ALYSIAN WINES

The Hambrecht family has been in the California wine business for over 35 years, partnering in esteemed brands like Ridge, Chalone, and Truett Hurst. Bill Hambrecht was among the first visionary business owners to open a winery on Healdsburg’s picturesque Westside Road in 1982. Belvedere Winery marked the beginning of what would become a family tradition and commitment to producing wines of the utmost quality. In 2006 this commitment to excellence led to Alysian Wines. Sourced from only the best vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Alysian’s multiple award-winning wines strike a delicate balance with flavor profiles that delight both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

At the helm is one of our newer Mayacama Vintner Member, Bill’s grandson, Woody Hambrecht. Woody is the third generation of a family that has been involved with the California wine industry since the mid-1970s. He is a partner at Truett Hurst Winery and oversees operations at Alysian and Grist Vineyard.

Pinot Noir is still the clear focus of this brand, but tiny lots of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc will also be released under the Alysian label. “Alysian” (of Greek origin) refers to an endeavor arising from intuitive creativity and artistic resolution. Their logo is an ancient mark, commonly referencing a return to one’s center or beginning. Others suggest a far simpler translation; “the journey.” Please note that the 2012 Vintage is the last vintage that Gary Farrell, founding partner and winemaker made. He is retired from the wine business so this is a last call on his fabulous wines.

The Wines

2014 SAUVIGNON BLANC, GRIST VINEYARD
The 2014 is the Muscat Clone of Sauvignon Blanc. This young wine is extremely fragrant and quite assertive in delivery. Scents of lemongrass brighten the white peach fruitiness that dominates and persists on the palate. Though immensely satisfying from the aromas through the very first sip, it is the finish that is so captivating; as the bright, juicy acidity and fruit flavors are in perfect harmony and seem to linger forever. It draws you back again and again for more. Truly delicious.

2012 CHARDONNAY, FLOODGATE
Alysian often utilizes multiple vineyards or clones to enhance complexity when assembling cuvees for bottling. Occasionally, a wine from an individual block is so compelling its “uniqueness” should not be tampered with. This is Russian River Valley Dijon clone Chardonnay in its purest and most unaltered form. Aromas focus on green apples and pears with hints of lime zest and vanilla. It is medium bodied on the palate with apple, pear, stone fruit and a touch of minerality preceding its crisp and vibrant finish. Clearly a wine built for food and an ideal candidate for another few years of careful cellaring.

2012 PINOT NOIR, RUSSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
The appellation blends are nearly always among Alysian’s most exciting and alluring wines. They combine complementing cuvees crafted from their finest vineyards to create amazingly complex and complete wines. Consider - this wine benefits from the brightness of the Allen Dijon clones, the depth of the Rochioli Pommard and richness of Hallberg Cruz clone. This blend creates a symphony of flavors, texture and intrigue. You will be pleased by the tremendous generosity of this wine…without excessive weight, density or extract. Delicious, bright, juicy and satisfying.

2012 PINOT NOIR, ROCHIOLI-ALLEN VINEYARD
Only Williams Selyem and Alysian receive allocations from this vineyard. Clones 115, 777 and Pommard are 100% de-stemmed. Wild and cultured fermentation lasts 11 days with manual punch downs daily. The wine is aged 13 months in 45% new (Francois Frères and Rousseau) and 55% one and two year old French oak barrels. Ripe, dark fruited set the aromatic profile consisting of a complex mélange of deep red and purple stone fruits with a hint of potpourri. Mouth filling presence with well-proportioned tannins and acidity keep the wine in line, reasonably assertive but light on its feet. The wine shows an impressive persistence on the finish and is highlighted by citrus-flavored cranberries. There unlimited long-term potential.

2011 PINOT NOIR, ROCHIOLI-ALLEN VINEYARD
Dijon clones 115 and 777 and Pommard 4 from Rochioli Vineyard and Dijon clone 777 from Allen Vineyard (farmed by Rochioli). Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels the wine shows a moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. With swirling, exotic aromas emerge including scents of wild berries, black cherry tart and wood spice. Rich and bold on the palate with flavors of dark red Pinot fruits that coat the mouth, persisting on the invigorating finish that delivers a zing of acidity. This is a serious, potentially orgasmic wine that will age for several years in the cellar.

The Offer

(10% discount on 12 bottles - mix and match)

2014 SAUVIGNON BLANC, GRIST VINEYARD - $20
2012 CHARDONNAY, FLOODGATE - $40
2012 PINOT NOIR, RUSSSIAN RIVER VALLEY - $35
2012 PINOT NOIR, ROCHIOLI-ALLEN - $65
2011 PINOT NOIR, ROCHIOLI-ALLEN - $65

Ordering

For all questions and orders, contact Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.

Jeff McCarthy, Wine Director 
[email protected]
707.569.2906