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Greetings
Today, oak is the preferred wood for barrels because of its low porous
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character, flexibility, and subtle tannin levels, which mildly influence a wine’s aroma, body, color and texture. The low porous nature of oak slows over time, concentrating a wine’s flavors while allowing the small amount of oxygenation necessary to soften tannins to occur without causing oxidation or reduction. Phenols within oak produce vanilla flavors, sweetness, or tea
Winemaking & Vineyard Update
As this year comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible growing season we’ve had. If you were able to join us for
like characteristics while the degree of toasting (heat used on the inside of the barrel to char the wood) affects tannin levels and wood flavors.
our annual Harvest Party on October 12th, you already know how much promise the 2013 vintage holds.
As the season comes to an end, we are grateful that Mother Nature
The amount of time wine spends in a barrel also influences the wine’s
This year’s Harvest Party featured a sensational feast, a
bestowed upon us another year of very high quality fruit. The weather
character. Some wines are aged for only a few months while other wines
selection of Estate wines, barrel sample tastings, after-
favored us early on with a dry winter and spring. Our vines grew slowly,
are aged for years. Newer barrels impart a stronger influence, while older
dinner cigars, and memorable entertainment, including the
with less vigor than usual, making them more resistant to drought. Despite
barrels are more neutral. Many winemakers use a variety of barrels,
swinging sounds of The Speakeasies. Most importantly,
the lack of precipitation, we irrigated surprisingly little.
including a mix of French and American oak, as well as wood from
this lively evening included the familiar faces of our
Flowering occurred in mid-May, two weeks earlier than normal. Intense
members, as well as guests we were thrilled to meet for the
Hungary and Slavonia. Inglenook primarily uses French oak in the aging of its Estate wines, with some American oak being used as well. The differences
heat in June encouraged ripening. July and August brought mild, steady heat
first time. Our thanks go out to everyone who joined us at
between French and American oak are quite distinct.
creating optimal conditions for gradual sugar and tannin development. The
the Chateau for this momentous occasion.
white grape harvest began on August 19th. On September 3rd we harvested
The first and most obvious difference between French and American Oak
There are a few events left this year we hope you’ll share
Syrah. A week later we began picking the Zinfandel, and on September 15th
is location of source. French oak comes from two species of trees, Quercus
with us, plus a complete listing of next year’s festivities
the Cabernet harvest commenced and lasted about 4 weeks. With yields
robur and Quercus sessiliflora. The cool European climate creates a slow
detailed in this newsletter. We also bring you an insider-
similar to 2012, this year’s crop is absolutely ideal. Furthermore, the fruit
and steady growth of these trees with a tightened wood grain. French oak
look at oak barrels, from their history and attributes, to
shows softer tannins, making 2013 another stellar vintage.
barrels are typically known to give subtle spice notes, soft aromatics and
the selection process we use for our Estate wines.
“We expect great quality from the 2013 vintage and very elegant wines.”
Cheers,
—Philippe Bascaules, Winemaker and General Manager
silkier textures. The American oak variety typically used is Quercus alba. It has a wider grain and produces strong aromas and flavors of vanilla, cream, and coconut. This oak also gives wine a creamier texture.
Samantha Lloyd
The wood is also produced differently. After being cut down and stripped
Director, Consumer Direct Sales and Marketing
of bark, American oak is sawn into planks or staves. The action of sawing ruptures the wood’s cells, which releases aromatic elements and cyclic esters known as lactones. This is where those vanilla and coconut notes
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come from. American oak is kiln-dried which concentrates these lactones, consequently accentuating all the natural characteristics, thereby making American oak a much more intense influence during aging.
Please update your account before our shipment deadlines to avoid the
Winemaker Philippe Bascaules samples a barrel in the Rubicon cave.
French oak barrels have a similar production but instead of being sawn,
$12 UPS fee*. Fees will be assessed if any of the following changes are made
the wood is split into staves or planks and then air-dried to “season” the
after the stated deadline:
wood, thereby releasing aromatic substances and reducing harsh tannins.
• Shipment cancellations
• Shipment redirects to an address that is not on file
• Return requests
• Shipment pick-ups after delivery has been made
*Please note that fees have increased due to increased charges from UPS.
Aging with Oak... Aging with Elegance
The contrast between “subtle” French and “intense” American oak has been debated, and for years, American oak was considered inferior. However, improvements in cooperage techniques have greatly enhanced the quality of American oak barrels, thus increasing worldwide demand.
