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June, 2007

Pinot Noirs and Syrah Rosé – Popular Items


2005 Pinot Noir – Edna Valley

There are several reasons this appellation bottling took a quantum leap in its improved overall quality in 2005. First and foremost, this appellation blend is made up of slightly greater than 50% Stone Corral Vineyard grapes. It only took a mere five years for our new estate vineyard to yield enough fruit to contribute a significant amount to this blend. After selecting a few barrels of Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir for the vineyard designated wine, the remaining barrels go into this blend and contribute mouth filling satiny tannins, deep color and expressive fruit. Additionally this vintage, we started buying Pinot Noir grapes from Jean-Pierre Wolff of Wolff Vineyard just a few miles away in the Edna Valley. His grapes make up most of the remaining wine in this blend.

Furthermore, the move to our Santa Maria facility in 2005 is another reason for an improvement in the overall quality of this wine. With all new, state-of-the-art equipment scaled to our relatively small level of production, we had better control over the winemaking process. Our wide stainless steel open-top fermentation tanks allow for a thinner layer/cap of crushed grapes in the fermenting juice. During fermentation the cap floats on the juice due to carbon dioxide released from the yeast. When there is a thin cap more of it remains submerged in the fermenting juice and punching down is much easier. The end result is more extraction of color, flavor and tannin. Also this vintage, we made a stylistic change in keeping the wine that freely flows out of the fermenter separate from the press wine. The “free run” wine then goes to barrels for aging, and eventually blending. The press wine is also good, and it finds its home in our Central Coast blend.
We find that many of our restaurant customers have embraced this wine and it is selling very well. Currently we have stock on this wine, but it will not last past early-summer. It’s a great wine at $29 per bottle.

Barrel Adopter Program 2006 Now Available

We are pleased to offer futures of the Stephen Ross wines from the 2006 vintage. These wines will be bottled over the fall and winter of 2007/2008 and will be available at our annual Barrel Adopters’ dinner on April 19, 2008. The benefits of the program are two cases of wine and two invitations to the Barrel Adopters’ Dinner. Additionally, you are extended our biggest discount, one-third off retail on Stephen Ross wines which can start upon enrolling in the program and receipt of payment. We only offer a discount on wine sales to the Barrel Adopters and Wine Subscribers (20%). If you would like to come by the winery to taste the 2006 wines out of barrels, feel free to call Stephen at 805.594.1318 to make an appointment. The Barrel Adopters’ dinner is truly a gourmet feast and takes place in our cellar. The cost of the program is $680 if payment is made before July 15, 2007. The cost of the program increases after that date as illustrated in the schedule on the agreement. The value of the program is approximately $980 and by paying early, you receive a very attractive price. We use the money to purchase our new barrels. We hope you are interested in our fun program. Enclosed is a Barrel Adopter Agreement. If you would like to participate, please complete the form, and return it to the winery with a check or credit card information. If you have any questions, please call the winery at 805.594.1318.

2005 Stephen Ross Pinot Noir Aubaine Vineyards - $40 per bottle

This is really a stunning wine; it is dark ruby-purple in color with thick yummy textures and concentrated blueberry fruit aroma. Aubaine Vineyards is on a southwest facing hillside just east of the town of Nipomo. The site is unique in its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and regular cool afternoon breezes. Perhaps it is the wind that restricts the vine vigor and berry size. This is our second bottling off of relatively young vines, and like last years version the wine is very concentrated and dark.

2005 Stephen Ross Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard - $35 per bottle

This marks the first year that Stephen Ross exclusively used new inter-planted Dijon clones at Bien Nacido Vineyard. Evolving to the new clones gave this wine more red fruit aroma and less white pepper notes commonly association with Bien Nacido. Vine yields were low at 1.5 tons/acre. The 2005 season was generally cool and moderate, with sufficient rainfall from the previous winter. Bien Nacido Vineyard is located in the south Central Coast of California a few miles east of the town of Santa Maria. The valley spans in an East-West orientation and is open to the Pacific Ocean to the West, and the climate is strongly influenced by regular summer-time afternoon cool breezes from the ocean. Additionally, the vineyard lies at 34 degrees latitude and receives a lot of bright sunlight. The 2005 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir has very pretty aromas and silky elegant tannins. The nose is reminiscent of raspberries and black cherry with a hint of spiciness, and the textures are fine, rich and voluptuous.

Wine Spectator Reviews – May 31, 2007

2005 Pinot Noir Aubaine Vineyards, 91 points - Dark and plush, with rich, ripe, exotic aromas of blackberry and boysenberry. Plush and concentrated, deep and complex, it coats the palate yet retains a measure of elegance and finesse. Drink now through 2011.

2005 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard, 90 points - A subtle, delicate style, with smooth cherry, cedar, nutmeg and mineral. Fans of graceful, elegant Pinots will find this especially pleasing. Well-proportioned tannins. Best from 2008 through 2013.

2005 Pinot Noir Edna Valley, 90 points - dark, intense and chewy, with a rich core of earthy berry, cherry, cedar, mineral and spice. Big and expansive, it needs time for the fruit to soften. Ends with sturdy tannins. Drink now through 2011.

2006 Flying Cloud Syrah Rosé Paso Robles - $12 per bottle

This is a refreshing dry rosé made in the Provençal style. The 2006 growing season was exceptional, starting off with a cool spring, followed by warm summer days and finishing with a cool fall allowing for long hang-time in the vineyard. Whole grape clusters were pressed in a stainless steel membrane tank press to create a lightly colored, aromatic juice low in tannin. The juice was fermented cold (52 ºF) in stainless steel, and aged in neutral French oak barrels sur lies, and did not undergo malomactic fermentation. 

The wine has an enticing very light salmon coppery-pink color and is brilliant in clarity. The aromas are reminiscent of strawberries and flowers. The palate has virtually no tannins, and is light in body, finishing with crisp acidity. This is an elegant refreshing wine that can be enjoyed before a meal or with food, best served chilled.

Sales at the Winery

You are welcome to visit the winery. We are located at 2717 Aviation Way, Suite F1, Santa Maria, CA in the back southeast corner of the CCWS complex. Barrel tasting may be available; Stephen Ross and Flying Cloud wines are available for purchase. Please call to make an appointment, 805.594.1318, weekdays only.


Upcoming Events

June 24, 2007 
Symphony of Wine
Westlake Village, CA

An elegant dinner and wine auction, Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village. For information call Karl Klessig at 818.735.7965.

June 29, 2007
Monterey Street Wines
San Luis Obispo, CA

Featuring Stephen R. Dooley behind the bar pouring his Stephen Ross wines. For information call John Stipicevich at 805.541.1255.

July 12 – 15, 2007
Central Coast Wine Classic
Shell Beach, CA. 

For more information, contact Archie McLaren at (805) 544-1285 or archie@slonet.org.