Our hearts go out to all of you who have been affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California over the past few weeks. We know that this has been a difficult time, and that many of your friends, families, and neighbors are suffering unimaginable losses. We stand with you in grief and concern, and wish you all the strength and support you need to get through this.
As we indicated in an email to you last week, should you be seeking refuge or a moment’s reprieve, we are offering the Villa to our members at a significantly discounted rate for the next few weeks.
While it is hard to look ahead in the midst of such heartbreak, we do have some hopeful news to share about our upcoming wine releases and our annual Eros Release Celebration, our most anticipated event of the year! We hope these plans can provide a small measure of light during this challenging time, and when you are ready, we will be here to welcome you with open arms.
Eros Release Celebration
As longtime members know, the February shipment is the most anticipated release of the year because it includes Eros, our coveted, flagship Bordeaux style blend named for the Greek god of love! And our Eros Release Celebration weekend is scheduled to coincide with Valentine’s Day every year.
Don’t miss the biggest event of the year: Join us from February 14th to 17th for a celebration of Love and Wine. The weekend’s activities include:
- Release of the new 2022 Eros
- Wine & Chocolate Pairings
- Valentine’s Day Dance/Pickup Party
- “Blend in Love”- Make Your Own Wine
- Live Music & Food Trucks
- Peppermint Pig Boutique
- 4 More New Wine Releases
- Club Member Order Pickup
Your Winter 2025 Shipment
All Founder’s Club members will receive the newly released 2022 Eros and two Estate reds: the newly released 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, and the 2021 Cabernet Franc, Estate, which was rated 93 points by Wine Enthusiast. Members that have chosen the Mixed option will also receive the new 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, which was harvested just four months ago.
Thank you again for your continued support. Read below for more details on all the wines in your upcoming release. Cheers!
Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
Retail: $45.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 100% Sauvignon Blanc Nolan Ranch Vineyard, Alisos Canyon |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.51 Acidity: 6.4 g/L Alcohol: 13.4% 3 months in stainless steel |
| Case Production | 95 |
| Tasting Notes | Delightful aromas of dried earl grey tea, grapefruit, green apple, and nectarine, complemented by notes of white peach and white peppercorn. Crisp and dry on the palate with character of honeycomb, lemon zest, golden raisins, and lemongrass, with lingering citrusy finish. |
| Winemaking Notes | Our 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve grape clones were sourced from Nolan Ranch Vineyard and harvested from our designated block #31 on September 10th, 2024. Our wine production team whole cluster pressed the juice into a stainless-steel tank and then inoculated the juice to ferment for 14 days. Our winemaker's yeasts of choice were BA11 and CY3079, which enhance the sensory depth of floral, tropical and stone fruit, enhance the viscosity of the wine, and adjust the minerality, texture, and crispness of our dry Sauvignon Blanc's characters of stone fruit (peach, nectarine), grapefruit, melon, green apple, kiwi berry, and floral essence. |
| Food Pairing | Warm Tuscan gnocchi w/fine chopped zucchini, garlic, ginger, basil, thyme, rosemary and spices simmered into the red wine reduction tomato sauce. |
| Cellaring | The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve can be enjoyed now and for the next 12-18 months. It is not a candidate for long term aging. |
Eros
Retail: $80.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 77% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc Sunstone Estate Vineyard |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.56 Acidity: 5.3 g/L Alcohol: 14% 26 months in 70% neutral/30% new French oak |
| Case Production | 752 |
| Tasting Notes | Bold aromas of dark berries, black tea, black pepper and espresso, dusted with hints of lavender and plum. Smooth tannins on the palate with blackberry, huckleberry, and black licorice character and rich chocolate undertones leading to a warm, lingering finish. |
| Winemaking Notes | The three grape varietals for our 2022 Eros were hand-harvested from the Sunstone Estate Vineyard throughout October 2022. Our team crushed the fruit, fermented & pressed each lot individually, and blended it later in the aging process. The wine was fermented using various yeasts, including D80 and BM45, along with nutrients to balance the layers and complexity. Secondary bacteria was then added before completing primary fermentation, allowing for a round mouthfeel and softer tannins. The 2022 Eros was blended in February 2024, then racked to 70% neutral, 30% new French oak barrels to age until being bottled to 752 cases in December 2024. |
| Food Pairing | Beef Wellington w/rich black truffle reduction sauce, including roasted garlic, cilantro, crème fraiche on mashed potatoes, and broccolini. |
| Cellaring | The 2022 Eros can be enjoyed for the next 8-15 years if stored in proper conditions. |
Cabernet Franc, Estate
Retail: $70.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 100% Cabernet Franc Sunstone Vineyard |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.52 Acidity: 5.5 g/L Alcohol: 13.8% 22 months in 46% new French oak |
| Case Production | 314 |
| Tasting Notes | This elegant Cabernet Franc reveals a captivating array of dark fruit flavors, including black currant, plum, and blackberry jam, accompanied by a subtle peppery spice and hints of sage. Layers of complexity unfold with notes of coffee beans, tobacco, and cocoa nibs. Delicate floral nuances of lavender and honeysuckle intertwine with the vibrant zest of raspberry and blood orange. A touch of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic element as the wine finishes with a refreshing hint of watermelon rind. |
| Winemaking Notes | Grapes for the Sunstone Estate Cabernet Franc were hand-harvested on October 19th from "block H" which is in the Southwest corner of the estate. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were crushed and left to cold soak for three days before being inoculated for fermentation. After the 14-day fermentation, the wine was gently pressed off its skins and racked to 46% new French oak where it was left to age for a total of 22 months before being bottled in June 2023. |
| Food Pairing | Wild Boar Bolognese over Orecchiette pasta, topped with grated Black Truffles, Pecorino, and Grana Cheese with minced cilantro. |
| Cellaring | With proper storage conditions this wine will continue to develop for another 5-7 years. |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
Retail: $70.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Sunstone Vineyard |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.65 Acidity: 5.7 g/L Alcohol: 11.3% 22 months in 40% new French oak |
| Tasting Notes | This wine offers a complex bouquet with prominent notes of rhubarb, blueberries, black currant, fennel seeds, cloves, cocoa, and crushed peppercorns. On the palate, it exhibits a rich mix of blackberries, blueberry, cocoa nibs, coffee, lavender, cloves, peppercorn, huckleberry, figs, black tea leaf, tobacco, and cedar, providing a layered and nuanced tasting experience. |
| Winemaking Notes | Grapes for the Sunstone Estate Cabernet Sauvignon were hand-harvested in late October from "block G" which is in the Southwest corner of the estate. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were crushed and inoculated for fermentation. After 6 days of fermentation the wine was gently pressed off its skins and racked to 40% new French oak where it was left to age for a total of 22 months before being bottled in August 2023. |
| Food Pairing | Ribeye with caramelized figs and blueberry balsamic. |
| Cellaring | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate can be enjoyed for the next 8-15 years if stored in proper conditions. |
