Paint Horse
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Our Story
There are two distinct and compelling passions in our lives-Wine and Paint Horses. Both have a long and distinguished history in California. Paints are descendents of horses that arrived with the Spanish Conquistadors in the mid 1700’s.
They mingled and flourished with wild native horses that roamed the western plains and deserts. Once domesticated, they were prized for their remarkable strength and beauty. Native American Tribes believed that Paint Horses possessed magical powers. The first vinefera vines in California were also planted by the Spanish. Our Sonoma Valley ranch is home to both Paints and Vines. Over 300 ancient olive trees accentuate the equestrian facilities and vineyards. The wines produced from our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines, grown in the Valley of the Moon, have strong character and good breeding. Both Paints and Vines are groomed and nurtured with care.
Meet the Winemaker
Julia Iantosca has 25 years of winemaking experience in small premium wineries. Her focus has been on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
She began her career at Dry Creek Vineyards, as a student intern for Harvest 1978. After completing her internship she returned to UC Davis and received a BS in Fermentation Science in December 1979.
2008 Paint Horse Carneros Chardonnay
Our Paint Horse Carneros Chardonnay comes from two of the region’s most special vineyard blocks. With the ideal climate of the region and the artful mastery of Julia Iantosca’s winemaking style, this first release realizes near perfection.
Wine Profile:
Vintage: 2008
Wine Type: White Wine
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Sugar: .1%
PH: 3.41
Residual Sugar: .05%
Alcohol %: 14.25%
Tasting Notes:
On the nose: aromas of Pippin apple, pear and citrus combine with sweet vanilla and hints of toasty oak. Evolving to ripe fruit that’s complemented with notes of toasted hazelnuts, the texture is creamy with bright acidity, leading to a long, lingering finish.
Awards:
Gold Medal, 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Vineyard Notes:
Vineyard Blocks: Green Valley, Sangiacomo
Production Notes:
Clones: Wente and Robert Young
2007 Paint Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
Celebrated winemaker, Julia Iantosca has created yet another outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage. Ripe and beautifully balanced, this wine offers great concentration and depth. Bursting with ripe berry and hints of Santa Rosa plum, it is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon to be enjoyed now and in years to come.
Wine Profile:
Vintage: 2007
Wine Type: Medium Red Wine
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Harvest Date: October 19, 2007
Residual Sugar: 0.2%
Alcohol %: 14.6%
Tasting Notes:
Deep garnet in color, the wine has classic aromas of cassis and ripe berry with hints of Santa Rosa plum. This wine shows notes of tea and cola as well as toasty oak and a subtle mineral element. The first sip shows a wine that is rich and full, with juicy black berry flavors and fine grained tannins. The finish is long lingering; a wine that promises not only drinking pleasure now but rewards for patient cellar aging.
Awards:
Gold Medal - 2010 San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2010 San Diego International Wine Competition
Vineyard Notes:
Bud break was early this vintage. However there were late rains that continued into April, May and even June which slowed the onset of bloom. Because the soil moisture was high the vines grew large canopies and vines had to be shoot thinned as well as normal cluster thinning. The crop size was larger than average because the berries were a bit fuller than usual. The summer temperatures were mild and September was abnormally cold. October brought excellent ripening weather which continued into November. This allowed the grapes to have a long ‘hang-time’ with out having sugar spikes that can come from heat waves. As a result of this hang-time the wines have good rich flavors without quite as high an alcohol content as in other vintages.
Production Notes:
91% Cabernet Sauvignon; 9% Merlot
Merlot Clone 181, Cabernet Clone 337