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| What to Buy ’04 Marlstone Alexander Valley Blend of choice lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot $50 ’06 Calcaire Russian River Valley Generous citrus-laced aromas of apple blossom and pear, plus nutmeg and crème brulée $25 ’07 Riesling Fresh white peach on the nose with white grapefruit, mineral, and stone fruit finish $12 ’07 Rosé Fresh, wild strawberries and ripe watermelon on the palate with a long and refreshing finish $15 Getting There |
Clos du Bois has always set the standard for wines and hospitality in the Alexander Valley. The tasting room pours different wines, including their list of limited production and tasting room exclusive wines every day. The meadow-like grounds were thoughtfully landscaped with leisurely picnics in mind. Aromatics and Fundamentals Seminars are now offered, giving guests the opportunity to taste, analyze, and describe the flavor components of wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Clos du Bois made its first vintage in 1974 from 520 acres of grapes in the then little-known Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. The premier releases featured classic Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1978 they introduced the red Bordeaux–style blends, Marlstone and Briarcrest, and in 1980 the whites, Calcaire and Flintwood. To round out the classics, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc were added in the ’80s and Zinfandel in the early ’90s. In the 1990s Clos du Bois created the Appellation Reserve Series, which launched their Alexander Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the next three years Alexander Valley Reserve Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, and Tempranillo were added. Dry Creek Valley Reserve Zinfandel and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir completed the series in 2002. Clos du Bois was fortunate to have award-winning Winemaker Erik Olsen join the winery in 2003. Erik’s biggest influence has been the shift in upper tier wines. He has created a new Reserve Tier called the Proprietary Series, which has elevated Marlstone, Briarcrest, and Calcaire to new heights in winemaking. Richer, fuller, and more intense, wine enthusiasts can continue to count on the Clos du Bois tradition to create great wines from these upcoming vintages. |
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Wine enthusiasts who can’t make it to the Clos du Bois tasting room can log onto their new blog “Swirling Notions.” Host and gourmet chef Lia Huber shares notes on food, travel, upcoming events, winemaker dinners, online wine specials, and, of course, wine. Famous for its elegant, approachable wines, Clos du Bois is a tradition one can taste in every bottle. |
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