stillmanbrown wrote:Thanks, I figured you had a lot of options, just wanted to hear from y'all. I will check out the wow.w forum -

Here is the link the thread David mentioned: Shipping Discussion Thread

rancherocellars wrote:Thank you, and I have received a quite warm welcome as a new wooter. So Stillman may prove useful for something other than sneaking me in the back door at punk shows....
Low alcohol: I am just not someone who seeks out extreme ripeness. There are other, more interesting ways to coax the native flavors out of a grape. White wine especially should not be weighed down by excessive alcohol. And while I do admire the wines of the old world, and strive to achieve the elegance that they do, I believe all wines should have a sense of place, and in that sense, these are definitely new world wines. The Carignan (French spelling) is the most unapologetically Californian of all the wines, however.
The vines at Colombini are about 85 years old, which is fairly consistent with Carignane's popularity in the beginning of the 20th Century. The variety came to California via Sardinia...but that's a story for another time. I'm not familiar with Twisted Freak, but as a lover of Carignane I will now seek it out! Excited!
Lastly, while I understand monetary constraints, I really don't get the space issue. Perhaps you aren't drinking fast enough? : )
Big Questions For 6 AM!

We love asking big questions, and I was already through my first cup of coffee here at 9am on the Right Coast.

As far as drinking, two people can only drink so much wine and when we buy 2-3 cases every woot-off (which is monthly) it starts to pile up. Combine that with apartment living and you have yourself a problem. We need more space, and apparently more friends to share with.

I missed-typed above, and the winery is actually Twisted Oak, which can be found HERE. (I just peaked at the website and it looks like the current releases do not contain any Carignane, but I'm sure they can come up with some for a fellow trades-woman)

redwinefan wrote:Really nice mix of wines which definitely has peaked my interest. I'm not familiar with this winery though, so I'd like to learn more.

Amy rocks it. Talented winemaker not only for her own small brand, but consultant for other Paso wineries.

One last question. There is always a great debate on closures, I noticed that the Chrome and Viognier had screwcaps but the Carignan does not. Any particular reason for this?


Also, for the price mongers out there, these are $84 prior to shipping from the winery, so a $30 discount.

I had a run of bad whites (not from any vineyards selling here) and kind of swore them off for a while. Saxon Brown and Wellington have brought me out of my shell with some outstanding offerings so I'm in for one on this. Crossing my fingers for some delicious and unique wines.

So tempted right now. I usually get most things from the central coast as we are members of the Paso Wine Alliance and SLO Vintners. Love trying new wines but man, the closet has grown 100 bottles in the past 4 months living in SLO.

CellarTracker links for those of you who don't feel like searching:

2010 "Chrome" White Blend, La Vista Vineyard, Paso Robles
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1133644

2010 Viognier, La Vista Vineyard, Paso Robles
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1194892

2009 Carignan, Old Vines, Colombini Vineyard
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=926038

filemaniac wrote:CellarTracker links for those of you who don't feel like searching:

2010 "Chrome" White Blend, La Vista Vineyard, Paso Robles
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1133644

2010 Viognier, La Vista Vineyard, Paso Robles
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1194892

2009 Carignan, Old Vines, Colombini Vineyard
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=926038

I don't want to steal your glory, but CT links can always be found in Cesare's post to start the thread Here

North316 wrote:I don't want to steal your glory, but CT links can always be found in Cesare's post to start the thread Here

My bad, I'm still not awake today...

To hopefully make up for my lack of caffeine induced post from before (thanks for the catch @North316), here's a couple of links, mainly about the Carignan winning gold and the whites winning silver in the 2011 Sommelier Challenge:

http://www.sommelierchallenge.com/results_so.html

http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/wine/wine-talk/the-eclectic-blend-trend.html

Definitely sounds like a good buy. In for 2!

sonomawilliam wrote:Amy rocks it. Talented winemaker not only for her own small brand, but consultant for other Paso wineries.

Thanks, William!

I missed-typed above, and the winery is actually Twisted Oak, which can be found HERE. (I just peaked at the website and it looks like the current releases do not contain any Carignane, but I'm sure they can come up with some for a fellow trades-woman)[/quote]

Oh, Twisted OAK! Definitely met that guy. Will pursue the Carignane issue. Thanks!

[quote postid="4998071" user="North316"]One last question. There is always a great debate on closures, I noticed that the Chrome and Viognier had screwcaps but the Carignan does not. Any particular reason for this?



Forgive me for the delay - I thought no one was posting, because I didn't realize there was a page 2! Talk about caffeine shortage.

