Hopefully the winery/winemaker can jump in as this thread has gone amuck.

Hey All,

This is Tim Nuss of Elevensance. I'm sorry it took me so long to get on the boards I've been busy in the winery this morning. I would just like to thank everyone who has already bought the wine. You have now joined the Reggae Red Family. A community of musicians, singers, D.J's, wine makers and wine enthusiasts in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys."Link Up and Drink Up" with a bottle of Elevensance where ever you are. That's the motto.

The Reggae Red is my baby, and a little side project I started in 2008. My attempt was to make a Napa Valley wine that could be easily consumed everyday in a relaxed unassuming manner. It works great for parties and just kicking back with your shoes off after a long day of work. I pride myself on the amount of integrity in each bottle at such a humble price point. I source the fruit from some of the finest regions within the Napa Valley.

When I'm not crafting the Reggae Red I'm making wine for both of our Vinoce and Twenty Rows labels. We crafte our beautiful Vinoce wines from high atop Mt. Veeder's northern most vineyards, and Twenty Rows is crafted from carefully selected grapes through out the Napa Valley to produce wonderful wines at a wonderful value.
From the beginning to the end of the day Reggae will be heard in both our winery as well as when he are in the vineyards. It is the soundtrack to all of our wine making and viticulture practices. Elevensance, Vinoce and Twenty Rows are all produced at the only working winery in Napa and incredible facility that used to house a brewery in the 1970's.

Cheers,
Tim Nuss

www.elevensance.com
www.twentyrows.com
www.vinoce.com

redredwine67 wrote:Has anyone tried this vintage? or the 2007 ? Inquiring minds want to know.

WS rated the 2008 vintage 90-92 (excellent) for Napa Cabernet, but gave 2007 a 99 (classic), for what that's worth.
Edit: If you meant this particular wine, then I can't say.

luciferous wrote:And here I thought we were done with the snobbery in this thread.

How about we try and make some useful comments around here.
[/snobbery]

For example, Is it acceptable to wear my dreadlocks and baseball cap combo while drinking this cab. blend? Or will listening to Bob Marley in any way enhance the flavors of this wine? and for one more, Colin Powell is a famous four star general in the US Army who has Jamaican parents, would he be an acceptable celebrity spokesman for this brand?

edit:

lassow wrote:This seems to be the only wine listed on the website. One of two products offered including the t-shirt. Please tempt our wallets with some more information!

The 2008 Reggae Red is sourced from some of the best real estate in the entire Napa Valley. However, the wine is retailed at a price point many people outside the wine community would be hard pressed to find. Considering this wine is at 15% alcohol level it is still a very smooth wine on the pallet. (I'm not a fan of hot wines, and do not attempt to make them) The fruit set on the vines for a good amount of time driving up the sugar levels. With this wine I bring the fruits and the aromas to the surface with out any over inoculating or microoxygenating. In the winery I consider myself the guide and not the manipulator.

rjquillin wrote:$20/bottle 200/case from the winery. No shipping costs stated...
Does this also come with a T-shirt?

That price range does not include tax or shipping and can vary based on state and location.

Thanks Tim! I looking forward to receiving my bottles of Elevensance Cellars Napa Valley Reggae Red...

I have been waiting for another wine from Mr. Nuss. The Twenty Rows Grappler that I got about this time last year on wine.woot was great, and I am looking forward to trying Elevensance.

Thanks to the good folks at Woot for developing relationships with such great winemakers and bringing their work to those of us that can't get this stuff through other distribution channels.

bsevern wrote:Yo man, should these twist-off beauties be laid down, or are they ready to go?

It's interesting the cab is from the Howell Mountain AVA, outstanding juice typifies that AVA.

This wine is made for the here and the now from some amazing fruit. I design this wine with less oak and softer tannin structures so it is ready to go and be drank when released. You will see a positive evolution in the bottle over a year or 2, but remember the wine wasn't crafted for anything really past that.

jenkinsm02 wrote:I have been waiting for another wine from Mr. Nuss. The Twenty Rows Grappler that I got about this time last year on wine.woot was great, and I am looking forward to trying Elevensance.

Thanks to the good folks at Woot for developing relationships with such great winemakers and bringing their work to those of us that can't get this stuff through other distribution channels.

Thank you so much for your kind comment. You will not be disappointed by this beautiful bottle of Reggae Red. Also, check out the 2009 Twenty Rows Grappler it is a real rock star right now.

nathanbsmith wrote:Thanks Tim! I looking forward to receiving my bottles of Elevensance Cellars Napa Valley Reggae Red...

Thank you for joining the Reggae Red family. Link up and Drink up it's a global thing.
Cheers

dianefreda wrote:Beautiful bottle, the wine sounds nice and screw caps don't bother me a bit. In for 2.

