Carte Blanche Wine Announces Spring Release

Micro-cult wine label, Carte Blanche, announces its anticipated spring release, the result of a partnership between owner Nicholas Allen and acclaimed winemaker Luc Morlet. After selling out of its inaugural release and recently receiving 96 points by Wine Spectator for the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Proprietary Red, the expanded Carte Blanche portfolio is from select prestigious vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

Allen, of the Chateau Haut-Brion family, and Morlet, an acclaimed French winemaker who produces wines in California, have created "neo-classic" wines of distinction, precision and balance.

The Carte Blanche spring release includes:
2009 Three Peaks Syrah, Bennett Valley, 125 Cases Produced. Comprised of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. Hailing from Bennett Valley in Sonoma, the Judge Vineyard sits amidst three mountains, pulling in the cool Pacific winds and fog. A touch of Grenache highlights notes of wild red fruits and a hint of cardamom and spice. High-toned red fruits sit atop fresh crushed blackberries and black cherry in the nose. The wine is full and rich on the palate, offering savory notes of roasted meats, hickory, and black pepper, intermixed with ripe cherries and boysenberry.

2009 Proprietary White Wine, Sonoma County, 250 Cases Produced. 68% Sauvignon Blanc from Knights Valley's Blau Vineyards and 32% Semillon from Alexander Valley's De Lorimier Vineyard. A bright, vivid nose shows citrus, orange blossom and stone fruits. A fresh attack reveals pear, white peach, and frangipani, while ripe tannins and definitive acidity showcase lemon zest, wet stones and mineral notes. The extended finish is clean and rich with faint petrol lingering.

2009 Proprietary Red Wine, Napa Valley, 250 Cases Produced. A Right-Bank inspired blend of 47% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petite Verdot. Select vineyards and blocks were chosen and farmed specifically to attain a dense, rich wine framed by delicate fine-grained tannins. The wine opens slowly, revealing layers and complexity along the way. The nose reveals ripe plum, baked cherries, creme de cassis and faint asphalt, and the palate is dense, showing rich flavors of currants, plum, mineral notes and a hint of cedar and cigar box. An ultra-silky finish discloses notes of tobacco and bittersweet chocolate.

Employing low intervention winemaking techniques and a commitment to honor each wine's terroir, the neo-classic style of Carte Blanche heralds back to both Nick and Luc's respect for French winemaking. Luc Morlet, a fifth-generation French winemaker who currently crafts wine for Peter Michael Winery, Morlet Family Vineyards and Carte Blanche, marries classical winemaking with creative artisanship.

Please visit carteblanchewine.com for additional information.