Current Release:
Kazmer & Blaise Pinot Noir 2006
Kazmer & Blaise Chardonnay 2006
Release Window: OPEN
Upcoming release:
Molnar Family Chardonnay 2007
Molnar Family Pinot Noir 2007
**COMING Spring 2009**
Upon release, first crack at the wines is given to those on the mailing list.
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005: 93 points, Wine News Magazine
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005: 90 points, Anthony Dias Blue for The Tasting Panel Magazine
Molnar Family Chardonnay 2005: 91 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast
Molnar Family Pinot Noir 2005: Gold Medal – 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Molnar Family Chardonnay 2005: Top 15 Carneros Chardonnays – San Francisco Chronicle
Kazmer & Blaise Pinot Noir: “The generous red fruit offers a texture as round as a Gevrey, the deep color and spiciness foretelling strong development to come” 91 pts Wine & Spirits.
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2004: Gold Medal – 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2002: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast
Obsidian Ridge: “These are the best high-impact wines I’ve tasted for this price in quite some time.” – Daniel Dawson, Back Room Wines, Napa, CA
2006 Molnar Family Pinot Noir
1,118 cases produced
14.1% alcohol
3.67 pH
6.0 g/L titratable acidity
An entirely different phenomenon defined the Pinot Noir vintage: cluster density. Pinot Noir grapes are fairly small and they always form a compact cluster, more like a fist than the familiar elongated cluster of grapes. In 2006 the conditions at flowering in May must have been ideal, as just about every flower became a grape. And then, at the phonological stage we refer to as 'shatter' when the grapes are just emerging from their flowers and are smaller than BB's, a certain percentage abort and fall from the cluster. In 2006 there was virtually no shatter. Every flower would become a fully mature grape by the end of the season.
It was remarkable to see such compact and full clusters adorned with so many grapes. There was no room remaining on the surface of the clusters to accommodate all of them. Most clusters, when broken open, revealed grapes hidden in the interior, like the seeds within a pomegranate. These grapes never received direct sunlight and their skins never developed much color. Also, as the season progressed, the environmental conditions inside the clusters were conducive to the development of botrytis bunch rot - a condition that can compromise quality if not dealt with effectively.
We were able to exercise a high degree of control during harvest and at the sorting table, and we discarded clusters that had been attacked by the grey mold. Nevertheless, the compact nature of the clusters resulted in a wine that is less dark in color and in aromatic tone. It is ironic that from a summer that was so hot, the vintage is better defined by the limited effect of the sunshine on the skins of the grape. The Pinot Noir flavor is more expressive of raspberry and cranberry than blackberry and plum. No less varietally honest, but a less typical signature for Carneros. The wine was made with the same approach as previous vintages, which involves one-third new Kadar barrels, and their clove and spice notes are familiar as ever. Upon the wine's release, the red fruits of raspberry and cranberry are braced by the woody effect that pits have on cherries and plums The wine is seemingly more mineral than luscious and ripe, and it may age quite well as the tannins have a supportive grip on the sweetness of the fruit.
Michael Blaise Terrien, Winemaker
