Wine Releases of Fall 2015

The fall is upon us and so is another vintage harvest in wine country. Of course, to bring in the new, sometimes you must go out with the old. In this case, “the old” is something many of us can enjoy. It is the time of year when new wines from past harvests are finally released.

There is always some speculation and predictions of how the wine will present itself based on how the growing season went up until harvest. 2012 in California–all up and down the coast and inland–was an exceptional and rare sort of year. Fruit set was on time in the spring and the weather conditions throughout the summer were ideal for crafting the most balanced of wines. 2012 was a benchmark year for winemakers. Some wineries have already released their 2012 vintage and they do not fall short at all. These wines are even showing further future potential with a little cellar time.

The 2013 vintage in Napa, California was unfortunately shaken up a bit–quite literally, with the earthquake just as harvest was approaching. But the passionate community picked themselves up, mopped up the wine spills and carried on with the show. The growing season was earlier and otherwise not as textbook as the previous year, but the fruit was still showing some robust potential for good winemaking. Other growers and winemakers statewide were just as ecstatic about the 2013 harvest.

The waiting is coming to an end and some wineries are releasing some wines from 2013 as well. This might be a good time to take stock of what Mother Nature has gifted us over the last few years as one more crush season is upon us.

Here are some wines you should keep an eye out for this autumn. If any of these wines might pique your interest, do not wait around, there are limited quantities and some of the first stock is reserved for wine club members. Make your wine reservations early!

For the months of September and October, we have also included many honorable mentions that should not be passed up. Please do not be discouraged to find that these wines do not have a small review included. This is in no way to say they are less worthy, but it is almost impossible to say everything great about these highly anticipated wines!

Wine Releases for September 2015

1. 2012 Carrera Estate Blend, Boeschen Vineyards

A blend with their “heritage Merlot”, this wine is made from their oldest vines on their estate. They are a perfect blend with their hillside Cabernet Sauvignon making for an interesting wine, full of intensity and richness. Be sure to purchase your wine before it’s all gone!

2. 2012 Frediani Vineyard Zinfandel, T-Vine Cellars

With grapes grown from Mr. Jim Frediani himself, his Zinfandel vines are 60 years of age and have a reputation of producing some amazing wine. That, paired with an outstanding vintage can only make greatness. If you love Napa Valley Cabernet, it might be time to step outside your comfort zone and have a bottle of the grape that put California on the wine-making map.

3. 2012 Paso Robles Akasha Syrah, 2012 Paso Robles Tsundere Red Blend, 2012 Paso Robles James Berry Vineyard Syrah/Grenache, Torrin

Paso Robles is in the hot zone when it comes to some big California wines. These are some Rhone-style wines that are worth a second look. The Paso Robles appellation in the Central Valley is known for their rich valley terroir and soils. If you’re a fan of Central Valley and have yet to find a favorite winery, check out Torrin. Get on their distribution list soon to get a bottle of these wines of all styles and varietals.

4. 2012 Turnbull Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Turnbull Winery & Vineyards

Vintage after vintage, Turnbull Winery turns out classics which can be enjoyed and appreciated by wine lovers of all tastes. The 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic from a notable year. Their terroir-driven wines are always a treat with a complex simplicity that is so easy to enjoy. As gift-giving season is right around the corner, you might want to get a few of these bottles for that last-minute gift everyone is sure to love.

Also Check Out

5. 2013 3-Barrel Select Chardonnay, Hunnicutt

6. 2013 Alexander Valley Chardonnay, Hafner Vineyard

7. 2012 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 2012 Cliff Lede Claret, Napa Valley, Cliff Lede

8. 2013 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Tudor Wines

9. 2012 Napa Valley GBH Cabernet Sauvignon, Heibel Ranch Vineyards

10. 2013 Aldo’s Vineyard Zinfandel, Robert Biale Vineyards

Wine Releases for October 2015

11. 2012 Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Ladera Vineyards

If you love the variety and depth of mountainside wines, Ladera is a name you should come to know. This family winery is tucked up on the Howell Mountain, up alongside the Silverado Trail. If you can’t go visit yourself, then be sure to purchase this wine before it is all sold. If you’re in the area, you must stop by this lovely winery for great winery staff and beautiful scenery. Their Howell Mountain Vineyard sits just above the fog line and gets more sun than lower parts. The rich, ancient volcanic soils offer depth and character to these wines, producing fruit with exceptional maturity. Purchase your bottles soon!

12. 2012 Sonoma County Cinq Cépages Red Blend, St. Jean

Another winery which comes highly recommended for a visit, this lovely estate is found at the foot of the mountains in beautiful Sonoma Valley. Their wines receive critical acclaim from year to year and this vintage is sure to receive similar accolades. “Cinq Cepages”, meaning “five varietals”, is a wine that is sure to be unique and stand alone among many other blends of its vintage year. This is their iconic release from year to year and is meant to represent the real terroir and fruit of the region.

13. 2012 Venom Sangiovese, Seghesio Family Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel always get most of the press out of Northern California wines, but it should be said that there are other notable varietals worth mentioning. Seghesio loves to pay tribute to their Italian roots and they do so with their Sonoma Sangiovese. From America’s oldest Sangiovese vineyard dating back to 1910 comes their “Venom Sangiovese”. Their vines are found on a 40 degree slope on Rattlesnake Hill (no surprise where the name comes from) among thistle and a topsoil of volcanic shale. This is a truly interesting wine to try from the huge variety that California wineries are offering this season.

Also Check Out

14. 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Tara Bella Winery

15. 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Madelynne Red Cuvée, Trujillo Wines

16. 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Napa Valley Zinfandel, Barlow Vineyards