2003 Berthoud Vineyards & Winery 'Ursus Minor' Red Table Wine
Mission Codename: The Little Bear
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Secure a limited allocation of the the second wine released by Michael Berthoud.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Berthoud Winery
Wine Subject: 2003 ‘Ursus Minor’ Sonoma Valley Red Table Wine
Winemaker: Michael Berthoud
Backgrounder: The Sonoma Valley AVA is one of the oldest wine growing regions in California with the first vines being planted in the early 1800s. The AVA is located along California Route 12 and its eastern boundary are the southern end of the Mayacamas mountains. The unique micro-climate with less rainfall and fog than other parts of the region along with its unique soil provides ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varietals. Today’s exceptional blend is comprised of estate grown Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Deep and dark garnet that becomes almost inky black in its slightly opaque core. Along the edges the color lightens only slightly and shows hints of garnet clarity. When swirled, clusters of very slow fat headed tears thin as they descend to the wine below.
Smell – Rich and bold, this fruit forward wine invites you in with aromas of ripe black and red berries including blackberry, currants, raspberry and cherry liquor all framed by by earthy and toasted oak notes. Black licorice along with bittersweet chocolate, soft green herbs and spice adds depth and complexity.
Feel – This dry and full-bodied wine has well developed but sturdy finely grained tannins that meld with dusty minerality and its balanced acidity.
Taste – Classic red Bordeaux flavors abound in this ripe, rich and deep blend that shows great varietal character. Ripe, spiced and earthy red and black berries linger with black licorice, toasted and smokey oak and dark bittersweet chocolate. Notes of spice, a hint of leather and cigar box also make an appearance
Finish – Very long and rich with the ripe fruit clinging to the palate along with this wine’s other flavors for several minutes as the textured tannins dries the tongue and invites another sip.
Conclusion – The 2003 Berthoud Winery ‘Ursus Minor’ Sonoma Valley Red Table Wine is a delicious, and great value, red blend that is fruit forward without lacking complexity on the nose and palate. A sturdy and textured structure makes this wine great for grilled meats. Enjoy this wine tonight, after letting it breathe, or cellar for three to five years.
Mission Report:
WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER Micheal (Mike) Berthoud
SUBJECT: 2003 Ursus Minor
WINE EDUCATION: Enology Degree from California State University, Fresno.
CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Chateau St. Jean 1986 – 1989; Arrowood Winery 1989 – 2004; Berthoud Vineyards & Winery 1998 – Present; Mayo Family Winery 2004 – Present
WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Minimal intervention. Old world techniques to achieve wines of austerity that can age well.
FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: March 1999 – Chasselas Dore
WINEMAKER INTERVIEW
AGENT RED: Greetings, Mike. We are thrilled to be showing your 2003 Ursus Minor today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.
MIKE: It’s a pleasure to be featured.
WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?
MIKE: Growing up in a European family where wine was served at the dinner table my entire life and where I was served wine with water from the age of 12.
WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?
MIKE: I have always been a fan of great Bordeaux style wines. They are my favorite to drink as well as the ones I wish to emulate.
WHITE: Who do you make wine for?
MIKE: Myself, every time.
WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.
MIKE: 2003 Ursus Minor – entirely estate grown, produced and bottled from our 4 1/2 acres of grapes. It is 60% Merlot, 30% Cab, 8% Cab Franc, 1% each of Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?
MIKE: Anything bold enough to match up with it. Steak, big sauces and finally, my personal favorite, a European style cheese plate.
WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Sonoma Valley so special?
MIKE: Sonoma is the birth place of California wines. Plus the fact that I have spent most of my life here, makes it a special place!!
WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?
MIKE: Racking the reds
WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?
MIKE: With a very open mind. I always say, “it is basically very simple, if you like it, it’s good” I really try to not over complicate things.
WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
MIKE: Enjoy our wine in the same spirit in which it was made – with good food and surrounded by family and friends!!
WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans! Thank you very much
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The approximate location of Berthoud Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.
