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Four Vines Winery 2012 Press Kit
Four Vines Winery: Our Background In 1994 Four Vines Winery kicked into gear featuring eclectic, appellation-‐specific Zins, and one kick-‐ass no-‐oak "Naked" Chardonnay. They named their Zins Biker, The Sophisticate and Maverick. Rich, succulent, fruit-‐generous wines that pair incredibly well with food. The winery relocated to Paso Robles where they began experimenting with Rhone varietals; bigger, headier wines that are positively explosive in flavor and form. No matter the wine, Four Vines has always brought a refreshing, irreverent attitude to the industry. Today, the winery sources fruit from all over the state of California and crushes mainly on the Central Coast and in Sonoma County. This allows grapes to arrive at their peak of cool morning temperatures to the crush pad. It all starts in the vineyard…don't let anyone tell you anything else. In late 2010, Derek Benham acquired Four Vines from its founders and moved the winery operations back up north to Sonoma County where it originally started. Four Vines is now in a position to reach its full potential as a category leader in Unoaked Chardonnay and Zinfandel. The story continues…. Our Winemaker: Alex Cose Alex Cose studied finance and worked for Wells Fargo for six years before a change of heart landed him a harvest internship at Monticello Cellars in Napa Valley. After a return to college, another couple of internships and a degree in Enology from Fresno State, at 27, he was cellar master at Peter Michael.
Our Wines 2010 "Naked®" Chardonnay, Santa Barbara Step away from the barrel! This Chardonnay was fermented in 100% stainless steel and has not seen any oak, nor does it want to. This is crisp, concentrated Chardonnay with all its natural acid. Naked exhibits apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and mineral. Eat oysters and drink "Naked" often!! Share with a friend... 2009 "OVC" Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel, California-‐ We have such a great wealth of Zinfandel that we have the ability to put together a fantastic multi-‐appellation Zin Blend. On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the
palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel trailing to a velvety toasted oak finish. Enjoy with a friend! 2009 "Maverick" Zinfandel, Amador County Devious mischief abounds from these dry-‐farmed, head pruned, old vine vineyards in the Shenendoah Valley. This Sierra Foothill Valley is renowned for its old vine Zin vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich with blackberry fruit and a hint of velvet vanilla oak. Blended with a touch of Syrah from the Bailey Vineyard. Maverick...The Jam Bomb...mischievous fun! 2009 "The Sophisticate" Zinfandel, Sonoma Our Sonoma Zin was kissed with a touch of Petite Sirah and aged in small French and American oak barrels for 14 months. This wine has a sexy nose with velvet vanilla oak tones, followed by rich, spicy berry fruit and a hint of cedar. Big flavors, yet refined and stylish. The James Bond of Zinfandel…he will seduce you. 2009 "Biker" Zinfandel, Paso Robles The Dusi and Preston Zin vineyards, with their rocky, calcareous soils, grow low yield vines, producing fruit of intense concentration. A splash of Mourvedre lends an extra kick in the mid-‐palate. The Biker has blackberry, anise spice and vanilla on the nose. Rich, black fruit and spice, lingering to a silky vanilla oak finish. Biker rocks! 2009 Petite Sirah, Paso Robles- Pop the cork and be instantly greeted by the scent of black cherry, nutmeg and vanilla before the glass even meets your lips. Enjoy the smooth, surprisingly velvety tannins that only the hills of Paso Robles can deliver, while flavors of rich, deep fruit and toasty, caramelized creme brulee envelop your palate like the most luxurious (faux) fur throw.
2008 "Martinelli" Zinfandel, Paso Robles- This 75 year old, head-‐pruned, dry-‐farmed vinyard has survived fires, drought and hard times to become one of the best Zinfandel vineyards in Paso. The vines produce small quantities of bright and intense fruit. The wine was aged in French and American Oak for 14 months. Available for purchase by Incident members only. 2008 "Dusi Vineyard" Zinfandel, Paso Robles- The head-‐pruned, dry farmed old vines of the Dusi Vineyard produce small quantities of fruit with dense concentration and wild spice. On the nose, bright bramble fruit, ripe raspberry. The palate is complex, black berry fruit that slips into a smooth vanilla oak finish. Aged in small French and American Oak barrels. Dusi…The Standard. 2008 Barbera, Paso Robles- Barbera loves the high altitude and the red mountain soils of the foothills in Amador County. Like the high elevation vineyards in Italy, this is where Barbera sings. Enjoy its siren song... For the Rogues of the Vine only. 2008 "Kiler Canyon Vineyard " Syrah, Paso Robles- The Killer Canyon Vineyard is planted in shallow rocky soils streaked with limestone. Don and Barbara Hofer farm the vineyard to produce highly concentrated fruit of impeccable quality and character. The wine was produced by hand in small bins and aged for 14 months in 100% French Oak.
