Dec 30, 2022
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WindVane
| Owner(s) | Freixenet USA |
| Web site | www.windvanewines.com |
| Link to this site |
Freixenet USA, the owners of Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, announced the release of the first wine from its new luxury wine brand, WindVane, in October, 2016, as an homage to the wind that lends to the unique character of the wines of western Carneros.
The 2014 WindVane Carneros Reserve Pinot Noir ($80) is the first release, a blend of Pinot Noir grapes from some of the windiest and most devigorated vineyard blocks located throughout the 335-acre estate vineyards of Gloria Ferrer in the Carneros AVA. Only 100 cases have been produced under the direction of Steven Urberg, who leads the winemaking for Gloria Ferrer. This wine will be available in select accounts in California and New York.
In 2017, approximately 3,000 cases of WindVane Estate Grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will be released nationally.
Articles About WindVane
Reviewed Wines
2016 Windvane Carneros Chardonnay
14.5% alc.,
pH 3.25, TA 0.67, 2,700 cases, $40. Clones include
96, 4, 5, and 108. Whole cluster pressed and
transferred to stainless steel tanks for cold settling.
The racked juice was inoculated and transferred to
French oak barrels, 25% new, for 9 months of aging.
About 21% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. Lees
stirring was done during monthly toppings.
·
Moderate golden
yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of lemon
oil, pineapple, buttery brioche and toast. Rich in the mouth with
layers of pineapple, pear, white peach and lemon goodness. Moderately viscous on the palate. The
underlying bright acidity is well-integrated as is the thread of enhancing oak. A quintessential
California, sun-kissed style of Chardonnay.
Score: 93.
Reviewed January 17, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Windvane Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5%alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.54, 1,964 cases, $45. Sourced from
Windvane’s 335 acres of certified sustainable estate vineyards in Carneros.Winemaker is Steven
Urberg. Clones are Pommard, Wente, Colmar, and Mt Eden. 100% de-stemmed, lightly crushed and
cold soaked for 2 days. Free run juice only was transferred to French oak barrels, 46% new, for aging
for 9 months.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. There is significant oak-related smoke, toast and
tobacco aromas obscuring the black cherry fruit. Discretely concentrated in a mid weight style, with
flavors of black cherry, cola and toast with an earthy bent. Spirited and silky with modest tannins and
a cherry-filled finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed January 17, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Windvane Carneros Chardonnay
14.5% alc., pH 3.25, TA 0.67, 2,700 cases, $40. Clones include 96, 4, 5, and 108. Whole cluster pressed and transferred to stainless steel tanks for cold settling. The racked juice was inoculated and transferred to French oak barrels, 25% new, for 9 months of aging. About 21% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. Lees stirring was done during monthly toppings. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of lemon oil, pineapple, buttery brioche and toast. Rich in the mouth with layers of pineapple, pear, white peach and lemon goodness. Moderately viscous on the palate. The underlying bright acidity is well-integrated as is the thread of enhancing oak. A quintessential California, sun-kissed style of Chardonnay. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Windvane Carneros Pinot Noir
14.5%alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.54, 1,964 cases, $45. Sourced from Windvane’s 335 acres of certified sustainable estate vineyards in Carneros.Winemaker is Steven Urberg. Clones are Pommard, Wente, Colmar, and Mt Eden. 100% de-stemmed, lightly crushed and cold soaked for 2 days. Free run juice only was transferred to French oak barrels, 46% new, for aging for 9 months. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. There is significant oak-related smoke, toast and tobacco aromas obscuring the black cherry fruit. Discretely concentrated in a mid weight style, with flavors of black cherry, cola and toast with an earthy bent. Spirited and silky with modest tannins and a cherry-filled finish. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »