Ari's International Wine Blog

Buy ERLE wines here:

2011-03-24T03:11:00.000-07:00

Squires Scores from Parker's Wine Advocate- Erle Wines

2009-09-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

2007 Erle Family Winery Sauvignon Blanc Aroyo Vineyards 88 Mature $25
The 2007 SAUVIGNON BLANC AROYO VINEYARDS is modestly grassy and crisp, with ripe fruit. This won’t likely remind anyone of Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Those who prefer them austere, herbaceous and pungent should look elsewhere. This laid back, crowd pleaser has some typicity and brightness, though, and it is quite tasty. It was the wine I most enjoyed drinking of the Erle lineup this issue. Drink now-2010.

2007 Erle Family Winery Merlot Aroyo Vineyards 87 Early $28
The 2007 MERLOT AROYO VINEYARDS has 10% Argaman in it—an Israeli-developed hybrid that crosses Carignan and Sousao (from Portugal). Pleasing and pure, this nicely balanced young Merlot has a soft texture, some grapiness and ripe tannins. It has a certain brightness around the edges that makes it a little lively. It is not particularly deep or long, but it is a tasty and encouraging early release that is a pleasure to drink and easily the best of the Erle wines reviewed this issue. Drink now-2014.

2007 Erle Family Winery Argaman Aroyo Vineyards 85 Mature $28
The 2007 ARGAMAN AROYO VINEYARDS is an Israeli-developed hybrid that crosses Carignan and Sousao (from Portugal). Those are two pretty difficult grapes to work with. Even the Portuguese think twice before using a lot of Sousao in table wines. This nonetheless works pretty well. Very dark, with less apparent acidity than I thought it would have given the grapes in question, this shows straightforward, grapey fruit with pleasant flavors. It has modest structure and concentration, making it best as an everyday wine for early consumption. Drink now-2012.

2007 Erle Family Winery Carignan Aroyo Vineyards 83 Mature $28
The 2007 CARIGNAN AROYO VINEYARDS is from a 30 year old vineyard. Israel has been struggling to find a niche beyond famed international grapes (like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot); some have pointed to Carignan, which I suspect will be a difficult project. This is light and straightforward, without much depth or concentration, but it manages to feel relatively full on the first attack. There is not much structure, and there is a certain iodine note on the finish. This is pleasant enough for its intended purpose—a light, easy drinking wine. Drink now-2011.

Ari Erle wears a lot of hats—he makes this wine in Israel, makes a Hopland Syrah under the Erle Family Winery brand in California, works at O'Shaughnessy Winery and once worked at Colgin Cellars—and for good measure, his company imports these and other Israeli wines. This is a new winemaking venture that should be quite interesting, but Erle needs to build on these early releases.

Importer: IsraelWineCompany.com, tel: (707) 307-4303
To buy any of these wines click HERE

Castel grows up!

2009-08-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting article and tasting notes by Daniel Rogov in Haaretz Newspaper about Castel Winery (Which we sell here) and some others...

Wine and Spirits / A micro-winery grows up

The Latest Erle Wines have arrived in the U.S.

2009-08-19T09:12:00.001-07:00

They just landed at the port in Oakland and will soon be ready to ship. You can purchase them here

I have attached here a description of all the Erle Wines:

Erle, Argaman, Aroyo Vineyards, Sharon, Israel, 2007

Argaman (means deep red in Hebrew) is the only unique Israeli wine grape varietal. It is a special hybrid developed by the Israeli Wine Institute between Carignan and the Portugese varietal of Souzao. This varietal is known to be very dark and is usually used as a blender.

Tasting Notes:
Deep, dark, succulent, purple ink color. Dark fruits, plum, pepper/jerky aromas. Sweet viscous, long and fat flavors.
Retail Price: $28

Erle, Merlot, Aroyo Vineyards, Sharon, Israel, 2007

This merlot is planted on a southern facing slope with great drainage. The vines were dry-farmed, and leaves were pulled to allow full sun penetration.

Tasting Notes:
Nice, dark red, purple hue. Deep bramble, blackberry aromas, with roasted herbs, tobacco and spicy cinnamon. Thick, rich and sweet vanilla character in the mouth with a touch of peppery spice.
Retail Price: $28

Erle, Carignan, Aroyo Vineyards, Sharon, Israel, 2007

Carignan used to be one of the most widely planted grapes in the world; probably because of its huge crop load. Most likely, the difficulty in balancing this vine and making a good wine has led to most of these vineyards being torn-out. This vineyard is over 30 years old and produces great fruit. I made this wine in a light, easy drinking style. It should go well chilled with a BBQ on a hot summer day.

