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2001 Carneros Cuvée
The Carneros Cuvée is our Tête de Cuvée. It represents the best fruit from our 335 acres of estate vineyards as well as our winemaking expertise in the art of blending. This special Cuvée is only produced in a select vintage year. Our 2001 vintage is a blend of (53%) Pinot Noir and (47%) Chardonnay, offering a synthesis of effusive ripe fruit expression with superb structure and finesse. With over 10 years en tirage and a minimum of 6 months on the cork, this decade-old wine is remarkably fresh, rich and complex and represents the ultimate statement of our house style.
Tasting Notes
A rich and complex nose offers ripe apples and asian pears that lead to bright berry fruit aromas interlaced with a hint of yeast and toasted brioche. On the palate, this wine is creamy and vibrant with complex layers of baked apple and citrus with perfectly balanced acidity intermingling in a very elegant, vibrant and enduring finish.
Winemaking Notes
The 2001 vintage in Carneros gave us an abundant crop that we thinned heavily. After a dry winter, we received just enough rain in February to bring us to normal levels. After a warm day or two in June, temperatures stayed in the 80s and 90s through the growing season. Harvest was orderly and many vineyard blocks ripened slowly, allowing fruit to ripen fully while maintaining bright acidities.
Acclaim
2000 VINTAGE, 89 POINTS
"The 2000 Carneros Cuvée is subtle and gracious from start to finish. Hints of pear, apricot, pastry and apples emerge from the beautifully delineated bouquet. The Carneros Cuvée impresses for its silky, understated fruit and terrific overall balance. A long, polished finish rounds things out in style. This is a beautiful wine from Gloria Ferrer."
- "The Best of Sonoma", The Wine Advocate #199, February 2012
2000 VINTAGE, 97 POINTS
"Wilfred's 'aha!' moment with this wine happened at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair in a pairing with paella. 'Late disgorged,' meaning the wine stayed in contact with the used yeasts longer than usual, it has all sorts of toasty, biscuity, creamy flavors. This is definitely a contender for our champagne flutes when we’re ringing in 2012."
- Wilfred Wong, December 2011
2000 VINTAGE, 95 POINTS
"The winery held back this brutstyle
wine for eleven years. Even at this great age, the wine tastes young and vibrant in acidity, with rich strawberry, orange, lime and yeast flavors, finished with sweet vanilla. Tastes beautiful now, but extraordinary as it is, it should gain traction over the next ten years."
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine, December 15, 2011
2000 VINTAGE, 90 POINTS
"Lush and elegant, with baked apple tart aromas and complex, layered flavors of Asian pear, cinnamon and lemon custard. Drink now through 2014."
- Wine Spectator Insider, October 19, 2011
2000 VINTAGE, TOP 100 WINES
"This long-aged reserve bottle from Ferrer shows its commitment to the potential of Carneros. After a full decade on its lees, this is simultaneously opulent and precise. Aromas of citrus pith, thyme, pear skin and yeast underscore remarkable youth for a 10-year-old wine."
- San Francisco Chronicle, Top 100 Wines 2011
Awards
2001 VINTAGE, 2013 Gold Medals
California State Fair Wine Competition - 95 Points, Best of Region, Best of Class of Region
Los Angeles International Wine Competition - 92 Points, Best of Class
International Eastern Wine Competition - Best of Class, Double Gold
2000 VINTAGE, 2013 Gold Medals
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2000 VINTAGE, 2012 Gold Medals
Critics Challenge
Florida State Fair Wine Competition
LA International Wine Competition
Monterey Wine Competition - Best of Show Sparkling
Riverside International Wine Competition
US National Wine Competition
Winemakers Challenge - Wine of the Year
Food Affinities
Great pairing with any type of seafood, from raw oysters or sashimi to cracked crab, caviar, steamed mussels, smoked salmon and lobster. Also excellent with cream based risotto, roast chicken and the complex delicacy of artisan goat cheese. Seasoning affinities include lemon zest, toasted pine nuts and sweet fennel.
Analysis
Blend: 53% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay
