It’s unfortunate and irrelevant that our word processing program autocorrects this deal to “Urea Vineyards.”
Ursa Vineyards is actually owned and operated by a 600-pound Grizzly Bear named Derek Hampton. We caught up with Derek over a bit of salmon carcass to discuss his process.
WW: Derek, you’re offering a Tannat, 2 different PSes, and Syrah-Sirah today. Which is your favorite amongst the four?
DH: GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
WW: I see. What do you feel is the greatest challenge working with varietals grown in warmer climates?
DH: RRRRRRAWRRRR GRRR.
WW: All of the time?
DH: RAWR.
WW: So we were looking at your website and happened to look at your “About Us” page -
DH: GRR?
WW: It says here Ursa Vineyards is owned by a couple named Greg Stokes and Deborah Elissagaray. And based on the picture, they are not actually bears. Can you explain this?
DH: RRR - Grr. RRRAWR!!!
WW: Wha - where are you going?? WHO ARE YOU?? STOP HIM! SECURITY!!!
2008 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills, Thor Vineyard 750ml
Blackberries, violets, white pepper and anise combine in the nose to create that enigmatic Sierra Foothills petite perfume.
The mouth displays dark berry and blood orange fruit framed by solid tannins with accents of black tea and sage. The grower tells us the vineyard was named for his dog, Thor, who saved the acreage from certain destruction, though the details are vague.
2010 Syrah-Sirah Sierra Foothills Vineyards 750ml
Blue and blackberry fills the nose with subtle notes of toasted oak and Italian herb. A full-bodied palate with ripe berry and dried cranberry. Subtle oak rounds out the finish.
2008 Tannat, Alta Mesa, Silvaspoons Vineyard 750ml
Ripe plum, worcheshire & a hint of porkskin in the nose. Ripe fruit nose turns to bright fruit flavors. Not as tannic as previous vintages but still firm.
Tannat offers the highest amount of antioxidants of all the vinifera, so drink up!
2007 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills Naggiar Vineyards 750ml
In the nose we find blackberry/cherry fruit with a touch of anise in the background. Lots of cherries in the mouth. The palate is tannic without losing elegance, which is typical of this vineyard.
Winery Retail Price: $80.00
Average Shipping: $20.00
Woot Shipping: (-$5.00)
Total MSRP: $95.00
2008 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills, Thor Vineyard 750ml
2010 Syrah-Sirah Sierra Foothills Vineyards 750ml
2008 Tannat, Alta Mesa, Silvaspoons Vineyard 750ml
2007 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills Naggiar Vineyards 750ml
Winery Retail Price: $80.00
Average Shipping: $20.00
Woot Shipping: (-$5.00)
Total MSRP: $95.00
2008 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills, Thor Vineyard 750ml
2010 Syrah-Sirah Sierra Foothills Vineyards 750ml
2008 Tannat, Alta Mesa, Silvaspoons Vineyard 750ml
2007 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills Naggiar Vineyards 750ml
Ursa Vineyards is a collaborative effort between our husband and wife team - Greg Stokes and Deborah Elissagaray. Greg has 25 years experience with vineyards and wine making, Deborah 18 years in wine making. Both of us were part of the wine making team at David Bruce for years, while Greg also headed up grower relations.
Our small foothill winery produces no more than 2500 cases annually, allowing exceptional attention to be paid in both the vineyard and the cellar. All of our fruit is fermented in small fermenters and worked by hand. A minimal amount of handling ensures the preservation of the fruit character of the varietal being made. Our focus is petite sirah from various vineyards in California, but we also produce merlot, syrah and a unique varietal from the Pyrenees, tannat.
| 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|