Tasting Notes:
Medium to light ruby color. Aromas of rose hip, red fruit, creamy vanilla, roasted coffee, cedar, cigar box, tobacco smoke. Very creamy mouth feel with strawberry shortcake on the finish.
Retail Price: $28

For Orders in Israel

2009-06-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Call 04 638 9527

Israel's biggest Wine Critic: Daniel Rogov Rates Erle Wines!

2009-06-14T01:37:00.001-07:00

http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=24840

Rogov's Forum

Some New Erle Wine Photos

2009-05-29T22:33:00.001-07:00

To Buy Erle Wines go to: Israel Wine Company

ERLE WINE PHOTOS

2009-02-25T22:01:00.001-08:00

My graphic designer took some photos for his portfolio and shared them with me. He is a terrific designer. You can see his work at: Balzacdesign.com

Erle Wine Futures are Here!!!

2008-12-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Happy Holidays! Erle Family Wine is here!!! Thanks to the support of my early futures investors, the first wines are now here in the U.S. and ready to drink. My futures investors have already taken their allocation and there are still a couple bottles left. I am offering you, as one of my mailing list friends, a chance to purchase at a 10% discount, before this limited allocation runs out.

These bottles make great gifts as well as the Israel Wine Company Gift Packs and wine club packages (one-time gifts).

Erle International Wine Project

During the harvest of 2006, I launched my international wine project with an intense Syrah from Hopland, CA. Then in August of 2007, I travelled to my family's vineyard in the Crocodile Creek Region of Israel. While there (with the support of my futures investors), I made several barrels of wine, including Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Carignan and Argaman (watch for the reds next year).

This last February, I travelled yet again to Israel to bottle the Rose and Sauvignon Blanc (and take care of the other wines). Now, I have imported them to the U.S. and have prepared them to ship to you. You can visit our website with photos, video and text that tell the progression of the winemaking in Israel http://erlefamilywinery.com.
You can buy the Erle Syrah '06, Hopland, CA ($35 Retail) with this button (10% off - $31.50)

You can buy the Erle Sauvignon Blanc '07, Aroyo Vineyards, Israel ($24.99 Retail) with this button (10% off - $22.50)
You can buy the Erle Rose '07, Aroyo Vineyards, Israel ($19.99 Retail) with this button (10% off - $17.99)

If you prefer to pay by credit card directly or check, please contact me at ari@erlefamily.com Or call 707 307 4303

If you have not yet signed-up for our wine club, this is a great opportunity to get the fourth quarter selections if you sign-up here before the end of the month.

Happy Holidays,

Ari Erle

Erle International Wine Project
Israel Wine Company, Founder
_________________________________________________________________________

Erle Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Aroyo Vineyards, Israel

Ari Erle acquired his winemaking experience while working at some of the most sought after, 'cult' wineries in Napa Valley. But it wasn't at O'Shaughnessy Winery, where he presently works, or at Colgin Cellars, where he worked previously, that he found his passion for wine. It was while living in Israel and then biking through Central America and observing the locals’ agricultural connection to the land that Ari realized his deep connection to the Land of Israel and discovered a passion to work with the land to create something unique.

When Ari finally put all the pieces together and realized that he could combine his passion for the land of Israel with his passion for quality wine, he decided to make a career change and come full circle back to his birthplace to study Viticulture and Enology in the Napa Valley. It was always clear to Ari that winemaking involves much more than the technical and management skills: it requires a real love of the land and its bounty. Years of work in the vineyards of Napa taught Ari much more about winemaking than can ever be learned in the classroom and it is that experience that he wishes to share with fellow wine lovers.

In 2006, while working with Master Winemaker, Sean Capiaux, Ari launched his International Winemaking label ‘Erle’ - artisan, crafted wines from CA and Israel. In 2007, Ari travelled to Israel (with futures investment from friends and family) to make this Sauvignon Blanc from his family's vineyards in Israel. This wine was made from The Aroyo Family’s old vine Sauvignon Blanc that has been passed down through the generations. The vineyard is located around 'Moshav' (village) Givat Nili, near the towns of Zichron Yaakov and Benyamina in a special micro-climate along Crocodile Creek.

Tasting Notes:

This is a crisp, bright and slightly bubbly Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of citrus vanilla, pineapple, lemon, qumquat, and Papaya. The great acid balance cleans your palate for a clean taste of your favorite meal.

