 September 1983
Mendocino Ridge 87,465 December 1997 York Mountain 9,360 February 1987
Merritt Island 5,000 February 1987 Yorkville Highlands 40,000 June 1998
Mokelumne River 85,700 August 2006 Yountville 8,260 May 1999

* Approximate acreage. Souce: Wine Institute

 California Green Winemaking
Green Winemaking Organic Biodynamic
Earth friendly, “green” practices are a leading In California, only 5% of total wine grape plantings are Biodynamics, practiced by roughly two dozen
trend in California winemaking with roots dating certified organic by a Department of Agriculture (USDA)- California wineries today, is the most rigorous form
back decades. Over the years, three categories for accredited third party organization, most prominently of organic farming. Developed in the 1920s and
green viticulture and vinification have developed: California Certified Organic Farms (CCOF). Regulation of heavily influenced by the philosophy of Dr. Rudolf
“Sustainable,” “Organic” and “Biodynamic.” organic products began in 1990 with the National Organic Steiner, Biodynamic farming takes a holistic approach,
Foods Act administered by the USDA through its National seeking a symbiosis between all working parts as
Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and National Organic one organism. Biodynamics eliminates synthetic
Sustainable
Program (NOP) along with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax chemicals and encourages biodiversity, a closed
Nearly all California wineries practice some level
and Trade Bureau (TTB), which is responsible for wine nutrient system, the use of homeopathic teas and
of sustainability, with environmentally friendly,
labeling compliance. Four categories of “organic” a close personal connection to the land. Instead
socially equitable and economically feasible
labeling exist: of bagged fertilizer, weed killer and pesticides, for
practices. Sustainability is not government-
— 100% Organic Wine must be made with 100% example, Biodynamics relies on composting, natural
certified but several voluntary programs exist,
organically grown grapes (farmed without pesticides, predator-prey relationships, cover crops, and native
including the Certified California Sustainable
herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, soil fumigants, or animals. In terms of vinification, Biodynamic wines
Winegrowing (CCSW) program created in 2010,
other chemicals), must be vinified without added must meet special standards defined primarily by use
a joint effort by the Wine Institute and California
sulfites (naturally occurring sulfites may not exceed of natural (rather than cultured) yeasts, zero additives
Certified Organic Farms (CCOF).
10 parts per million) and must show the name of (like sugar, tannin and acid adjustments, and bacteria
A pioneer in green farming, Benziger created its to start malolactic fermentation) and limited use of
the certifying agency (use of USDA “Organic” seal
own rigorous third-party certified-sustainable added sulfites (for dry wines, less than 100 parts
is optional).
vineyard program in 2007 focused on biodiversity, per million). Biodynamic farms and vineyards are
soil revitalization and natural pest management. — Organic Wine requires 95% organically farmed inspected annually.
Similarly, Cakebread Cellars was the second Napa grapes with no added sulfites.
Benziger is one of 71 Demeter-certified Biodynamic
Valley winery awarded green business certification — Wines Made With Organic Grapes must contain at wineries in North America, with all four estate
through the “Napa Green Certified Winery” least 70% organically farmed and verified grapes and vineyards Demeter-certified Biodynamic. As of July
program, a certification Sequoia Grove is also may contain added sulfites; the wine may bear the 2011, Benziger was one of only 16 North American
pursuing, requiring water and energy conservation, seal of the certifying agency but not that of the USDA. wineries fully Demeter and Stellar certified, including
waste reduction and pollution prevention. Domaine
Carneros has practiced sustainable farming since
— Some Organic Ingredients may include organic grapes vineyards and wine.. Benziger began the transition

(less than 70% is required and more than 30% non- to Biodynamics in the mid-nineties and has today
its inception in 1987 and, in 2003, installed what
organic agriculturally produced ingredients are permitted) become a leader in Biodynamic winemaking, with
was then the largest photovoltaic solar collection
and the label must identify the organic percentage; Mike Benziger as the face of the movement on the
system on any winery in the world. The Winery
this carries neither a USDA nor certifying seal. cover of Wine Spectator’s “green” issue in 2007.
also employs a natural night cooling system and
Benziger is devoted to using its experiences and
skylights. St. Francis installed a solar electrical The winemaking facility for Benziger is Certified Organic
insight to mentor a network of growers and encourage
system and practices water conservation and by Stellar Certification Services and its organic growers
the expansion of Biodynamic farming.
recycling; in 2009 the winery enacted the Farm either carry a Stellar certification or one from the CCOF.
Plan to increase sustainability practices in Domaine Carneros became the first US sparkling winery
all vineyards. with all estate vineyards Certified Organic in April 2008;
the winery had never used insecticides since its inception
in 1987.