Now I do wish the various wineries would add Maryland to their shipping lists-these people have waited a long time for this.

THANK YOU from southern Maryland!!!!!

cortot20 wrote:How about we try and make some useful comments around here.
[/snobbery]

For example, Is it acceptable to wear my dreadlocks and baseball cap combo while drinking this cab. blend? Or will listening to Bob Marley in any way enhance the flavors of this wine? and for one more, Colin Powell is a famous four star general in the US Army who has Jamaican parents, would he be an acceptable celebrity spokesman for this brand?

edit:

Dread Lock or no Dread Lock the wine rocks. To be honest with you I have nothing wrong with Colin but I don't see him as our celebrity spokesman anytime soon. There's a natural mystic blowing overtime you open a bottle of Elevensance so there is no better guide to your experience then Mr. Marley himself.
Cheers and thank you for lightening the mood on the blog.
We must remember wine is meant to bring people together and improve our journey. We can't overcomplicate a beautiful thing.

SmilingBoognish wrote:Does this pair better with Skunk, Northern Lights or White Widow?

It's definitely better for the more mellow mood associated with an indica. Reggae Red is Kushtastic

lassow wrote:Well the Twenty Rows affiliation offers a little more insight. Is this the leftovers from the barrels that didn't make the cut for another label?

Speaking of barrels, what is the cooperage?

By no means is this leftover wine from Twenty Rows. Elevensance is another project that I do under the same roof as Twenty Rows and Vinoce. I source the grapes from close friends of mine to ensure a great price point on the final project. For the Reggae Red I use French Oak. I used 6 Gamba barrels and 2 Boutes barrels that I had already used once with the Vinoce wines. The reason for using second generation barrels is is to allow for less oak integration and craft a wine that is more presentable at a younger age.

n44nc wrote:Lost me with the screw tops....yeah, I'm a snob.

I don't use screw tops with any other of our wines i.e Vinoce and Twenty Rows. However, the reason for using them here is to make sure this wine is seen as and everyday fun drinking wine. With the Reggae Red it's all about accessibility. Not that a wine opener is a hassle but they are easily forgotten at times and you know the drill. With the Reggae Red there is no such worry. A top can be twisted off at the beach, as easily at a restaurant and even easier in the cellar. (Where many reggae red screw tops have been twisted) Also, I was not fearing the process of bottle aging as much with this project because this wine is completely crafted for enjoyment in the here and the now. "Link up and Drink Up"

reggaered11 wrote:It's definitely better for the more mellow mood associated with an indica. Reggae Red is Kushtastic

I'm in! I plan to open the first bottle on a warm summer evening and look back affectionately at some photos I took at Reggae on the River circa 1991.

One Love

richardhod wrote:Very unusual label. Jamaican flag colours on the 11 for the reggae. Due to that I misread the label as "elevensauce", though in that case I'd expect it to be full of chili peppers and tomatoes. Perfect for Jamaica!

So why mix the metaphors with heraldic Judaic lions? Why not go for some good Rastafarian music an ting...

If you read the homepage at elevensance.com you will get a full understanding of the meaning of the name and the label.

Cheers

I like how you use a Biblical symbol for your alcohol product...

reggaered11 wrote:The 2008 Reggae Red is sourced from some of the best real estate in the entire Napa Valley. However, the wine is retailed at a price point many people outside the wine community would be hard pressed to find. Considering this wine is at 15% alcohol level it is still a very smooth wine on the pallet. (I'm not a fan of hot wines, and do not attempt to make them) The fruit set on the vines for a good amount of time driving up the sugar levels. With this wine I bring the fruits and the aromas to the surface with out any over inoculating or microoxygenating. In the winery I consider myself the guide and not the manipulator.

So, given the price of Cabernet (>$4700/ton average in 2008) the best real estate in the entire Napa Vally, how do you get the fruit at a price where the pricing on this wine is possible? I'm guessing you bought some relatively young production from the replanting of major vineyards -- which the letting it ripen a bit longer would tend to support -- or you found someone whose contracted buyer backed out for some reason and you were in the right place at the right time. Curious, we are....

lassow wrote:Is there a way to deduce residual sugar from the existing stats of 15% abv and 25.0% average sugar at harvest? Do we need to take into account significant figures?

Yes there are, but I"m not a big fan of using them I prefer to let the whole process of creating "glorified grape juice that makes us happy" in it's natural way as much as a I possibly can.