Recipe:This wine goes great with Organic, sprouted wheat Pappardelle Pasta, topped with onions, garlic, olive oil and grilled vegetables.

Retail Price: $24.99

Erle Winery: Rose 2007, Aroyo Vineyards, Crocodile Creek, Israel

Tasting Notes:
This dark pink Rose has aromas of rose hip, melon, and peach with a sweet, and crisp mouthfeel and buttery finish. This wine will go well with cheese and salad.
Retail Price: $19.99

Erle Winery: Syrah- Hopland Mendocino County, CA 2006

Tasting Notes:
This is a dark, intense Syrah, with aromas of dark chocolate, fudge, figs, carob, black pepper, smoky mesquite and blackberry pie. It has good structure with granular tannins and a coating finish of blueberry syrup.
Retail Price: $35

Please visit: www.IsraelWineCompany.com to learn more.

Making the Red Wine Blends

2008-03-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

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Liam Bottling Movie

2008-03-16T08:05:00.001-07:00

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Choosing the Red Wine Blends

2008-03-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Bottling Sauvignon Blanc and Rose

2008-03-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Winter Wine Whirl

2008-03-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Wine Future Friends,

I have returned to Israel to work on our wine. I arrived on February 26th for the 2nd International Wines Exhibition in Tel Aviv. The exhibit was very good and important for my new Israeli Wine Club that I am about to launch. The site is up and ready, so check it out at: www.israelwinecompany.com

The main reason that I came now, is to bottle our Sauvignon Blanc and Rose, as well as to rack and blend the red wines. The wines look great and are tasting fantastic. I am looking forward to getting them to you next year.

I will post some photos of the bottling process and of my visit here. Please write or call if you have any questions or requests...

Take care,

Ari

P.S. If you are in Israel and would like to help out or visit, please give me a call at: 054 440 5776

New Baby

2007-12-09T15:52:00.001-08:00

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Israel Harvest Update 2007

2007-11-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to give you a harvest update and wish you a happy holiday season. I have returned from a very busy 'vacation' in Israel. It was a lot of fun and I made WINE!!! I want to especially thank those of you who bought futures and supported me in this project. It is very exciting and is off to a great start. If you haven't had a chance, check out the photos and videos from the wine making process below.

This harvest in Israel was perfect weather for good grapes and great wine. I harvested several different varietals; a little Sauvignon Blanc (this was a surprise bonus), Carignan, Argaman and Merlot. For more details about the process and lots of photos, see the website above.

I have already received samples from Israel from the wine barrels. So far, it looks very promising and I am happy with the results. The Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, with tropical aromas of pineapple and peach. The red varietals are intense with nice colors and good aromas. The wine has already gone through both fermentations and now just needs to mature and be blended. It will continue to rest in French Oak Barrels for another year to two years.

Since it is not yet blended and I have a little extra wine, I am offering one last chance to buy at a 'futures' rate. The price will now be $15 a bottle. I appreciate all the support I have received so far, and plan on thanking all those 'investment-futures' supporters with a special gift :) Any extra wine that is not sold, will be offered after bottling to buy online at retail price and will be available at select stores.

Here in Napa, I made it back just in time for an intense harvest. Since I got back, I have been working non-stop to bring this year's Napa Valley, mountain grapes in... We have over 150 Tons this year. It has been a very intense, busy 3 months. Now the leaves are turning yellows and reds, and the fog, and misty rain are starting to roll in...

Also, I will soon be launching the Israel Wine Club with selections of the best Israeli wines from the Artisan Producers. It is not yet ready, but look for updates at www.israelwinecompany.com Of course, you will be offered a special ‘friends and family’ price.

Look forward to hearing from you or seeing you soon,

Ari

P.S. I added a paypal feature, so if you would like to order online, there is a button below. If you prefer to send a check:
Ari Erle
419 Freeway Dr.
Napa, CA 94558

Buy More Futures with Pay-Pal or any Credit Card- Click Here

2007-10-29T00:31:00.001-07:00

Moshe Working on his Wine

2007-09-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

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Pressing (by hand) and Barrelling Down the Argaman

2007-09-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Merlot Punch-Down Movie - Samy

2007-09-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

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Punch-Down Movie - Liam

2007-09-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

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Punching Down the Merlot

2007-09-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

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Carignan Harvest Destemmer Video

2007-09-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

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Carignan Harvest

2007-09-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

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Head Grape Picker

2007-09-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

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Vineyard Crew

2007-08-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

Checking the Fermentation

2007-08-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

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Avi came by to work for his 2 cases

2007-08-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Wine Tasting at Yekev Solomon (Moshav Amikam-neighbor)

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Racking the Sauvignon Blanc

2007-08-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

After several days on Cold Settle at 14C, we transferred the juice off the solids that dropped to the bottom and started the fermentation

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Barrel Delivery

2007-08-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

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Clean-up with a little help

2007-08-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Liam came by to help clean-up and do some analysis on the juice or 'must.'

