Wolf Family Vineyards offers four estate grown wines in artisanal quantities hand made by Karen Culler in the small winery and cave on the estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Phaedrus, a blend from the youngest vines on the property. 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 averages 1000 cases per year.
2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Black cherries and coffee aromas followed by forward black fruits and cassis framed by balanced yet powerful tannins and a full mid-palate. Richly extracted and with a long lush finish this is a classic Wolf Family Cabernet Sauvignon reflecting its Western St. Helena terroir. Soft, supple and balanced, the 2008 has great potential for aging.
2008 Estate Cabernet Franc
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. A treasured vineyard for the history it represents; it is the source of Wolf Family Vineyards’ first wine produced in 1997. From a winemaking perspective, the vines produce small berries and loose clusters leading to exceptional density and concentration. The 2008 Cabernet Franc has soft and elegant tannins, varietal aromas and flavors of herbs, tobacco, blackberry and licorice with a distinct oily mid-texture, soft and velvety tannins. 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 94 cases produced.
2010 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Tres Hermanos
From the narrow sloping vineyard that spans the beltline of the estate, the Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of the and the Sauvignon Blanc Clone 1 (70%) and the Musque Clone (30%). Fermented in small stainless steel barrels and a single new barrel, the wine is aged on the lees to encourage a hint of creamy texture to balance the fresh, crisp flavors. The lively and expressive 2010 vintage was hand picked early in the morning in two passes in late August. 122 cases were produced.
2008 Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
The 2008 Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of the youngest vines on the estate in St. Helena. The aromatics are confident and forward with dark berries and spice. Hints of coffee and cardamom with plump, juicy blackberries on the mid palate and a long lush finish. The 2008 will age well. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec, 4% Petite Verdot.
Olive Oil
The estate is host to Spanish and Italian varieties. The trees which were planted in 2000 are located on the western slope of the Mayacamas Range where they enjoy great morning and mid-day sun exposure, excellent drainage and rocky alluvial soil. The beautiful mature trees which are estimated to be over 30 years old, border both the southern and northern edges of the property.
2010 Inglewood Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The hilly upper benchland on the estate is home to over 140 Manzanillo trees. Picked Mid-November 2010 while frost and rain threatened. We harvested by hand a small yield and cold pressed just 20 gallons. The oil is richly green in color which will become more golden with time. Fresh grass on the nose, the oil is zesty with a fabulous kick on the back of the palate.