2008 "Bailey Vineyard" Syrah, Amador County- Seductive Red velvet color. Spicy plum and Syrah berry laced with rose petal. On the mouth... big red and black berry fruit, mineral and dusty rose, finishing with long-‐seductive oak. Mysterious, sultry... WOW. At 3,000 feet, the cool Amador nights and red mountain soils lend to good acid balance and bright exploding fruit. 2008 "Los Alamos Vineyard " One Tree Hill Block Syrah, Santa Barbara County- The Los Alamos Vineyard lies in the chilly hills of Cat Canyon. Low yield cool climate Syrah offers mid palate spice and pepper rather than the big finish of warmer climate Syrahs. Spice, white pepper and strawberry on the nose. Big fruit on the mouth. White pepper, saddle leather and all the funk that makes pairing with lamb easy. Sexy oak to finish-‐-‐Legs, legs & legs!!! 2007 Zinfandel Port, Paso Robles- A sensual delight...Zinfandel left on the vine to maximum ripeness. Fermented slowly until 10 Brix and then added 2 year Oak Aged Brandy to stop the fermentation. Aged in small French oak barrels for 20 months. Layers of rich, velvety raspberry fruit and spice trails into a silky caramel finish. This Zinfandel Port will seduce you. Serve with chocolate, candlelight and a willing companion... Current Acknowledgment:
• 2010 Naked Chardonnay, Santa Barbara 89 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2009 Old Vine Cuvee, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 86 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2009 Sophisticate, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 88 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2009 Maverick, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 90 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2009 Biker, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 90 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2009 Naked Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 88 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008, Barbera, Amador County 88 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008, Biker, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 93 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008 Dusi Vineyard, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 89 pts-‐Wine Spectator
• 2008 One Tree Hill, Syrah, Santa Barbara County 91 pts-‐Wine Spectator
• 2008 Maverick, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 90 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008 Martinelli, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 88 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008 Naked Chardonnay, Santa Barbara 87 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008, Old Vine Cuvee, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 86 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008, Los Alamos Vineyard One Tree Hill, Syrah, Santa Barbara
County 88 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008 Sophisticate, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 91 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008, Bailey Syrah, Amador County 92 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2008 Naked Chardonnay, Santa Barbara 87 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Biker, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 91 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Dusi Vineyard, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 91 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Los Alamos Vineyard One Tree Hill, Syrah, Santa Barbara County
90 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 One Tree Hill, Syrah, Santa Barbara County 90 pts-‐Wine
Spectator • 2007 Maverick, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 89 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Martinelli, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 88 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Naked Chardonnay, Santa Barbara 87 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Old Vine Cuvee, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 86 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Sophisticate, Zinfandel, Paso Robles 91 pts-‐Wine Spectator • 2007 Syrah, Paso Robles, 87 pts-‐Wine Spectator
Brand Recognition:
• The 2009 Four Vines Zinafandel California Old Cuvee is featured in “What We’re Drinking Now” (June 1, 2011)
• Peg Melnik in “The Press Democrat” in the section Vintage Values reviewed four Vines. (May 17, 2011)
• “AskMen.com” includes Four Vines in article of must-‐see destinations. (April 21, 2011)
• “Wine Spectator” included 2009 Four Vines Santa Barbara County Naked Chardonnay in the News Release Section with a score of 88. (1/31/11-‐2/28/11)
• “Wine Spectator” included 2008 Four Vines Zinfandel Amador County Maverick with a score of 90. (1/31/11-‐2/28/11)
• The 2009 Four Vines Zinfandel Old Vine Cuvée was selected as the paired wine for Bobbly Flay's Nacho Burger recipe in January 2012.
• Spectator Selections named the 2009 Four Vines Zinfandel Amador County a “Smart Buy” (Jan 31-‐Feb 29, 2012) and gave the wine a score of 90 pts.
