2012 Pinot Noir and 2013 Sauvignon Blanc To Be Released on Father’s Day: June 21, 2015
PHILO, CA – (June 9, 2015) – In 1996, daughter Sarah Schoeneman helped her father, Bay area builder Kurt Schoeneman, begin the next chapter in his life. Visiting properties throughout Northern California, Sarah searched for the perfect piece of land on which her father could grow grapes. The search ended at a parcel in the Anderson Valley that had been allowed to go fallow—the Ferrington vineyard – and the rest is history. Since that time, Ferrington has built a reputation for growing premium quality grapes, with the fruit from this vineyard achieving an almost a cult-like status. While lauded wineries such as Williams-Selyem, Schramsberg, Flowers and Arista produce wines made from Ferrington fruit, the family has never created and bottled a wine for sale under their own label…until now.
Fathers & Daughters Cellars represents a collaborative and multigenerational effort of the “fathers and daughters” in the family: Patriarch Kurt Schoeneman, his daughter Sarah, Sarah’s husband Guy Pacurar, their daughter, Ella, and Guy’s older daughter, Taylor.
Much like wine, relationships mature and evolve over time, and the relationship between a father and daughter, like the fruit from the Ferrington vineyard, is both singular and special. This collaboration is a labor of love with the ultimate goal being the production of small quantities of fine wine and the creation of a legacy business that can be passed down through the generations.
The reputation of the vineyard is rooted in Pinot Noir with vineyard-designate Pinots produced from Ferrington fruit consistently receiving 90+ points by wine reviewers. But less well-known is the fact that the vineyard also contains a block of 40 year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines whose fruit yields a wine with decidedly tropical notes. These will be the first two varietals to be released by Fathers & Daughters.
The harvest of the first vintage in 2012 coincided with the birth of Guy and Sarah’s daughter, Ella. In fact, at just 8 weeks old and awake at 4:00 a.m., Ella joined her parents out in the field as they sorted the Pinot fruit being dumped into the bins. To mark this event, Fathers & Daughters approached a winemaker noted for crafting Pinots that can be cellared and as a result, talented winemaker Phil Baxter of Baxter Wines agreed to oversee the production of the wines for the label. Also known for taking a light approach in winemaking and allowing the fruit and terroir to speak for itself, Phil ages his Pinots primarily in neutral oak to ensure that the signature characteristics of the fruit are not masked.
“We had no idea how much this name and the concept behind Fathers & Daughters would resonate until we began pouring the wine, first at the local Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival and then at LA Winefest,” said one of the fathers, Guy Pacurar. “We knew the wine would stand well on its own, but we weren’t sure if people would gravitate toward it. In both instances, fathers and daughters alike were drawn to our table because of the name and the memories of their relationships that it triggered.”
The 2012 Pinot Noir and the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc are the first two wines produced by Father & Daughters Cellars, and will be released for sale on Father’s Day – June 21, 2015. The Sauvignon Blanc will be priced at $25.00, and the Pinot will be priced at $ 42.00. Production will run between 60-100 cases per varietal. The wines will be primarily available through a mailing list (capped at 500), and are also available for purchase by contacting the winery direct at 707-813-1137 or at pacurar.guy@gmail.com. Subsequent releases will include a 2014 Chardonnay and 2015 Gewürztraminer, also sourced from the Ferrington vineyard.
“We’re embarking on a multi-generational adventure, exploring three of the best things in life,” continues Pacurar. “Fathers, daughters, and wine.”
About the two new releases:
2012 Pinot Noir — Ella’s Reserve
Made using the Clones 667, Pommard, and Wadenswil 2A, the 2012 Ella’s Reserve is a complex, balanced and vibrant Pinot Noir. The nose is instantly compelling with complexity and depth which draws one in. Exotic spice abounds with nutmeg, burdock, plum skin, and graphite. Fresh fruity and floral aromas slowly unfold showing violets, rose petal, bergamot, and red current. Candied fruit, bramble, and sweet tobacco give this wine a rich and supple quality. The palate on this wine is bright, focused, and strung with a tension that will reward cellaring. The lively fruit component leads with flavors of Bing cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, and plum. Richer flavors of rhubarb pie, black tea, and cola linger on the mid-palate. The inclusion of whole clusters to the fermentation shows with a mix of bright fruit, intoxicating florals, and a velvety texture. Wonderfully lean and lush at the same time, fresh summer fruits blend with an earthy forest-floor character in the mouth, while a vibrant minerality on the finish reaffirms the wines’ elegance.
To view the tech sheet for the 2012 Pinot Noir — Ella’s Reserve, click here.
2013 Sauvignon Blanc
A unique block of 40 year old Sauvignon Blanc vines were key in the development of this delicately-balanced and vibrantly-floral wine. The elegant nose begins with lively aromas of orange blossom, lime zest, and fresh cantaloupe melon. A subtle hint of Serrano pepper and sea grass blend with jasmine adding an exotic spice. On the palate, flavors of fresh apple, lychee, starfruit, and citrus dominate. The mid-palate is round and smooth with soft hints of toasted almonds adding a layer of complexity and texture. While the refreshing finish is bright and crisp, it’s signature is a flinty minerality and lingering zest.
To view the tech sheet for the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, click here.
About Fathers & Daughters Cellars
Fathers & Daughters Cellars is one family’s labor of love to produce artisanal wines from the Anderson Valley’s storied Ferrington Vineyard. Small batches, carefully crafted and fermented using old-world techniques, yield wines that are truly reflective of their terroir. Like the relationship between a father and daughter, these wines will continue to evolve as they mature.
For further information on Fathers & Daughters Cellars, please visit www.FandDCellars.com. Like F&D Cellars on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fathersanddaughterscellars.
