There are many wine drinkers who simply prefer the “boutique” character of low production wines. But to seek them out can be a challenge. Unless you’re on top of things right when they’re released, you may miss out.
One of the most practical ways around this is to pick a favorite winery and join their wine club. But you may end up receiving a steady stream, and paying for, some selections you really don’t appreciate. Sign up for too many and the cellar can fill faster than the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, with your cash going in the opposite direction!
But there are many wineries with good information services that keep you in touch via email, Facebook, or Twitter, sending prompt information about every new release. You then have a choice whether to buy or not at each opportunity. One such small winery with excellent communications is Salvestrin in St. Helena, California.
Salvestrin’s hallmark email campaign runs specials and releases all year, but especially in December. They call it “The 12 Days of Christmas”. Last December’s was great and it reminded us about one of their most interesting wines, Savestrin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Even now that the specials are well behind us, they are currently offering their 2009 St. Helena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
The ‘09 features a bouquet of plum, ripe blackberry, tobacco and just a trace of vanilla. This big bouquet is very characteristic of Napa Valley wines with a mix of scents found nowhere else. The mid-palate starts with a burst of dark fruit that just settles on the tongue like velvet. The tannin structure is there but softly balanced with the acidity, providing a finish with a long refined fade. Maybe other vintages will top this in some way, but right now it’s hard to imagine.
A visit to their winery is well worth it. Make a note to call in advance because their tasting room is not huge. However, they do provide excellent flight options with plenty of wines to pick from. The venue is just minutes away from more tasting opportunities, fantastic restaurants, and shopping in St. Helena.
It’s best to order their wines right from the website (shipping to AZ is okay). Due to their smaller size, few get out into distribution.
Note: If you can get your hands on some of their Sangiovese, you won’t be disappointed with what they have done to “amplify” the power of this varietal.
Article by Tom Peiffer, Phoenix Wine Shopping Examiner at Examiner.com
View more of Tom’s articles on Examiner.com by visiting his writer’s page.