Kobrand Winery Green Practices Wines, Vineyards & Facilities

Stellar Certified Sustainable
Benziger Family Winery Entire Sonoma County Line

Stellar Certified Organic Winemaking Facility

Demeter Certified Biodynamic All Estate Vineyards
Tribute
Cakebread Cellars Sustainable Napa Green Certified
Winery and Vineyards
Domaine Carneros CCOF Certified Organic All Estate Vineyards
Le Rêve, Rosé, Pinot Noir

Sequoia Grove Pursuing Napa Green Certification Winery and Vineyards

St. Francis Sustainable Winery and Vineyards




 Key California Grape VARIETIES

Grape Variety Region Character I Use Aromas & Flavors Kobrand Examples

Cabernet Franc Napa Valley, Medium-bodied, lighter color, Ripe raspberry, anise, Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon &
Sonoma County medium-tannins, herbaceous / roasted coffee, Dancing Bear Cabernet Sauvignon,
Meritage blends with Cabernet herbaceous Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon &
Sauvignon and Merlot Cambium, St. Francis Merlot, RED SPLASH,
Benziger Tribute & Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Napa Valley & Cross between Cabernet Franc and Cassis, blackberry, Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignons,

Sauvignon Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc; late-ripening, dense, black wild herbs, Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon &
& Statewide high-tannin, deep-colored, ageworthy / dark chocolate, Cambium, St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon,
Monovarietals and blends coffee Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon & Tribute,
RED SPLASH

Chardonnay Napa Valley, Carneros, Mutable character highly influenced Apples, pear, citrus, Cakebread Chardonnays,
Sonoma County, by winemaking method, ageworthy / peaches, pineapple, Sequoia Grove Chardonnay,
Monterey County, Monovarietals tropical fruits; St. Francis Chardonnay, Benziger
Santa Barbara County butter, nutty or Chardonnay, Domaine Carneros
& Statewide vanilla, if oaked Brut Vintage, Brut Rosé & Le Rêve,
Foley Chardonnay

Gewürztraminer Anderson Valley, High-alcohol, moderate acidity, spicy / Lychees, sweet pea
Russian River Valley, Dry, medium sweet or dessert blossom, peach, mango,
Central Coast monovarietals white pepper, spice

Malbec Napa Valley High-alcohol, high-tannin, Plum, dark berries,

deep-colored, ageworthy / anise, violets
Monovarietals or Meritage blends

Merlot Napa Valley, Plump fruit, full-bodied, Black cherry, blackberry, Cakebread Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon,
Sonoma County medium-tannin, ageworthy / blackcurrant, tea leaves, Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon &
Santa Barbara County Monovarietals and blends spice, mocha Cambium, St. Francis Merlot,
& Statewide RED SPLASH, Benziger Merlot

Petit Verdot Napa Valley, Dense fruit, deep-colored, high-tannin / Dark plums, blackberry, Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon,

Sonoma County Meritage blends graphite, tobacco Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon,
St. Francis Merlot, Benziger Tribute,
Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Pinot Grigio / Central Coast, Sonoma Medium- to full-bodied, rich yet crisp / Lemon, apple, Asian pear
Pinot Gris County & Statewide Monovarietals

Pinot Noir Sonoma County, Difficult to grow and vinify, receptive to Cherry, blackberry, Cakebread Pinot Noir, Benziger Pinot
Carneros, Santa Rita Hills, terroir influence, medium-to-full-bodied, mushroom, earth, truffle, Noir, Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir,
Monterey County medium-tannins, complex aromatics, spice Brut Vintage & Brut Rosé,
ageworthy / Strictly monovarietals Foley Pinot Noir

Riesling Anderson Valley, Complex, high-acid, aromatic, fruity, Floral, wet slate, ripe
Russian River Valley, ageworthy / Dry, off-dry and sweet varietal pear, apple, citrus,
Santa Barbara County wines, sparkling wines, some blends honey, petroleum

Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Aromatic, light to medium-bodied, Grass, pineapple, melon, Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc,
Santa Barbara County high-acid, can be vinified dry to dessert / gooseberry, grapefruit, Benziger Sauvignon Blanc
& Statewide Monovarietals and blends fresh herbs

Syrah San Luis Obispo County, Robust, deep-colored, high-tannin, Blackberries, ripe dark RED SPLASH, Benziger Syrah
Santa Barbara County, high-alcohol, full-bodied, ageworthy / plums, black pepper,
North Coast & Statewide Monovarietals, Rhône-style blends anise, earth, bacon

Viognier San Luis Obispo County Full-bodied, high-alcohol, low-acid / Apricot, honeysuckle,
Dry to sweet monovarietals or white peach, pear, nutmeg
and red blends

