2013 Land of Promise - Terra de Promissio Released

Land of Promise is pleased to announce that the Mailing List is open to take orders for the inaugural 2013 Land of Promise Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.  The Land of Promise was harvested from Terra de Promissio in September 2013 and was in French Oak Barrels for 18 months.  The wine was bottled this past summer and is now ready to be released. 

Alina Zarr, one of the three proprietors of Land of Promise stated:

"We are very excited about this wine.  2013 was a great growing season and harvest. My sister Diana has worked very hard overseeing the whole wine-making process--from personally handpicking the grapes to the crush to fermentation thru barreling, blending, bottling and now release." 

"The wines of Terra de Promissio are always special, but this wine has special meaning as this is our family's first wine." 

Only 100 cases of the 2013 Land of Promise has been produced. To order this wine, first you will need to click here: landofpromisewine.com You will then receive an email outlining the ordering steps.  Land of Promise anticipates shipping the wine in early 2016.  

2013 Lynmar Terra de Promissio Released

Lynmar Winery Tasting Notes: The 2013 Terra de Promissio exhibits a dark garnet color. Vibrant aromatics of black cherry, fig and rhubarb jump from the glass. The textured entry on the palate shows savory hints of clove, cinnamon and sandlewood. The wine concludes with a silky finish of black tea and cacao and nutmeg.

Bottling date: February 11, 2015

T.A.: 5.8 g/L - Alcohol: 14.3% - pH: 3.54

Aging: 15 mo. in 50% new oak - Cases Produced: 142

2013 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Released

Winemaker’s Notes

This is our third vintage of Terra de Promissio and it continues to be a high performing site. The nose leads with star anise and wet earth, but quickly gives way to cherry pit, blood orange, and grenadine. A touch of purple flowers shows off the lighter side of this dark and brooding wine. In the mouth, it dazzles as potpourri spices intermingle with black cherry and cherry pit flavors. There is a centered quality to this wine, with a perfect balance of acid and tannins. The medium tannic structure seems almost dusty but possesses a refreshing citrus feel, reminiscent of single origin Brazilian coffee. The wine lingers on the palate with great tenacity and a tangy finish.

The Vineyards

“The Land of Promise” is family owned and operated by husband and wife team Charles and Diana Karren. The Karren’s bought a 50 acre dairy ranch in 1999 and planted over 33,000 Pinot Noir vines on 32 acres in 2002. Terra de Promissio had its first harvest in 2005.

Harvest 2013

With great back-to-back vintages, 2013 was every bit as good as 2012 has proven to be. Amidst concerns about another drought year, the rain gauges filled up to about 80% of the yearly average. The growing conditions were very favorable, which resulted in a remarkably similar growing season to the exceptional 2012 vintage. The only notable difference, however, was the increase of heat units in 2013, as measured by the Growing Degree Day index. With below average rainfall for the season bud break initiated earlier than average along Westside Road. April showers helped to drive good shoot growth and set the plants up for May flowering. Excellent weather at flowering time allowed for fantastic set and a bountiful yield across all appellations and varieties. Even with an earlier start to the growing season, the grapes had the ideal amount of time on the vine to achieve full maturity without any threat of inclement weather late in the season. Wines from the 2013 vintage exhibit extremely pure and polished tannins and the acidity will provide longevity, but the supple structure also offers earlier enjoyment.

Christian Karren Promoting Environmental Sustainability at the Annual Grape Growers Meeting

12 year old Christian Karren represented Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue organization at the annual Sonoma County Grape Grower Day. He was taking his message of best practices of owl conservation for vineyards. Christian talked to farmers on how barn owls are an excellent alternative to harmful rodenticides otherwise known as rat poison (used to kill gophers). Rodenticides weaken the rodents before killing them, making them slow and attractive to predators. Then, when they are caught and eaten, the poison spreads and kills the predators of the rodents.  This makes the rodent problem even worse, because there are fewer predators to control their population. Instead of using cruel poisons, whose effects spread beyond your intentions, Christian recommends an approach of using owls. This is a systemic way of thinking about pests in the environment, which addresses the root of the problem instead of only the symptoms.

