On Saturday, April 8th, several Mayacama members enjoyed a special Winemaker Dinner hosted by Managing Partner and Associate Winemaker Wes Steffens. There was quite a buzz about the quality of the wines and we would like to give all of our members the opportunity to enjoy these offerings.
Here are a few personal comments from Wes:
About us
Vineyard 7 & 8 is the culmination of a quest that began with a patient and measured search for a vineyard property in the Napa Valley which met our family's specific requirements for being an already established vineyard or land with outstanding potential for growing premium grapes. That search ended in 1999 when we acquired our forty acre property on Spring Mountain, planted in the early 1980's to eight acres each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
The winery is named in recognition of proprietor Launny Steffens' life and background in the world of finance. An appreciation for numerics and keen interest in numerology led to 7 & 8 - "Seven" being a number of luck in western culture, while "Eight" follows the meanings of prosperity and happiness in eastern culture.
Mission
Vineyard 7 & 8 reflects the uncompromising pursuit and vision towards producing premium, handcrafted wines highlighting a sense of place within the Spring Mountain District through experience, passion and humility.
Martha McClellan - Winemaker
After receiving her degree in Oenology and Viticulture from the Geisenheim University in Germany, Martha spent 10 years honing her craft in Germany, Australia, and the U.S. before joining Merryvale Vineyards in Napa Valley as Assistant Winemaker in 1995. While at Merryvale, Martha began working with Harlan Estate, which recruited her in 1997. In 2001, she joined SLOAN ESTATE as Winemaker, where she oversees production and vineyard management utilizing small lot fermentation, rigorous sorting, and a meticulous approach to world-class viticulture. Martha also consulted for Blankiet Estate, raising vineyard and winery quality. In 2006, Martha joined Checkerboard Vineyards for their inaugural vintage—and continues to make their wines today. Martha and her husband, Bob Levy, also have their own label, LEVY & McCLELLAN, produced from grapes grown at their family vineyard on the hillsides of the Mayacama Mountains.
The Wines
2014 Chardonnay, Estate
Rating: 92
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue 228, The Wine Advocate
The 2014 Chardonnay Estate spent 16 months in barrel and goes through 100% malolactic, and it is sourced from one of the old Wente selections. This is an impressive Chardonnay aged in about 50% new oak and bottled with no fining or filtration. Crisp, elegant notes of tangerine oil, orange marmalade and white currants jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, fresh, lively Chardonnay that has zesty acids and impressive texture and length. This should drink nicely for 5-7 years.
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
Rating: 92
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue 209, The Wine Advocate
The saturated ruby/purple-hued 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate exhibits blueberry and black raspberry notes, medium to full body and impressive purity, texture and length. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
Rating: 93-95
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue 222, The Wine Advocate
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Spring Mountain looks to have slightly sweeter, riper fruit, loads of black raspberry and blueberry notes, with floral underpinnings. It's medium to full-bodied with graphite, good tannin and a full-bodied mouth feel. This should turn out to be an impressive wine. However, patience is necessary, as this wine should be cellared for 5-6 years and drunk over the following 2-3 decades. Both wines were still in barrel.
2013 Après Late Harvest, Alexander Valley
Winemaker's comments : “The 2013 Après 7 & 8 Late Harvest was crafted by Luc Morlet at his facility in St. Helena. The vision for this wine came from a shared passion for the great Sauternes of Bordeaux, and the interest in adding a little sweet finale to our wine experience at Vineyard 7 & 8. While small in production, the Après 7 & 8 is a wine that brings power, structure and elegance together.
“Apricot, peach, mint, honey, mango, lychee and exotic white flowers meld together in this sweet Semillion/Sauvignon Blanc blend. The 2013 was made from 100% botrytised fruit. Considering the 95 grams of residual sugar, the 2011 is relatively light on its feet and gracious, with impeccable balance and tons of class. The Après 7 & 8 is a delicious wine.” — Antonio Galloni.
The Offer
2014 Chardonnay, Estate
$80
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
$155
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
$185
2013 Après 7 & 8
$225 per 3 pack in wood
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 |
