This wine is so amazing that sometimes we think we should just grow nothing but Petite Sirah. Although the wine has incredible color and density, the texture is surprisingly soft, round and feminine.
Vineyard/Winemaking Notes
Altitude is good for this variety, which does not fare well in fog, as its thin skin and tightly packed clusters make it prone to rot. In many mountain sites, bright sunlight and water stress lead to extreme tannic hardness, but our cooling afternoon “lake effect” develops and preserves an intense blueberry aroma and prevents field oxidation of anthocyanins, preserving an intense “Purple Haze” appearance.
Our east-facing plantings take advantage of morning sun to burn off any dew but also shelter the fruit from any raisining by the western sun. The cool 2013 vintage accentuated aromatic intensity, and we picked on October 10th at perfect ripeness.
The wine showed astonishing tannins and some reduction, so we employed micro-oxygenation to refine its tannins while carefully preserving its structure and depth of fruit. After six and a half years in neutral cooperage, a wine of tremendous richness and generosity came together, redolent with lavender and thyme, oozing with blueberry flavors carried by deep, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish we attribute to our volcanic soils.
Although quite age-worthy, this wine is guaranteed to put a smile on your face right now. Enjoyable with a wide variety of foods – steak, barbeque or a sharp, well-aged cheddar. Or you might just enjoy it “as dinner,” a satisfying meal in itself!
Our vineyards are located on the volcanic hillsides above the eastern shores of Clear Lake. Our grapes are some of the most sought after in Lake County. Cooling lake breezes preserve berry flavors, while our soils confer a refreshing minerality.
Specs
Vintage: 2013
100% Petite Sirah Clone 3
Diamond Ridge Vineyards, Clear Lake AVA
Harvested: October 10
Brix: 24.9
Fermentation techniques:
Anchor NT112 yeast
7.5 g/L untoasted Alliers chips
Elevage details:
6 weeks microbüllage pre ML
78 months in neutral French oak
Alcohol sweet spot at 14.8%
pH 3.81 at bottling
195 cases produced
Included in the Box
4-bottles:
4x 2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah, Lake County
Case:
12x 2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah, Lake County
Clark Smith is an MIT drop-out who wandered out to California in 1972 and sold wine retail in the Bay Area for several years, where he acquired a love of Bordeaux, Burgundy and all things French and observed first hand the California winery explosion in the 1970s. After a three year stint at Veedercrest Vineyards, he secured enology training at UC Davis and spent the 1980s as founding winemaker for The R.H. Phillips Vineyard in Yolo County. In 1990, he founded WineSmith Consulting and patented a group of new winemaking techniques involving reverse osmosis, spinning off Vinovation, which went on to become the world’s largest wine production consulting firm over its 17-year history.
Frustrated with California’s winemaking trends, Clark started WineSmith Cellars in 1993 as a teaching winery to make Eurocentric wines to explore traditions beyond the mainstream, expanding for his winemaking clients the range of possibility for California fruit. Choosing to create long-term partnerships with committed growers rather than growing his own grapes, Clark has become an renowned expert on Cabernet Franc, having vinified twenty vintages from a wide variety of sites.
Teaching at Napa Valley College gave him access to the Student Vineyard for Faux Chablis and his Pauillac-style $100 “Crucible” Cabernet Sauvignon. From Renaissance Vineyards in North Yuba County he has made a sulfite-free Roman Syrah and also produces a Pinot Noir from Fiddlestix Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills in a delicate, age-worthy Côtes de Beaune style. These wines are vinified in an ancient beat-up warehouse in Sebastopol, California.
WineSmith wines are noted for their longevity, classic balance, structural integrity, minerality and understated soulfulness. They often are aged extensively prior to release. When drinking a WineSmith wine, always ask yourself “What is this wine trying to teach me?” Clark is a vocal advocate of living soil and graceful longevity, and generally avoids excessive oak, alcohol, or extended hang-time. He is not shy about employing new tools when they are needed, such as alcohol adjustment to bring fruit into balance or micro-oxygenation to build refined structure, but always fully discloses techniques which are controversial and is outspoken in explaining his rationale.
His book, Postmodern Winemaking, is the culmination of four decades of reflection on wine’s true nature.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah - $30 = 16.66%
@chipgreen@marikar@mrn1@pjmartin Hi All, Been busy and just saw this! Nice, but I have no room to store and I’m not sure how much wine will be able to be consumed in the future! But right now a glass here, there, and everywhere can be the norm! Thanks for thinking of me! Enjoy!!