2013 Castello di Amorosa Terra de Promissio Released

The inaugural Castello di Amorosa Terra de Promissio was released this week. 

Winery Notes

Expressive bouquet of cherry and spiced Christmas berries with an exotic backdrop of cola and black tea. This is a sleek Pinot Noir boasting both lush texture and vibrant acidity.

Vineyard Notes

“The Land of Promise” is a family owned and operated vineyard located near the city of Petaluma that is widely regarded as one of the premier Pinot Noir vineyards in all of the Sonoma Coast Region. The two distinct clones (777 and 115), clay loam soils, southwest exposure, and the wind and fog of the Petaluma Gap combine to create the “Terroir” that allows Terra de Promissio grapes to mature to perfection. The cool summers and resulting extended “hang time” of the grapes is necessary to achieve optimal ripeness, a benchmark critical to producing premium Pinot Noir.

Food Pairing Notes

Given the wide variety of food that pairs with this wine, it’s understandable why Pinot Noir is considered one of the most versatile food wines in the world. Pair this silky wine with roast duck, grilled chicken or salmon, or wild mushroom risotto.

Production: 681 cases

More info: http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/product/PINOT-NOIR-Reserve--Terra-de-Promissio

4 Terra de Promissio Vineyard Designates Featured by UC Davis

Four Terra de Promissio vineyard designates were featured tonight for an invitation only event held by UC Davis at the Carneros Inn in Napa, California.  The Terra de Promissio wines were the exclusive red wine for the event. The wines poured--all 2012s--were from left to right: Spell Estate, Lynmar Estate, Della and Williams Selyem. This is the first time in a public setting that four Terra de Promissio wines were poured at once. 

Kosta Browne Grower Party

You know it is the end of the summer and right before harvest when Kosta Browne throws its annual grower's party.  As always, it was an outstanding event--great food, great pinot and most of all great people.  Diana and Charles always enjoy catching up with their fellow growers and the KB winemakers and staff.  A big thanks to Michael, Dan, Chris, David, Tony, Amy, Jennifer, Joy and the entire crew.

Diana Karren, Charles Karren and winemaker Michael Browne

Williams Selyem Wine Club Party

Pictured is: Diana, winemaker Jeff Mangahas and Charles

Charles & Diana Karren spent Saturday pouring the newly released 2012 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir.  We want to thank Mr & Mrs. Dyson, Bob Cabral, Jeff Mangahas and the entire Williams Selyem team hosting us and over 1,000 members. 

It was a great event! Diana and Charles really enjoyed meeting and talking to every member of the wine club.  

2012 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Released

Wine Notes from Kosta Browne:

Our 2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a blend of four vineyards; Terra de Promissio; Gap’s Crown, Griffin’s Lair and Walala. The first three are located in the southern portion of the Sonoma Coast appellation and lie directly in the path of the Petaluma Wind Gap’s Pacific Ocean cooling and the maritime influence of the San Pablo Bay. The fourth vineyard, Walala Vineyard, is from the northwestern coastal reaches near Annapolis. The wines from the Petaluma Gap region are rich, voluptuous and structured with dark black and blue fruit, deep texture and broad structure. The wines from Walala are red fruit driven with clean earth, a slight spice, elegant structure and a complex core. 

Aromatics:The wine shows focused blueberry, black cherry and ripe currants in the nose, followed by intense blackberry and cassis. In the background there is a dusting of cocoa and black plum.

On the palate:The 2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir exhibits dark black and blue fruits that drive down the center of the palate and slowly melt into all areas of the mouth. There is focused acidity and a tannic grip that carries the rich dark fruit character towards the midpalate, followed by creamy black cherry, dark plum and dried currants. There is intensity to this wine that is followed by a slow release of complex flavors and textures, leading to a long and lasting finish.