Zinfandel Sonoma County, Amador Spicy, dense, chewy, high- Black cherry, Cakebread Red Hills Zinfandel,
County, San Luis Obispo alcohol, high-tannin / boysenberries, St. Francis “Old Vines” Zinfandel,
County & Statewide Monovarietals and rosé blends ripe raisins, prunes, Benziger Zinfandel
cassis, allspice,
cloves, licorice

CALIFORNIA Cakebread Cellars

WINE REGIONS The legendary Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973

by Jack and Dolores Cakebread on 22 acres in the prized
Rutherford appellation. By the mid-1980s, they had
completed construction of one of Napa’s most distinctive
Napa wineries, a true architectural and technological achievement.
Their sons, Bruce and Dennis Cakebread, have played key
America’s wine renaissance began in Napa roles in the development of the winery; today, Bruce is the
Valley, spurred on by the famed Paris Wine President and COO and Dennis is responsible for all sales
Tasting of 1976 in which a Napa Valley and marketing. Cakebread has expanded its vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay beat acreage to approximately 465 acres of Napa’s choicest
out French competitors. Today, it is home to vineyard sites that are farmed organically or sustainably
more than 300 wineries, whose growers and using a unique soil moisture and leaf water potential
winemakers combine cutting-edge science measurement system to optimize grape quality. Cakebread
with traditional techniques. The climate of Cellars is one of the first wineries certified under the Napa
warm days and cool nights combined with Green Winery program and the Napa Green Vineyard
minimal rainfall during the growing season program. In 2010, Cakebread Cellars was honored by the
make Napa Valley a prime growing region. Napa Resource Conservation District with a first time award
Napa Valley is itself an appellation, or AVA, for conservation in vineyard development.
while encompassing 14 AVAs contained within
it. Individual vineyard areas have emerged
over the years with distinct microclimates
and terrains that imprint recognizable
characteristics on the grapes grown within
them. Though many different grapes varieties
thrive throughout the region, Cabernet
Sauvignon is a standout.

NAPA VALLEY

Sequoia Grove
Cakebread Cellars

NAPA

29
Cakebread Cellars Cakebread Cellars
Napa Valley Chardonnay Napa Valley Merlot
The Napa and cool Carneros 100% Estate vineyards and growers in Carneros,
Chardonnay fruit is hand-picked at night to Rutherford and Oakville provide the Merlot
allow gentler handling and 10-25% native (roughly 90%) and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
yeast fermentation in the vinification process. (percentages vary from vintage to vintage).
The grapes are whole-cluster pressed without Each plot is vinified separately, with extended
de-stemming for up-front fruit character and temperature-controlled maceration to ensure
heightened aging potential; 40% is barrel rich color and tannins. Using the rack-and-
fermented in new French oak. Lush fruit and return technique, tannins are softened while
bright acidity are expressed through white maintaining the variety’s distinct character.
pear, flint, and pineapple with modest toasty Ripe blackberry, black tea and dried herb
notes. Pair with pan fried and broiled aromas with black plum, cassis and pepper on
fresh water fish, deep sea fish, tuna, the palate. Pair with pork, pheasant, veal.
swordfish and chicken.
Cakebread Cellars
Cakebread Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc An estate vineyard planted to six French
Produced since 1975, Cakebread’s benchmark Pinot Noir clones yields small-berried grapes
Sauvignon Blanc includes small amounts with intense, concentrated flavors and ripe
of Semillon and Sauvignon Musqué grapes tannins. Each clone is fermented separately
for added complexity. Night harvested by in open-top tanks with 2 weeks’ maceration
hand and whole-cluster pressed, grapes are for maximum flavor and color extraction. 15
fermented predominantly in stainless steel months’ aging in French oak barrels (30%
with roughly 15% in one-year-old French new) precedes a year in barrel before bottling.
oak barrels. A classic expression, this wine Ripe, dense aromas of earthy black plum and
shows crisp aromas of grapefruit and stone dark chocolate are confirmed on the full, rich
fruits with lively acidity, minerality, and fresh palate. Pair with grilled fish, seared tuna,
fruit flavors on the palate. Pair with salads, pork or red meats.
sandwiches, chicken salads, shellfish.
Cakebread Cellars Red Hills
Cakebread Cellars Napa Lake County Zinfandel
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes are grown in the Snow’s Lake
Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Merlot, Vineyard located in the coveted Red Hills
Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, with appellation known as prime Zinfandel country
the blend varying from vintage to vintage. with high altitudes and red volcanic soils.
Sourced from estate vineyards and select Three distinct Zinfandel clones, including
Rutherford, Oakville and Los Carneros growers heritage selections from Mendocino and
and benefitting from up to 3 weeks’ extended Amador counties and a Primitivo clone,
maceration, each vineyard parcel is vinified comprise this wine. Fermented in stainless
separately in new French oak (45%) or older steel tanks, the wine is aged in French oak
oak barrels. Plush, elegant plum, black barrels (50% new), blended and then aged
cherry and currant aromas introduce flavors 8 months in barrel before bottling. Heady
of chocolate, herbs, black fruit and cedar. aromas of toasted black plum, black cherry
Supple tannins and a lasting, balanced finish. and wild blackberry with cracked black
Pair with grilled or broiled beef, pork, pepper, licorice and briary spice tones
bison steaks. introduce a dense, full-bodied palate with
deep, concentrated black fruit and spice
flavors. Pair with roasts, BBQ or
spicy foods.
Cakebread Cellars