Hi folks! Many of you have followed my 12 vintages of Diamond Ridge Vineyards (now branded under Two Jakes of Diamonds) over the years and have praised their generosity and grace. Those wines received two to three years in barrel. What make this wine special is its 78 months in 20-year-old neutral oak which resulted in wonderfully intricate nuances that only time can impart, raising its level from satisfying to profound.
The wine is an amazing bargain at its SRP of $30. How could you possibly have too much at $149.99? Although it is eminently ageworthy, believe me, that first case won’t last very long.
You know, I could have been a rat. I’ve had the 2012 vintage (I have ONE bottle left), and I recently received a bottle via UPS, which was a 2011. I’ve been holding my breath, because I was planning on buying a case of it…and then writing a Lab Rat review. Nope. I would be able to say that you should give up your money, and take that 2011. I only have opinions on the 2011 and the 2012, and it may not apply to the 2013.
On the other hand, I just put in an order for 8 (yes, 8, not a case). I did that before coming here to point out that whoever sent me the bottle of 2011 was extraordinarily kind, and I’d take some more, thank you. It’s even better than the 2012, and I love the 2012.
@Shrdlu These vintages start out very similar and consistent in color, aroma, body, texture and generosity. The difference here is 6.5 years in old neutral barrels as opposed to 2-3 years in previous vintages. This takes it up a significant step in development, complexity, nuance and profundity.
Here are vineyard owner Jake Stephens and I touring the north variety mix which will give you a general sense of the vineyard and the way Jake works with it. Listen to the first two or three minutes and then if you like, skip to 6 minutes in where he shows you the Petite Sirah planting.
The 2010 and 2012 vintages of this are my favorite PS’s, and some of my favorite wines of all varietals. I have no doubt that the 2013 will be fantastic. At $12.50 it might be the best QPR in casemates history.
"2012 Two Jakes Petite Sirah, Lake County
The wine showed astonishing tannins and some reduction, so we employed micro-oxygenation to refine its tannins while carefully preserving its structure and depth of fruit. After thirty-six months in neutral cooperage, a wine of tremendous richness and generosity came together, redolent with lavender and thyme, seemingly oozing blueberry aromas carried by deep, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish.
Although quite age-worthy, this wine is guaranteed to put a smile on your face even now. Enjoyable with a wide variety of foods – steak, barbeque or a sharp, well-aged cheddar. Or you might just enjoy it “as dinner,” a satisfying meal in itself!"
@nklb ell, I guess I’m busted, but I get to be lazy in the descriptions vintage to vintage because the wines are so similar. But in 2013 we have 78 months instead of 36, and there are considerable developed nuances of barrel bouquet that the 2012 will take a long time in bottle to develop.
In all candor, it’s got to do with sales. Jake hasn’t got much market penetration – mostly Casemates sales. We generally bottle 120 to 200 case lots, so we’ll have enough if the sale goes well. But let’s say we bottle 200 cases and move out two pallets on Casemates, leaving us with around 80 cases that dribble out a few cases at a time. We have to get those dribs and drabs out before we can bottle the next vintage.
This was no problem in the past, but in the last few years, national distribution and even local shops and restaurants have become more and more big winery-oriented and centrist (PS and Cab Franc being way too weird), so we mostly fall back on DTC, and it takes time.
This is the same reason the Faux Chablis 2005 is still with us. Fortunately, my style of winemaking results in these wine just getting better and better.
In sum, I’m a very good winemaker and a very poor marketer in this new climate.
@PatrickKarcher Well, actually we have to change a little. We have been cruising along very well at about 1,000 cases of super-geeky wines principally through this site and its predecessor. That’s because it’s the only one with a comments section to discuss their peculiarities, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your community for supporting my lunatic experiments.
To my vast delight, my wife RuthE. (that’s how she spells it) joined the company last July as Muse and Money Manager, freeing up Sandra to accelerate her training as Assistant Winemaker and me to focus on making and selling wine as well as increasing my stable of consulting clients.
Thing is, Casemates can’t just run my wines all the time. That might give the impression that WineDavid and I have a personal man-crush thing going on, and we’re trying to keep that under wraps.