2012 Della Terra de Promissio Released

Della wines releases its inaugural Terra de Promissio

Della wines is a passion of David Hejl. Along with  the shared vision of  his fellow founders; David's sister and his brother-in- law, Lee and Ernie LeRoy. Della honors their mother who died long before her time. Della Winifred Dale was a strong woman with a relentless commitment to life, raising eleven strong, intense and complex children. She was an extraordinary woman who believed in living the life you always imagined and in pursuing one’s dreams no matter the obstacles.

See http://domainedelladale.com/

2012 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Released

Tasting Notes from Williams Selyem

This wine has an expressive bouquet of cherry pie, raspberries, fennel, Asian spices and truffles. The heavier clay/loam soils add a textural component to the velvety tannins and rich flavors of wild raspberries, Bing cherries, cola, mushrooms and mocha coffee. This is a very sexy Pinot with lush textures and vibrant acidity — our second offering from this cool site in the Petaluma Wind Gap region of the Sonoma Coast appellation. The acid frames this wine brilliantly and gives it a tremendous amount of focus. This is a wine that will improve nicely in the cellar for 5+ years.

Harvest 2012 Simply put, the 2012 vintage was amazing in many respects. After the cool growing seasons of 2010 and 2011, which resulted in excellent quality but very low yields, Mother Nature was smiling on us in 2012 with superb growing conditions for a bountiful harvest. The exceptional weather during the spring allowed for moderate vegetative growth, superb flowering conditions and an above average fruit set — berries and clusters sized up beyond original expectations. 2012 was a vintage where ripe mature stems, seeds and skin tannins were achieved with harmoniously balanced natural acidity. Enveloped with pure intense aromas, juicy flavors and rich textures, these structured wines are clearly the result of a truly extraordinary vintage. A vintage like this, where everything comes together perfectly, is rare and will certainly be a vintage to enjoy for many years to come!

2012 Lynmar Terra de Promissio Released

Tasting Notes from Lynmar:

The 2012 Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir exhibits a flashy garnet color. On the nose, one can sense wild aromatics of ripe plum, elderberry, black tea, and sauvage. Supple tannins give way to flavors of blackcurrant, ginger, and tangerine skin. The broad finish blends sprinkles of nutmeg, pluot, and graphite. Enjoy this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir upon release. Cellaring will be rewarded through 2024

2012 Spell Terra de Promissio Released

Tasting Notes from Spell Estate:

The Terra de Promissio Vineyard is owned and managed by Charles and Diana Karren with the help of Diana’s parents it is a true family operation.  Planted in 2002 to Pinot Noir clones 777 and 115 it is located east of Petaluma on a rolling hill in what is unofficially referred to as the Petaluma Gap of the Sonoma Coast AVA.  Buffeted by cold maritime winds the fruit ripens slowly and produces wines of exceptional elegance and purity.

Dark violet in color, aromas of cherry, strawberry, oats, all spice, anise, sassafras add to a brooding quality in the glass.  Flavors of cranberry and pomegranate hinting towards darker fruit and forest duff sweep across the palate.  Balanced by smooth tannins and perfect acidity flavors of black cherry and bitter chocolate seem to linger for eternity.  Drink now or over the next 5 to 7 years.

Oak: 100% French; 40% new, 25% once used and 35% older.  
Harvest Dates: 10/11/12
Bottled: August 8, 2013
Alc: 14.3%
Cases Produced: 148

Kosta Browne Grower Lunch

Charles & Diana Karren had a wonderful time at the annual Kosta Browne Grower's lunch held at their new winery complex at the Barlow. 

2011 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Released

Charles & Diana spent the day at the new Kosta Browne winery at the Barlow in downtown Sebastopol pouring the Sonoma Coast Pinot for the Kosta Browne Wine Club members.  It was a beautiful facility and a fun day meeting and greeting all the members. 

