MAy 2018 WINE CLUB NEWSLETTER

MAy 2018 WINE CLUB NEWSLETTER

LATE SPRING 2018 The Spring of 2018 was dry and warm to start, but March and April thankfully brought over the normal amount of rainfall to the ranch. What does that mean for the growing season? It means that our native cover crop in the vineyard blocks is dense and the shoots have had plenty of water to elongate as the vines approach flowering. It means that our reservoirs are almost topped up. It means that we will be able to delay the onset of irrigation, which will help us conserve water for the anticipated hotter-than-normal summer. Between the storms, we had fair weather that pushed buds in a fairly uniform fashion. This is particularly important in the cane-pruned blocks, where we often see the blind-bud phenomenon (buds in mid-cane that never push, thereby leaving gaps in the fruit zone). With only two hard frosts and no hail, the crop looks good up to this point. Weather after fruit set will determine the overall size of berries and the potential flavor concentration of the vintage (smaller berries mean a higher skin/juice ratio and therefore more concentration). Throughout the summer, the vine canopy will be manipulated repeatedly to limit the amount of crop that each vine carries and gives each block of fruit the proper exposure to the sun. Having an estate vineyard crew is critical to ensure that each vine is looked at and tended to appropriately. I have begun the pleasantly painstaking process of surveying all of the 2017 Cabernet barrels in search of the next round of Danielli and Vineyard Block wines. We always earmark more barrels than we potentially need for each blend and leave them be until the next series of barrel tastings later in the summer. At that point, we ll rack and combine those barrels as pre-blends. This process is often more complicated than creating the smaller blends, as we want to be sure to create a wine that is perfectly balanced, delicious, and representative of the entire estate. By the beginning of August, we ll be looking toward harvest. New barrels will begin to arrive, old ones will be shipped out, the open-top fermenters will be put in place, and equipment will be sanitized and tested. By then, we ll have a good idea of the size of the crop and how the various blocks are ripening relative to one another. The beauty of Kuleto Estate lies in the variety of its terrain. This spreads the ripening process out over 40-50 days, giving us plenty of time to plan, respond to changing conditions, and keep the flow of fruit into the winery and wine down to barrel in a slow and elegant manner. Sincerely, John Clews, Winemaker

2014 KULETO ESTATE VILLA VISTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY Our 2014 Villa Vista, while made in the Napa Valley, wishes it had been born in Italy. It radiates all things red, racy, and beautiful - red cherries, red lipstick and red roses. The cofermented lot contributes notes normally associated with a fruit-forward Italian wine, and the Cabernet core incorporates nice structure, red fruit and spice. The mouth is sleek and smooth upon entry with its silken tannins. The palate s full, rich volume leads to an acidic finish framed by supple tannins. Composition: Vineyard: Aging: Alcohol: TA: ph: Cases: 82%Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Syrah, 2% Malbec Kuleto Estate 26 months in French oak, 33% new 14.4% 5.69 g/l 3.91 104 2013 KULETO ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY The 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has an uncommon purity to its aromas. Fresh ripe berries, plums, red meat, bay leaves, the first smoke from a fire each of these primary aromas vying for attention when first poured into the glass. The mouth is plush and succulent with red fruit flavors and a meaty, iron-like quality. It will be fascinating to see how the flavors and aromas integrate as the wine ages. Composition: Vineyard: Aging: Alcohol: TA: ph: Cases: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot Kuleto Estate 20 months in French oak, 40% new 15.1% 5.5 g/l 3.79 2,391

2015 KULETO ESTATE ZINFANDEL, NAPA VALLEY This 2015 Zinfandel exudes aromas of pine nut, sweet corn, chocolate covered cherry and black spice. The palate is soft yet structured with flavors of red fruits, black pepper, and cured meat. The flavor and texture taper off slowly on the finish. There is a bit of alcohol in this quaffable beauty, so we recommend serving it at about 65-68 degrees for maximum pleasure. Composition: 100% Zinfandel Vineyard: Kuleto Estate Aging: 14 months in Hungarian oak, 20% new Alcohol: 15.3% TA: 6.2 g/l ph: 3.77 Cases: 247 FOOD AND WINE PAIRING FROM THE MASTER SOMMELIER Kuleto s 2013 Estate Cabernet is amazingly full and loaded with complexity. Braised beef tenderloin with caramelized carrots, braised turnips, and a red wine reduction is an ideal counterpart. The wine s smoke, wet tobacco and traces of leather imparted from the barrel aging counterbalance the roasted flavors of the dish. And, the dark fruit flavors couple remarkably with the beef. A superb combination that will enhance the already impressive wine! Robert Smith, M.S.

SAVE THE DATE Mark your calendars for upcoming events at Kuleto Estate! Kuleto Estate Winemaker SoirÉe Saturday, August 18, 2018 6pm 9pm More information and RSVP details to come TASTING EXPERIENCE It s Our Sommelier s Whim Taste with Foley Family Wines Sommelier. Relax in our Royal Suite as you taste through wines hand selected by Master Sommelier, Robert Smith. He may take you through a single barrel tasting, vertical tasting, library tasting, or thieve from barrels in the cellar. Robert will delve into particulars of what went into making the wine, including the vineyard selection, the vinification and aging process. This special tasting may be suspended during certain months in the fall season due to the grape harvest. Participation is generally limited to groups of four to ten individuals. Appointments are made based upon availability. $100/Person $75/Wine Club Member

REORDER AND SHIPPING INFORMATION 2014 Villa Vista Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Retail $85.00 Wine Club $68.00 Reorder $59.50 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Retail $60.00 Wine Club $48.00 Reorder $42.00 2015 Estate Zinfandel, Napa Valley Retail $40.00 Wine Club $32.00 Reorder $28.00 Enjoy 30% savings on re-orders of current club wines. Order 12 or more bottles of any of the current club wines and receive 1 ground shipping while supplies last (not valid to HI or AK). To order, please visit www.kuletoestate.com or contact us at (866) 485-7579 or wineclub@kuletoestate.com. Offer expires June 25, 2018. 2470 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574 707.302.2209 www.kuletoestate.com info@kuletoestate.com wineclub@kuletoestate.com www.kuletoestate.com/specialtastings Estate Tours & Wine Tasting Daily By Appointment Seven Days a Week Membership & Benefit Details Visit www.kuletoestate.com or call (866) 485.7579 KE0518