So now I need to add some wines the non-geeky pinheads will understand. We’ve got some stellar Tempranillo, Grenache, and Tannat that other sites can work with. I also need to build relationships with the very rare hand-sell wine shops and somms with the appetite and courage to take on such peculiarities as Norton and St. Laurent and to recommend them to their customers.
I have no idea how to find such retailers and restaurants, thinly spread throughout the country as they are. You guys can help. I would vastly appreciate any intel you can provide concerning eno-pros of this type in your local area, and perhaps a mention to them so I don’t have to go in cold.
@FritzCat its funny because I always hear SWMBO (i.e. significant other) versus self imposed but it’s roughly the same meaning. Stop accumulating and start inviting people over to drink it
@FritzCat I hadn’t declared a SIWBM, altho I probably should have-- my cellar has overflowed into other basement space. But then something like this comes along (I was torn between getting a case or two cases), and I would have had to suspend the moratorium anyway. I liked the 2012, and it sounds like this one is even better.
@Mark_L My apologies. I recognize that my work making irresistible wines places strains upon shipping options, discretionary income budgets, personal cellaring strategies, and domestic bliss. We have much to offer to address these problems, and do not wish to trivialize them.
@winesmith Any time you are passing through central Missouri, you are welcome to stop by and help me address the problem! (We have a very nice guest room.)
Imagine my surprise when I got to work Friday morning and found a box from Wine Country Connect waiting for me, especially having only signed up earlier in the week as a Lab Rat.
I opened up the bottle when I got home and let it breathe for about an hour before pouring my first glass. It was medium purple in color with thin lingering legs that shows off its nearly 15% ABV.
Nose:
Fruity and floral with a hint of leather and mushrooms.
Taste:
Long grippy tannins, with hints of chocolate bitterness, medium acidity with a bit of the alcohol burn and a lingering finish. It paired really well with some aged smoked Gouda that I had in the fridge.
Overall, I thought the wine was well balanced, delicious, and easy to drink.
Opened a 2010 Two Jakes PS tonight.
Very good on Pop-N-Pour, and it improved
throughout the evening. Finished with slices
of Pizza, and it was fantastic.
Glad I bought a case of the 2013.
I received a bottle of Two Jakes on Friday, with no mention as to what it was for. But I started the process for providing a good report for y’all, and hope to provide some insights into this offering.
I opened the bottle that evening, hand-decanting a sample into some Riedel wine glasses for optimal breathing. The nose was amazing, readily apparent from 6-8" above the glass - dark cherry, blueberry, with some mineral undertones - but definitely not a fruit bomb. This from a 2013, which I was expecting a more muted fruit notes.
On the palate, it followed the nose impressions, with sage and other herbal notes, and a strong tannin and alcohol presence, which was in line for about a 30-minute-only rest. The finish was long, a great mouth feel, but the astringency was definitely there. A light chicken dinner was already under preparation, so there was nooooo way this wine would pair with that entrée. So we corked the bottle and set aside for the next evening.
Saturday - a hearty sausage-tortellini-vegetable soup was on the menu, which was a PERFECT pair for the wine. The tannins and astringency mellowed a bit overnight, and complimented the acidity and fat of the soup/stew. A splendid combination of comfort food and good wine!
My impressions (before any research, other than from the bottle): this is not a stand-alone wine. It demands food - a strong cheese, like a smoked Gouda, Bleu, or minimally Swiss, pizza, stew, or smoked meats will stand up to this potent offering.
From the bottle, it reads that it will “cellar for decades”, which my initial thought was, “No way! it’s already 6 years old!” upon further thought and investigation, laying down for 8-10 years might not be a bad idea - plenty of fruit to age well, and the strong tannins are (I presume) from the 6 years of in-the-barrel - so we’re looking at a just-released bottle - new to me! It would be quite interesting to revisit this vintage at that time.
the strong tannins are (I presume) from the 6 years of in-the-barrel
Need to let Clark address that presumption, I think.
Unlikely any new barrels to impart that level of tannin. More likely a different winemaker decision.
@Kraxberger@rjquillin That’s not tannin from oak. Those barrels are twenty years old. That’s just what the vineyard gives us. However, with my training in micro-oxygenation, (Randall Grahm says his mantra is “I will fear no tannin”) I’m proud of how we massaged them in youth to render oily, feminine tannins which are not aggressive and support the fruit. This wine is perfectly drinkable now but also will go a significant distance.