Your updates for the January 2014 shipment are due by: Friday, January 17, 2014. If there has been an error with your shipment that we were responsible for, we will happily correct the error at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your understanding. To update your account CALL: 877. 697.8242
Our completely redesigned website has launched! We now
offer online reservations at www.inglenook.com. Also take
E-MAIL:
[email protected] VISIT: www.inglenook.com/account
a few moments to review our enhanced Heritage Society member area. We welcome your comments on the website
At Inglenook, we continuously experiment with barrels, evaluate new barrel makers, and investigate different forests. We primarily use French
The oak barrel—it reflects the patience and care in winemaking. In a
oak barrels for our wines, but age some wine in American oak to achieve
seemingly endless procession, rows of these wooden cylinders line the walls
flavors desired that French oak can’t always provide. Our winemaking staff
of cellars and caves, filling our imagination with romantic allure. In this
determines what barrels to use based on the style, harvest, blend profile and
article, we discuss the complex development of aging wine in oak barrels
the results of aging techniques from past vintages. The style of wine often
and how it relates to Inglenook wines.
dictates the choice of barrel used.
The use of oak barrels in winemaking dates back over 2,000 years with
Bar r e l r eg i m e n of ou r cu r r e nt r e leas e s:
the first documented widespread use occurring during the reign of the
2010 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel 18 months in French oak
Roman Empire. During this period, barrels were used only for storage.
and how we can continue to improve.
The subtle influence in flavor and tannin that oak lends to a wine was not
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon CASK 18 months in a combination of French and American oak
yet understood. Over time winemakers discovered oak could influence a wine’s character. In recent years, Robert Mondavi was credited for his experimentation with this process.
On the cover: 2010 RC Reserve Syrah
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2010 RC Reserve Syrah 16 months in a combination of French and American oak, 30% new oak 2010 Rubicon 20 months in French oak
2010 RC Reserve Syrah September Rubicon Dinner
Inspired by the great Australian heavyweights of Barossa and McLaren Vale as well as by the more pedigreed Syrah-based wines from the Northern Rhone of France, Roman Coppola and the Inglenook winemaking team set out to create a unique Syrah that combined the nuance and texture of the Old World with the powerful fruit of the New
On Saturday, September 14th, our annual Rubicon Dinner took place
World. Rutherford’s temperate climate, alluvial soils and the eastern
at the Chateau. One hundred guests attended this black tie event, which
exposure where the vines are planted at the estate, offer envious conditions
kicked-off with a reception of passed hors d’oeuvres in the Pennino Salon.
for producing a rich, opulent wine.
After mingling downstairs, attendees proceeded to the South Barrel room for a 4-course feast prepared by Chef Alex Lovick.
Roman Coppola designed the label for RC Reserve Syrah, selecting bold typeface and simple artwork to reflect the pure character and intense flavor
Hawaiian Kampachi Crudo was paired with 2011 Blancaneaux, followed
of the bottle’s contents.
by Chicken Confit Ravioli accompanied by our 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask. Finally, Slow-Roasted Rib Eye Beef, Smashed Carrots, and Summer
Vi ntag e
Beans with Olympic Chanterelles were served with the 2010 Rubicon.
2010 saw one of the coolest growing seasons of the last 30 years. Chilly
Head winemaker Philippe Bascaules and Francis Coppola entertained
spring temperatures resulted in slight delays in bud break and bloom, but the weather didn’t affect fruit set or the maturation of clusters through the
guests with a Rubicon discussion while Enrique Herrero and Eleanor
bloom stage. The consistently cool weather allowed the fruit a slow rate
Coppola hosted tables throughout the evening. Even new mom Jennifer
of sugar development and necessitated longer hangtime. This resulted in
Coppola was in attendance. After dinner, cigars and Port were served on
highly fragrant and flavorful grapes with a more elegant structure than in
the terrace, where Francis and Eleanor mingled with guests until midnight.
warmer years.
It was a memorable evening that we hope you were able to enjoy.
Wi n e makER Note s For the first time in years we bottled a 100% Syrah because the fruit we harvested was so pure in character. It was also quite powerful in structure, color, and flavor, giving us a beautifully balanced wine that shows great finesse. Fermentation was done without stems and the wine was aged for 16 months, thereby making the wine softer, and more elegant and
Membership Updates
• One private tasting in your own home per calendar year guided by an Estate host and scheduled at a mutually agreeable date and located within
Tasti ng Note s
a two-hour drive
A sophisticated presentation of intensely fragrant fruit comes alive in our
• Exclusive access to Rubicon futures, library wines and members-only all Heritage Society members receive the following benefits:
selections
• 25% discount on wine and merchandise at the Estate, online, and
The Excelsior membership is now on a waitlist.
in club shipments • 30% discount on reorder of select shipment wines, not including Rubicon, within 30 days of receipt • Select partner benefits and perks at local hotels, tour operators, and Coppola Resorts
approachable in its youth.
