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Mission Codename: Embrace Peace

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Verify the rumors of a delicious field blend from the heart of Napa

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Casa Nuesta

Wine Subject: 2007 Tinto St. Helena – A Napa Valley Red Wine

Winemaker: Allen Price

Backgrounder:

St Helena, and most of Napa Valley for that matter, is dedicated to creating some of the world’s finest wines and specifically Cabernet Sauvignon. Which is why, when we heard rumors of Casa Nuestra’s field blend red grown in St. Helena we were quite intrigued. Field blends are an old world way of growing grapes where many varietals are all planted in the same vineyard. This was more common when the actual genetic identification of the varietals was more difficult. All the grapes from the field are fermented together. Some of California’s finest old-vine Zinfandel are planted as field blends with a little Petite Sirah, Carignan and other varietals.

Today’s wine is a blend with the actual percentage of each contributing varietal being undetermined: Old-Clone Zinfandel, Rofosco, Alicante Bouschet, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco, Napa Gamay, and one additional “mystery grape.”

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dark purple with garnet and ruby streaks that shine through its dense but clear core. The deep color is sustained to the edge and when swirled, evenly spaced thin legs streak down the side of the glass to the wine below.

Smell – Bold and bright but not overpowering with aromas of black fruit, blackberry and a little spiced plum. Notes of black licorice, oak and floral violets intermingle with dusty herbal bramble notes.

Feel – Rich and dry, this full-bodied wine has fine textured tannins with a healthy mineral and spice kick that hits at the tip of the tongue. Chewy at the mid-palate and a balanced acidity gives this wine a solid structure that lingers into the finish.

Taste – Bold and rich blackberry, plum exotic and savory spice and dusty bramble herbs and mild oak. Notes of dark chocolate, licorice, spicy pepper and dark mineral notes adds complexity.

Finish – Lingering notes of this wine’s dark fruit, brambles and oak fade leaving behind textured tannins and mineral notes.

Conclusion – The 2007 Casa Nuesta Tinto St. Helena is a rich and approachable red blend that has great dark fruit spice and chocolate notes on both the nose and palate and solid structure that makes this wine great for pairing with food. This is a great pizza or burgers wine. Easy to drink and enjoy today and a structure that will allow you to keep this wine for up to 5-7 years in the future.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Allen Price

WINE EDUCATION: Chemistry and Physics Major, “Hands on” Winemaker training

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Started in 1969 at Charles Krug Winery and was part of the inaugeral winemaking team here at Casa Nuestra in 1979. Allen spent many years at Hess Collection, Dry Creek Vineyards and Rutherford Hill before finding his way back to Casa Nuestra as Chief Winemaker in 2002.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: “Wine is property specific: you have to know your vineyards and aim for consistency in the cellar.”

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “A watched wine never spoils.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 1969

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW
AGENT RED: Greetings, Allen. We are thrilled to be showing your wine today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

ALLEN: “I’m reporting from the Wine Underground!”

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

ALLEN: Honestly, I was born into it.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

ALLEN: Petite Sirah and Mondouse are the two varietals that expressed the most possibilities to me.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

ALLEN: My own palate: I’m going for smooth, rich, and interesting. If I feel I’ve done that, then I’m happy.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

ALLEN: It is a complex, multi-varietal field blend. Shows Rhone features.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

ALLEN: Malfatti (a Napa term) or ravioli

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Napa Valley so special?

ALLEN: The climate here is ample to ripen these varietals and the soil is good in supporting growth.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

ALLEN: Frost protection!

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

ALLEN: With a cork screw ;-) … and use a decanter

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

ALLEN: This is a unique wine – you’ll not find anything like it anywhere. Salud!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Casa Nuestra on Napa’s Silverado Trailcan be seen in this satellite photo.