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After it was all pressed, I checked the sugar levels and PH and put the juice in the Fridge for a 4 day 'cold settle.' By leaving it for a couple days at a low temperature (11C), all the heavy solids fall to the bottom so we can start the fermentation with a cleaner must.

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Mmmmmmm!!! Tastes Good!!!!

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Pressing the Sauvignon Blanc

2007-08-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

After we weighed all the grapes (375 Kg), we started loading them all into the press. Itamar Solomon founded and owns Solomon Winery in the neighboring Moshav Amikam. He was kind enough to help me and let me use his equipment. His winery is a classic example of one of many small boutique wineries that have sprung up in Israel in the last 10 years.

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We used a basket press to squeeze all the juice out of the grapes. Itamar built and designed this press to work off the hydraulics of his tractor. Besides the diesel exhaust in our face all day, it worked pretty well.

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After the grapes are pressed, we are left with the 'Cake.' We ate one for desert. It took all day to press 375 Kg...

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Picking the Sauvignon Blanc- 5am

2007-08-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Grape Samples for Analysis

2007-08-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

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Harvest Party

2007-08-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Israel

2007-08-19T00:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Thanks again for your support. The harvest is moving forward. I bought all the supplies and flew around the world with my 'pakal wine' (wine kit). Some thought it looked more like a traveling Meth Lab (see photos on blog), but somehow, it made it all the way over. Our flight was a bit delayed with an emergency landing in London, but we made it to Israel safe (and very tired), just in time to start making wine. As soon as we landed, I headed out to the vineyards to taste the Sauvignon Blanc. It is going to be ready to pick this Sunday.

Now that I have a good internet connection, I will be updating the blog more often. Please take a look if you are interested in any of the details or want to see how things are coming along. Most of the wine is already sold, so if you are still interested in getting some, let me know right away!!!

Write me with any questions.

Look forward to hearing from you,

Ari

Pakal Yayin- Wine Kit (or Meth Lab as some commented)

2007-08-19T00:25:00.000-07:00

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I made it through 3 flights internationally with all my wine equipment. TSA even searched it and didn't say anything!!!

Thanks for your support

2007-08-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your support. I have received a lot of great responses to my project and a lot of friends and family have already invested in this project. I will keep you updated here on how it is coming along. I hope to add photos and videos along the way.

Right now I am preparing for my flight and ordering all the yeasts, nutrients and supplies that I am taking with me.

Thanks again,

Ari

Avi's Name Suggestions

2007-07-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

How about "Balagan Wines"
Or "crocodile creek"

Some Name Suggestions from Moshik

2007-07-26T22:51:00.001-07:00

Hey there,
I have a few names suggestions for you:
1. Tikva
2. Adama
3. shalom ve Achva
4. Nofim
9. Bereshit
10.Erle-Green
11. Yedidim
12. Stalbet, Fanaan, Sutul
13. Yozma

Accounting Update

2007-07-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you all for your support. I have already received a huge response. You are the best...

I apologize if you received multiple e-mails from me (I had an e-mail glitch).

I wanted to clear-up a couple complicated matters about this new wine venture in Israel:

1. Accounting- By sending a check to me for the amount of bottles that you want, you are essentially investing seed money in my wine making project. I will use the money you send me, to make the wine (buy the raw materials) and then pay you back in wine. By buying stocks in wine, you aren't really buying the wine at this time. In June, 2009 I will work out the tax, shipping and laws involved in getting the wine to you.

2. I am really excited about this project. I am going to be in Israel this summer and then racing back to Napa for the harvest there. My Father-in-Law, Samy Aroyo will be 'babysitting' our barrels while I am gone.. I plan to get back soon after harvest to supervise the barrels. Please visit the website (www.israelwine.blogspot.com) to see how the wine is doing...

3. I am working on the first ever, boutique Israeli Wine Club. Look out for e-mails about that.

4. We need a label and name for our wine!!! Please post your ideas on the blog comments section (www.israelwine.blogspot.com)

Hope you can make it to the Harvest Party. I look forward to interacting on the blog site.

