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VINEYARDS
Fruit for the 2005 Crimson Topaz Meritage is sourced 100% from the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard in San Martin. The 80-acre Estate Vineyard was planted in 1999. Nearly 20 varietals were planted, along with 60 separate clones—providing Winemaker Stephen Tebb with a spice-rack of blending wines. Hot sunny days throughout the growing season, coupled with cool ocean breezes in the evenings, allow for increased grape hang-time, and the further development of flavors and complexities. Computerized vineyard maintenance and data recording systems (weather stations, leaf and soil sensors, automated irrigation and fertigation) were also installed onsite, ensuring the highest quality fruit possible.
VINTAGE
Rains in the early spring and summer created vigorous vine growth early on. Harvest started on schedule, however the cool weather slowed things down, with the last grapes coming in around Thanksgiving. Yields were through-the-roof all throughout the state. Clos LaChance’s winemaker Stephen Tebb ran out of tank space halfway through harvest. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and Stephen literally stored the grapes on the vine for several weeks. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the resulting wines are some of the best Clos LaChance has produced.
WINEMAKING
The grapes were hand-harvested, hand sorted and destemmed prior to cold-soaking for 24 hours. The must was inoculated and pumped over twice daily at the beginning and end of fermentation. Towards the peak of fermentation, Winemaker Stephen Tebb chose to increase pump-overs to four times per day, therefore increasing color and intensity of flavors. Fermentation lasted between 10-12 days (on average), where the new wine was drained and pressed to barrel. 30% new French and American oak barrels were used. The wine aged for 16 months and was racked once.
WINEMAKER‘S NOTES
Aromas of red plum and cherry fruit with dried tobacco, cedar and a touch of smoke. Flavors of black plum and currant and dried sage with a hint of earth and firm tannins on the finish. This Meritage was created in the St. Emillion style.
FOOD PAIRING
New York Striploin rubbed with a Cajun spice and grilled with Roma tomatoes and onions. Hard or soft Goat Cheeses.
THE HUMMINGBIRD MANTRA
Hummingbirds have been a part of Clos LaChance lore since the first vintage in 1992. Vintners Bill and Brenda Murphy chose the hummingbird as the symbol for Clos LaChance Winery due to its territorial nature and ability to chase away the grape-eating birds from the vineyards. Each wine in the Hummingbird Series is named for a true species of Hummingbird—a species that we feel has similar characteristics to the varietal. Crimson Topaz Hummingbirds can be found in Amazonian Brazil. The species prefers the flowered canopy of the rainforest. The Crimson Topaz is the largest hummingbird of Brazil. The male has distinctive tail feathers that cross halfway down. They have golden-yellow throat patch and an iridescent red underside.
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