Apologies in advance as this is all by cell phone…
PnP. The nose is huge with layers of blueberry and red fruit. Getting a bit of heat, but seems to blow off quick with a few swirls. Palate is pretty hefty and chewy. Medium + acid, medium + tannin. Getting a strong cacao chalkiness and a touch of minerality zing on the edges. Lasting finish, 30+ seconds.
After setting aside for an hour or more the nose is still consistent with previous, but no perceptible heat now. Blueberry note is prominent with lots of other herbal layers, sage, tarragon. Palate has smoothed out a bit interns of tannin grip, big rounded red fruit and strong acid note to keep things in balance. Initial thought is this needs about 15 more years, but is super enjoyable now especially if you were to leave it open a few days.
I bought 2 bottles and will hold the first at least five years. This is just a terrific wine from a great guy! Always so much great info.
@rjquillin@Winedavid49@ArianaWCC@winesmith
Cases sold out, any chance of opening up a few more for sale? I’ll grab a 4 pack or two if not but was leaning toward a case.
@catcoland If you snooze, you lose. I lost out on cases of the Anne Amie when I snost through the comments before I pulled the trigger. Nailed this one, though.
@rpstrong I knew better, have lost out before but with Berserker Day coming I wanted to wait a bit and see how far my funds would go. Glad I got a 4 pack and might pick up another one yet, I always buy Clark’s wines when they’re offered here!
There’s absolutely no reason I should buy more wine. I’m trying to reduce my inventory, and quite significantly. New purchases are out of the question.
So, of course, I just bought some. At least the cases are sold out, keeping me from a larger self-justification dilemma.
@coynedj …I understand, same here, however, it was a Petite Sirah, and I saw it earlier than you, so I have a case being delivered, got notice this morning, should arrive this Friday…
We still have a few cases at the winery. We’ll give you the same deal, plus free storage as long as you want. You’d need to call Sandra Monday 9-4 at 707-332-0056.
@afwaller Far out, never heard of that. But, statistically, that would have to happen at some point and I bet @WineDavid has seen it before. Just let him know. (I got mine and got 12 BTW)
Tasting Notes
This wine is so amazing that sometimes we think we should just grow nothing but Petite Sirah. Although the wine has incredible color and density, the texture is surprisingly soft, round and feminine.
Vineyard/Winemaking Notes
Altitude is good for this variety, which does not fare well in fog, as its thin skin and tightly packed clusters make it prone to rot. In many mountain sites, bright sunlight and water stress lead to extreme tannic hardness, but our cooling afternoon “lake effect” develops and preserves an intense blueberry aroma and prevents field oxidation of anthocyanins, preserving an intense “Purple Haze” appearance.
Our east-facing plantings take advantage of morning sun to burn off any dew but also shelter the fruit from any raisining by the western sun. The cool 2013 vintage accentuated aromatic intensity, and we picked on October 10th at perfect ripeness.
The wine showed astonishing tannins and some reduction, so we employed micro-oxygenation to refine its tannins while carefully preserving its structure and depth of fruit. After six and a half years in neutral cooperage, a wine of tremendous richness and generosity came together, redolent with lavender and thyme, oozing with blueberry flavors carried by deep, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish we attribute to our volcanic soils.
Although quite age-worthy, this wine is guaranteed to put a smile on your face right now. Enjoyable with a wide variety of foods – steak, barbeque or a sharp, well-aged cheddar. Or you might just enjoy it “as dinner,” a satisfying meal in itself!
Our vineyards are located on the volcanic hillsides above the eastern shores of Clear Lake. Our grapes are some of the most sought after in Lake County. Cooling lake breezes preserve berry flavors, while our soils confer a refreshing minerality.
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$291.57 a case at Two Jakes of Diamonds for 2012 Vintage/2013 Vintage Not sold on Website
About The Winery
WineSmith Cellars
Clark Smith is an MIT drop-out who wandered out to California in 1972 and sold wine retail in the Bay Area for several years, where he acquired a love of Bordeaux, Burgundy and all things French and observed first hand the California winery explosion in the 1970s. After a three year stint at Veedercrest Vineyards, he secured enology training at UC Davis and spent the 1980s as founding winemaker for The R.H. Phillips Vineyard in Yolo County. In 1990, he founded WineSmith Consulting and patented a group of new winemaking techniques involving reverse osmosis, spinning off Vinovation, which went on to become the world’s largest wine production consulting firm over its 17-year history.
