A New Collector’s Anthology from ÆRENA Wines
(NAPA VALLEY, CA; November 26, 2018) – Bespoke Collection is thrilled to introduce a new Collectors Anthology from ÆRENA Wines. Inspired by Teddy Roosevelt’s powerful and provocative “Man in the Arena” speech, ÆRENA Wines celebrates the art of wine and the everyday heroes who are mastering their craft.
“It is not the critic who counts. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Crafted by Blackbird Vineyards winemakers Aaron Pott and Kyle Mizuno, ÆRENA Wines feature distinctive California bottlings from both well-known and emerging appellations that embody a sense of place and a decidedly drinkable point of view.
The Perfect Pair
Standing together as ÆRENA’s collectible wines, our inaugural Proprietary Red, Unreliable Narrator and Daring Greatly Chardonnay are the perfect pair. While Unreliable Narrator captures the essence of today’s socio-political climate of uncertainty, Daring Greatly reminds us that true authenticity always stands the test of time.
Unreliable Narrator – A Wine of the Times
Unreliable Narrator is a socio-political statement of the times: an artful reflection of an unsettling year in human history when fake news, media meltdowns, alternative facts and twitter rants became the “norm.” Each bottling features artwork by some of the world’s most interesting artists, visually communicating the mood of the moment. For our inaugural 2015 vintage, we’re debuting Edward Hopper’s Night Shadows. Capturing a moment in time never to be repeated, this wine is a collectible treasure at a price point of $75 a bottle.
An Unforgettable Proprietary Red
Bold, mysterious, and outrageously unique, Unforgettable Narrator reveals its true essence with each sip. Notes of plum, smoked duck, cola, mince meat, tobacco and black cherry on the nose mingle with briery blackberry, smoked meats, fennel sausage, brown sugar and chocolate on the palate. Unreliable Narrator provides a memorable attack and firm, youthful tannins with substantial weight and density.
Daring Greatly – An Inspirational, Collectible Wine
Reflecting the fearless spirit of Roosevelt’s speech that inspired the ÆRENA brand, Daring Greatly is a remarkable Chardonnay that stands apart from the crowd. Crafted to give us the courage to speak up, show up and stand up, Daring Greatly is a wine that reminds us to be larger than our fears; to take a chance, to see and be seen. Daring Greatly inspires us to not sit in judgement, but to stand with purpose.
The Taste of Victory
Sourced from a single vineyard on Sonoma Mountain by Bespoke Collection winemaker Aaron Pott and Kyle Mizuno, ÆRENA Wine’s 2015 Daring Greatly Chardonnay offers aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, lemon zest, toasted almonds, shortbread cookie, nutmeg and vanilla. The wine displays tightly woven density and ample richness with bright, refreshing acidity. It finishes long with lingering ripe pear, citrus and toffee flavors.
About ÆRENA Wines
ÆRENA Wines is the newest addition to the Bespoke Collection portfolio, honoring a diverse range of artisans from vineyard to label. With expert winemaking by dream team Aaron Pott and Kyle Mizuno, each bottle represents our steadfast mission to produce iconic wines that embody the unique characteristics of each vineyard we farm, without manipulation.
About Bespoke Collection
The Bespoke Collection is a portfolio of artisanal brands and experiences. Our team offers a curated selection of boutique wines, one-of-a-kind objets d’art and unique lifestyle experiences in Napa Valley, Mendoza, Argentina and beyond. Led by Founder Michael Polenske and President Paul Leary, the current Bespoke Collection portfolio includes Blackbird Vineyards, ÆRENA Wines, ÆRENA Galleries & Gardens and Recuerdo Wines.