Cakebread Cellars Napa Cakebread Cellars

Valley Chardonnay Reserve Dancing Bear Ranch Napa
100% Chardonnay including small cluster Dominant Cabernet Sauvignon is blended
Dijon and old Wente clones are selected from with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The
estate vineyards Foster Road and Milton Road highly acclaimed Howell Mountain AVA in
along with cool-climate vineyards in Carneros. the Northern Napa Valley is known for its
Grapes are night-harvested and whole-bunch deep-colored grapes of higher acidity and
pressed to ensure the freshest, purest juice tannin. The shallow, rocky soils at elevations
possible. The wine’s creamy texture results from 1200 to 1900 feet above sea level
from 14% ML of the barrel-fermented wine yield grapes of marked intensity. To capture
undergoing malolactic fermentation. Aging the distinctive, intense character of the
on its lees for 15 months, the finished wine fruit without extracting overly aggressive
is beautifully rich with vibrant spiced apple tannins, fermentation temperatures are
and stone fruit aromas with flavors of peach, carefully monitored and close attention is
apple, melon and toasty notes. Pair with paid to the cap of skins on the fermenting
salmon, swordfish, bouillabaisse or wine. Exclusively free-run juice is aged for
bisques, light meats. 20 months in French oak barrels, 41% new.
Intense, complex spicy dark plum, blackberry,
Cakebread Cellars chocolate and earth aromas introduce focused
Vine Hill Ranch Napa Valley and beautifully structured wild cherry, fig,
Cabernet Sauvignon brambly spice and dark chocolate flavors with
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, four vineyard a long finish. Pair with steak, braised
blocks at Vine Hill Ranch, each planted to meats, ribs or roasts.
a different clone, comprise this wine. Each
block is fermented separately with an
extended 20-day maceration to further extract
color and flavor while softening tannins. The
blended wine is aged for 20 months in French
oak barrels (50% new) prior to bottling. Fresh,
concentrated aromas of ripe black currant,
black cherry and wild blackberry with notes
of cocoa, earth and mineral introduce a big,
structured wine with full, firm tannins, bright
acidity and a core of intense fruit. Pair with
rich red meats, ox tail stew, venison.

Cakebread Cellars
Benchland Select Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine is made from the finest 100%
Cabernet fruit from the Oakville and Rutherford
appellations located in the benchlands of the
Mayacamas Mountain Range. The eastern
exposures and gravel loam soils encourage
slow and optimal ripening. Vineyard block
are vinified separately, employing tank sizes,
yeast strains, fermentation temperatures and
maceration techniques best suited to each
according to location, ripeness level and clone
type. Deep aromas of blackberry, black figs,
dark chocolate and tobacco precede flavors of
ripe blackberry, dark plums, black cherry and a
note of mint with powerful yet supple tannins.
Pair with filet mignon, roast pork loin,
lamb chops.
Sequoia Grove

Sequoia Grove is a boutique Napa Valley winery on Route 29

in the heart of the prized Rutherford appellation. Head Wine-
maker Michael Trujillo and Winemaker Molly Hill choose from
the best palette of Napa Valley fruit sources, both estate and
grower fruit, to create Bordeaux-style wines of traditional
character and structure with a true sense of place. With a 100-
year-old barn for its tasting room, Sequoia Grove winery is nestled
among some of Napa Valley’s last remaining sequoia trees.