Frustrated with California’s winemaking trends, Clark started WineSmith Cellars in 1993 as a teaching winery to make Eurocentric wines to explore traditions beyond the mainstream, expanding for his winemaking clients the range of possibility for California fruit. Choosing to create long-term partnerships with committed growers rather than growing his own grapes, Clark has become an renowned expert on Cabernet Franc, having vinified twenty vintages from a wide variety of sites.
Teaching at Napa Valley College gave him access to the Student Vineyard for Faux Chablis and his Pauillac-style $100 “Crucible” Cabernet Sauvignon. From Renaissance Vineyards in North Yuba County he has made a sulfite-free Roman Syrah and also produces a Pinot Noir from Fiddlestix Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills in a delicate, age-worthy Côtes de Beaune style. These wines are vinified in an ancient beat-up warehouse in Sebastopol, California.
WineSmith wines are noted for their longevity, classic balance, structural integrity, minerality and understated soulfulness. They often are aged extensively prior to release. When drinking a WineSmith wine, always ask yourself “What is this wine trying to teach me?” Clark is a vocal advocate of living soil and graceful longevity, and generally avoids excessive oak, alcohol, or extended hang-time. He is not shy about employing new tools when they are needed, such as alcohol adjustment to bring fruit into balance or micro-oxygenation to build refined structure, but always fully discloses techniques which are controversial and is outspoken in explaining his rationale.
His book, Postmodern Winemaking, is the culmination of four decades of reflection on wine’s true nature.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, February 21st - Tuesday, February 25th
Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah
That was an easy decision.
@drhellknow Way to easy. I did not even ask my husband, lol.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah - $30 = 16.66%
Auto-buy!!!
@mrn1 @pjmartin @boatman72 @marikar @msten
I’m good for 3-4 bottles if any of the NE OH crew want to pull the trigger…
@chipgreen @pjmartin @boatman72 @marikar Anyone else want in?
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @marikar @mrn1 I’ll join in. Who’s buying?
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @marikar @pjmartin I just bought a case. So far 4 each, let’s see if other culprits want a few. Cheers!
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @mrn1 @pjmartin I’ll join if 3 each is enough. But don’t short yourselves.
@Boatman72 @marikar @mrn1 @pjmartin
Thanks for buying!
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @marikar @pjmartin 3 each it is, unless Larry chimes in and then we’ll slice it some other way.
@chipgreen @marikar @mrn1 @pjmartin Hi All, Been busy and just saw this! Nice, but I have no room to store and I’m not sure how much wine will be able to be consumed in the future! But right now a glass here, there, and everywhere can be the norm! Thanks for thinking of me! Enjoy!!
/giphy undulating-airborne-basketball
Hi folks! Many of you have followed my 12 vintages of Diamond Ridge Vineyards (now branded under Two Jakes of Diamonds) over the years and have praised their generosity and grace. Those wines received two to three years in barrel. What make this wine special is its 78 months in 20-year-old neutral oak which resulted in wonderfully intricate nuances that only time can impart, raising its level from satisfying to profound.
The wine is an amazing bargain at its SRP of $30. How could you possibly have too much at $149.99? Although it is eminently ageworthy, believe me, that first case won’t last very long.
@winesmith I would have a case on the way if it wasn’t for that UPS only shipping, makes it a no go unfortunately.
@winesmith Yep, bought a case, and then went back and bought another to split. So good. Thx Clark!
Not a tough decision. Would still enjoy some rats, though!
/giphy simplistic-victorious-notebook
You know, I could have been a rat. I’ve had the 2012 vintage (I have ONE bottle left), and I recently received a bottle via UPS, which was a 2011. I’ve been holding my breath, because I was planning on buying a case of it…and then writing a Lab Rat review. Nope. I would be able to say that you should give up your money, and take that 2011. I only have opinions on the 2011 and the 2012, and it may not apply to the 2013.
On the other hand, I just put in an order for 8 (yes, 8, not a case). I did that before coming here to point out that whoever sent me the bottle of 2011 was extraordinarily kind, and I’d take some more, thank you. It’s even better than the 2012, and I love the 2012.
