the Stanford Wine Collection for 2014

the Stanford Wine Collection for 2014
dear stanford wine enthusiast,
Wine Collection pricing
Prices are per case (12 bottles). Collector’s Reserve is half case (6 bottles).
As we celebrate 34 years of the Stanford Wine Program, I raise my glass to you—for your ongoing support
and enthusiasm during the past three-and-a-half decades. Without a doubt, we owe the success of this program
to our loyal customers, and it is a pleasure to share with you this year’s collection of outstanding wines.
cardinal classics
2012 Foxglove Chardonnay
saa members: $180 Over the years, I have had the great privilege of getting to know our alums in the wine industry. Their guidance
and expertise have been instrumental in making our program what it is today. Our annual springtime tasting
event has become a reunion for them, as they gather together on campus to select the wines at the blind tasting.
Mixed case of Foxglove and Nadia:
saa members: $210 saa non-members: $229.50
For the second year in a row, the Stanford Wine Collection features five wonderful wines, including two
Governor’s Selection wines. I invite you to read about them here. I would also like to direct you to our website,
where you can hear directly from the wineries and place your order: www.stanfordwinecollection.com
Thank you for your involvement in this program. It is near and dear to me and helps support alumni
programming worldwide. I am confident that you will be pleased with the 2014 Stanford Wine Collection.
saa non-members: $195
2012 Nadia Cabernet Sauvignon
saa members: $240 saa non-members: $264
governor’s selections
2012 Knights Bridge Chardonnay
saa members: $360 saa non-members: $384
2011 Inman Family Pinot Noir
saa members: $384 saa non-members: $408
cheers!
collector’s reserve
2012 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon—half case (6 bottles)
saa members: saa non-members:
$420 per half case $450 per half case
Carolyn Manning, ’78
To order Stanford wine
www.stanfordwinecollection.com vice president for alumni relations
stanford alumni association
p.s. We have a limited quantity of wines—please order promptly while supplies last!
(888) 530-6732
VinoShipper, a first-class California-based wine retailer and distributor,
will handle all Stanford wine orders, customer service, and shipping.
RIDGE
C O L L E C T O R ’S
RESERVE
2012 Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon
santa cruz mountains
For the third time in the history of the Stanford Wine Program, we have the pleasure to offer you a spectacular
selection from the acclaimed Ridge Vineyards. Located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, Ridge produces
world-class wines, including some of the best Cabernets in California.
In 1959, four Stanford Research Institute engineers bought acreage on Monte Bello
Ridge, a site that had first been planted to grape vines in the late 19th century. In 1962,
after three years of producing small amounts of some of the finest wine in California
of that era, the four owners re-bonded the winery and released the first commercial
Ridge Monte Bello. Paul Draper, ’58, joined Ridge as winemaker and in 1972 was
given the chance to join the partnership. He continues today as senior winemaker
and chief executive officer.
Celebrating its 52nd year of superb winemaking, Ridge Vineyards sits over two
thousand feet above sea level and is composed of unique green stone and clay soils
layered over limestone—which is not found in the well-known Cabernet-producing
areas of Napa and Sonoma valleys. The combination of elevation, cool climate, and
soil produces an impeccably balanced wine, destined for long-term aging.
Only 200 cases of this wine were produced; it is available exclusively through Stanford.
Ab o u t t h e W i n e
This elegant wine includes Merlot and Petit
Verdot from select parcels in the Monte
Bello Estate Vineyard. It differs from the
Ridge Monte Bello bottling in being more
accessible as a younger wine. Deep garnet
in color with flavors of pungent mountain
bramble fruit, currant, oak spice, and red
licorice. Bright fruit in the entry with notes
of dried chaparral, olive, and flint/crushed
rock mineral. Lively acidity, polished tannins,
and full body lead to a long, complex finish.
Drinkable now, it will age beautifully for 8 to
10 years.
— eric
baugher , winemaker
Alcohol: 13.6%
pH:
3.53
Titratable Acid:Bottling Date:
6.86 G/L
August 2013
saa members: $420 per half case (6 bottles) saa non-members: $450 per half case (6 bottles)
F O X GLOVE
C ar d i n al
C lass i c
2012 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Twin brothers Jim and Bob Varner have been crafting some of the highest scoring Chardonnays
out of the Santa Cruz Mountains for decades. Their labor of love began in 1980, when the UCDavis graduates planted Spring Ridge Vineyard in Portola Valley in the northern part of the
Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation. In 2005, they expanded their wine endeavors
and introduced the Foxglove label, whose grapes come from the vineyards in Santa
Barbara’s cool Los Alamos region.