The time is here for The Elevensance: a Redvolution that cannot be stopped, only shared and enjoyed by loved ones and strangers alike. The name Elevensance comes from the creator/winemaker Tim's birthday which falls on 11/11 at 11 o’clock. From there, the number 11 was blended with the word renaissance. The renaissance period was a transition from medieval times into the modern ages and was a time of great activity and spirit; as well as a revival of all the arts in Europe. The name is a play on both words and is pronounced Eleven-sance. The Lion of Judah is shown on the bottle to symbolize strength, integrity and faith. The renaissance was a time of rebirth and revival and in this state and times we find ourselves in need of an Elevensance; a new transition into better ways and better days. I understand the real revolution does not come from a bottle of wine, but I can only hope the wine is used to celebrate a success in a positive direction, to celebrate life or used as a vehicle to temporary salvation. Remember where there is no wine there is no love.

I was tempted, but the gimmick angle is a bit too much. Sure, if you have some glassy-eyed Yountville 20-some-year olds, the "life is a breeze, smoke up", slant may work, but it isn't doing much for tempting me.

Your use of old oak, screw tops, has not even, at once, evoked a "I am making the best wine for the price" response. Which, would be admirable, respectable, and genuine. Carpe Diem, dude! Why would you make wine that lasts beyond a year, we are all, like, dust in the wind! Doesn't help. I would have been in for a few if it were something like "My family has developed really good partnerships over the years, and they have decided to help me launch my label, and I have tried for the absolute best quality-to-price that I could manage given my economies of scale, family connections, and knowledge gained through my life."

But, then again, all is groovy, so why harsh the mellow. (Seriously, sorry for the snark, but some honest answers of why this wine is at this price point and good besides "it is, man" would be so very appreciated.)

keithnowak7 wrote:Why would you make wine that lasts beyond a year, we are all, like, dust in the wind! Doesn't help.

It is the rare exception that a bottle of wine lasts over a year in most people's homes...

keithnowak7 wrote:I was tempted, but the gimmick angle is a bit too much. Sure, if you have some glassy-eyed Yountville 20-some-year olds, the "life is a breeze, smoke up", slant may work, but it isn't doing much for tempting me.

Your use of old oak, screw tops, has not even, at once, evoked a "I am making the best wine for the price" response. Which, would be admirable, respectable, and genuine. Carpe Diem, dude! Why would you make wine that lasts beyond a year, we are all, like, dust in the wind! Doesn't help. I would have been in for a few if it were something like "My family has developed really good partnerships over the years, and they have decided to help me launch my label, and I have tried for the absolute best quality-to-price that I could manage given my economies of scale, family connections, and knowledge gained through my life."

Never once my friend did I say life is a breeze and smoke up. I make wines built for the test of time and I take a great amount of pride in them with our Vinoce label, so for this project I started while a young man I wanted to create a wine that was fruit forward and very understandable. That's where the drink and enjoy now concept comes from. I'm trying to turn a new generation on to wine as well as keep it fun for people who have been in wine for years. I work very hard in this industry. I've been working along side my dad and being pushed by him since a young age, and have been working at wineries like Robert Craig and Ellhers Estate since I was 15 years old. I've been pulling hoses and pruning vines long before you've been blogging. I've been blessed to work with some great wine makers, been blessed to have some great connections and started this as a small scale project while attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo for wine and viticulture. As for reggae it's about much more then just smoking and being easy. There is a lot to be learned from it and it's message; much of it based on hard work and faith. Before you attempt to attack someones philosophy or integrity just beg the question and you'll get answers.

SmilingBoognish wrote:It is the rare exception that a bottle of wine lasts over a year in most people's homes...

And this will keep me from drinking some of the wine I am trying to age a bit.(Didn't I meet you in Brighton,MI?)

Not a raggae purist,think I will drink this with some Sublime.

Dread Zep is for Stillman.

rncembal wrote:In Rastafari, "The Lion of Judah" represents Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, crowned November 2, 1930 with the titles King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Ah, fantastic! thanks.. Who'd have thought?

It's the craziest religious / cultural movement I've ever seen, but it's still one of the most benign and fun ones I've ever seen. Ganja being necessary part of it...

so, drink this while stoned

crabbyman22 wrote:And this will keep me from drinking some of the wine I am trying to age a bit.(Didn't I meet you in Brighton,MI?)

Nope - never been there, but I agree with your point that relatively inexpensive wine makes it easier to age the stuff we know we want to age. For me, that is the fun of woot. I rarely buy wine that is more than $20/bottle here unless I know the winery or winemaker. But there is a plethora of "table wine" priced offerings here that is educational and interesting.

rpm wrote:So, given the price of Cabernet (>$4700/ton average in 2008) the best real estate in the entire Napa Vally, how do you get the fruit at a price where the pricing on this wine is possible? I'm guessing you bought some relatively young production from the replanting of major vineyards -- which the letting it ripen a bit longer would tend to support -- or you found someone whose contracted buyer backed out for some reason and you were in the right place at the right time. Curious, we are....

