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: Sunset Ridge Vineyards Petite Syrah 2007, $38 Buy this wine
Vineyard: Sunset Ridge Vineyards
Region: Paso Robles
Alcohol %: 14.3%
Background: Our Story - Our family dream started simply enough - a desire to grow wine grapes and embrace a more agrarian lifestyle for our kids and ourselves. On a flight from Orange County to San Francisco, my husband showed me a magazine article of an everyday family who planted their own vineyard and started a winery. Once this seed was planted in my mind I was always looking for an opportunity to pursue this dream of living and working the land. My brother agreed to be our partner and we left the hectic pace of the Bay Area and Orange County in search of property where we could work the land. The Paso Robles area proved to be a fantastic match for everyone involved and perfect for pursuing our dream of wine growing on California’s Central Coast. Everything on this property has our fingerprints on it, literally. We like putting our personal touch and hard work into everything we do including the vineyards and wine.
Read the IntoWine interview with Sunset Ridge Vineyards' Linda Stinson
Winemaking/Vineyard - Our winemaking starts in the vineyard where we grow our wine grapes with careful attention to detail. At harvest time we field sort as we pick the fruit. One or two family members can be found on the bins during harvest hand checking each cluster and throwing out fruit that does not meet our strict standards.
We then barrel-age our wine for approximately 22 months before it takes the last leg of its journey from barrel to bottle. With a small operation, we are able to maintain a focus on quality and are committed to producing premium wine grapes. We currently farm five acres of our 40-acre property. Petite Syrah is perfectly suited to the warm days and cool nights of Paso Robles. We believe strongly in sustainable agricultural practices and hand harvest and hand prune all our grapes. A permanent native cover crop plays host to beneficial insects. We are members of the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area.
Tasting Notes - This 2007 Petite Syrah reveals deep ruby-purple hues, a touch of blackberry and black cherry aromas, with hints of violet and spice. You'll find it well balanced with a firm structure. Enjoy the lingering finish and hint of smoky oak as you pour a glass, relax, and savor the sunset.
Where to buy - Our wines are available online at Sunsetridgevineyards.com. In the bay area you can find our wines at Cin Cin Wine Bar in Los Gatos and at Dreagers in Los Altos Hills.
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.