@Shrdlu These vintages start out very similar and consistent in color, aroma, body, texture and generosity. The difference here is 6.5 years in old neutral barrels as opposed to 2-3 years in previous vintages. This takes it up a significant step in development, complexity, nuance and profundity.
Yum. Very tempting
Here are vineyard owner Jake Stephens and I touring the north variety mix which will give you a general sense of the vineyard and the way Jake works with it. Listen to the first two or three minutes and then if you like, skip to 6 minutes in where he shows you the Petite Sirah planting.
The 2010 and 2012 vintages of this are my favorite PS’s, and some of my favorite wines of all varietals. I have no doubt that the 2013 will be fantastic. At $12.50 it might be the best QPR in casemates history.
The tasting notes writeup reads almost identical to that used for the 2012 vintage:
https://wine.woot.com/offers/two-jakes-petite-sirah-4-clark-smith
"2012 Two Jakes Petite Sirah, Lake County
The wine showed astonishing tannins and some reduction, so we employed micro-oxygenation to refine its tannins while carefully preserving its structure and depth of fruit. After thirty-six months in neutral cooperage, a wine of tremendous richness and generosity came together, redolent with lavender and thyme, seemingly oozing blueberry aromas carried by deep, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish.
Although quite age-worthy, this wine is guaranteed to put a smile on your face even now. Enjoyable with a wide variety of foods – steak, barbeque or a sharp, well-aged cheddar. Or you might just enjoy it “as dinner,” a satisfying meal in itself!"
@nklb ell, I guess I’m busted, but I get to be lazy in the descriptions vintage to vintage because the wines are so similar. But in 2013 we have 78 months instead of 36, and there are considerable developed nuances of barrel bouquet that the 2012 will take a long time in bottle to develop.
@winesmith Clark, what drove the decision for over twice the time in barrel for the '13 over the '12?
In all candor, it’s got to do with sales. Jake hasn’t got much market penetration – mostly Casemates sales. We generally bottle 120 to 200 case lots, so we’ll have enough if the sale goes well. But let’s say we bottle 200 cases and move out two pallets on Casemates, leaving us with around 80 cases that dribble out a few cases at a time. We have to get those dribs and drabs out before we can bottle the next vintage.
This was no problem in the past, but in the last few years, national distribution and even local shops and restaurants have become more and more big winery-oriented and centrist (PS and Cab Franc being way too weird), so we mostly fall back on DTC, and it takes time.
This is the same reason the Faux Chablis 2005 is still with us. Fortunately, my style of winemaking results in these wine just getting better and better.
In sum, I’m a very good winemaker and a very poor marketer in this new climate.
@winesmith, in terms of your relative effort between winemaking and marketing: Don’t change a thing!
@PatrickKarcher @winesmith I’ll drink to that!
@PatrickKarcher Well, actually we have to change a little. We have been cruising along very well at about 1,000 cases of super-geeky wines principally through this site and its predecessor. That’s because it’s the only one with a comments section to discuss their peculiarities, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your community for supporting my lunatic experiments.
To my vast delight, my wife RuthE. (that’s how she spells it) joined the company last July as Muse and Money Manager, freeing up Sandra to accelerate her training as Assistant Winemaker and me to focus on making and selling wine as well as increasing my stable of consulting clients.
Thing is, Casemates can’t just run my wines all the time. That might give the impression that WineDavid and I have a personal man-crush thing going on, and we’re trying to keep that under wraps.
So now I need to add some wines the non-geeky pinheads will understand. We’ve got some stellar Tempranillo, Grenache, and Tannat that other sites can work with. I also need to build relationships with the very rare hand-sell wine shops and somms with the appetite and courage to take on such peculiarities as Norton and St. Laurent and to recommend them to their customers.
I have no idea how to find such retailers and restaurants, thinly spread throughout the country as they are. You guys can help. I would vastly appreciate any intel you can provide concerning eno-pros of this type in your local area, and perhaps a mention to them so I don’t have to go in cold.
This sounds so good. SIWBM be damned! In for a case.
@FritzCat its funny because I always hear SWMBO (i.e. significant other) versus self imposed but it’s roughly the same meaning. Stop accumulating and start inviting people over to drink it
@FritzCat I hadn’t declared a SIWBM, altho I probably should have-- my cellar has overflowed into other basement space. But then something like this comes along (I was torn between getting a case or two cases), and I would have had to suspend the moratorium anyway. I liked the 2012, and it sounds like this one is even better.
