Cabernet Sauvignon, JOSH CELLARS, North Coast, California

Joseph Carr's wine making team jokingly refers to this as a “vin de garage”  after work they like to sit around  wine cellar they call “the garage” and tinker with things.  Grape growers and friends come by and lend a hand,  laugh, tell stories and produce a winemaker's wine that we make just for ourselves; a handcrafted wine.  And, now they are sharing this with with you and me; named after Joseph Carr’s father, Josh, and they are expressive, but unassuming and approachable – just like Josh Carr was.

• POWERFUL
• Cherry
• Black Currant
• Spicy 
• Berry
• Oak

The grapes are from a single vineyard in the mountains of the Red Hills at the highest section between the Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges. The Mayacamas are famous for great Cabernet wine, due in part to ancient pyroclastic soils that contain volcanic glass. Josh Cellars North Coast Vineyards contain obsidian gravel that allows the soils to drain well, which is extremely important for growing Cabernet grapes. The high elevation sunlight combined with the rich volcanic red soils and obsidian fragments produce quality grapes that are extremely unique to the Red Hills. The vineyard itself sits on an East facing slope with varying altitude from 1200 to 2000 feet. The average daytime summer temperature is 84 degrees with an average nighttime temperature of 51 degrees. Handpicked at the peak of flavor development, crushed and cold soaked for 24 hours; punched down three times a day to maximize flavor extraction. Followed with a 10-15 day extended maceration. Barrel aging in new American oak and 1-2 year French oak for 16 months.

BRANNON'S CAFE
WINE LIST

Chardonnay, MAGNOLIA GROVE, by Chateau St. Jean, California

Magnolia Grove Chardonnay's label evokes a relaxed elegance that is synonymous with the Sonoma County lifestyle and feeling one will experience when traveling and staying in a Starwood Hotels.  This wine was created for Starwood Hotels by Chateau St. Jean to meet the expectations of their consumers who are knowledgeable, yet unpretentious about their wine selections.

• SUPPLE
• Pineapple
• Ripe Peach
• Lemon Zest
• Vanilla
• Oak

Innovative techniques for wood aging are used; toasting the oak at lower temperatures for longer period of time. This "lower and slower" process brings out more sweetness and vanilla in the wine than traditional methods,making the flavors in this wine comparable to Chardonnays that sell for twice the price.  Grapes are sourced primarily from vineyards in the Central Coast and the Northern Interior of California.  Fermented in stainless steel tanks with a portion in French and American oak, the majority of the fruit goes through malolactic fermentation, lending richness and creamy mouthfeel.  Excellent results from a great partnership.

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WINE LIST

Sauvignon Blanc, BENZIGER, SUSTAINABLY GROWN Lake & Sonoma Counties, California

Grapes from select vineyards in both Sonoma and Lake Counties are blended.  Grapes from Sonoma are harvested later and are more aromatic in character, exhibiting enhanced fruit flavors. Fruit from warmer Lake County is harvested earlier in the season and provides an acidic backbone for this wine.

• DISTINCTIVE
• Bright Citrus
• Grapefruit and Lemon
• Floral
• Minerality
• Elegant Softness

The Benziger Family Winery is dedicated to wine making that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage in certified-sustainable, organically grown and-Biodynamic® wines defined by individuality and the passion of the people who make them. This wine was made with grapes grown by certified sustainable farming methods. Their sustainable philosophy promotes natural vineyard management, restoration of the land and biodiversity on the estate. We believe these practices result in wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas and character of the vineyard AND that is what tastes best!