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sequoia Grove Cambium

Sauvignon Napa Valley Cambium blends Napa Valley’s best
Cabernet Sauvignon-based, the wine terroirs. On the Rutherford bench,
is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Morisoli Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon
Franc and Petit Verdot. Estate-grown Clone 7 thrives in alluvial marine loam
grapes are combined with fruit from and gravelly subsoil, contributing
top neighboring growers, including generous, pure fruit and firm structure.
Gary Morisoli, Beckstoffer, Stagecoach Oak Knoll District’s Lamoreaux Vineyard
and Lamoreaux. Sourcing from multiple adds rich, round, black cherry and
terroirs, predominantly Rutherford, spice flavors from clones in volcanic
allows for distinct expressions of soils. Cabernet Franc and Merlot show
Cabernet Sauvignon. Ripe black- mineral complexity and smooth texture
berry, crushed black cherry and from Stagecoach Vineyard’s volcanic soil
cassis aromas are followed by deep, in Atlas Peak AVA. Pairs well with
herb-inflected fruit on the palate. delicately-prepared dishes and
Pair with red meat, grilled or subtle flavors, like wild mushroom
roast pork tenderloin or steaks. risotto with seared rib eye and
caramelized beets. Can be cellared
Sequoia Grove Chardonnay for 15 years.
Selecting grapes from family owned
vineyards in the coolest parts of Napa
Valley and Carneros result in high
intensity of fruit, bouquet and natural
acidity. Grapes are hand-harvested
and whole-cluster pressed before
inoculation with white Burgundy yeast
strains. Cool fermentation begins in
stainless steel tanks and ends in 100%
French oak barrels with no malolactic
fermentation. Burgundian in style
with a delicate, steely nose with notes
of wet stone, ripe pear, honeysuckle,
apricot and almond leading to a light,
fresh palate with a creamy center of
marzipan, nutmeg and a lemon blossom
finish. Pair with chicken, fish, pasta,
grilled vegetables.
 St. Francis Winery & Vineyard

A pioneering producer of estate-bottled wines in the California

wine revolution, St. Francis was founded in 1971 by Joe Martin
and his wife Emma. Over time, St. Francis has acquired over
600 acres of prime Sonoma County vineyards and has developed
Sonoma lasting relationships with growers of some of Sonoma’s most
prized grapes. The estate’s four primary vineyards – Behler
This coastal region lies between the Pacific Coast Vineyard, Nuns Canyon Vineyard, Wild Oak Vineyard and
and the Mayacamas Mountains that separate it Lagomarsino Vineyard – form what the Winery calls a “tapestry of
from Napa Valley. A diverse winegrowing area terroirs,” each with distinct subsoils and microclimates. St. Francis
made up of several appellations with varied uses only 100% hand-picked Sonoma County fruit, producing big,
climate and terrain, Sonoma supports a wide bold and luscious wines that over-deliver on flavor.
range of varieties that thrive in over a dozen
microclimates. While the atmosphere often
feels more approachable and friendly than its
chic, upscale neighbor Napa, Sonoma has older
vineyards that produce some of California’s finest
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah,
Zinfandel and Pinot Noir.

SONOMA COUNTY

ALEXANDER
ROCKPILE AVA VALLEY AVA

DRY CREEK VALLEY AVA KNIGHTS VALLEY AVA

SONOMA
HEALDSBURG
COAST AVA
CHALK HILL AVA
NORTHERN SONOMA AVA
101
RUSSIAN RIVER BENNETT VALLEY AVA
VALLEY AVA

SANTA ROSA St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

and Wild Oak wines
GREEN VALLEY AVA

Benziger Family Winery

SONOMA MOUNTAIN AVA

SONOMA SONOMA VALLEY AVA

SONOMA
COAST AVA CARNEROS AVA
SONOMA
VALLEY AVA
St. Francis Winery & Vineyard

St. Francis Sonoma County St. Francis Sonoma County

Chardonnay Claret
Hand-picked at night, estate-grown A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay grapes from Sonoma Valley and Zinfandel, the Claret is a blend
are blended with carefully selected grapes of individual varietal wines, skillfully
from the prestigious Carneros, Alexander combined to create a complex, well-
Valley and Russian River Valley appellations. balanced and full-flavored wine. Generous
Fermented partly in stainless steel and aromas of cedar, vanilla and toffee lead
partly in new oak barrels, the blended wine to rich, ripe plum and strawberry flavors.
undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. Pair with hard cheeses, pastas,
Clean, white fruit, melon aromas with poultry or roast beef.
vanilla notes carry through on the palate
with a lively acidity and creamy texture. RED SPLASH
Pair with fresh fish, shell fish, poultry. Made from a blend of Merlot, Syrah,
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Francis Sonoma County and Zinfandel, each grape brings its own
Cabernet Sauvignon qualities to the blend. Vinified and matured
Cabernet-based, this wine is blended with separately in French and American oak
Merlot. Grapes are hand-picked primarily barrels for 18 months, the individual wines
from mountain and hillside vineyards with each develop their classic characteristics
optimal exposure. Estate vineyards in the prior to blending. After numerous blending
Sonoma and Russian River Valleys along with trials, the final blend benefits from an
grower fruit from superior vineyards in the additional 8 months’ aging in the bottle
Dry Creek, Alexander and Sonoma Valleys prior to release. Ripe red fruit flavors and
comprise the blend. Black fruit aromas with spicy aromas are reflected on the palate
notes of vanilla, cedar and tobacco introduce for a versatile wine that pairs well with a
ripe blackberry and black currant flavors with variety of foods. Pair with pastas with
firm structure, generous tannins and spicy red sauce, pizza, burgers, pressed
oak notes. Pair with grilled and roasted sandwiches, grilled chicken or fish.
red meat, pork and wild game.
White SPLASH
St. Francis Sonoma County This blend of four aromatic, flavorful white
Merlot grape varieties is meant to be enjoyed
Primary Merlot is blended with Cabernet with friends and family on any occasion.
Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. All grape varieties come from top growing
Grown in loam, clay and volcanic soil mixed regions throughout California. Each variety
with gravel, 100% of the Merlot grapes is fermented separately, then blended to
are grown in three estate vineyards in the achieve the wine’s trademark luscious
Sonoma Valley. Dense black fruit with full body and sweet, ripe fruit flavors.
spicy herb and vanilla over-tones give way The percentage of each grape used in the
to full, plush fruit on the palate, nuanced blend varies each vintage to highlight the
with chocolate notes and framed by round, finest varieties. Pairs well with salads,
generous tannins. Pair with pork dishes, seafood, chicken and takeout or is
hearty pastas, roasted chicken, BBQ. perfect alone.

