2012 Praxis Pinot Noir, Monterey County 750ml 2-Pack
Praxis is derived from the Greek word for practice as a doctor or lawyer would practice. In our Praxis wines, Bill Arbios, owner & winemaker can hone his craft of wine making. Since launching the label, we have also found that it is a moon of the Klingon home planet on Star Trek and a verb for domination in an on-line vampire game.
The vineyard for this 100% Pinot Noir is from the Southern end of the Sonoma Coast appellation - West of the town of Sonoma at the border of the Carneros appellation where the cool climatic conditions of San Pablo Bay influence growth and ripening.
The color is ruby red with garnet highlights. Raspberry, cherry and mushroomy earth notes fill the glass along with violet, vanilla and geranium floral scents. Flavors of cranberries, raspberries, red currants and plums are complemented by a hint of allspice. The wine is soft, balanced and alluring with bright acidity and rich velvety mouthfeel.
2010 Praxis Merlot, Alexander Valley Sonoma County 750ml 2-Pack
The grapes for this wine come from a vineyard on a rise in the heart of Alexander Valley – the same vineyard that garnered our 2004 Merlot the title of Best American Merlot Under $20 in Food & Wine Magazine (October, 2007).
Deep purple in color with red highlights dancing in the glass. Plum and blueberry aromas are accented by notes of cedar, allspice and sage. Black cherry, blueberry, plums and red cherry flavors are complemented by lingering vanilla, dried herb and spice. This juicy, plush wine has a long finish with medium tannins and toasty oak.
During a trip to the Italian Alps, Bill became fascinated by this varietal. We first tried Lagrein while on a hunt to see the remains of Utzi, the Alpine Ice Man and oldest natural mummy. (Susan was an archaeologist in her younger days). Pronounced Lah-GRAYHN or Lah-GRINE, this cool climate, high-elevation red varietal is a 500 year-old cross between Teroldego and Pinot Noir. The Praxis Central Coast vineyard has similar climatic properties and was the first American vineyard planted to the varietal. We believe we are currently the largest producer of American Lagrein!
The color of the wine is deep, saturated purple with red highlights. Aromas of Bing cherry, violets and dark roses evidencing the Pinot Noir heritage of the grape waft from the glass followed by hints of toasted hazelnut from the French oak. On the palate, flavors of pomegranate, blackberry and cherry are complemented by notes of dark chocolate and mocha on the finish. The wine is full in the mid-palate with a long finish and soft dusty tannins.
2012 Praxis Pinot Noir, Monterey County 750ml 2-Pack
2010 Praxis Merlot, Alexander Valley Sonoma County 750ml 2-Pack
2012 Praxis Lagrein, Central Coast 750ml 2-Pack
2012 Praxis Pinot Noir, Monterey County 750ml 2-Pack
2010 Praxis Merlot, Alexander Valley Sonoma County 750ml 2-Pack
2012 Praxis Lagrein, Central Coast 750ml 2-Pack
In 2000, Bill Arbios created Praxis Cellars to broaden the scope of the wines he produced. Arbios is our “serious” wine: 100% Cabernet, 14K gold label, etc. so Bill wanted to create a distinct label for our other wines. Praxis is derived from the Greek word for practice as a doctor or lawyer practices their craft. Praxis was also a pre-Arts and Crafts philosophy in Europe espousing the importance of striving for perfection while knowing that it will never be fully achieved. Since launching our second label, we have also found that it is a moon of the Klingon home planet in Star Trek and a verb for domination in an on-line vampire game.
In the Praxis wines, Bill can practice his craft with different wine varietals from various wine regions of California. Although Bill’s winemaking reputation was built upon his blended meritage wines at Lyeth, our Arbios and Praxis wines varietals are not blended at all. The wines are all 100% of their grape varietal and most are from a single vineyard, so Bill can play with the expression of the fruit in a number of ways such as the amount and type of oak he uses. The Praxis wines are priced about half that of the Arbios Cabernet in the hopes that you will enjoy them with every day dinners as well as special occasions. Bill meant these wines to be enjoyed with food – the supporting cast to enhance a meal – though I must say I love a glass of the Sauvignon Blanc before dinner.
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