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2005 HONDURAN EMERALD MERITAGE
CENTRAL COAST
HONDURAN EMERALD
Clos LaChance has teamed up with The Hummingbird Society (www.hummingbirdsociety.org) to prevent the extinction of the Honduran Emerald. A portion on the sale of each bottle will be donated to the Hummingbird Society specifically for its efforts to save the Honduran Emerald. The Honduran Emerald is a critically endangered hummingbird species found only in the Central American country of Honduras, in a small, highly fragmented range and is one of the most threatened of all hummingbirds. Between 1950 and 1988 it could not be found and was believed by some to be extinct. The primary cause of its high-risk status is the active destruction of its habitat for grazing and agriculture. A system of protected areas, coupled with managed adjacent lands is immediately needed to save critical habitat.
VINEYARDS
Fruit for the Honduran Emerald 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-picked, hand-sorted, destemmed then “cold soaked” in tank for 24-48 hours prior to initiation 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. The wine was then drained off the skins into a second tank and settled for 48 hours prior to barrel down. Each lot was kept separately for 14 months. The blend was then assembled from the best lots of each variety and put back to barrel to allow the young cuvee time to integrate. This wine will age approximately 18 months in 40% new French Oak barrels prior to bottling in August of 2007.
WINEMAKER‘S NOTES
Aromas of warm blackberry cobbler with currant, black plum, fresh earth, herb, cedar and a hint of anise. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, mocha, spice and mineral with rips, firm tannin on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Braised Duck with Plum Sauce, Roasted Pork Loin with Garlic and Rosemary, Beef Stroganoff, Mimolette cheese.
| Examiner.com (July 20, 2009): Buy a bottle; save a hummingbird - Click here to read full article. |
| treehugger.com (July 2009): Drink Clos LaChance Wine to Save Endangered Hummingbird |
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The Hummingbird Connection (September 2008)
MOU Signed between Hummingbird Society and Pico Bonito Foundation (Honduras)
Continuing our pattern of building cooperative relationships with local conservation nonprofits in areas home to threatened hummingbirds, the Hummingbird Society has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pico Bonito Foundation (fundación Parque National Pico Bonito) based in La Ceiba, Honduras. Our common interest is the Honduran Emerald.
The Pico Bonito National Park, established 15 years ago, is the most bio-diverse area of Honduras and will play a direct role in protecting the Honduran Emerald. The southern border of the park is very close to the Emerald’s native habitat, and by purchasing contiguous land a protected corridor to habitat will be created. This is an important first step, although not the only one, in making sure the rapid destruction of the bird’s native habitat for agriculture does not result in its extinction.
The Hummingbird Society and its corporate sponsor, Clos LaChance Winery, are working to raise funds to support efforts that protect the Honduran Emerald.
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Save the Honduran Emerald Hummingbird from Extinction
Please sign this petition to list the Honduran Emerald hummingbird to the Federal Endangered Species Act.
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