St. Francis Sonoma County

“Old Vines” Zinfandel
With long-term relationships with 22
Sonoma County growers of Zinfandel, St.
Francis uses the most highly sought-after
old vines - ranging from 50 to over 100
years’ age - planted on the finest vineyard
sites. Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah and Alicante
Bouschet vines are planted among the
Zinfandel, adding texture and complexity to
the “field blend.” Deep aromas of brambles,
ripe black berries, licorice and black pepper
unfold on the palate with toasty oak notes
that carry over into a long luscious finish.
Pair with grilled red meats, BBQ pork
ribs, spicy sausage and pizza.
Benziger Family Winery Benziger Sonoma
County Merlot
Merlot (90%) is blended with Cabernet
The Benziger Family Winery is committed to making wines Sauvignon and Petit Verdot for a full-
flavored, well-structured wine. Hand-
with distinctive vineyard character. The family’s holdings
picked grapes are selected from mountain,
include 85 acres on the volcanic slopes of Sonoma hillside, benchland and valley floor
Mountain, cooled by frequent ocean breezes; these vineyard sites from Sonoma County’s
Alexander Valley to Carneros. Aromas
estate vineyards form a beautiful natural amphitheatre of bright cherry, black plum, vanilla and
of terraced hillsides. Benziger continues to receive spice carry through to a rich, full-bodied
widespread attention and praise for their longstanding palate with fine-grained tannins and plush
fruit flavors. Pair with duck with fruit
devotion to earthy-friendly farming practices; as of sauce, tuna, Italian-style sausage,
the 2007 vintage, Benziger’s entire portfolio carries lamb or beef stews, hearty pasta
dishes.
some level of green farming certification: sustainable,
organic or Biodynamic. Wine Spectator honored Mike Benziger Russian River Valley
Benziger on the cover of the July 2007 issue dedicated to Pinot Noir
Grapes are sourced from the best certified-
environmentally friendly wines.
sustainable vineyards in the Russian River
Valley, primarily planted to clones 115,
667 and 777. Following fermentation of
individual lots, the wine is blended and
Benziger Carneros Chardonnay aged for 15 to 18 months in American and
Grown according to certified-sustainable French oak. Spice, nutmeg and cherry
farming practices, the grapes for the Carneros aromas introduce a rich rhubarb quality
Chardonnay are an authentic expression of with hints of cranberry and red cherry on
their appellation, reflecting the crisp natural the palate. Balanced acidity gives the
acidity achievable in cooler climates. An wine an elegant leanness. Pair with
elegant wine of luscious tropical and citrus salmon, duck, roast beef.
fruit flavors accented by notes of toast and
vanilla. Pair with shellfish, bouillabaisse, Benziger North Coast Syrah
fresh fish or grilled chicken. Both warm and cool certified-sustainable
North Coast vineyard sites contribute to
Benziger Lake & Sonoma this 100% Syrah, resulting in complex
Counties Sauvignon Blanc fruit character. Individual lots are crushed
Vineyard practices from canopy management and cold-soaked prior to fermentation to
to crop thinning are focused on cultivating a achieve deep, rich color while tempering
Sauvignon Blanc that is true to varietal, crisp, tannins and aging takes place in American
fresh, bright and fruity with subtle grass notes oak barrels for 14 months. Complex
and a clean finish. The special care taken to aromas of black fruits, tobacco, black
encourage a perfect fruit-to-acid balance in pepper and dried herbs lead to a soft
the vineyard is also taken in the cellar. This mouthfeel with flavors of ripe plum and
wine is fermented in stainless steel. Pair blackberry. Pair with spicy bistro
with salads, ceviche, crab, light pasta, dishes, steaks frites.
fresh goat cheese.
Tribute
Benziger Sonoma County Individual blocks of Biodynamically-grown
Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
As many as 22 separate lots are harvested Merlot and Petit Verdot are harvested,
and fermented for selection in the final blend vinified and aged separately before final
for this Cabernet-based blend with Merlot, blending. Tribute is a pure expression of
Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Grapes are the unqiue terroir found on the Benziger’s
sourced from hillsides and benchlands in estate vineyard on Sonoma Mountain. It is
Sonoma and Alexander Valleys. The finished a remarkably explosive wine with a dense
blend is aged in a combination of American core of concentrated black fruit, herbal
and French oak for 15 months. Blackberry, nuances and chocolate aromas and flavors.
plum, and chocolate aromas and flavors are The very developed mid-palate with soft
supported by a firm tannic structure. Pair tannins gives the wine
with roasted meats, game, a sort of oval shape in the mouth.
pork chops. The complex finish is long and vibrant.
Pair with grilled sirloin steak, braised
meats or game.
 Domaine Carneros