I like screwcaps. If I thought I could get away with it, I'd screw everything. I mean, um, screwcap. There is still always the issue of perceived value, however, and it's hard for a new brand to launch with a nontraditional closure. I used to screwcap the Carignan, but I spent more time talking about the closure than about the very interesting wine underneath. As a result of my ongoing experience with consumers, however, I have now decided to cork finish the 2011 Viognier. It's all about learning...

http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/wine/wine-talk/the-eclectic-blend-trend.html



wow, I didn't know about this Whitley press. No wonder he's so nice to me when I see him...

Crossing my fingers for some delicious and unique wines.[/quote]

Me too! LOL

You won't be disappointed.

winebratsf! I know you... *wink*

Winedavid39 wrote:hi Stillman.

There is some chatter about this topic over at world of wine.woot if interested.


i'll start by saying that the number one factor (regardless of season) when it comes to shipping wine.woot wines is product integrity.

By that we mean that the wine, when it does arrive, is received in very good condition and that it can be trusted.

It is important to convey that just because the added summer shipping price has not yet been introduced doesn't mean we aren't taking additional precautions in certain regions of the country. We are. Candidly, it means that we can still deliver wine in good working order within the baseline cost structure. and yes, this may be an obvious comment, but cost is the second most important factor as it can impact the wine.woot price.

After shipping wine in all myriad conditions these past (um 6 now..) years, we've really gotten pretty good at it. However, despite the skill set that we feel we've honed over the years, problems can and do happen. The truth with wine is that in most cases "cooked" or frozen wines display unmistakable evidence when exposed. In almost all cases, protruding corks or wine leakage will occur.

if you receive wine that shows signs of extreme exposure please please please contact service@woot.com for a replacement. We insist. Historically, our return/replacement reships are incredibly low relative to the industry. From what we've seen, the best by far.

in any event, this is a cool set of wines offerred now. and check out the early winery participation (and the Stillman guest appearance to boot)! Welcome !

Thanks for the very useful info. Makes me believe I can buy with confidence.

I guess I will ask more questions, since it appears that everyone has a case of the Mondays.

It looks like these are the only three wines you produce, and have only been at it for a short time now (have to start somewhere!). Do you have any other (different viarietals) wines that you intend on making in the future, or are you staying small and sticking to basically these wines?....and why?

Also, in a perfect world in which you had limitless resources and total access, what is the one wine you would most love to make? (varietal, style, etc)

North316 wrote:I guess I will ask more questions, since it appears that everyone has a case of the Mondays.

It looks like these are the only three wines you produce, and have only been at it for a short time now (have to start somewhere!). Do you have any other (different viarietals) wines that you intend on making in the future, or are you staying small and sticking to basically these wines?....and why?

Also, in a perfect world in which you had limitless resources and total access, what is the one wine you would most love to make? (varietal, style, etc)

Well, I always have a bunch of other projects going. One is Brouhaha (no website, but can be found on FB) which I make with my friend Anthony Yount, winemaker at Denner. I also do a lot of consulting, which keeps me busy...and paid. One of my clients is Red Soles Winery here in Paso. I'm having a lot of fun pushing the quality envelope on their estate fruit.
I'm working on creating my dream wine as we speak...it's a Blanc de Blancs from a very well known vineyard here in Paso. Look for it in about 18 months! Should be luscious and very Champagne-like.

neilfindswine wrote:Welcome Amy! Your participation is much appreciated.

I tasted these wines at last years Paso Robles Garagiste festival. Unique grapes, quality wines.. and once again stuff that can't be found anywhere else. A great 'destination' to add to one's 'wine travels'.

Thanks for the comments! Always nice to hear from people who have enjoyed the wines...

Amy,

You making the Blanc de Blanc yourself - or did you farm off the secondary fermentation up north?!?!? Curious to hear - certainly a labor of love, and my guess is that the westside fruit you are getting from a '100 pt vineyard' should be pretty fantastic (of course, I'm just guessing . . .)

Cheers!

tercerowines wrote:Amy,

You making the Blanc de Blanc yourself - or did you farm off the secondary fermentation up north?!?!? Curious to hear - certainly a labor of love, and my guess is that the westside fruit you are getting from a '100 pt vineyard' should be pretty fantastic (of course, I'm just guessing . . .)

Cheers!

Hi Larry!
I did the first batch on my own, just to see how it was, and i am SO NOT DOING THAT AGAIN. So yes, it'll be a hopland project. But I already go up there a lot to visit my Carignan, so no big deal. And yes, it's *that* vineyard.

rancherocellars wrote:Hi Larry!
I did the first batch on my own, just to see how it was, and i am SO NOT DOING THAT AGAIN. So yes, it'll be a hopland project. But I already go up there a lot to visit my Carignan, so no big deal. And yes, it's *that* vineyard.

