New Releases—Fall Cellar Club Selections
Estate Bottled Russian River 2002 Reserve Syrah
A Fall 2004 Cellar Club Selection, the 2002 Estate
Bottled Reserve Syrah was produced from a selection of barrels that
showed the best aging potential. The wine reflects the exceptional
quality of grapes grown on our hillside estate vineyards. The color is
dark violet and the aromas range from cherry to blackberry with peppery
and smoky accents. On the palate the wine is rich and balanced with a
long, jammy finish. Drinkable now, this wine will mature gracefully over
the next 8 years as the generous tannins continue to soften. Order
through our Cellar Club page.
Harvested September 2002
Released August 2004
3.3
tons/acre
Aged in French oak barrels
306 cases produced
Bottle
price $29.00
Catie’s Corner Russian River 2003 Viognier
Like our past vintages, the 2003 was produced from grapes
grown at Catie’s Corner Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Viognier
(V-Own-Yeah), while difficult to pronounce, is an enjoyable white wine
whose grapes have their origin in the Rhone Valley Appellations of
Condrieu and Chateau Grillet. Our 2003 Viognier has a complex nose of
apricot, peach, pear and wild flowers. The mouth feel is harmoniously
balanced between richness and lively acidity. The finish is marked by
long-lasting flavors reflecting the fruity and floral aromas. A perfect
wine to serve with spicy and creamy foods or just to sip on a hot summer
day. Order through our Cellar Club page.
Harvested September 2003
Released August 2004
3.2
tons/acre
413 cases produced
Bottle price $27.00
Simple Steps to Decanting
For Aeration (younger reds)
Empty your young red into a lead-free decanter and allow it to
breathe for several hours before drinking. In a pinch, take two
wide-mouth decanters, both large enough to hold at least a bottle of
wine, and empty your young red wine into the first, then pour it
into the second decanter. Repeat the transfer for two to three
minutes to achieve the equivalent of several hours of airing.
For Sediment (aged reds)
Stand the bottle upright for several hours to allow the sediment
to settle. Remove the entire capsule from the neck for maximum
visibility. Hold a flashlight or the flame of a candle to the
bottle’s neck to illuminate the flow. Then, pour your wine into a
clean, lead-free decanter, never righting the bottle until the
silt-like material has reached the neck. Pour the sediment down the
drain as it will probably feel like sandpaper in your mouth!
Looking for a Gift for Someone Special?
Then look no more. We offer a number of special gifts from a lovely
Ravenscroft lead-free decanter paired with a bottle of 2000 Deux
Barrique to a three-pack vertical of Syrahs. Call us at 707-431-8243
for gift ideas or order through our Gifts page.
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Upcoming Events
Syrah Stampede and 30th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, August 14
11 am-4 pm
Join us this year at our 7th Annual “Syrah Stampede,”
during which we will also celebrate Christopher Creek’s 30th
Anniversary. Barrel sample our 2003 Finlay’s Vineyard Dry Creek
Cabernet and our 2003 Estate Bottled Russian River Reserve Syrah. Enjoy
our newly released 2003 Catie’s Corner Russian River Viognier and the
2002 Estate Bottled Russian River Reserve Syrah. So, saddle up partner
and join us to enjoy fine wines, wine specials and BBQ ranch food.
There is no charge for this event and reservations are not required.
Fall for Zin
Saturday, October 23
11 am-4 pm
On a beautiful Autumn day in the wine country, join us at our
second Annual Fall for Zin, when we celebrate our Best of Class and
Gold Medal-winning Zinfandels. We will taste and offer for sale
several vintages of our dueling Zins: the Russian River versus the
Dry Creek. Hearty fall fare will be served as well. There is no
charge for this event and reservations are not required.
Grape to Glass
Friday, August 20 to
Sunday, August 22
This Russian River event includes tours and special presentations
at Russian River vineyards and wineries, an auction, BBQ Salmon
Bake, a backyard BBQ as well as a Sunday brunch. For more
information and tickets, call 707-521-2535.
Older Vintage Week, Friday, November 19 to Sunday,
November 28
11 am-5 pm
Just in time for the holidays! Visit the winery and enjoy
tasting—and purchasing—some of our older vintage and large format
bottles of Christopher Creek wines. We will also have available our
Petite Sirah Port. Do your holiday shopping with us. (We will be
closed Thanksgiving Day.)
More Awards
- 2002 Dry Creek Zinfandel—Chairman’s Award-Best of Class, 2 Gold Medals, 2
Silver Medals, Riverside International Wine Competition
- 2002 Estate Bottled Russian River Syrah—Gold Medal, 2 Silver
Medals, Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
- 2001 Russian River Zinfandel—Gold Medal, 2 Silver Medals,
Jerry Mead’s New World International Wine Competition
- 2002 Russian River Petite Sirah—Best of Class-Gold Medal, 2
Silvers, Jerry Mead’s New World International Wine Competition
- 2002 Catie’s Corner Russian River Viognier—Best of Class,
Press Democrat, North of the Gate Wine Competition
Past Newsletters
Spring 2004 30th Anniversary of Christopher Creek Winery, 2002 Estate Bottled Syrah, 2002 Petite Sirah
Winter 2003 2001 Dry
Creek Cabernet, 2002 Russian River Chardonnay
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Summer
2004