In this episode of IntoWineTV, host Lisa Kolenda and wine experts Bartholomew Broadbent and Loren Sonkin convene among the vines at Crushpad in Napa Valley to taste and discuss the cult wine brands of Crushpad.
Theme: Cult Wines of Crushpad
Wine: 2008 Ellman Family Vineyards "Alexis Skye" Pinot Noir, $49 Buy this wine
Vineyard: Gap’s Crown Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA
Region: Sonoma Coast
Alcohol %: 14.5%
Varietals: Pinot Noir
Background:
Neil and Lance Ellman, Founders:
We have always possessed plenty of passion and drive — it’s what has made us successful entrepreneurs. After growing their family-owned sleep products business into one of the largest independent manufacturers in the United States, we decided to launch a different sort of venture — Ellman Family Vineyards.
The stretch isn’t as far as you’d think. We spent our formative years traveling the world, sampling fine food and wine along the way. While living in California in the early 1990’s, Neil began touring the Napa Valley and quickly became enamored by the boutique wine scene. Lance quickly followed suit.
Over the years, we developed a feel for the craft and the business. The tours of exclusive Napa vineyards, numerous wine courses and seminars, and meetings with winemakers and friends in the business sealed the deal: We were ready to join the world of winemaking.
Winemaker – Chris Nelson
Chris was fortunate to find winemaking through a circuitous route. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Vanderbilt University, he relocated to the West Coast. It was there he realized his love for chemistry was perfectly suited to winemaking. He enrolled at Fresno State, completed a Master’s degree in Enology, and never looked back. Chris honed his winemaking skills while training with outstanding winemakers from Lynmar Winery in Russian River; Dry River Winery in Martinborough, New Zealand; and Araujo Wines in Calistoga. Chris heads up the Pinot noir program at Ellman Family Vineyards and continues to cultivate the excellence of this fantastic grape.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Still in barrel. Clone 115 has lots of chocolate, bright red fruit, raspberries, and integrated oak flavors. Clone 667 has flavors of dark blackberries and a dark dense color. Together with the 777, we have a dynamic Pinot noir, with a whole range of fruit flavors, some perfumy flowers, and well integrated oak. Should continue to integrate with its remaining time in barrel.
Experts:
Bartholomew Broadbent, CEO of Broadbent Selections. Bartholomew was named as one of the "fifty most influential people in the wine world" by Decanter Magazine. He is also widely considered to be one of the world's foremost authorities on Port and Madeira. Learn more about Bartholomew Broadbent.
Loren Sonkin is an IntoWine.com Featured Contributor and the Founder/Winemaker at Sonkin Cellars.
What is Crushpad?
Crushpad is a facility that enables anyone with a serious interest in wine to participate in the magic of winemaking. With their team of wine industry veterans, modern winemaking technology, and access to some of the best grapes and vineyards around, Crushpad empowers their clients to make the type and style of wine they desire. Crushpad clients are as involved or uninvolved as they wish. Some take a "hands on" approach to every step of the process while others let the Crushpad professionals take care of the time consuming parts. In short, Crushpad is a pathway into the art, science, and business of winemaking for passionate wine lovers who don't own a vineyard or winery. Interested in learning more? Stop by the Crushpad tasting room in Napa Valley or visit Crushpad.com.