Founded in 1987 by the Taittinger family, Domaine

Carneros handcrafts limited-production wines of
extraordinary quality. Having earned a reputation
as one of the world’s finest producers of méthode
champenoise sparkling wines, Domaine Carneros
Carneros released its first still Pinot Noir in the 1992 vintage.
Following decades of sustainable farming practices,
Carneros is situated at the southern convergence all of Domaine Carneros’ four estate vineyards
of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. It boasts a long, received organic certification by the California
cool growing season tempered by maritime Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) following a
breezes and persistent coastal fogs; temperatures successful review in December 2007. Domaine
average 10 to 15 degrees below those in the Carneros is the first and only sparkling winery in
upper Napa Valley. These climatic conditions the US to achieve this distinction.
allow the grapes to ripen slowly, developing
great flavor intensity and superb balance.
Carneros’ proximity to the ocean results in a
consistently fine climate and consistently high
quality vintages. Carneros is the first American
viticultural zone to be defined according to
microclimate rather than along political lines.
Located between the Mayacama Mountains and
the San Pablo Bay, the appellation is known for
growing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The cooler climate places Carneros’ temperatures
between those of Champagne and Burgundy.

SONOMA NAPA

CARNEROS AVA

Domaine
Carneros

PACIFIC SAN PABLO BAY

OCEAN
Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir
Vintage dated each year, this brut cuvée Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir is a wine
represents the best of Carneros Pinot Noir of nuance, depth and layers of bright red
and Chardonnay made into a classic sparkling fruits complemented by soft tannins. It is
wine. Its appellation is always 100% Carneros 100% Pinot Noir, comprised of seven clonal
and the wine is aged in bottle for a minimum selections from the four Domaine Carneros
of three years before release. It will continue estate vineyards, all Certified Organic. Gentle
to develop further depth and complexity handling from harvest through release
as it ages. Strands of persistent, pinpoint creates a wine with a remarkable, long, silky
bubbles and aromas of meadow flowers, pear finish. One year’s aging in small French oak
and citrus peel with hints of toast, vanilla barrels (35% new) adds subtle nuances to
and spice introduce an elegantly structured, show complex fruit characteristics. Intensely
rich, round and flavorful palate with the long fragrant and elegant with deep cherry red
creamy finish that is the hallmark of Domaine color and powerful, classic Carneros aromas
Carneros wines. Pair with double or triple of raspberry, black cherry, smoke and exotic
cream cheeses, oysters, shellfish, poultry, spice, this wine has the character and
Asian, and Californian cuisine. structure to improve with age. Pair with
beef, lamb, fowl, duck, game, pork,
Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé, grilled salmon and aged cheeses.
Cuvée de la Pompadour
Madame de la Pompadour was Louis XV’s Domaine Carneros Le Rêve
great paramour, famous for having said that Blanc de Blancs
“Champagne is the only wine that a woman Inspired by Champagne Taittinger’s Comtes
can drink and remain beautiful.” A blend de Champagne, this luxury tête-de-cuvée
of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the special reflects its Carneros terroir. Crafted from
fruitiness of the Rosé results from several five organically grown estate Chardonnay
days’ maceration of the Pinot Noir juice on its clones, this wine is made with the traditional
skins with a small amount of red Pinot Noir Champagne method and is bottle-aged a
wine added, if necessary, to adjust color. The tremendous 5-6 years “sur lie” before release.
wine’s aroma has hints of wild strawberries Shows aromas of white flowers, pear and
and roses with notes of peach. It is a wine lemon curd before full flavors of white fruits,
of great balance, with a superb affinity for crème brûlée, spice and toasted nuts, and a
food. Although it is pink in color, Brut Rosé is long, silky finish. Delicious with double
not sweet – it is a true sparkling Brut. Pair or triple cream cheeses, fish, shellfish
with lobster, salmon, roast duck, fruity and poultry.
desserts, summer afternoons on the deck
and any romantic occasion.
 Foley Estates
Vineyard & Winery

