Ever wonder how a great Chardonnay like Sonoma-Loeb Reserve Chardonnay gets made? Well it starts with a great vineyard and in our case two great vineyards. Within each vineyard there are differences in how Mother Nature touches the grapes. Phillip Titus the winemaker at Sonoma-Loeb has worked with Ambassador Loeb since the first crush. Phillip Titus has had a lot of experience with knowing what to expect from the different parcels. This experience give him the knowledge and the ability to treat various sections of the vineyard differently to extract the best flavors of each parcel. He actually has set up vineyards with in vineyards. To capture and separate the various tastes that the climate and soil have on the grapes Phillip treats each parcel differently. Once the grapes have been crushed and fermented and then come to a rest after all the fermentation is complete the blending begins.

Pictured below was our recent blend program help at the winery last week.

Phillip Titus wine maker Sonoma-Loeb wines and Dennis Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb vineyards

The process is fairly simple the 10 glasses represent a sample of the various parcels Phillip feels are unique. They are blind, simply labeled A thru J. We both had to taste each wine and make some notes about each. Of the 10 wines we each had to have a top 5 picks and a bottom 5 picks. Once we had tasted all the wines and recorded our picks we discussed the one we agreed were or least favorite. Then we discussed the ones we agreed were our favorites and finally we discussed the ones we disagreed on. Once we discussed all the wines Phillip decided what wines will be blended into the final blend. This usually comes down to 3 or 4 and out of those one usually stands out as perfect.

There are lots of new things in the works for Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards in the New Year!

First, we are close to the end of our 2007’ Sonoma-Loeb Reserve Chardonnay - get it while the supply lasts. Secondly, we will soon be ready to introduce our 2008’ Sonoma-Loeb Reserve Chardonnay, which will be a BIG White!  Full bodied with lots of oak and well rounded with layers of fruit flavors. Perhaps the biggest change with the 2008’ Sonoma-Loeb Reserve Chardonnay is the addition of Carneros grapes to our Sonoma Appellation.  The Carneros region of Northern California is noted for producing very small berries which yield a very intense concentration of flavors. This new 2008’ Sonoma-Loeb Reserve Carneros Chardonnay promises to be a winner. Because it is a “reserve” not many cases are being produced, so put it on your list today. An e-mail automatically goes out to our friends when it’s released. Why not get on our email list now!

ALSO ~ NEW FOR 2010

Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. is happy to announce the introduction of Sonoma-Loeb Reserve Pinot Noir from the Dutton Ranch. Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Wines, was thrilled to announce that “an agreement has been reached to partner with the Dutton Family Ranch, who already has a reputation for producing a world renowned Pinot Noir. The combination of grapes, coupled with Phillip Titus’ fine handcrafting wine making ability will produce a world class Pinot Noir”.  This will be the first of what we hope to be many additions to the John L. Loeb family of fine wines, and should be available later this year. Why not sign up now and make sure you get all the release information? There will not be a lot of Sonoma-Loeb Reserve Pinot Noir so buy early.

GOING! GOING! GOING! SOON TO BE GONE!

The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection, Simply the best

onoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay was the hit of the show recently at a tasting in Pier Liquors. With a great selection of meats and cheeses available that paired with The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection. Customers were delighted with the flavor combinations. Many remarked that the wine seemed to change in the glass as different foods were tasted; it is the sign of a quality wine when it enhances food and visa versa. Toby Roberts, Wine Manage of Pier Liquors compared the Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay to a French Montrachet… At a fraction of the cost! Not the first time Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards has heard that comparison made.

It has always been Ambassador John L Loeb Jr. goal to produce wines that are the best wines money can buy. Judging from all the positive comments Ambassador Loeb should be pleased his goals have been meet.

The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection, Simply the best

Pictured below is Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards and Robert Melfi General Manager of WJZS-FM one of the stations used in the Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Holiday Radio campaign. The airwaves were flooded with invitation to come to various venues and taste and meet the folks from Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards. Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay were on hand for our guests to sample and enjoy. At each tasting a food and wine pairing was conducted much to the delight of our guests. The radio station was also in attendance offering drawing for free dinners at area restaurants.

Ambassador John L Loeb Jr. was pleased to see at the outcome of this campaign, He was glad to see how well the fine wines of The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection were received by our guests. Showing how well Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay add to the flavor of foods is one of Ambassador John L Loeb Jr. passions. Many guests remarked that the Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay was the perfect choice to go with the Holiday meal.
Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards is always looking for opportunities to showcases their wines with food, and educating and exciting the consumer in the process. Maybe we will see you in a venue soon! Until then why not click on the Order tab and buy a bottle to try for yourself!
The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection, Simply the best

Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards was happy to supply Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay to this year’s Designer Christmas Tree Showcase at the prestigious Carnegie Abbey Club. Delighted guests sipped the wines from The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection, as they viewed Christmas trees decorated by local designers. Food was provided by the chef of the Carnegie Abbey Club and it paired beautifully with the great wines from Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards. Over 200 guests marveled at the trees on display and truly enjoyed the evening of food and wine. The event culminated with singing Christmas carols in the lobby before the first lighting of the holiday tree.

