Disclaimer: I’m terrible at tasting notes, I’m more on the making and drinking than the describing side. Here goes nothing, Derek may have better insight.
2013 North Coast
Generous style, bright fruit and acid structure with the slightest spritz from a very youthful bottling. Still young even in 2015 due to the screwcap closure.
2014 Muns
A light and delicate style, citrus and floral notes with a hint of spice. Most similar to Provence of the three.
2014 Signal Ridge
Somewhere between the Muns and North Coast. Graperfruit and strawberry with an acid backbone.
All three are dry, but have good fruit and glycerol which gives structure and a perception of sweetness to balance the tangy acid. Perfect with food, or chilled on the porch/park/campsite for a relaxing afternoon.
[QUOTE=schaeferr, post:20, topic:455787]
For Bravium, can you provide notes on the differences between the vineyards and vintages here? Any tasting notes on the differences between the three wines?
[/quote]
MUNS VINEYARD
Vineyard
Muns Vineyard is the highest elevation Pinot Noir planting in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.
Elevation
2,620 feet elevation with slope varying from flat to 35 degrees, all South facing.
Soil
Soil is varied, from 11% sandy loam in the low areas to thin shale on the top of the ridges.
Clones
Four clones: 114, 115, 667, and 777.SIGNAL RIDGE VINEYARD
Vineyard
Signal Ridge Vineyard – one of Mendocino Ridge’s very few plantings – is situated on a steep mountainside, three ridgelines from the Pacific Ocean.
Elevation
At 2,642 feet elevation, the vineyard aspect varies from Southwest to Southeast and up to a 32% slope.
Soil
Shallow, low-fertility soils primarily composed of sandstone and clay and gravelly loam [Garcia-Snook-Gube complex].
Clones
Eight blocks planted to six clones including Swan and Pommard, 2A, as well as 115, 777, and 828.
Vintages:
The 2013 and 2014 vintages were not wildly dissimilar…both relatively warm, easy years.
Tasting Notes:
2013 Bravium Rosé of Pinot Noir North Coast
“The 2013 Bravium “Rosé of Pinot Noir” is a fairly dark-hued rosé, but with plenty of depth and bounce. The bouquet is an attractive mélange of cherries, dried rose petals, a nice base of soil tones and a bit of smokiness in the upper register…” 2014-2015. (88+ raw materials). - John Gilman
2014 Bravium Rose of Pinot Noir Muns Vineyard
“Moderately light pinkish orange color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, blood orange, nectarine, apricot and a touch of spice and herbs have good intensity. A good grip of acidity underlies the fruit core and contributes a finishing burst of citrus-driven acidity.” - [PinotFile VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 June 14, 2015]
2014 Bravium Rose of Pinot Noir Signal Ridge Vineyard
“Light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is extremely heady for a rosé and I loved it. Aromas of cherries, rose petal, pine sap, and herbs lead to a flavorful core of cherry, strawberry, spice and herb flavors. A little more substantial than your usual rosé, with plenty of Pinot character, and inviting intensity of flavor on the crisp finish. Highly enjoyable.” - PinotFile VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 June 14, 2015
91 Points, Pinot File
Ask and ye shall receive! Thanks for the great notes, guys.
Talked to a co-worker, and I’m going to split this with her. So the answer to my question of “how much rose can a person even drink?!” appears to be, “at least three more bottles.”
[QUOTE=schaeferr, post:23, topic:455787]
Ask and ye shall receive! Thanks for the great notes, guys.
Talked to a co-worker, and I’m going to split this with her. So the answer to my question of “how much rose can a person even drink?!” appears to be, “at least three more bottles.”
[QUOTE=klezman, post:25, topic:455787]
3 styles of PN rose, all dry?
Winemaker participation?
Sigh. Agreed.
[/quote]
Ha ha, klezman. We had you at traditionally crafted, dry rose! We’re always careful to twist the arm that isn’t holding the wine glass!
