The Other 46 » Grand Valley AVA

Canyon Wind Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

Brian Kirby — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:16:31 +0000

With the summer months upon us and the warm weather here to stay, it’s an ideal time to begin exploring the popular, versatile, Sauvignon Blanc. The perfect warm-weather wine, Sauvignon Blancs range in flavor from grassy to mineraly to fruity. An alternative to the popular Chardonnay, the variety is starting to gain a footfold in some unlikely places. In celebration of Colorado Wine Week, I decided to open and enjoy one of the states best, Canyon Wind Cellars.

Founded in 1996, Canyon Wind Cellars sits 4700 feet above sea level, in the Grand Valley AVA (read more here). The estate Sauvignon Blanc is from the Cliffside Vineyard planted in 2001. Whole cluster pressing and fermented in 100% stainless steel.

The Canyon Wind Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc starts off with a blast of lemon zest. Crisp and refreshing, floral, grassy and lemon notes display prominently on the palate. A “European-esque” Sauvignon Blanc. At $14.95, Canyon Wind Cellars once again delivers a great value and perfect pairing for the summer months. Cheers!

Canyon Wind Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

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Better Late Than Never

Brian Kirby — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:01:35 +0000

Unfortunately, I missed highlighting Dithyramb Winery during my first Colorado wine showcase late last year (see Caution, High Altitude Ahead). Better late than never, tonight’s post introduces and welcomes Colorado’s newest winery on the block, Dithyramb Winery. Located in Centennial, Colorado, owners and winemakers Sean and Candice Bundy opened their home-based, boutique winery in 2008. Contracting their grapes from vineyards located on Colorado’s western slope in the Grand Valley AVA, the winery specializes in small, handcrafted batches. For my Greek mythology fans, the name Dithyramb is a hymn sung to Dionysos, the Greek god of wine.

I received two samples from the winery, a Traditional Mead and a Cabernet Franc. Tonight I focus on the Cabernet Franc, a personal favorite of mine. Recently released in January, the 2008 vintage retails for $20 and clocks in at 13.5% alcohol. Aged in French oak, only 50 cases were produced. On the nose, ripe black fruit with a hint of oak shine through, lending support to a nicely balanced, charming wine. A solid effort for their inaugural release.

Be sure to read fellow friend and wine blogger, Jacob Harkins review of the Dithyramb 2008 Cabernet Franc. I also suggest bookmarking his outstanding wine blog, ColoradoWino.com. Cheers!

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A Grand Valley Gem

Brian Kirby — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:48:42 +0000

I’ve had the opportunity to sample great wine produced by the other 46 states this year. I continue to be amazed at the quality and more importantly, the tremendous potential each state holds. That trend has never been more evident after opening two wines received from Canyon Wind Cellars. Located in the Grand Valley AVA, east of Grand Junction near Palisade, Canyon Wind’s vineyard is situated above the Colorado River. Named after the mountain breeze that flows daily through the canyon mouth and over the vineyard, Canyon Wind is proving that the sky is the limit for Colorado wines.

Up first in glass was the 2006 Syrah ($17.95). A deep red color in glass, the Syrah displayed dark fruit aromas with a touch of pepper, smoke, and coffee. After my first sip, I was convinced the variety has a bright future in Colorado. A great wine by itself, but a better match for grilled meats or a hearty stew.

After tasting the Syrah, I was excited to see if I could go two for two. The following night I pulled the cork on Canyon Wind Cellars most awarded wine, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Retailing for $24.95, I was excited to try my first Cab from the state, especially considering my first love is Cabernet Sauvignon. From the website,

Perfectly balanced, deep dark and concentrated with intense aromas of black cherry, plum, and mocha; firm tannins intertwined with hints of chocolate, coffee, and tobacco with an elegant finish. An excellent accompaniment to Colorado lamb.

I must admit, I held the bottle upside down longer than usual, ensuring every last drop was accounted for.

If your not convinced on the quality of Colorado wines, I guarantee you haven’t tried Canyon Wind Cellars. Cheers!

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Wine With A View

Brian Kirby — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:32:26 +0000

The first stop along the Colorado Wine Trail brings us to Garfield Estates Vineyard and Winery in Palisade, Colorado. Located almost a mile above sea level in the Grand Valley AVA, the 17 acre vineyard faces the picturesque Mount Garfield, for which the vineyard is named. The combination of high altitude (4,720 feet), hot, dry summers and cool nights provide the ideal climate for growing Syrah, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscat Ottonel. Committed to quality, Garfield Estates is helping put Colorado on the wine map.

Garfield Estates provided the wines for my taste of Colorado. The first pour was the 2008 S2, a Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon blend fermented in stainless steel with no oak aging. A beautiful wine in glass; grapefruit and lemon dominate the nose. On the palate, crisp and clean with nice citrus notes. The second wine tasted included the 2007 Cabernet Franc. A consistent award winner, the polished and balanced red leaves you wanting a second (and third) glass. A crowd-pleasing wine that would pair well with food. I’d love to put this in a blind tasting and see this wine kick some serious butt.

If you live in Colorado, what are you waiting for! Grab a wine map and head out to Garfield Estates for great wine and a fabulous view. If your planning your next vacation, why not visit Colorado’s growing wine industry!

Be sure to check back later this week for a taste of Canyon Wind Cellars. Cheers!

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Caution, High Altitude Ahead

Brian Kirby — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:10:16 +0000

With elevations ranging from 4000 to 7000 feet above sea level, Colorado’s vineyards are among the highest in the world. The continental climate (warm days + cool nights + low humidity) creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of grapes required to produce premium wines. Home to 2 designated American Viticultural Areas, Grand Valley and West Elks, Colorado has a thriving wine industry with more than 60 wineries throughout the state.

The Grand Valley AVA, the largest and oldest AVA in Colorado, is the birthplace of Colorado’s resurgent wine industry and home to more than a dozen wineries. Located just west of Grand Junction, the AVA includes some of the highest vineyards in North America, averaging 4700 square feet. Grapes receive almost 300 days of intense sun, combined with warm, dry days and cool nights, resulting in intense flavors and balanced wines.

The highest altitude vineyards in the northern hemisphere exist in the West Elks AVA. Created in 2001, the AVA includes 10 wineries stretched across a 75-acre area just east of Paonia to the west of Hotchkiss. Similar to the Alsace region in France, the West Elks AVA is producing quality Gewürztraminer and Rieslings, followed by Pinot Noir.

This week I will highlight some of Colorado’s best wineries including Canyon Wind Cellars, Garfield Estates Vineyard and Winery, and Allis Ranch Winery. I invite you along to see why the wine industry is becoming serious business in Colorado. Cheers!

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