A tasting with Karen Culler at Wolf Family Vineyards

Spent a wonderful morning at Wolf Family Vineyards with winemaker Karen Culler and hospitality manager Melinda Kearney (also of Intersection Wine Company). Probably one of the nicest tasting/touring experiences I've ever had; it was like sitting down with old friends.

The property is situated on the far west side of St.Helena is in total about 30 acres with around 7 in vines. Cabernet Sauvignon makes up over half with the front vineyard planted in 1996 to clones 7 and 337. They are in the process of converting to organic farming practices, although Karen said they probably wouldn't seek full certification.

Interesting quote of the day by Karen: 'Rootstock is the biggest reason we have to pick later'.



On to the wines...


2008 Wolf Family Sauvignon Blanc

Overview: The site sits on less than an acre directly behind the Wolf Family house and is planted on gravelly soils. The blend was 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Sauvignon Musque, alcohol 13.5%, picked around 22 Brix. 176 cases.

Notes: Ripe fruit on the nose, honeysuckle, fig, tropical fruits. Same fruit profile on the palate, grassy, bright, slightly creamy with a whisper of oak.


2007 Culler Syrah

Overview: Napa. I believe a blend of two sites around the Coombsville area.

Notes: Explosive blueberry nose, on the palate is meaty/fatty with lavender and a bit of menthol.


2006 Wolf Family Cabernet Franc

Overview: From vines on the far west of the property, planted in the 70's on rocky soils. Blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol 14.9%, 122 cases produced.

Notes: Peppery nose, rich and layered on the palate with blueberries and other dark fruits, tobacco leaf, pleasantly herbal.


2006 Wolf Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

Overview: From 4.5 acres on the valley floor. 100% Cabernet, 14.5 % Alcohol, picked at 27.5 Brix, 4 day cold soak, 20 months with 74% new French. 480 cases

Notes: The first thought when I smelled this wine was gummy bears, which evolved into other juicy fruits and a bit of black tea. On the palate the wine was plush and rich with non-jammy dark fruits, chalky.


2006 Culler Howell Mountain Cabernet

Overview: From Ladera grapes, 100% Cabernet, 14.8% Alcohol.

Notes: Elegant and deep nose filled with dark fruits. Same on the palate with soft, tight tannins. The wine had a pleasant chewy quality.


2006 Culler 'La Palette'

Overview: 95% Cabernet, 5% Petit Verdot. 14.4% Alcohol, valley floor fruit.

Notes: Bright with rough but well integrated tanning and hidden ripeness.


2007 Wolf Family 'Phaedrus'

Overview: Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec from the western most, and youngest vineyards.

Notes: Typical Napa style Caberenet based wine, chalky tannins, nice structure.


2008 Lorenza Rose

Overview: Melinda Kearney's first release. Lodi fruit, 62% Mourvedre, 62% Carignane, 4% Cinsault, 2% Syrah. Picked at 21 Brix, whole cluster pressed and soaked on the skins for a couple hours.

Notes: Quite beautiful, Provencal style. Nicely structured, floral, delicious.