Gelson’s is uncorking four new bottlings in its exclusive branded collection of Gelson’s Wines this holiday season, all produced through its ongoing collaboration with one of its winemakers, Julien Fayard, who was named 2016 “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Spectrum. The four wines will be available at all 27 Gelson’s locations across Southern California.
“We feel very honored to work with Julien again. He is a renowned wine maker with an outstanding reputation from his early work with Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte in his native France, to the last dozen years earning respect across Napa Valley,” said John Bagan, chief merchandising officer for Gelson’s. “We are constantly seeking out the best products from the best producers and are excited that Gelson’s will continue to make superior quality wines from Julien available exclusively to thousands of our wine-loving customers across Southern California.”
Gelson’s customers will have the opportunity to meet and participate in a virtual Zoom wine presentation with Fayard on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. RSVP here. Fayard will share his thoughts, vast experience and knowledge. Marking his third collaboration with Gelson’s, Fayard said, “It has always been my goal to produce exceptional wines and that striving for excellence in all areas resonates with the long history of Gelson’s, and a customer who appreciate the finest products.”
The new wines include:
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville 2018
Created exclusively for Gelson’s by Fayard, this single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts classic Bordeaux style. It is traditionally fermented (temperature-controlled in a stainless-steel tank) and aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels. Dark ruby in color, the wine is full-bodied and complex. Aromas of ripe blueberry and blackberry lead to a robust blackberry palate with hints of cedar and spices balanced by silky tannins. The finish is long, smooth and delicious.
Reserve Cabernet Franc Oakville 2018
The grapes in this single-vineyard Cabernet Franc are traditionally fermented (temperature-controlled in a stainless-steel tank) and aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels, yielding a vibrant ruby color and aromas of ripe cherry and spices. In addition to plush flavors of blueberry, blackberry, sweet red cherry and cedar, the elegantly layered palate offers full body, silky tannins and satisfying depth.
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford 2019
The grapes in this Sauvignon Blanc are whole clusters pressed and aged in stainless-steel barrels, resulting in a wine that’s light blonde in color, boasting creamy texture and an amazing mouthfeel with brisk acidity. Accents of pear and apricot flavors flow into a refreshing, refined finish.
Red Cuvée Napa Valley 2018
This Red Cuvée expertly blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah for a wine of bold yet measured character. The grapes are traditionally fermented (temperature-controlled in a stainless-steel tank) and aged for 22 months in French oak barrels. Aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and subtle flint accompany a richly textured, full-bodied palate with silky tannins. Dark fruit and earthy notes define the taste.
Gelson’s debuted its first branded collection of fine wines three years ago with four Santa Barbara reds (Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Sangiovese) and one white (Chardonnay), created exclusively for Gelson’s by local winemaker and Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Doug Margerum.