The largest of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces the
majority of the state’s wine. Chardonnay varies greatly with climate, soil, and
winemaking—but it adapts just about anywhere, which is what makes it so popular.
Bob and Jim source grapes for Foxglove from a variety of vineyards throughout
Santa Barbara County, Paso Robles, and Monterey County. The resulting wine is
full of complex fruit flavors for which the Central Coast appellation is known—
fresh and lively with aromatic notes of tropical fruit and pear.
Produced in stainless steel tanks to highlight its freshness, Foxglove Chardonnay
has the weight of a Rhône-style white wine. With close proximity to the Pacific
Ocean, mild winters, and cool foggy summers, the vineyards produce riper grapes
that create a “textbook Central Coast” Chardonnay that can be enjoyed on its
own or easily paired with any meal.
Ab o u t t h e W i n e
Classic Chardonnay with notes of juiced apple,
citrus, and minerality add texture and depth.
Without oak influence, the focused nature of the
Chardonnay grape comes through as an interplay
between concentration and crisp energy. This
Central Coast Chardonnay exhibits the complex
fruit flavors for which the area is known.
— bob
varner , winemaker
Alcohol: 13.6%
pH:
3.53
Titratable Acid:Bottling Date:
6.8 G/L
june 2013
saa members: $180 per case (12 bottles) saa non-members: $195 per case (12 bottles)
NADIA
C ar d i n al
C lass i c
2012 Santa Barbara County Cabernet Sauvignon
Far from the windswept coastal foothills of Laetitia Vineyard & Winery and 60 miles east of the
Pacific Ocean, lies the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard. Unlike any vineyard on California’s
Central Coast, this appellation includes rolling hills and mountain plateaus at an elevation ranging
from 2,800 to 3,200 feet above sea level. This is the home of Nadia.
It was on this stretch of remote land that the team from Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
decided to take a chance and establish a second vineyard. The sandy loam soil, the sun,
and the altitude provided the ideal conditions for Rhône and Bordeaux varietals. The
team knew that the grapes would find their truest expression in such a place—
and that the wines could rival the finest in the world. Thus Nadia was born, a
limited production of Rhône and Bordeaux-varietal wines whose sole purpose is
to champion the secluded beauty and inexhaustible potential of the Santa Barbara
Highlands Vineyard.
The 2012 growing season, with its warm weather and additional growing days,
was ideal for the vineyard. After 20 months of barrel aging, in only 30% –40%
new oak, this vintage resulted in a wine that eloquently expresses the remarkable
character typical of this unique vineyard site.
Ab o u t t h e W i n e
Thirty days of fermentation time softened
the tannins and developed complexity. Midway
through the wine was racked and returned
to maximize color and extraction. Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot were all
crushed and fermented separately and blended at
10 months. Wild blackberry with earthen tones
emerge from this wine. Chocolate, anise, and
salty sea air are underscored by rich cedar
with firm, yet supple tannins.
— eric
hickey , winemaker
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH:
3.71
Titratable Acid: Bottling Date:
5.45 G/L
february 2014
saa members: $240 per case (12 bottles) saa non-members: $264 per case (12 bottles)
K NIGHTS BRIDGE
Gover n or ’ s
S elect i o n
2012 Knights Valley Chardonnay
Founded in 2006 by a close circle of friends who share a passion for wine and a love of farming,
Knights Bridge Winery & Vineyards is located in a narrow valley bordering the Mayacamas
mountain range dividing Sonoma and Napa counties. Known for its warm days and cool nights,
Knights Valley is the warmest viticultural region in the county and a premier source
of grapes for fine wines. The region produces first-class Chardonnay and Bordeaux
varietals that consistently earn acclaim from critics and wine lovers alike.
At Knights Bridge, it is a priority to preserve and support the natural resources of the
land to allow future generations opportunities to farm. Working with nature, they
bring out the best in the soils, vines, and ultimately the wines. The valley’s mineralrich volcanic soils are world renowned, and the hillside vineyards are carefully
tended using low impact, ecosystem-centered, sustainable vineyard practices.
