Wolf Family Vineyards offers three estate grown wines in artisanal quantities hand made by Karen Culler in the small winery and cave on the estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, a Cabernet Franc Blend and Sauvignon Blanc. Phaedrus, an alternate label, is crafted to be immediately drinkable. A fortuitous combination of the demanding standards of the winemaker and the family's "no compromises" philosophy results in wine that pleases the collector's long term palate. Total winery production varies from 800 to 1000 cases per year.
2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2005 Wolf Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon was made exclusively from estate grown fruit from the Wolf Family vineyard located just south west of St. Helena against the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in Napa Valley. The 4.5 acre vineyard was planted in 1996 to Cabernet Sauvignon clones 337 and 7, on Schwarzman rootstock, narrowly spaced at 4' by 6'. The 2005 yield was the largest to date but still only producing 3 tons per acre. The vintage was the exact opposite of 2004—a very late, cool and wet spring started off the season, followed by a cool growing season and a very nerve wracking, late harvest. The late harvest inherently gave the fruit the benefit of longer ripening and elegant, well balanced tannins and velvety tannins. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and anise follow onto the palate carried by a plush, rounded texture. The rich extract of the wine and complex flavors integrate well with the toasty new French oak barrels and yield an excellent Cabernet for enjoying now or long term aging. 539 cases produced.
2005 Estate Cabernet Franc 97%, Cabernet Sauvignon 3%
The Cabernet Franc vineyard was planted in the late 1970s and remains the last parcel from that era on the Wolf Family Estate in St. Helena. The vines erratically produce small berries and loose clusters leading to wonderfully concentrated flavors and texture. A treasured vineyard for the history it represents; it is the source of Wolf Family Vineyards' first wine produced in 1997; the Cabernet Franc blend. From year to year the yield varies and 2005 produced a heavier than normal crop, which was still only three tons per acre. Berries were intensely flavored and the clusters were very small. The rainbow at the end of such a patience-trying season was that the lengthy ripening period produced wine with a stunning elegance, well balanced tannins and a velvety texture. The aroma is replete with red and black raspberry and beautiful complex herbal, anise notes. The 2005 is approachable earlier but should have the same long term aging potential given its balance. 193 cases produced.
2007 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Tres Hermanos
From the long, narrow sloping vineyard that spans the property, the Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of the Musque clone and the Sauvignon Blanc clone 1. Fermented for the most part in small stainless steel barrels, the wine is aged on the lees. Sauvignon Blanc grapes are so expressive with wonderful bold aromas of green apple and pear, lemon-lime, fresh herbs, spearmint and lychee. Our goal is to maintain these flavors as much as we can in the wine and at the same time, complex it with the added components only found in the fermented wine. The taste is equally bold with strong acidity in a delicious mouthwatering way that makes you want more and which is what makes Sauvignon Blanc such a great way to start a meal. 182 cases produced.
2005 Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Phaedrus was an important figure in Plato's philosophical dialogue. The name is also the Greek word for wolf, an animal known for mythical strength and longevity. We were inspired by the name's esteemed and powerful significance to call the newest addition to the Wolf Family Vineyards portfolio Phaedrus. The 2005 Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon was made exclusively from estate grown fruit from the Wolf Family vineyard located just south west of St. Helena against the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in Napa Valley. Phaedrus was conceived as a bottling that would capture the terroir of Wolf Family Vineyards in a rather accessible wine for an earlier release. 2005 Phaedrus is composed of 86% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Malbec and Petit Verdot from our "experimental" vineyard. Hand picked, gently crushed, pressed, fermented and aged in French oak barrels, Phaedrus is created in the same manner as our Estate wine. The 2005 Phaedrus emanates blackberry and cassis aromas, rich dark berry flavors, and lush, velvety texture. Bottled and released earlier, this wine is well suited for immediate enjoyment however given its terroir and balance graceful aging is anticipated for 5 to 8 years. 719 cases produced.
Olive Oil
Predominantly Spanish varieties are grown on the estate. The youngest trees which were planted in 2000 are located in special location on the westernmost edge in the rolling hills of the Mayacamas Range where they enjoy great morning and mid-day sun exposure, great drainage and rocky alluvial soil. The mature trees which are estimated to be 30 years old, border the southern edge of the property and another grove provides an intimate shelter near the winery on the eastern side.
2007 Los Tres Lobos, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Our Estate Grown Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the 2007 harvest is made from Mission, Sevillano and Manzanillo olives which grow in our hillside grove in St. Helena. An olive oil with presence, our oil possesses layers of zesty, pungent flavors, perfect for salads, drizzling and dipping. 20 cases produced.
