ARMIDA JOINS THE PARTY!

GAP'S CROWN: A GREAT SONOMA COUNTY VINEYARD

Perched on the western edge of Sonoma Mountain, ranging in elevation from 300' to 840' above sea level, Gap's Crown takes advantage of the steep Sonoma Mountain hillsides to promote natural airflow and soil drainage within the vineyard. Developed to a high-density spacing, Gap's Crown was planted in four phases from 2002 to 2005. Blocks were laid out to best take advantage of rocky hillside terrain and promote even ripening and uniform cluster development on the vine. Hillside slope and aspect were taken into account when setting row direction in order to promote even sunlight exposure on grape clusters during the latter months of fruit ripening.

Part of the Sonoma Coast AVA it is situated at the confluence of where Sonoma Mountain and its surrounding southwest facing hills meet the Petaluma Wind Gap (Petaluma Gap).  To the south the hills of Sonoma Mountain turn southeast and channel the cool breezes of the Petaluma Gap toward the San Pablo Bay. To the north Sonoma Mountain gives way to Crane Canyon and eventually a northwest oriented set of hills. A pocket is formed by Crane Canyon and these northwest hills just to the north of Gap’s Crown, creating a natural fog pocket around the vineyard. Typically, coastal fog that is trapped in this pocket takes longer to burn off during the latter days of the growing season. This lingering fog during the end of the growing season allows Gap’s Crown fruit to ripen slowly, developing sugar and phenolic ripeness in unison.

Gap’s Crown Vineyard has been providing fruit for some of Sonoma Counties classic wineries including Kosta Browne, Robert Craig, MacPhail, Walt, Wind Gap and Three Sticks.  In 2013, Armida began purchasing fruit and they are about to release both a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir exclusively from this incredible vineyard. For those of you who have been paying attention, we previewed the wines on our by the glass the program with great feedback and acclaim. We decided to give the wine a bit more time in the bottle and Bruce will now preview the national release at Mayacama. Our Members will get the first crack at purchasing what will surely be highly acclaimed and recognized wines. Less than 1,000 cases of each wine were produced and it will sell out quickly.

THE WINES

2013 Armida Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown
Steely and intense in baked pear and pineapple, this white from this well-known vineyard offers contrast in a quality package. On the one hand, it is bright and vibrant, and on the other, there’s a richness of caramel and oak, the wine coming in like a lion, out like a lamb. This blonde bombshell draws you in with pleasant aromas of toasted brioche and floral notes that set the stage for what’s ahead. Everything wonderful about Chardonnay is in this glass, with luscious lemon curd joined by aromas and flavors of white pear, green apple and golden pineapple.

2013 Armida Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown
One of the more finessed wines in this range, the Armida Gap's Crown Pinot Noir is showing beautifully. Bright saline notes underpin the blue/black fruit in an intense Pinot loaded with personality. Rich yet powerful, this 2013 is wonderfully balanced. The Gap's Crown plays in all dimensions, from floral, high-toned aromatics to dark, baritone-inflected fruit, this wine has it all. You will find subtle restraint in its youth as this inaugural release expresses everything this cool site has to offer: captivating and harmonious aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, violets, tamarind and rosewood set the tone, offering hints of what’s to come. This intriguing Pinot Noir has a surprisingly muscular structure that is exquisitely balanced by its luscious raspberry, clove bud, sweet orange and graphite flavors, all of which wrap seamlessly into a juicy, tangy, persistent finish.

THE OFFER WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

(Receive 10% discount on purchases of one case or more)

2013 Armida Gap’s Crown Chardonnay $50

2013 Armida Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir $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