Blackstone Winery Launches New Sonoma Reserve Tier

From the makers of one of the country’s most loved Merlots comes Blackstone Sonoma Reserve - a new luxury tier that seeks to express the diversity and richness of Sonoma County. Produced at Blackstone’s Kenwood Winery in the heart of Sonoma Valley, this new tier includes a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Bordeaux-inspired red blend, Rubric – all sourced from premium vineyards found upon the hillsides, benchlands and coastline of Sonoma County. Winemaker Gary Sitton is excited about the new range being released as Sonoma Reserve: "Blackstone has called Sonoma County home for nearly twenty years and I think it’s fitting to launch a range that pays tribute to the richness of the region.” "One of the elements that make Sonoma County so distinctive is the variety of growing conditions - everything from benchlands and temperate coastlines to sun-drenched valley floors. This can all exist because of the intricate system of microclimates, soil types, and landscape found in Sonoma County. My goal as a winemaker is to embrace that diversity and seek out the specific vineyards that allow each varietal to flourish,” Sitton said. To that end, Sitton carefully blends each wine from a palette of sensory profiles created by the region’s distinct appellations. "For me, ninety percent of winemaking takes place in the vineyard, so my close relationship with growers is vital. From lot to lot, and barrel to barrel, I am involved in every stage of the winemaking process and it all comes down to careful, small lot winemaking, so we can showcase what makes Sonoma County so special,” Sitton said. 2005 Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay Suggested Retail Price $16.99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Release Date: Available now Fruit was sourced primarily from vineyards in the cool climate areas of Russian River Valley and Carneros, with small percentages drawn from the Sonoma Coast. The aromas of fresh apple, pineapple, nutmeg and lemon curd are supported with luscious flavors of pear, butterscotch and toasted cashew nut. 100% barrel fermented, this wine was aged for 12 months in small French oak barrels. 2005 Sonoma Reserve Merlot Suggested Retail Price $16.99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Release Date: Available now The regions of Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Valley were considered ideal for the 2005 vintage. Primary fruit aromas of raspberry, plum and black currant are supported by flavors of clove, vanilla and a hint of earthiness. Aged in a combination of French and American oak for 12 to 14 months prior to bottling. 2005 Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir Suggested Retail Price $18.99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Release Date: Available now The Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley regions were selected as the primary fruit resources for this inaugural release. Brimming with aromas of dried cherries, dark plum, layered dark fruits and cranberry, the wine is supported by fine cedary oak and supple, silky tannins. Aged for 12 months in French oak, this wine will improve with further short term cellaring. 2005 Sonoma Reserve "Rubric" Suggested Retail Price $18.99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Release Date: Fall 2007 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with components of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah, Blackstone's signature Bordeaux-style red blend exudes layered flavors of black tea, plum and other dark luscious fruit. Matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels, this inaugural release will drink well now or benefit from short term cellaring. About Blackstone Winery Blackstone Winery is owned by Pacific Wine Partners, a Constellation Wines U.S. company and a leading producer of premium California wines and importer of wines from Australia and New Zealand. Constellation Wines U.S. is an operating division of Constellation Brands, Inc. and encompasses four U.S. wine businesses: Icon Estates, Centerra Wine Company, Pacific Wine Partners, and North Lake Wines. Pacific Wine Partners produces several leading brands including Blackstone, HRM Rex Goliath, Black Box and Hogue Cellars. It is also the U.S. importer for Banrock Station, Hardys and Barossa Valley Estate from Australia, Nobilo from New Zealand, Kumala from South Africa, Duo from Chile, and Red Guitar from Spain.