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Wines

Damian Rae is proud to present the following artisan wines:

Damian Rae 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Barrel-aged in 50% new oak, the Damian Rae 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a sumptuous hand-crafted blend from fruit from Carrefour Vineyard (Coombsville) and Ink Grade Vineyard (Howell Mountain), two of California's premier Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.It first tempts with an outstanding nose - rich and robust with dark fruit aromatics.The taste buds are then met with full-bodied blackberry and black currant flavors, and a hint of tasty oak. Balanced just right, this Cabernet is elegant and sophisticated, with a deep berry color, intense aroma, and a smooth but powerful flavor that finishes flawlessly.

The Damian Rae 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious now with steaks, prime rib, and stews, but cellaring this vintage wine will make it even more spectacular upon maturity.

Vineyards

Carrefour Vineyard is located in Coombsville, where moderate Napa Valley temperatures lengthen the growing season to produce wines with evolved tannins and the well-integrated classic herbaciousness notes associated with fine Cabernets. Ink Grade Vineyard stands hilltop on the eastern side of Howell Mountain, where the stressed soil produces small berries with powerfully deep and structured spicy notes, and robust tannins. The two vineyard sources combine to make a terrific blend of the best that Napa Valley has to offer.

Wine details

The grapes were hand-picked and processed on October 8, 2007, press date was October 28, 2007, and the wine rested in a French oak barrel until bottling on July 2, 2009. Alcohol is 14.7%. The Damian Rae 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon release date was December 1, 2009. Fifty cases made.

Damian Rae 2007 Syrah (Santa Barbara County)

Inky dark, this impressively smooth Syrah offers a tsunami of blackberry, currant, and plum flavors. The richness is balanced with fine, silky tannins, leading to a delightful finish. Ideal now through 2013; pair with steaks, chops, and strong cheeses.

Vineyard

White Hawk Vineyard (Santa Barbara County) is located 21 miles west of the Pacific and two miles north of Los Alamos. With slopes of 15% to 45%, it's planted at 900 feet elevation on pure sand that immediately drains off water and nutrients and forces the vines to work extra-hard to survive. Ten-foot vine rows are the norm at White Hawk in order to minimize the hazards associated with driving tractors along steep, sandy contours. A strong core of acidity is complemented by elements of meat and blackberries. The yields are miniscule, and the berries intense.

Wine details

The grapes were picked and processed on October 24, 2007; pressing followed two weeks later. The wine rested in a medium French oak barrel until bottling on April 17, 2009. The Damian Rae Syrah was released on September 22, 2009. Fifty cases made.

Damian Rae 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

The sleek Damian Rae 2009 Sauvignon Blanc first tempts with a nose of grapefruit and ripe pears. Crisp and cool, the wine has a dry, steely minerality accented by zesty acidity and rich citrus flavors that together make this single-vineyard beauty an unforgettable treat. With just 50 cases made, it will go fast! The Damian Rae 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is delicious with just about any dish, and particularly mouth-watering when paired with chicken pot pie, fried seafood, Greek salads, white fish, and pasta primavera.

Vineyard

Galleron Road (Rutherford) As in Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc tends to do extremely well where Cabernet grows. And Rutherford produces some mighty fine Cabernet. Along with the vibrant citrus, grapefruit and lemon-lime flavors, the terroir provides hints of minerality and herbalness to the wine that makes it simply amazing.

Wine details

The grapes were picked and processed on September 9, 2009; the wine was aged in stainless steel and bottled on March 19, 2010. The Damian Rae 2009 Sauvignon Blanc release date was April 23, 2010. Fifty cases made.