2010 RC Reserve Syrah. The wine bestows an alluring scent of violets, blackberries, cinnamon, vanilla, white pepper and ash. While initial impressions are round and subtle, the mid-palate offers juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries and red fruits, which slowly expand, intensify, and
Rubicon members also enjoy the following:
finish with great length and persistence. The differing nose and palate reflect
• Five shipments per year containing allocations of two to four bottles
the complexity of this wine and its ability to develop further with time. This
of new releases of our five Estate wines, as well as occasional special
vintage, while less dense than in years past, offers tremendous balance, an
selection wines
elegant texture, restrained alcohol presence, and a rich tapestry of flavor.
• Six complimentary seated member tastings for up to six people, including
• Discounts on select tour experiences and private events*
one complimentary Inglenook Experience tour and tasting per calendar
• Invitations to exclusive private events at the Estate and nationwide
year for up to six people (Private Experience required for groups of more than 10)*
Excelsior members also enjoy the following:
We encourage collectors to request being added to the Excelsior waitlist
• Automatic allocations of twelve bottles of our Cabernet Sauvignon Cask in May; and twelve bottles of Rubicon, our flagship Bordeaux-blend,
because of its exclusive access to Rubicon futures and automatic allocations
in September
of cases of our two flagship wines. The satisfaction of our members is of the utmost importance to us. If you
• Complimentary seated member tastings and one complimentary Inglenook
Appellation Ensemble
100% Syrah
Vineyard
Chateau, Gate
Aging
Experience tour and tasting per calendar year for up to six people
have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Case Production
(Private Experience required for groups of more than 10)*
*Advance reservation required. Member must be present, or member may
Alcohol
gift their tastings Monday through Friday only.
• Four complimentary Inglenook Experience tour and tasting passes per calendar year to give to your friends and family
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Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA
Release Date
16 months French and American oak (30% new) 1,500 Cases 14.9% April 2013
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2014 Member Event Calendar Visit www.inglenook.com for updates. RSVPs accepted about four weeks prior to each event
January
February
March
April
crab feed lunch
Chef Experience
Blancaneaux Release Luncheon
Rubicon Vertical Tasting
Saturday, January 18 Lunch
Saturday, February 15 Daytime
Saturday, April 26 Daytime, Excelsior Only
Saturday, March 15 Daytime
May
June
July
August
CASK Release EVENT
Vineyard Hike and Wine Reception
Lobster Feed Luncheon
ANNUAL HARVEST PARTY
Saturday, May 24 Evening
Saturday, August 9 Evening
Saturday, July 12 Lunch
Saturday, June 14 Morning
September
November
December
Annual Rubicon Dinner
ZINFANDEL WINE Dinner
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, September 13 Evening, Formal • Excelsior tickets available August 1 at 9am PDT • Rubicon tickets available August 2 at 9am PDT
Saturday, November 15 Evening
Sunday, December 7 Afternoon
2014 Shipment Schedule ExcelsioR Shipment schedule September 2014
March 2014
May 2014 Ships Monday, May 5
Ships Monday, March 17
Ships Monday, September 22
12 bottles 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask
2 bottles 2011 RC Reserve Syrah
2 bottles 2011 Rubicon
Retail: $75 each
Excelsior Shipment Price: $675* September 2014 12 bottles 2011 Rubicon Retail: $210 each
Excelsior Shipment Price: $1,890*
Total Retail: $420
Rubicon Shipment Price: $315*
Retail: $48
November 2014
Rubicon Shipment Price: $129*
Ships Monday, November 10
Option: 2012 Blancaneaux
4 bottles 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail: $62
Retail: $45 each
1 bottle 2011 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel
May 2014
Rubicon shipment schedule
Retail: $210 each
1 bottle 2011 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel Total Retail: $172
Ships Monday, September 22
Retail: $62 each
Ships Monday, May 5
3 bottles 2011 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon
Total Retail: $228
Ships Monday, January 27
Rubicon Shipment Price: $171*
1 library bottle 2007 Rubicon
1 library bottle 2008 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel
Option: 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
January 2014
Retail: $250
Retail: $75 each Retail: $55
1 library bottle 2008 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon
Total Retail: $280
Rubicon Shipment Price: $210*
Retail: $100
Retail: $48
Retail: $35
*Plus shipping and sales tax. Shipments subject to change without notice.
Total Retail: $350 Rubicon Shipment Price: $262.50
Inglenook
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p.o. box 208, Rutherford, CA 94573
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877.697.8242
All trademarks used herein are exclusive property of The Coppola Companies. ©2013 Inglenook
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www.inglenook.com