Santa Rita Hills It was William Foley’s dream to produce world

class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Santa Rita
The Santa Rita Hills region is Hills. In 1998, Foley painstakingly researched the
characterized by brisk daily ocean region utilizing topographical maps, soil research
breezes and blanketing maritime fog, and climatic data to identify the ideal, 460-acre
making it one of the world’s coolest property, formerly a thoroughbred horse ranch
growing regions, and allowing for ripe named Rancho Santa Rosa. Foley Estate’s 230
yet elegant character. Typically rain- acres of vineyards are today subdivided into
free in the fall, grapes benefit from 64 micro-blocks, each farmed, hand-harvested
extended hang time on the vine with and vinified separately. A variety of soil types,
one of the longest growing seasons rootstocks and clonal selections provide Leslie
in the world. The resulting grapes are Mead Renaud the Foley winemaking
physiologically mature and extremely team a broad palette of specific flavor profile
flavorful without becoming overripe. elements that are isolated and combined to
make distinctive wines.

Foley Estates Rancho

Santa Rosa Chardonnay,
Santa Rita Hills
This wine’s grapes come from 100
acres of cool, coastal Chardonnay
vineyards that are divided into 59
separate micro-blocks to utilize the
nuances of the contoured terrain
and sandy, well-drained soils. Each
block is vinified and aged separately.
This Chardonnay has pear, citrus,
melon and mineral aromas
with bright fruit on the palate,
underpinned by hints of toasty
oak and hazelnut. Clean acidity
enhances the long finish. Pair with
smoked salmon, grilled fish, pan
fried chicken and pork chops.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Foley Estates Rancho
Santa Rosa Pinot Noir,
Santa Rita Hills
Foley’s estate vineyard is planted to
SANTA MARIA 126 acres of Pinot Noir on steep, hillside
SANTA VALLEY AVA
MARIA sites on calcerous soils. The vineyard
is divided into 59 unique micro-blocks
101
SANTA YNEZ
and the vinification follows Burgundian
Santa Yn
ez Rive
r
VALLEY AVA methods (pigeage 3 times a day during
SANTA RITA fermentation, 20 months’ aging in new
HILLS AVA Foley Estates
and seasoned French oak). This Pinot
Noir has luscious blueberry, cassis,
Santa Ynez Mountains SANTA
BARBARA spiced red cherry aromas with vanilla
notes and ripe, crushed Bing cherry
Santa Barbara Channel flavors on the palate, with defined
PAC I F I C O C E A N acidity and velvety tannins. Pair with
pork tenderloin, roast or grilled
poultry, particularly duck.
 The Kobrand Portfolio

s
CALIFORNIA
Cakebread Cellars
Sequoia Grove
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
RED SPLASH by St. Francis
Benziger Family Winery
Domaine Carneros
Foley Estates Vineyard and Winery
FRANCE
Maison Louis Jadot
Château des Jacques
Domaine Ferret
Champagne Taittinger
Château d’Aquéria
Château Mont-Redon
Bouvet-Ladubay
Michel Redde et Fils
ITALY
Tenuta San Guido
Tenuta Sette Ponti
Tenute Silvio Nardi
Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari Tenute
Tenuta La Fuga
Tenute del Cabreo
Tenuta Campo al Mare
TorCalvano
Tenuta di Nozzole
Santa Martina
Spalletti
Michele Chiarlo
Tenuta di Salviano
Agricola Punica
Feudo Maccari Saia
Fernando Pighin
Bollini
Caposaldo
SPAIN
Bodegas RODA
Bodega Don Olegario
Poema
ARGENTINA
Alta Vista
Bodega Chacra
NEW ZEALAND
Craggy Range Winery
Wild Rock
Infamous Goose
PORTO
Taylor Fladgate
Fonseca
Croft
SPIRITS
Alizé Passion
Alizé Cognac
Appleton Estate Rum
Appleton Jamaica Rum
J. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Jamaica Rum
Coruba Jamaica Rums
Depaz Blue Cane Amber Rhum
Café Bohême Coffee Crème Liqueur
Delamain Grande Champagne Cognac
Larressingle Armagnac
Guyot, Dijon, Crème de Cassis

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Tel: 914.253.7700 Fax: 914.253.7904
www.kobrandwineandspirits.com
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