Our vineyards all engage in sustainable practices in order to continue producing viable high quality crops. They are not generally certified organic as most are quite small and cannot justify the cost and time of certification.
Many of our vineyard owners live at the vineyard including Ed Muns of Mun’s vineyard and Don Seppa of Seppa vineyard. Seppa is a component of the North Coast Rose. They obviously have an interest in the health of themselves as well as the vineyard.
The other vineyards that are not directly surrounding the owner’s house are still tended and farmed by the owner and family. These are the anti-industrial agriculture type of vineyards focused on quality and sustainability.
Most of our vineyards are under 10 acres, all are family/independently owned, and are intensively hand farmed. While they may not have fancy designations and certification, they do have a commitment to quality fruit and to the health of themselves and laborers while working in the vineyards.
We tend to have close and ongoing relationships with our growers with a mutual goal of top quality wine and minimal intervention and additions.
TT,
when I try to order it shows a $20 shipping charge for expedited and no other options. Did I misread the summer shipping, I thought it was included in the price???
[QUOTE=jhkey, post:30, topic:455787]
TT,
when I try to order it shows a $20 shipping charge for expedited and no other options. Did I misread the summer shipping, I thought it was included in the price???
[/quote]
Summer shipping is the standard shipping this year (no upcharge) and therefore it is already included in the price of the deal.
[QUOTE=North316, post:31, topic:455787]
Summer shipping is the standard shipping this year (no upcharge) and therefore it is already included in the price of the deal.
[/quote]
Yes, this. Shipping is now included in all wine.woot orders, including summer shipping when it’s in effect.
Expedited shipping will ship your wine via 2-day once it’s processed for shipping. That is, only the shipping speed changes. Still allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Can you check your PM, I’ll take this offline, but my order shows a $20 shipping charge for “expedited shipping” and there is no other option for shipping.
[QUOTE=BraviumWinemakerDerekRohlffs, post:13, topic:455787]
Hi Alison! Thanks for your order. And re: Domaine Tempier, their rose winemaking practices did serve as inspiration for me. Stylistically, they use Mourvedre, Grenache, and Cinsault grapes while we use Pinot Noir. And they are in Provence and we are in California. But the influence is most certainly there!
[/quote]
Living in the San Fernando Valley, this is as close to Bandol as I expect to get this summer. Thanks for all your excellent input. I’m looking forward to that first sip. I know rosés should be enjoyed while they are young, but what kind of shelf life can I expect?
[QUOTE=Alison Gail Bixby, post:37, topic:455787]
Living in the San Fernando Valley, this is as close to Bandol as I expect to get this summer. Thanks for all your excellent input. I’m looking forward to that first sip. I know rosés should be enjoyed while they are young, but what kind of shelf life can I expect?
[/quote]
They all taste great right now!
Based on the natural acidity of the wine, I’d say the 2013 should be drunk by year end. It could last longer
The 2014 can probably go until summer/fall next year, but I’d say drink at least one Muns now while it’s at its best.
One difference between the 13 and 14 vintages is our use of screwcap in 2013 and our use of cork in 2014. Screwcap can tend to delay aging, though some say it prevents natural development of the wine. The cork will allow a more natural aging.
Between the two 2014 wines I would say the Signal Ridge will tend to last longer than the Muns, but how much longer is really a guess.
I’m not buying – literally no room and we’re out of our house right now for reno – but I’d like to give a big thanks for the participation from the winery. It’s greatly appreciated by all of us.
[QUOTE=kylemittskus, post:39, topic:455787]
I’m not buying – literally no room and we’re out of our house right now for reno – but I’d like to give a big thanks for the participation from the winery. It’s greatly appreciated by all of us.
[/quote]
You’re welcome,
I personally got into winemaking to share my passion with others who are interested in wine. This is our first woot! deal, and I’ve found the experience very exciting and engaging. Our participation is only as good as the questions we get, and I applaud the community for those.