Stag’s Hollow Winery is justifiably proud of its first win of a Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence for its 2010 Cachet No. 03.
The Cachet Limited Edition wines are unique blends, produced only when the vineyard blocks yield exceptional fruit, often of unusual varieties that lend themselves to the creation of very small, hand-crafted lots which demonstrate the creativity of winemaker Dwight Sick.
The winning Cachet No. 03 is a blend of Tempranillo and Rows 1 – 4 Merlot, which is usually used for the Renaissance Merlot. An unexpected but fortuitous error on the crush pad created this wine, which is now affectionately known as the “Forklift Blend”. Nurtured in first American and then French oak barrels, this beautifully structured wine shows flavours of cassis, plum, and pepper, along with supple tannins and a long finish. Only 55 cases were produced.
Fans of big reds will also appreciate the first-time release of a 2011 Tempranillo single varietal. It shows intriguing notes of coffee and tobacco – a lovely complex wine, aged in American oak, capable of 3 to 5 years cellar aging. Wine Club members will have first opportunity to buy this wine as only 99 cases were made.
The winery will feature a Winemaker’s Dinner on October 5, catered by famous locavores Joy Road Catering. Amazing seasonal cuisine will be paired with new vintage releases and amusing tales from the vineyards and cellar – only 24 guests will be seated, so reserve early!
~ Allison Fader