From Kosta Browne:
Our 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a blend of three vineyards; Gap’s Crown, Terra de Promissio and Walala.  The first two are located in the southern portion of the Sonoma Coast appellation and lie directly in the path of the Petaluma Wind Gap’s Pacific Ocean cooling and the maritime influence of the San Pablo Bay. The third vineyard, Walala Vineyard, is from the northwestern coastal reaches near Annapolis. The wines from the Petaluma Gap region are rich, voluptuous and structured with dark black and blue fruit, deep texture and broad structure. The wines from Walala are red fruit driven with clean earth, a slight spice, elegant structure and a complex core. We recommend drinking this wine between 2015 and 2020.

Aromatics: The wine shows focused blueberry, black cherry and ripe currants in the nose, followed by intense blackberry and cassis. In the background there is a dusting of cocoa and black plum.

On the palate: The 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir exhibits dark black and blue fruits that drive down the center of your palate and slowly melt into all areas of the mouth. There is focused acidity and a tannic grip that carry the rich dark fruit character towards the midpalate, followed by creamy black cherry, dark plum and dried currants. There is intensity to this wine that is followed by a slow release of complex flavors and textures, leading to a long and lingering finish.
 

2011 Williams-Selyem Terra de Promissio Released

Charles & Diana Karren spent Sunday pouring the newly released 2011 Williams-Selyem Terra de Promissio.  Like the fall Williams-Selyem, it was a fun event meeting and talking to all the members of the Williams-Selyem wine club.   The 2011 was the first vintage with Williams-Selyem and we could not be more pleased with the result.  The winemaker Jeff Mangahas, Director of Winemaking Bob Cabral and the entire Williams-Selyem team have produced an outstanding Pinot.  And while at the event, Bob and Jeff told us that it had just received a 96 from the Wine Enthusiast! 

Wine Spectator's Grand Award Banquet

Friday Night Tasting of the KB 2009 Sonoma Coast

In December of 2011, the  Wine Spectator named the 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as its 2011 Wine of the Year. The wine comprises fruit from three vineyards including Terra de Promissio. It is the first Sonoma County wine to win the award since 1999 and the first ever Pinot Noir wine to win.

Wine Spectator editors tasted and reviewed over 16,000 new releases from 12 countries and they noted the Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast bottling showcases Michael Browne’s meticulous winemaking and the quality of their grape sources.

The 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir rated 95 points on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale.

The Wine of the Year Dinner on Saturday Night

Diana and Charles Karren were thrilled to be included as Kosta's Browne special guests at the Wine Spectators Grand Award Banquet in Los Angeles--the wine industry's premier awards event. The honors began with a formal salute to the 2011 Wine of the Year, the Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009.

It was a festive three days of socializing with hundreds of winemakers, sommeliers, chefs and wine lovers. Both Diana and Charles gave heartfelt thank-you to the entire Kosta Browne team of Michael Browne, Dan Kosta, David Hejl, Chris Costello and Tony Lombardi.  Michael, Dan, Chris and the entire KB team are very deserving winners. 

Grower Lunch at Kosta Browne

The Karren's as well as Diana's parents Vadim and Sonia had a great time at the Kosta Browne Grower Lunch.  This annual lunch is always the highlight of the summer season.  

wine of the year

In 2011, the  Wine Spectator named the 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as its 2011 Wine of the Year. The wine comprises fruit from three vineyards including Terra de Promissio. It is the first Sonoma County wine to win the award since 1999 and the first ever Pinot Noir wine to win. Wine Spectator editors tasted and reviewed over 16,000 new releases from 12 countries and they noted the Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast bottling showcases Michael Browne’s meticulous winemaking and the quality of their grape sources. The 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir rated 95 points on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale.

California pinot noir

There is no such thing as a perfect vintage. But 2009 comes close to nirvana for California Pinot Noir. Ideal weather and a modest-sized crop led to even-ripening and the tastiest group of young Pinots I’ve yet sampled. Without a doubt, 2009 ranks alongside 2007 as the best vintage this decade. But in terms of the number of great wines, ’09 is head and shoulders above any other vintage in California Pinot Noir history.  -James Laube