I’ve been making good progress at getting my wine stock fitting into my available storage, and then this comes along…
/giphy buttoned-chubby-haircut
@Mark_L My apologies. I recognize that my work making irresistible wines places strains upon shipping options, discretionary income budgets, personal cellaring strategies, and domestic bliss. We have much to offer to address these problems, and do not wish to trivialize them.
@winesmith Any time you are passing through central Missouri, you are welcome to stop by and help me address the problem! (We have a very nice guest room.)
@Mark_L Sounds tempting. I do get out there on occasion. Whisper me your coordinates.
Hello everyone,
Imagine my surprise when I got to work Friday morning and found a box from Wine Country Connect waiting for me, especially having only signed up earlier in the week as a Lab Rat.
I opened up the bottle when I got home and let it breathe for about an hour before pouring my first glass. It was medium purple in color with thin lingering legs that shows off its nearly 15% ABV.
Nose:
Fruity and floral with a hint of leather and mushrooms.
Taste:
Long grippy tannins, with hints of chocolate bitterness, medium acidity with a bit of the alcohol burn and a lingering finish. It paired really well with some aged smoked Gouda that I had in the fridge.
Overall, I thought the wine was well balanced, delicious, and easy to drink.
/giphy derelict-vicious-pail
All the positive comments pushed me over too-BTW does anyone if Mill is still around? I used to guage my purchases by his purchases.
@dianefreda I thought he bought just about everything? And fast.
I have loved the Aspects (red blend), Cab Franc and Merlot from Two Jake’s! Very excited to try this! In for a case!
/giphy aware-satisfying-plate
This is my 1st test of inconvenient UPS shipping. It will be heartbreaking if this goes back.
lousy-literate-flesh
/giphy furrowed-robust-hunchback
/giphy woolen-mean-gull
I guess I can resist everything except temptation . . .
/giphy choosy-enamored-iron
@rpstrong Thanks to Oscar Wilde.
@ddeuddeg Due credit, etc. I did not realize that it had a credible source, but it certainly sounds like Wilde!.
Opened a 2010 Two Jakes PS tonight.
Very good on Pop-N-Pour, and it improved
throughout the evening. Finished with slices
of Pizza, and it was fantastic.
Glad I bought a case of the 2013.
I am en route to meet Clark and get a rat bottle. Perks of travelling to Silicon valley and an expected day off. Will post late tonight or tomorrow
rabid-bawdy-oxygen
WineSmith / Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah…
What’s left to say------AutoBuy in for a Case.
Always great; thanks Clark!! jinxed-illiterate-omelette
@PLSemenza The “/giphy jinxed-illiterate-omelette” needs to be on a new line:
/giphy jinxed-illiterate-omelette
In for a case woeful-disadvantaged-copy
I received a bottle of Two Jakes on Friday, with no mention as to what it was for. But I started the process for providing a good report for y’all, and hope to provide some insights into this offering.
I opened the bottle that evening, hand-decanting a sample into some Riedel wine glasses for optimal breathing. The nose was amazing, readily apparent from 6-8" above the glass - dark cherry, blueberry, with some mineral undertones - but definitely not a fruit bomb. This from a 2013, which I was expecting a more muted fruit notes.
On the palate, it followed the nose impressions, with sage and other herbal notes, and a strong tannin and alcohol presence, which was in line for about a 30-minute-only rest. The finish was long, a great mouth feel, but the astringency was definitely there. A light chicken dinner was already under preparation, so there was nooooo way this wine would pair with that entrée. So we corked the bottle and set aside for the next evening.
Saturday - a hearty sausage-tortellini-vegetable soup was on the menu, which was a PERFECT pair for the wine. The tannins and astringency mellowed a bit overnight, and complimented the acidity and fat of the soup/stew. A splendid combination of comfort food and good wine!
My impressions (before any research, other than from the bottle): this is not a stand-alone wine. It demands food - a strong cheese, like a smoked Gouda, Bleu, or minimally Swiss, pizza, stew, or smoked meats will stand up to this potent offering.