• The 2009 Four Vines ‘The Sophisticate’ Sonoma County Zinfandel was named as Wine of the Week by Peg Melnik and described as “a
briary zin with bold fruit.” (March 12, 2012) • The 2009 Four Vines, Old Vine Cuvee California Zinfandel, was
highlighted on the Wine List: This Week’s Picks by Peg Melnick (January 25, 2012)
• Gregory Dal Piaz highlighted the Four Vines 2010 Santa Barbara County Naked Chardonnay in his article Value Chardonnay Tasting Notes (January 31, 2012)
• The Four Vines Sophisticate Zinfandel was mentioned in the article In One Ear: Food Co-op Re-opens by Jonathan L. Wright (February 8, 2012)
• Wine Spectator named the 2009 Four Vines Zinfandel Amador County Maverick a “Recommended Red Wine Value.” (January 30, 2012)
• The 2010 Naked Chardonnay was awarded silver at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and was featured in an article on the list of winners by the Santa Maria Times. (February 19, 2012)
• Rethink TV highlighted the Four Vines’ Naked Chardonnay as a “beautiful example of chardonnay” on their segment California Wine: Mouth Full of Metal Chards. (February 2012)
• The 2009 Four Vines Zinfandel “Maverick” received a great review from Ken’s Wine Guide. (February 26, 2012)
• JamesSuckling.com reviewed the Four Vines Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Naked. (January 12, 2012)
• WINEpiphony ran a review of the 2010 Four Vines Naked Chardonnay. (March 31, 2012)
• Four Vines Naked Chardonnay featured by “The Business Monthly” in article Who Put the Wood in my Wine. (April 4, 2012)
• “WineSpectator.com” names Four Vines Zinfandel California OVC Old Vine Cuvee 2009 a Daily Wine Pick. (April 10, 2012)
• “Ken’s Wine Guide” features 2009 Four Vines Zinfandel “The Sophisticate.” (April 10, 2012)
• “Food & Wine Chickie Insider” features 2009 Four Vines The Maverick Zinfandel. (April 11, 2012)
• “The Wine Cask Blog” features a wine review of 2008 Four Vines Zinfandel ‘Dusi Vineyard.’
• “Peninsula Pulse” features Four Vines Zinfandel County Maverick 2009. (June 22, 2012)
• 2009 Four Vines Zinfandel Sonoma County-‐The Sophisticate-‐ received an 88 from the Wine Spectator. (Dec. 31, 2011-‐Jan. 15, 2012)
• 2010 Four Vines Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Naked received an 86 in the Wine Spectator. (December 15, 2011)
• “The Des Moines Register” mentioned the Four Vines Zinfandel in a review for Splash. (December 8, 2011)
• The 2009 Four Vines Biker Zinfandel received an 87 and was described as 'smooth and velvety' by Wine Enthusiast. (December 15,
2011) • The 2009 Four Vines 'The Sophisticate' Zinfandel received an 87 and
was described as 'soft, with a silky mouthfeel' by Wine Enthusiast. (December 15, 2011)
• The 2009 Four Vines Maverick Zinfandel received an 88 and was described as 'a great value Zin' by Wine Enthusiast. (December 15, 2011)
• The 2009 Four Vines OVC Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel received an 83. • The 2010 Naked Chardonnay received an 83 by Wine Enthusiast.
(December 15, 2011) • 2009 Four Vines Zinfandel was highlighted in a review of Brazen BBQ
Smokehouse & Bar in San Diego, CA. (December 7, 2011)
Purple Wine Company was founded in 2002 by Derek Benham and is based in Graton, California. Its mission is to create high-‐quality wines that offer outstanding value and are consistent in style from vintage to vintage. The wines produced via its sister production company, Sonoma Wine Company, are produced using water and energy conservation practices, while reducing Green House Gas emissions. The Purple Wine Company portfolio includes Avalon, BEX, Four Vines and the newest addition to the PWC family, Cryptic. While distinctly different, all four brands maintain committed to producing the best possible wine in an environmentally conscious way. Founder and CEO Derek Benham started Purple Wine Company with the Mark West Pinot Noir bran, which he launched in 2001. The family of wines continued to grow under Benham, including in late 2010 when he purchased Four Vines Winery. To this producer of bold, powerful Zinfandels sourced from prime vineyards in the Central Coast and Sonoma County, Derek added Avalon Winery, producer of delicious, affordable Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Napa Valley. Not long thereafter, Benham added BEX Riesling from Germany’s Mosel region. Just over two years later, the Purple Wine Company team is thrilled to introduce Cryptic, a unique red blend that satisfies consumers looking for an affordable luxury in the category. Company Details
• Founder: Derek Benham, CEO • President: Dennis Carroll • Winemaker: Alex Cose • Location: 9119 Graton Road, Graton, CA 95444
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AT PURPLE WINE COMPANY Purple Wine Company is committed to reducing its footprint on the local community and the environment through resource conservation, solid waste management and state of the art renewable energy technology technology. Between 2005-‐2010 we have reduced our energy use and waste water generation per case:
• natural gas from .025 therms to .010 therms or 80% • electricity from .75 kWh to .57 kWh or 24% • wastewater generation from 3.81 to 2.08 gallons or 55% • solid waste disposal by 35%
At the same time we increased our production and storage capacity by: • Case Production 115% • Stainless tank storage capacity 200% • Barrel storage capacity 44%
How did we accomplish this?
