Our first-ever, all-Juggernaut tasting. These wines are fierce!
A “juggernaut” is something described as a force or institution that inspires devotion and stops at nothing. After 50 years of winemaking, the Bogle family set about creating a unique wine and brand, sourced from different vineyards, that could be set apart from their regular line up.
Juggernaut wines harness the power of nature to produce robust, compelling wines as expressive as the powerful alpha-predators adorning the labels.
We will sample:
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2021 — Balanced and well-structured with a little bit of bite. The complex and sophisticated mouthfeel of this Chardonnay is built through a combination of French and American oak, stainless steel tanks and sur lie aging. Fog and intense wind are prevalent most of the year along the Sonoma Coast. Vineyards at even moderate elevation battle to capture every drop of sunlight in the hopes of bringing the fruit to full ripening. The result of this inhospitable climate is grapes with lower sugar but higher acid levels, which create sought-after structure and a crisp, refreshing backbone that pairs well with a variety of cuisines. Lemon merinque pie and honeysuckle on the nose. Crisp apple, Asian pear and vanilla bean on the palate. 14.5% ABV.
Russian River Pinot Noir 2020 — Proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the balancing influences of sun and fog and soil composition ideally matched to cool climate grapes make the Russian River Valley an ideal sanctuary for Pinot Noir. Aging this wine for an average of 12 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels imparts hints of vanilla, waffle cone and toasty oak. On the palate, red cherries, berries and spicy floral notes. A moderate grip of acidity and low tannins allow this expressive wine to complement a wide range of foods. 14.5% ABV.
Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 — Steep hillside vineyards present the ultimate challenge. Mountainous terrain tests both the grower and the vine. These hillside vineyards have less access to water, with the rockier soil also holding fewer nutrients. These conditions stress the vines, resulting in the production of a fraction of the fruit of most vineyards. The harsh environment causes the vines to struggle, yielding fewer clusters and smaller berry size. The result is berries that are loaded with rich, ripe, intensely concentrated flavors and complexity. Anise, black fruit and cassis on the nose. Dense and velvety with vanilla and ripe black currants. 14.5% ABV.
The cheese shop is fully stocked. See you Friday!