From the bottle, it reads that it will “cellar for decades”, which my initial thought was, “No way! it’s already 6 years old!” upon further thought and investigation, laying down for 8-10 years might not be a bad idea - plenty of fruit to age well, and the strong tannins are (I presume) from the 6 years of in-the-barrel - so we’re looking at a just-released bottle - new to me! It would be quite interesting to revisit this vintage at that time.
Enjoy!
@Kraxberger @WineSmith
Need to let Clark address that presumption, I think.
Unlikely any new barrels to impart that level of tannin. More likely a different winemaker decision.
@Kraxberger @rjquillin That’s not tannin from oak. Those barrels are twenty years old. That’s just what the vineyard gives us. However, with my training in micro-oxygenation, (Randall Grahm says his mantra is “I will fear no tannin”) I’m proud of how we massaged them in youth to render oily, feminine tannins which are not aggressive and support the fruit. This wine is perfectly drinkable now but also will go a significant distance.
/image corrupt-fabulous-ivy
I want to order it but will be traveling 2/14 through 2/17. Knowing my luck that will be the delivery window…
Apologies in advance as this is all by cell phone…
PnP. The nose is huge with layers of blueberry and red fruit. Getting a bit of heat, but seems to blow off quick with a few swirls. Palate is pretty hefty and chewy. Medium + acid, medium + tannin. Getting a strong cacao chalkiness and a touch of minerality zing on the edges. Lasting finish, 30+ seconds.
After setting aside for an hour or more the nose is still consistent with previous, but no perceptible heat now. Blueberry note is prominent with lots of other herbal layers, sage, tarragon. Palate has smoothed out a bit interns of tannin grip, big rounded red fruit and strong acid note to keep things in balance. Initial thought is this needs about 15 more years, but is super enjoyable now especially if you were to leave it open a few days.
I bought 2 bottles and will hold the first at least five years. This is just a terrific wine from a great guy! Always so much great info.
Thanks so much Clark!
@rjquillin @Winedavid49 @ArianaWCC @winesmith
Cases sold out, any chance of opening up a few more for sale? I’ll grab a 4 pack or two if not but was leaning toward a case.
@catcoland We are out of cases. sorry.
@Winedavid49 Thanks for the quick reply, I grabbed a 4 pack before they sell out!
/giphy movable-latest-puma
@catcoland If you snooze, you lose. I lost out on cases of the Anne Amie when I snost through the comments before I pulled the trigger. Nailed this one, though.
@rpstrong I knew better, have lost out before but with Berserker Day coming I wanted to wait a bit and see how far my funds would go. Glad I got a 4 pack and might pick up another one yet, I always buy Clark’s wines when they’re offered here!
@catcoland Wow, never heard of either the forum or the event. Guess I’ll be busy tomorrow.
@catcoland @rpstrong It’s a slippery slope!
/giphy abhorrent-frantic-elbow
Happy to have logged in to see this offering, but only able to get two 4-packs. Doh! Better than nothing!
There’s absolutely no reason I should buy more wine. I’m trying to reduce my inventory, and quite significantly. New purchases are out of the question.
So, of course, I just bought some. At least the cases are sold out, keeping me from a larger self-justification dilemma.
@coynedj …I understand, same here, however, it was a Petite Sirah, and I saw it earlier than you, so I have a case being delivered, got notice this morning, should arrive this Friday…
We still have a few cases at the winery. We’ll give you the same deal, plus free storage as long as you want. You’d need to call Sandra Monday 9-4 at 707-332-0056.
Sandra is out sick today. Please call Ruth at 707-328-9799.
This came in today and it is really good.
@tuzalu I just checked UPS My Choice and it says mine should be delivered on Monday (but no shipping notices as of yet).
@tuzalu Mine rolled in today, and I’m loving it. Glad I snagged a case.
@rpstrong @tuzalu Nothing arrived yesterday. This morning I got “official” shipping notice that it will be delivered this Friday (2/14).
I only received 10 bottles (not 12) and it was supposed to be a case. Anyone else got their order? Did you receive 12 bottles or 10?
@afwaller Far out, never heard of that. But, statistically, that would have to happen at some point and I bet @WineDavid has seen it before. Just let him know. (I got mine and got 12 BTW)
@afwaller guess we now know where they got the rats bottles…
@afwaller Mine arrived yesterday. 12 quite cool (about 47 degrees) bottles – it was 3 degrees outside in the morning.