2008-07-04
Warm Days and Cool Nights
with Oberon Wines
Growing up in the vineyards of Napa Valley, fourth generation winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr. gained an early education in the wine business. Working alongside his father, Michael Mondavi, and veteran winemaker, Tony Coltrin, Rob learned “hands-on” how to craft fine wine.
The family’s winemaking legacy continues today at the Folio Winemakers’ Studio, the winery facility operated by Folio Fine Wine Partners, the wine company that Rob co-founded in 2004 with his parents, Michael and Isabel, and his sister, Dina. As president of winegrowing, Rob oversees all winemaking operations at the custom-crush facility and works closely with Tony Coltrin to make the Oberon Wines.
Oberon is a line of Bordeaux-style wines made from high-quality Napa Valley fruit. In addition to the flagship Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon, the portfolio includes Oberon Sauvignon Blanc, Oberon Merlot and two recently introduced reserve-tier labels: Oberon Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Oberon Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2005 Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are sourced from several of Napa Valley’s finest appellations, including Rutherford, Oakville, Pope Valley and Atlas Peak. Napa’s volcanic hillside soils and the deeper alluvial soils of the valley floor give the Cabernet Sauvignon rich cherry, dark berry and cassis flavors, adding subtle nuances of toasted vanilla and toffee. Enjoy with steak, lamb and duck dishes, as well as flavorful cheeses.
The most recent Oberon addition, the 2005 Oberon Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, carries big, ripe fruit, adding nuances of coffee and toasted vanilla. These grapes are sourced from a number of Napa hillside vineyards, rich with volcanic soil. The grapes for the Oberon Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from a single vineyard on the northeastern slopes of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. The vineyard, which is owned by the Michael Mondavi family, has beautiful stone-lined terraces. The cooling afternoon breezes temper the heat from the valley floor, keeping the Oso fruit fresh and vibrant throughout the growing season. This wine is a match for grilled steak, rib roasts, lamb shanks and venison.
Complex, with notes of chocolate and blueberry, the 2005 Oberon Merlot is a blend of fruit from classic and emerging appellations, including Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap, Atlas Peak and Wooden Valley. Rob Jr. and Tony softened the tannins and increased the intensity by prolonging skin contact for 28 days. Finishing off in French oak barrels creates this well-rounded mouthful of wine. The 2005 Oberon Merlot is perfect for that favorite burger from the grill.
The 2005 growing season was influenced initially by a warm February that tricked the vines into an early bud break, only to be followed by an unseasonably cold, wet April that caused them to stop growing. In May, temperatures returned to normal and vine growth resumed, producing high quality, abundant crops.
“These are just the conditions we hope for - the right amounts of sun, proper drainage, all contributes to the grapes, grapes that are just full of flavor,” said Rob Mondavi Jr.
The 2006 growing season was off to a late start, with cool temperatures lasting until May, summer experienced just enough heat to allow the grapes to mature in time for harvest. The result is a fresh, crisp, layering of fruit flavors that make the 2006 Oberon Sauvignon Blanc.
“Some fruit was picked at the early stages of ripeness to capture the acidity at its peak and flavors of green apple and tart kiwi,” said Tony Coltrin. “Using both cold and barrel fermentation helped us maintain the aromatics and added a subtle creaminess and length.”
Named after the eponymous king in Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oberon wines with their elegance and complexity are easily paired and enjoyed with a wide range of dishes.
2005 Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon is $24.99, 2005 Oberon Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is $65, 2005 Oberon Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is $44.99, 2005 Oberon Merlot is $21.99 and the 2006 Oberon Sauvignon Blanc is $14.99.
All of the Oberon wines are available at the Folio Winemakers’ Studio located at 1285 Dealy Lane, Napa; (707) 256-2757. The tasting room is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information visit the website: www.foliowine.com.
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