CALIFORNIA
OLD VINE ESTATES
The CALIFORNIA OLD VINE ESTATE
project is one of the most innovative and fascinating wine programs to
ever be presented to the American wine consumer. It is based on the well
known principle that the older the vine, the better the grape is for producing
superior wines.
As the vine's youthful vigor
declines and the symptoms of graceful old age set in, the vine becomes
what we refer to in the wine trade as "SHY BARING". Basically this means
the vine produces fewer grapes.
The better varietal vines
reach their maximum yield/quality ratio between 25 - 35 years from their
birth. The shy baring problem begins soon thereafter and progresses with
age.
Sometimes a vine after aging
for many, many years will only produce 10% of it's original yield. However,
these grapes are smaller, sweeter and more intense in flavor resulting
in wines that have great flavor, depth and intensity.
There is another point to
recognize when discussing the virtues of old vines and that is the incredible
depth of their roots. As the vine grows older, their roots go ever deeper
into the soil. As a result, the wine takes on more and more of the characteristics
of the ground on which it is grown. Since the location of the vineyards
and the type of soil are two of the most important factors in making great
wines, it only stands to reason, "The
Older the Vine, the better the Wine".
The French have long realized
this fact by noting the term "Vielles Vignes" (old vines) on some of their
greatest and most expensive wines. However, it is important to note that
although these vines produce a far superior wine, their extremely small
yield makes them uneconomical for commercial production. Wines produced
by the great French estates using the Vielle Vignes were made for only
the sake of art giving the domain bragging rights.
In California there are some
350,000 acres of grapes planted and we estimate that less than 1% can carry
the designation "old vine". What is harvested is mostly used for blending
purposes in order to enhance the quality of other more commercial wines.
California Old Vine Estates
based on knowing old vines produce better wines, has scoured the state
of California in order to find the oldest and best vineyards in existence.
It is with these vines that we are offering on a limited basis some of
the finest wines ever produced anywhere in the world.
It is our fervent hope that
you enjoy these wines as much as we enjoyed bringing them to you.