Any chance getting an answer to this question? Wines from vineyards such as Howell Mountain are typically very expensive. We wooters do love to hear about these kind of things.

After that response I am in for one. Love your philosphy! Respect your work ethic! Can't wait to twist that top and enjoy a glass of your vino! Hats off to you!!



was tempted, but the gimmick angle is a bit too much. Sure, if you have some glassy-eyed Yountville 20-some-year olds, the "life is a breeze, smoke up", slant may work, but it isn't doing much for tempting me.

Your use of old oak, screw tops, has not even, at once, evoked a "I am making the best wine for the price" response. Which, would be admirable, respectable, and genuine. Carpe Diem, dude! Why would you make wine that lasts beyond a year, we are all, like, dust in the wind! Doesn't help. I would have been in for a few if it were something like "My family has developed really good partnerships over the years, and they have decided to help me launch my label, and I have tried for the absolute best quality-to-price that I could manage given my economies of scale, family connections, and knowledge gained through my life."

Never once my friend did I say life is a breeze and smoke up. I make wines built for the test of time and I take a great amount of pride in them with our Vinoce label, so for this project I started while a young man I wanted to create a wine that was fruit forward and very understandable. That's where the drink and enjoy now concept comes from. I'm trying to turn a new generation on to wine as well as keep it fun for people who have been in wine for years. I work very hard in this industry. I've been working along side my dad and being pushed by him since a young age, and have been working at wineries like Robert Craig and Ellhers Estate since I was 15 years old. I've been pulling hoses and pruning vines long before you've been blogging. I've been blessed to work with some great wine makers, been blessed to have some great connections and started this as a small scale project while attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo for wine and viticulture. As for reggae it's about much more then just smoking and being easy. There is a lot to be learned from it and it's message; much of it based on hard work and faith. Before you attempt to attack someones philosophy or integrity just beg the question and you'll get answers.

scott0210 wrote:Any chance getting an answer to this question? Wines from vineyards such as Howell Mountain are typically very expensive. We wooters do love to hear about these kind of things.

So, given the price of Cabernet (>$4700/ton average in 2008) the best real estate in the entire Napa Vally, how do you get the fruit at a price where the pricing on this wine is possible? I'm guessing you bought some relatively young production from the replanting of major vineyards -- which the letting it ripen a bit longer would tend to support -- or you found someone whose contracted buyer backed out for some reason and you were in the right place at the right time. Curious, we are....

I have developed some great relationships on Howell Mountain over the years, and by doing so I have saved myself some definite costs. By getting the grapes at a such a great price I'm contractually obligated not to disclose the exact location I purchased the grapes from since my price and their price are very different. I can tell you the vines are 12 years old and they are located on the Summit Lake region of Howell Mountain.

rpm wrote:So, given the price of Cabernet (>$4700/ton average in 2008) the best real estate in the entire Napa Vally, how do you get the fruit at a price where the pricing on this wine is possible? I'm guessing you bought some relatively young production from the replanting of major vineyards -- which the letting it ripen a bit longer would tend to support -- or you found someone whose contracted buyer backed out for some reason and you were in the right place at the right time. Curious, we are....

yep, I'm with RPM....haven't jumped in yet but I have become a regular here and my business could be valuable.....inquiring minds would like an answer to RPM's question ;)

richardhod wrote:so, drink this while stoned

Or just fast forward to 38 seconds and the stop after the dj starts yammering. Quality stuff that doesn't cause any trouble with the man, memory loss or munchies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJs1wR8tLr4

I haven't bought any recently, with summer and the fully stocked cellar, but... I will take a flyer on this one.

Could turn out to be wonderful, and at this price point, even average cab is good QPR.

Thanks for convincing me Reggaered!

great insight and information from the wine maker. THANKS! was in for a case yesterday, but now am debating gifting another one to my parents. this sounds like the kind of wine that is right up our alley.

side note to all the snobs, please rate all of the black tie buys you have made in order of your preference. tia.

wurtis16 wrote:If you knew anything about wine, you wouldn't be snobby about closures.

It's called personal preference. Wine from a box can probably be just fine as well, but there is something lost in the whole experience. Some people like water from the tap, others like it from a bottle or a Brita, some people like red cars, others like silver, I could go on, but it's all about personal preference. Thanks for your tact and judgement though. BTW, I realize that screw tops are becoming more common place.

Hi all,
I JUST recieved this today in Minneapolis with an outside temperature of 96 degrees. I measured the temperature of the bottles' external - it was 88 degrees just after I opened the box.

Question, will this wine survive long enough to drink all 8 bottles?

Anyone else with this experience?

I am still waiting for my shipment (to Tennessee)...

Still waiting in NC as well - in fact don't even have a tracking number yet