• Wine tank and supply line insulation • High efficiency water heating and refrigeration • Closed loop water heating, saved ~ 1.5 million gallons • High efficiency lighting • Cool Roof™ reflective foam roofing • Solar tubes • Storage tanks to reduce energy spikes
• Controlling time of use energy rates • Solid waste recycling of all packaging materials • Water conservation through behavioral change • Steam sterilization for bottling, saves ~ 3,500 gallons per week • Automated, customized barrel washing system reduces water use by 30%
• Canopy for water diversion to salmon spawning stream = 300,000 additional cases of production per year
• Cogenra Sunbase™cogeneration system producing hot water and electricity
Our sustainable business practices include membership in the Sonoma County Green Business program, Business Environmental Alliance, Bay Area Green Business Program and the Wine Institute's Sustainable Winegrowing Program. In 2005 we joined EPA Climate Leaders for voluntary greenhouse gas emissions baseline inventory and third party certification of our greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
THE PERSONALITIES OF PURPLE WINE COMPANY
DEREK BENHAM, CEO A second generation Californian, Derek Benham grew up in an agricultural environment in the great San Joaquin Valley. While working summers on his Dad's farm, he began to dream of building his own wine company. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 1982, Derek went to work in sales for a small winery near Lodi. Eventually, he assumed the role of General Manager and learned all aspects of running a wine company, culminating in the sale of the winery to La Crema Winery. In 1990, Derek founded the Codera Wine Group and created the Blackstone Merlot brand. After seven very successful years, he sold the brand in 2001 to Constellation Wines. No longer trapped by preconceived notions, and having a knack for knowing what the consumers wanted, Derek set off on his next project. He would cast off the misconception that wine was only for the privileged. And to prove his point, he would bring the most elusive of grapes — Pinot Noir— to the people. Derek launched the Mark West brand in 2001 and built it into a wildly successful brand, which twice earned the company the Impact Hot Brand Award from M. Shanken Communications. In 2012 Derek sold Mark West to Constellation Brands for an undisclosed sum.
DENNIS CARROLL, PRESIDENT Dennis Carroll is president and chief operating officer of custom vintner Sonoma Wine Co. and president of sister organization Purple Wine Co., which produces the brands Avalon, BEX, Blue Jean, Mark West and Rock Rabbit. Sonoma Wine has seven North Coast facilities. Cartlidge & Brown in American Canyon was acquired last year, adding a Napa Valley base for production. Mr. Carroll’s history with the company dates back to the Associated Vintage Group, which brothers Derek and Courtney Benham purchased in 2000 as Codera Wine Co., the predecessor of Derek Benham’s ventures Sonoma Wine and Purple Wine companies. Mr. Carroll started as a financial consultant and CPA for Deloitte & Touche and eventually became a top executive for Illuminations, the Good Guys and Beverages & More. LISA EHRLICH, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING Lisa’s extensive background in developing, launching and managing brands caught the eye of Purple Wine Company Founder Derek Benham in 2005. He brought her on board to oversee brand-‐building efforts for the production wing of his wine enterprise, Sonoma Wine Company. Since then, she has developed over 30 brands including Lucky Star, Shiloh Road, Trailhead, Zynthesis and Kumbaya. In 2012, Sonoma Wine Company marketing and sales was consolidated within Purple Wine Company, and Lisa assumed overall marketing responsibility for the entire portfolio of brands. Lisa draws upon a lengthy career the wine industry, first in Chicago as Co-‐Founder and Wine Program Director at Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant. She then moved to wine sales for seven years in Southern California, first as a supplier with Seagram Classics Wine Company, then founding a boutique wine brokerage company, Grapevine Wine Company. Next, she moved into marketing, working in brand development and brand management at E&J Gallo Winery, Jim Beam/Peak Wines International, Hambrecht Vineyards, and Robert Mondavi Winery. Lisa holds an MA in Law & Politics from Northwestern University and a BA in Behavioral Science & Law and French from the University of Wisconsin-‐Madison. She currently resides in the West Sonoma County hamlet of Sebastopol with her husband and four children, and enjoys yoga, hiking, downhill skiing and cooking.
RON JANOWCZYK, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES A graduate of Notre Dame, Ron joined Purple Wine Company in 2000 as the first full time employee. As Senior Vice President of Sales, he is responsible for all aspects of distribution, sales, and sales management. Ron joined the purple team with an extensive background in the wine industry. He served as Central Regional Manager, National Programming and Pricing Manager, and President of Artisan & Estates for Kendall Jackson from 1991-‐2000. Previos to that, he was Central Region Manager at Louis M. Martini winery and Manager of Recruiting and Training with powerhouse E&J Gallo. Ron is the proud father of three children. He’s a hunting and Harley enthusiast, and college football fan. Ron is also an active member of the Williams Syndrome Association.