The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection, simply the best.

Singing carol's around the tree at Carnegie Abby Club

Dennis P. Murphy General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Winery, Sally Hamilton, Marketing Consultant

Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards was on hand to lend support to the YMCA’S Strong Kids fundraiser. Several area chefs prepared signature dishes for the guests to enjoy along with Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, to raise money for this worthy cause. The YMCA has been serving the youth of America for decades and we at Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards were proud to participate in this worthwhile venture. Several hundred guests sampled The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection, with some of the best dishes in the Northeast. Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay was featured in a silent auction. All enjoyed the evening and were truly wined and dined, while raising money for a very worthy cause.

The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection, simply the best.

John K Callaghan, Bellevue Wines and Spirits and Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards.

In the flurry of recent consumer events Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay has been compared to the French Burgundian wine called Montrachet. This is not a surprise, considering Montrachet is the Chardonnay grape grown in the Village of Montrachet in Burgundy France, fermented in French oak and nurtured by a skillful winemaker.  Likewise, Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay uses Chardonnay grapes grown in Sonoma County vineyards whose terrior is similar to Montrachet.  Since the wine is fermented in French oak, and enjoys the TLC of Winemaker Phillip Titus the similarities are remarkable.

The goal of Ambassador John L. Loeb is to produce world class wines that rival “our friends” overseas.  The Ambassador Loeb Family Selections Wine Collection is just that. Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay is a perfect replica of its counterpart Montrachet-at a fraction of the cost. We hope you agree.  It’s easy to find out – just visit Sonoma-Loeb.com and order some today.  Sonoma-Loeb Chardonnay… Simply the best!

The Opici Wine group’s Portfolio Tasting event was held this past week in Manhattan at the AJNA Restaurant (formerly known as Buddha Bar). Over 90 wine suppliers showcased their wines to over 400 Retailers and Restaurateurs. Sonoma Loeb Vineyards was the star of the show. Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards, poured the 2004 vintage of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet, and the 2007 vintage of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay. Attendees marveled at how the citrus and vanilla flavors of Sonoma Loeb Chardonnay blended perfectly with the distinct flavors of AJNA’s Asian Fusion cuisine. Ambassador John L Loeb Jr., a long time fan of food and wine pairing, was delightfully surprised at how well the unique flavors of AJNA unique cuisine paired with the distinctive flavors of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay. It was just another example of the versatility of the Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, hand crafted wines of Sonoma-Loeb’s winemaker Phillip Titus, Sonoma California appellation.

It has been a busy time at Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards. September 25 – 27th Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr., the owner of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards, participated in the 4th Annual Newport Mansions Wine&Food Festival, hosted in The Breakers and Marble House Mansions in Newport Rhode Island. It was a weekend of pairing gourmet food prepared by some of Newport’s culinary experts with Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Cabernet and Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, along with hundreds of other vintners from around the world. The event was a great success with food and wine enthusiasts enjoying the wine tastings and culinary events.

Per Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards “it was very rewarding to see how well Sonoma-Loeb Wines were received by wine and food enthusiasts from all over the world.”

Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. is no stranger to the Newport RI scene. He has spent the last several years designing and building the Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr., Visitors Center at Touro Synagogue in downtown Newport. This welcoming center houses the George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom, which Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. is funding.

Melissa Devine, Newport Tourism Bureau and Ambassador John L. Loeb JR proprieter of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards (seated)

Dennis P. Murphy, General Manager of Sonoma-Loeb Vineyards and Sally Hamilton, Guest

The dry red wine of the Cabernet Sauvignon is made from a black grape produced primarily in Bordeaux and California. This wine began gaining popularity in the mid-60’s and is the most popular of the red wines which has put many Napa Valley Wineries in top award winning positions at competitions. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes do very well in the Napa Valley because of its soil and climate which creates a complex wine that is consistently of excellent quality.

There are approximately 70,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the State of California. These grapes are sometimes blended with others to create the unique flavor of the California Cabernet Sauvignon. By blending the cabernet Sauvignon grapes with other varieties of grapes, vintners are able to create a Cabernet Sauvignon wind that is uniquely and distinctly their own. These wines are extremely popular and the winery can usually be identified immediately by the taste of the Cabernet Sauvignon that is tasted. On the vine, the grape has a black currant taste that exhibits some weediness and bellpepper flavors. The intensity of this flavor in the grape is dependent on the region where it is raised and the climate during the growing season. In addition, the oak barrels that the wine is fermented in, adds a flavor and aroma that is spicy and earthy to this fruity red wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon usually spends over a year in oak barrels, however it is best when aged several years. As the wine ages its acid and tannins become smoother and the strong black currant flavor develops into a bouquet of unique aromas and tastes including violets, cedar, and leather. The highest rated regions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are in the Alexander Valley, Paso Robles, and much of the Sonoma Valley. This is because the small black berries have a very tough skin that is resistant to disease and the grapes thrive in a semi-arid climate but withstand autumn rains very well.