Tag: new release

17th annual St. Martin’s Sonoita AVA New Release Festival

One of the most anticipated times of year in the wine world is the annual release of new wines. After harvesting the grapes, fermenting the juice to wine and aging the wine,  drinkers get to see what each winery has been able to achieve for any give vintage.  It’s like giving birth to a new child and is worthy of a celebration and Saturday November 11th will be the 17th Annual St. Martin’s Sonoita AVA New Release Festival.

The festival will be host by Sonoita Vineyards and will also celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Sonoita AVA.

St. Martin’s Sonoita AVA Festival wineries

15 wineries from the Sonoita AVA(American Viticulture Area) in southern Arizona will gather and pour their latest creation for festival goers. A few of the wineries pouring include Callaghan Vineyards, Dos Cabezas, Village of Elgin Winery, AZ Hops & Vines and more.

The festival kicks off bright and early at 10 a.m. and concludes after the sun goes down at 5 p.m. with the blessing of the new vintage at noon.

Things to do

In addition to tasting wine Sonoita Vineyards will offer barrel tastings of yet to be released wines, discussions with wine makers, winery tours and a free souvenir to the first 100 guests.

Vendors will be on hand for guest to purchase gifts and souvenirs, activities for children will be available and food can be purchased from Luke’s Pizza and The Steak Out.

Tickets for the festival are $35 and include 15 tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. Tickets can purchased in advance at http://www.sonoitavineyards.com/

Sonoita Vineyards is at 290 Elgin -Canelo Rd. in Elgin.

 

 

Lawrence Dunham Vineyards releases 2 new wines

Winemaker Curt Dunham of Arizona’s Lawrence Dunham Vineyards is proud to release 2 new wines as of late, 2013 Syrah and the premier vintage of the wineries 1st dessert wine, 2012 The Epilogue.
2013_SyrahWshad170x210
The 2013 Syrah is made from all estate grown grapes that are grown at 5,000 feet above sea level down in Cochise County. It’s a blend of 88% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah & 6% Grenache. After fermentation the wine is aged for 30 months in American oak with the Syrah aged in mostly new oak and the Petite Sirah and Grenache aged in neutral oak. This wine will continue to evolve but currently shows great intensity. According to Kurt “This full-bodied wine is filled with aromas of coffee and berries that lead into multiple layers of dark fruit on the palette. It has a decadent, soft mouth feel that is luscious and sensual. Enjoy with grilled meat.”
With only 170 cases produced this wine won’t be around for long. $32 from the winery.
LDV 2012_Epilogue_wShad170x210
The 2nd release is the 1st dessert wine produced from LDV, The Epilogue made from 100% Petite Sirah. This sweet but not syrupy wine is a lesson in patience as Kurt waited 40 months to let 50% of the wine age in new American oak and the the other 50% age in neutral oak. As you can imagine he and his team are very excited to finally release it. Kurt’s take on his 1st dessert wine is that “The Epilogue exudes tobacco, toast, and berries in the nose that leads to a powerful rush of dark fruit on the palette. This fruit explosion is followed by a long, sweet, and savory caramel and spice note finish. Enjoy with chocolate, blueberries and cream, bleu cheese, or your favorite cigar.” Bottled in 375 ml bottles they’ve only produced 100 cases of this wine and sells for $24.
www.ldvwinery.com
 Photos courtesy of Lawrence Dunham Vienyards