November 19, 2009

New Release!

We are excited to release our first of two Cabernet Franc wines from the 2008 vintage. In the past we have blended all of our Cabernet Franc together for one single release. However, for our 2008 vintage, we are bottling our two distinct blocks of the vineyard, Stealth Ridge and To Kati separately.

Stealth Ridge is the first of two releases of terroir driven Cabernet Francs for 2008. This wine is 100% Missouri Estate. A small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot from the TK block of the vineyard are blended into this release.

2008 Inland Sea Cabernet Franc - Missouri

Amigoni Vineyards – Stealth Ridge Block

94% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot

Silky tannins and cherry fruit

This cooler eastern block of Amigoni Vineyards produces a more elegant Cab Franc.

The block was named after the bombers seen in the sky in ’02 and ’03 during the planting since the vineyard is close to Whiteman AFB. This wine is all about a lovely mouthfeel, it’s got a slightly thick, velvety texture even though the body itself isn’t that heavy. A very “food friendly” wine for your evening meal with pork, chicken or beef tenderloin. The nose is a clean smell of cherries on top of the American Oak.
Great with Thanksgiving Turkey!

Only 92 cases produced. Single Bottle price : $25.00

10% Discounted Case price: $270.00

2009 Harvest Report

Harvest 2009 started with the harvest of Chardonnay the week after Labor Day. Unfortunately, due to the persistent rain all season and the restrictive pruning done in the spring, we had a lower crop than 2008. The smaller crop was consistently balanced and showed nice mineral expression of the soils like the 2008 vintage. The Viognier was picked two weeks after the Chardonnay, and was very nice and aromatic. After the pressing, the juice smelled like Sauvignon Blanc and was very delicious.

Harvest of the reds started with Cabernet Franc To Kati block. We hit a magic sugar percentage of 24. This achievement was a goal that started 12 years ago and even though this 2009 growing season was very cool, the grapes came into the warehouse from the field at 24 brix with balanced acidity and lots of the beautiful purity of Cabernet Franc. This lot may be one of our best ever! A few weeks later in mid October, we finished the harvest of the reds. The harvest of 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kati block was conducted in the rain. We harvested a nice crop of Cab Sauvign on, with sugars between 23-24 and the seeds were very brown. The harvest of 2009 Cabernet Franc in Stealth Ridge was a lot darker fruit than in past years. We believe that the darker fruit was due to more sun exposure during the season. The sugar levels were 23-24 and a nice acidity. The Malbec, Mourvedre and Petit Verdot followed with high sugars and produced nicely balanced wines.

Conclusion:

The rain amount and frequency created 25% more work in weeding, trimming the vines and spraying for fungus. Hopefully, it won't happen again for a few years. Again, this year was a test of high pressure, and we fended off the rot and had a wonderful harvest.

HOLIDAY HOURS:

Open Fridays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Or Call for an appointment if Friday doesn’t work.
913-302-0011

Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day

Happy Holidays!

Inland Sea Winery

Tasting Room Open Every Friday 4-7
Livestock Exchange Building
1600 Genessee St., Suite 160
Kansas City, Missouri