The Creation of our 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon March 11 2015

We have eagerly awaited the release of our 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon since harvest. 

An anomalous year, 2011 forced us to both intervene more in the vineyards to compensate for exceptionally cool and wet weather conditions and to take a step back and embrace the unique will of nature that we knew would define the vintage. 

Harvest was delayed in October as we wished for a heat spike that would mellow out acidity in the grapes, and though we got it by the 11th, precipitation remained a problem. 

Vineyard Manger, John Arns, made the ultimate decision to harvest by the end of the second week in October as temperatures reached the mid-80’s, and despite a tough beginning for our grapes, the work of Jeff Fontanella during the winemaking process resulted in a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon that is bright, juicy, and has a balanced acidity that really proves the importance of every step of the winemaking process, from farm to bottle.

Our 2011 Richard Partridge Cabernet Sauvignon is one that should be carefully contemplated and appreciated, as the true story of this wine is in the bottle.  

We are excited to share this wine with you during our grand release on March 16!  Please check back for details and ordering information.

Cheers,

Richard and Cris Partridge

Shoulder shimmies + holiday offer reminder December 11 2014

The songs of the holiday season...

Holiday music started in the Partridge headquarters this week, and I have been surprised by how many songs I've attached to certain memories or movies over the years.  Do they do this for you too?

Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" not only prompted a little shoulder shimmy sing-along, but took me back to the early 90's when my dad would turn it on our home stereo system Christmas morning just before we dove head first into the presents under the tree. That song was the start of our day for as long as I can remember, and even with our own families now it remains a tradition.  Who knew my dad's celeb crush on Mariah Carey could turn into such a long cherished memory? 

Then I'll also hear songs like Mele Kalikimaka and all I can picture is Clark Griswold dreaming of his in-ground pool, or "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," which is attached to Kevin McCallister singing into a makeshift hairbrush microphone in his bathroom after he's discovered he has the house to himself.  

This year, I know some fun new traditions and memories will be made as my sister and brother-in-law welcomed a baby boy into the family in August.  My first nephew!  He's too young to remember much about this year, but I hope 30 years from now he's also developed some delightful, song-prompted, memories from our holiday gatherings. If my sister and I have anything to do with it, I know Mariah will be at the top of his list :)

Don't forget about our exceptional holiday offers this year:

• Wine Bundles starting at $88
• Large format bottles at 30% off
• Free shipping anywhere in the U.S.

Kind regards,
Jessica Stock
National Sales Manager

Join us September 20-21, 2014! September 04 2014

Weather Delays Sure Stink! June 04 2014

Beat the heat...summer is coming!

I have an absolute addiction to online shopping. 

The internet has made it so easy to avoid the in-store hassles of parking, crowds, check-out lines, and hauling heavy items home.  There’s something magical about placing an order from the comfort of your home, continuing to enjoy life, then receiving the order a few days later without any extra effort!
 
But there IS a downside to internet shopping for us wineries…..weather. 
 
We’re approaching a time of year that I like to refer to as the holding season.  Why?  Because due to the heat from late June – late September I can’t usually ship any wine to locations that require more than two days of transit.  It’s a drag for me because I know I hate waiting more than a week for any shipment (Amazon has spoiled me), so I don’t like having to hold your shipments due to weather either. 
 
At the risk of going thirsty all summer, I implore you to beat the heat and get those last minute summer orders in before we get too hot to ship. 
 
I had a bottle of our 2010 Cab at a BBQ this past weekend with some carne asada and was majorly impressed.  It wasn’t a purposeful pairing, but it worked!  I tend to pair our Cab with bigger cuts of meat, but the preparation of the meat with ground peppercorn, chili powder and cumin was spot on. 
 
Don’t forget, we offer free UPS Ground shipping on all orders! 
 
Happy shopping,

Jessica Stock
National Sales Manager

Drought in California, but Vineyards are Fighting May 28 2014

If you live in California or have paid attention to The Weather Channel, you will have noticed the awful drought conditions currently plaguing our state.

The rainy season in Napa last year brought us only 14 inches of rain (77% of normal), and the prospects for additional rainfall this year aren’t looking much better.  In fact, we set dryness records that date all the way back to 1908.

Some water dependent crops are going unplanted in order to divert available water to long-term investment crops, such as oranges, almonds, and, our favorite, vineyards!

What does this mean for the state of Napa Valley wines?  

Well, The Wine Institute says that wine and grape quality will not be affected by these drought conditions, and although we may see some yields impacted over the next 2-3 years depending on weather this year, we had record high harvests in Napa in 2012 and 2013.

Vineyards are like the heavyweight champions of crops…they take a few hits and might struggle a little, but they often emerge stronger for having made the journey.  Lucky for us, huh?

Our 2012 and 2013 harvests are in barrel right now, but the harvest reports came back overwhelmingly positive, not just for us, but also around the Valley.  I think we’re in for some special juice!

This doesn’t mean we don’t wish for rain; the whole state needs some, terribly!  But as we look out the front door at least we know we’re working with the Muhammad Ali of crops.

Wishing you all a great Wednesday with delicious wines!

Jessica Stock
National Sales Manager

A Great Weekend in Napa Valley! May 20 2014

(Photo from Achetypenapa.com website; we do not take credit)

I enjoyed a lovely dinner with the Partridge's at a new restaurant in St. Helena called Archetype this past weekend. 

As we entered the former building of French Blue at 1429 Main St., we were blown away by the rustic, simplistic beauty of Archetype. 
 
With a wide open floor plan, high ceilings, fresh flowers, and busy chefs preparing culinary delights in an open kitchen it felt like we had stepped into a white party in the Hamptons.
 
As is typical for Napa Valley, Executive Chef Ryder Zetts uses local and seasonal ingredients in his preparations, and dishes are flavorful and beautiful in presentation – plates are informed by the comingling of ingredients, and the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. 
 
Some of the meals enjoyed at our table include Alaskan halibut with bacon crust, manila clams, grilled ramps, and marble potatoes; carola potato gnocchi with green garlic butter, young carrots, pea tendrils, and mushroom condiment; and chilled Dungeness crab with pearl tapioca, hearts of palm, red curry, and fried coconut. 
 
Sounds amazing, right?

Working for a winery, it’s often funny to enter new restaurants and become familiar with their protocol on corkage fees.  We were happily surprised with Archetype, where the fee was minimal (and free for the first bottle)– we have to be able to drink the good stuff, ya know. 
 
But let’s be honest, while the restaurant was fantastic, the company was even better.  Sometimes you just have to stop and say thank you to the great people who make living out your wine inspired dreams possible.
 
Jessica Stock
National Sales Manager