Thanks again,

Ari

Invitation Letter

2007-07-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

As you know, I have been studying wine making and working in the wine industry in Napa Valley for the last 3 years. I finished my Enology and Viticulture Degree. It has been an incredible experience, and a lot of fun. Besides, learning to make wine, I have learned a tremendous amount about the global wine industry and had amazing experiences at many different wineries, vineyards, conferences, and most of all the varied and diverse characters in the wine industry.

The reason I am writing you now is to tell you about my new project in Israel. I will be making wine this summer in Israel and want you to be involved. A lot of friends have expressed interest in learning more about winemaking, tasting, blending and how it all works. I decided to find a fun and interactive way to do this by creating a virtual winery on Moshav Givat Nili. I will be making wine from the grapes that my Father-In-Law Samy grows. I will be keeping a journal, posting photos, videos and possibly a web-cam so that you can watch the winemaking process every step of the way (http://israelwine.blogspot.com/). Of course, you are invited to come join me and get a more hands on involvement anytime (I highly suggest this). I have figured out how to make a small amount of wine for a very low cost. I will be borrowing a lot of equipment and using expertise that I learned at small wineries in Napa to keep the cost down. It will however, cost money to make the wine, which is why I need your help now. I have done all the math, and my production costs (of the finished bottle) come out to $10 a bottle or 42 shekels each.

As friends and family, I am offering you the opportunity to buy futures of this wine at production cost (usually a bottle of wine is priced 2 or 3 times above this price). Whether you live in Israel or the U.S., I will make sure it gets to you (cost does not include shipping and tax). Besides, drinking a great wine (I will make sure it is good , you will have the opportunity to virtually or physically participate in the wine making process… Although, it will be most intensive during the harvest in August and September, it will continue on for 2 years, when the wine will be bottled and ready to drink. You will receive your wine in June of 2009. Please send a check for the amount of bottles you want X $10. You can either send it to me in the U.S. at: 419 Freeway Dr., Napa, CA 94558 or on the Moshav in Israel at: 37825 Moshav Givat Nili, D.N. Menashe, Israel. The first orders will have first priority for the final product, so send it in fast. After August 17th, the cost will go up to retail, which will be $25 a bottle or 100 shekels.

Also, I am inviting you to a open house harvest party on the moshav on Friday afternoon, August 17th, 2007 from 12pm on…

A quick update about what I have been doing the last 3 years. I have had the opportunity to help make wine at some of the best wineries in the world. My first job, while working in the lab at Clos Du Val Winery www.closduval.com gave me the skills base to do all wine chemistry and analysis. This was a perfect complement to the chemistry and winemaking courses that I was taking in college. My next job at Elizabeth Spencer http://www.elizabethspencerwines.com/ provided a window into the wine ‘negociant’ business. I was involved in wine blending and management. This gave me a much bigger picture. Working at the world famous, cult winery; Colgin Cellars http://www.colgincellars.com/ was my opportunity to learn how to make the most sought after, luxurious and expensive Cabernets and Syrahs in the world. At Colgin, I learned how the vineyards and winemaking come together to make thick, powerful, intense and aromatically beautiful wines. It was during that time that I made my first wine (with a friend), that turned out to be a very fruity and aromatic Rose named appropriately for our babies that were born during harvest (Two Fathers, Harvest Baby Rose)…

Finally, at O’Shaughnessy Winery http://www.oshaughnessywinery.com/ over the last year and a half, I have worked my way up to Assistant Winemaker. I am lucky enough to learn the skills and long-term experience of my mentor and winemaker, Sean Capiaux. Together, we make fantastic, mountain grown Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah and also Pinot Noir from the coast of California. The opportunity to work with Sean, who has 20 years of experience in the wine industry, is my final lesson in winemaking before I return to Israel. During my studies and work in the Napa wine industry, I have discovered that Experience is KING in the wine industry. Learning from those with experience is important, but until you make your own wine and make your own decisions on how to make it (from the vineyard to the bottle), you can’t call yourself a ‘winemaker.’

I have taken this lesson to heart. Besides making our Two Fathers Rose, at the moment, I am making my own barrel of Syrah from the area of Hopland, CA. It is turning out to be an excellent wine and has been a lot of fun. I will be bottling it in February (look out for future announcements about this wine).

Look forward to seeing you at the party and making wine together.

Be in touch,

Ari

P.S. Please pass this on to anyone in your family or friends that you think might be interested.
You can find photos of Liam at: www.aroyo-erle.blogspot.com

Photos from 2005 Harvest

2007-07-24T00:37:00.000-07:00