Magnum Special - 2004 Pinot Noir, Careaga $ 85.00We bottled a mere five barrels of this exceptionally smooth wine in 2004 for our Vintage Wine Club members only. Following fermentation in small, open topped fermenters the wine was transferred to French oak barrels together with all its lees where it was aged for 11 months. This infuses the bright, black cherry flavors and aromas with a sense of terroir and a very silky, creamy texture that is exceptional. Enjoy this exquisite Pinot Noir with salmon, lamb or duck entrees over the next 2-4 years.
Magnum Special - 2001 Syrah, Santa Barbara County$ 95.00
A nearly ideal vintage, 2001 had low rainfall and a long, warm, dry growing season capped off by gorgeous, Indian summer days extending into November. The grapes for this wine are comprised of three distinct clones; one Austrailian, one an older and the other a newer French clone. We also included five percent each of Grenache Noir and Viognier for an added element of red fruit to match the black stonefruit of the Syrah together with a hint of exotic, Viognier perfume.
Magnum Special - 2001 Shiraz $ 85.00This wine is big and sturdy with dark color, black stone fruits ripely presented, rich earthiness and a round, barrel aged palate awaiting your match of grilled lamb, a juicy barbequed steak or a slow cooked, meat-falling-off-the-bones Saltimboca lamb shank. If you love big, full throttle red wines this is the one for you.
Magnum Special - 2001 Merlot, Santa Ynez Valley $ 85.00Our 2001 Merlot enjoyed a long, warm and dry growing season that permitted us to harvest the grapes at ideal ripeness and in excellent condition. A long fermentation gently extracted marvelous color and richness. This is a supple, luxurious Merlot with deep black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors. It was aged for two full years in French and American oak barrels for uncommon smoothness and complexity.
Magnum Special - 2001 Grenache $ 95.00This wine possesses much of the classical earth, spice, cherry and raspberry of Chateauneuf du Pape, which itself is predominantly Grenache. Enjoy this Grenache with south of France and Mediterranean cuisine such as Osso Bucco or Rack of Lamb with rosemary or perhaps a slow braised lamb shank to appreciate the Old World character of this vintage.
Magnum Special - 2001 Cabernet Franc $ 85.002001 began another of a series of low rainfall years on the Central Coast. This hillside vines near Los Olivos and Happy Canyon set a modest to normal crop which ripened in dry and sunny Indian summer conditions late in October. After fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and small, open topped, fermenters the wine was barreled into 4-6 year old French and American oak for an unusually long 26 months. Ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon was added just prior to bottling for balance and complexity. Blackberry and blueberry aromas together with a hint of dustiness create an invitation to the firmly structured flavors of black cherry and wild anise in this age-worthy wine.
Magnum Special - 2000 Methuselah, S.Y. Valley $ 95.00The 2000 growing season was long, warm and favorable for a large crop. Consequently, a considerable percentage of the fruit was removed to ensure complete and uniform ripeness. A wet October delayed ripening but warm, sunny days returned late in the month and into November, allowing us to harvest these grapes at near ideal ripeness. A softer vintage than was the case in '99 led us to blend a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and less Merlot while keeping the Cabernet Sauvignon component nearly steady. Aged for over two full years in 1-2 year old French and American oak this is a sturdy yet elegant wine with blackberry, black cherry, cassis, earth, toast and spice complexity.
Magnum Special - 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon $ 125.00This Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in French Oak for a total of 26 months. The resulting wine has added nuances of spice, vanilla and black currant richness with an uncommonly smooth, velvety texture. Enjoy this with rich dishes of beef, and lamb.
Magnum Special - 2003 Petit Verdot $ 75.00Petit Verdot has an almost haunting perfume of delicate violets with which it can infuse this elusive element into Bordeaux blends. It is a big, black, inky red wine that will grace any table or characteristic in full measure. Dan recommends pairing it with a hearty steak, grilled over a barbeque or with wild game like venison, elk or American Bison.
