Saturday, June 17, 2017

WINERY OF THE WEEK...Gandona

The story of Gandona is rooted in tradition and a passion for transforming land into something extraordinary. It’s born from an estate that rests upon a sloping hillside high above the beauty of Napa Valley and Lake Hennessey (Pritchard Hill) – its vineyards, carved from the steep terrain and planted in four blocks, each possess their own distinct personality. 
In 2006 Manuel and Cristina Pires met Bob Long on Pritchard Hill and talked candidly as they toured the vineyards that Bob spoke of their life on Pritchard Hill.  He had a fondness for grape growing, and the capability of the Hills’s legendary soil.  So thin that it barely covers the rock underneath, the soil had indeed proven ideal for producing Cabernet Sauvignon by neighboring estates like Colgin Cellars, Bryant Family, David Arthur and Ovid.  Add famed winemaker Philippe Melka and you know there is nothing better!!

2013 “Estate” Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON
This is Gandona’s fifth vintage of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon and it shows the high quality of terroir, farming and winemaking technique. Made by Philippe Melka, this is pure Pritchard Hill Cab, with great structure and power but will benefit greatly with time in the bottle. The fruit is rich, black and full-bodied yet the tannins on this Cab are firm but not overwhelming. 100% Cabernet, this bottling is sourced entirely from what they call "The Old Block", which comprises 1.6 acres under vine that Jim Barbour planted as vineyard manager for the property.
REG. $225…Special Pricing $199.95

2014 “ENCOSTA” Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Encosta (“slope”) Cabernet Sauvignon originates from the steeply terraced hillsides of Gandona Estate and its terra cotta-colored, volcanic soil.  The 2013 vintage is a wine celebrating the very soul of hillside fruit capturing the essence of the vine’s interaction with earth and sun.
REG. $90…Special Pricing $79.95

2014 “MEIA” Napa Valley CABERNET FRANC
Situated in the heart of the estate—Meia, Portuguese for “middle”, encompasses the best of both the steep slope of the terraces Gandona is known for, and the perpendicular row orientation of the less extreme avenue blocks — characteristics that are directly reflected in the style of the wine produced from the block. Historically used to add complexity and depth to Encosta, the exceptional success of the Cabernet Franc in the “meia” of the estate in 2014 compelled them to bottle a limited quantity of it, an event only to be repeated when the vintage allows it.  ONLY 60 CASES MADE
REG. $120…Special Pricing $104.95

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