One of the most exciting new Califoria producers, Capture Wines is already making its mark in the industry. The winery website provides a great deal of information about this fledgling operation, but here are a few of the highlights on the estate's history:
"When Mike and Carol Foster first visited the rugged slopes of Pine Mountain, they knew they had discovered the perfect home for their family and the perfect place to grow world-class Bordeaux wine grapes. They founded Capture Wines in 2008, on a parcel of land that rises 1,600 to 2,400 feet above the Alexander Valley floor - a picturesque spot with breathtaking views and a rich winegrowing heritage. Their mountain estate, historic Tin Cross Vineyards, has been planted to vine since early homesteaders first settled here in 1855. In keeping with the legacy of these pioneers, Mike and Carol - together with Vineyard Manager Glenn Alexander - work hand-in-hand with the earth, using sustainable farming methods that result in mountain-grown wine grapes of uncommon intensity. In the winery, time-honored Bordeaux methods from the renowned winemaking team of May-Britt and Denis Malbec - give these grapes their finest expression for wines of depth, nuance and complexity."
Capture Wines’ motto is “Bordeaux Tradition. Frontier Spirit.” Once you taste the wines produced by May-Britt and Denis (formerly PR Manager and Cellar Master at Chateau Latour) from the rolling hills and mountain peaks of California’s North Coast, you’ll understand why this is such an apt description. Denis produced the Chateau Latour vintages from 1994 to 1999 including some of the highest-scoring wines of recent decades. Currently, this dynamic team is creating Bordeaux-style reds from the Tin Cross Vineyards, high upon Pine Mountain, and Sauvignon Blanc from Kick Ranch and Windrem Ranch Vineyards. Although there are multiple wines from the estate currently in production, the red wines will not be released until 2011. Your only chance to try these exclusive California wines with First Growth pedigree are the recent 2009 releases of Sauvignon Blanc -the Tradition and Les Pionniers.
2009 Capture - Sauvignon Blanc Tradition - $29.95
Although only 875 cases of this wine were made, this is currently the largest production wine from Capture. Aged sur lie for 5 months, with weekly battonage, the Tradition shows subtle aromas ranging from pink grapefruit to elegant Meyer lemon and tangerine orange. The delicate scents of passion fruit, pear and gooseberry linger with the creamy texture of the wine. Try this wine well chilled, and then enjoy its shifting complexity as the wine slowly warms. The 2008 (inaugural) vintage of this wine was scored 91 points by Wine Spectator, and 92 points by International Wine Cellar
2009 Capture - Sauvignon Blanc Les Pionniers - $35.95
Considering that a scant 360 cases of this wine are produced, it is no wonder that this is a mailing list only offer. Also aged sur lie and stirred weekly, Les Pionniers shows bright fruit expression and an impressive mouth-feel. This Sauvignon Blanc has a nose rich with aromas of stone fruits such as apricots and peaches, along with a floral touch of orange blossoms. The palate has an extraordinary balance and a long finish, where the minerality declares it a “vin de terroir.”
For some more excellent information on this winery, check out these great video spots:
Forbes
NBC Bay Area
CNN International
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