The cool wind from the Pacific provides the grapes with longer hang time to
develop richer flavors.
RoAnn Costin, mba ’81, along with her husband, Jim, and their partners at
Knights Bridge, have created a truly unique winery that celebrates friendship,
family, and fellowship, with the promise of more great vintages to come.
Only 356 cases of this limited-production wine are available.
Ab o u t t h e W i n e
A beautiful hay color, this elegant wine
exhibits a melding of honeysuckle, Asian pear,
ginger, and river rocks. The energy on the
palate drives lovely notes of citrus through
the finish. Displays great balance with midpalate richness and notes of lemon curd,
walnut, and sweet cream. The finish follows
through with crisp minerality and length that
makes this wine a standout with food.
— meredith
Alcohol: 14.5%
leahy , winemaker
pH:
3.75
Titratable Acid:Bottling Date:
5.6 G/L
july 2013
saa members: $360 per case (12 bottles) saa non-members: $384 per case (12 bottles)
IN M AN FA M ILY
Gover n or ’ s
S elect i o n
2011 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
In the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley is the beautiful, organically farmed winery,
Inman Family Wines. Known for its elegant Pinot Noirs and natural winemaking practices, the
winery is a dream-come-true for owner and winemaker Kathleen Inman, a third-generation
Napa Valley native.
Kathleen and her husband, Simon, inspired by a deep love of land, planted seven acres
of Pinot and a small lot of Pinot Gris on their 10.5 acre estate vineyard, Olivet Grange,
in 2000. Every aspect of the winery—from the farming and winemaking to the ecofriendly tasting room—reflects their vision that world-class wine relies on healthy soil,
natural winemaking, and sustainable business practices.
Inman wines are produced exclusively with grapes from the Russian River Valley,
a cool-climate region known for its Burgundian grape varieties. These wines
embody the pure personality of the grapes and the singular character of the
legendary place where they’re grown. The Inmans typically harvest fruit weeks
earlier than many of their neighbors to help maintain the natural acidity of
the fruit, which contributes to the unique flavors of their estate wines.
Only 600 cases of this limited-production wine are available.
Ab o u t t h e W i n e
This Pinot Noir has bright red aromas of
cherry, black raspberry, black tea, succulent
herbs, and blood orange. Red fruit and earthy
minerality dominate the flavor profile. Powerful
yet supple and precise, the texture is silky
and the wine is medium bodied with fine, slowbuilding tannins in a low persistent finish.
— kathleen
Alcohol: 13.3%
inman , winemaker
pH:
3.6 Titratable Acid:Bottling Date:
5.6 G/Laugust 2012
saa members: $384 per case (12 bottles) saa non-members: $408 per case (12 bottles)
20 1 4
ta s t i n g p a n e l
Eliana Arredondo ’12
Kingston Family Vineyards
George Burtness ’53, mba ’60
Wine Consultant
Chris Christensen ’03
Bodkin Wines
George Coope ’73
Patz & Hall Wine Company
Doris Cooper ’79
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Dan Cornew ’84, ms ’85
Strategic Decisions Group
Greg Martellotto
’92
Martellotto Wines
md
Peter Mondavi ’80,
ms ’82, mba ’93
Charles Krug-Peter Mondavi
Family Winery
Ed Muns ms ’71
Muns Vineyard
Mark Oldman ’91,
ma ’93, jd ’98
Wine Author
Ted Elliott mba ’71
TR Elliott Winery
Molly Read mba ’11
Constellation Wines
David Englehart ’53
Wine Instructor, Retired
Dave Rogers ’75
Vintage Wine Estates
Alisa Gean ’82, md ’83
Hindsight Wines
ma
Marc Harris ms ’77
Oenophile Wine
Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center
326 Galvez Street
Stanford, CA 94305-6105
David Jefferson ’65,
mba ’67
Silkbush Mountain Vineyards
Rosalie Cornew ’82, mba ’87
Global Business Development
John Giumarra llb ’65
Giumarra Vineyards Corp.
stanford wine collection
Jon Staenberg ’82,
’85, mba ’88
Hand of God Wines
Steve Test ’73
Stephen Test Wines
www.stanfordwinecollection.com
From top: Eliana Arredondo, Peter Mondavi, Mark Oldman
First Class Presort
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Stanford Alumni
Association