I never made one, but worked with a few guys who did . . . what a true labor of love - or just pure insanity, depending upon how you look at it!!!!

Can't wait to try it - save me a bottle or three!!!

And anyone on the fence about this offering - jump off and push that button NOW!!!! VERY few domestic Carignane's available . . . . and WHO could resist a Grenache Blanc - dominated wine?!?!? One of my faves!!!

Cheers!

People who don't like screw tops aren't to be trusted.

I can't believe I bought more wine. Apparently, the issue before was space. Now that I have a new house and a basement (but less money) the beast has been unleashed. But who can resist wine made by punk rockers?

Neil tested, Stillman Brown recommended, Larry Shafer approved. Doesn't get much better than that. I'm taking my wife to a fancy dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings tonight and maybe after a beer or two I can convince her we can afford and have room for these after all.

And Amy, stick with the screwcaps, if you are well received around here you will have to increase your production just to keep up with the woot demand, and most of us are not cork-snobs.

Couldn't resist. In for one. Should be fun to try.

"Polishing the Carbodoser" doesn't seem to be in any of my enology textbooks, guess I'll have to look it up in the original French of M. Peynaud...

stillmanbrown wrote:"Polishing the Carbodoser" doesn't seem to be in any of my enology textbooks, guess I'll have to look it up in the original French of M. Peynaud...

This is funny, if anyone of you has ever seen a carbodoser in use. I'm looking on youtube to see if I can find a video. Otherwise, this is just silly winemaker in-joking.

Thanks for all the screwcap encouragement. I wish everyone was like you guys!

I'm a big Amy Jean fan. Love the Sampler. Can't wait to drink it all up and get some more!

stillmanbrown wrote:"Polishing the Carbodoser" doesn't seem to be in any of my enology textbooks, guess I'll have to look it up in the original French of M. Peynaud...

Hm... Judging by this comment, and the unrepeatable one you just texted me, I'd guess that you're at Schooner's enjoying the company of a fine blond barmistress. True or not true?

rancherocellars wrote:Hm... Judging by this comment, and the unrepeatable one you just texted me, I'd guess that you're at Schooner's enjoying the company of a fine blond barmistress. True or not true?

Im guessin he's at the Hangar....

Get this wine! even if one is not a fan of whites.... you will be after these tasty bottles!

Cheers

flipflopfrank wrote:Im guessin he's at the Hangar....

Get this wine! even if one is not a fan of whites.... you will be after these tasty bottles!

Cheers

Hey FFF! Thanks for joining in...

Sigh, I've been sneaking a peek at the forums at work all day on this one... finally caved. My husband is just going to roll his eyes when the box arrives. We're well-stocked and moving into a kitchen remodel to boot. But this offering was just too intriguing to pass up!

neilfindswine wrote

"Welcome Amy! Your participation is much appreciated.

I tasted these wines at last years Paso Robles Garagiste festival. Unique grapes, quality wines.. and once again stuff that can't be found anywhere else. A great 'destination' to add to one's 'wine travels'."

I report to winedavid39...

Thank you Amy. A great addition to my growing collection.
One question; Are you going to have a website soon for your "project"? I know you mentioned FB..

I've been watching this thread all day and have really enjoyed all the winemaker participation. In for half a case. Looking forward to sharing with my wine rep. Cheers!

kringel wrote:Sigh, I've been sneaking a peek at the forums at work all day on this one... finally caved. My husband is just going to roll his eyes when the box arrives. We're well-stocked and moving into a kitchen remodel to boot. But this offering was just too intriguing to pass up!

I knew you would, sooner or later. : )

artulo wrote:I've been watching this thread all day and have really enjoyed all the winemaker participation. In for half a case. Looking forward to sharing with my wine rep. Cheers!

Thanks! BTW your avatar is cute. *wink*

I kid you not, my Captcha is "Christ! Icyglos." I think I might start saying that.

baristaboss58 wrote:neilfindswine wrote

"Welcome Amy! Your participation is much appreciated.

I tasted these wines at last years Paso Robles Garagiste festival. Unique grapes, quality wines.. and once again stuff that can't be found anywhere else. A great 'destination' to add to one's 'wine travels'."

I report to winedavid39...

Thank you Amy. A great addition to my growing collection.
One question; Are you going to have a website soon for your "project"? I know you mentioned FB..

Yep, the Brouhaha project will have a website. It will be built at porchpounder.com.
The bubbly I mentioned will be a Ranchero Cellars project.