Au Contraire Lawler Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013
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2015-
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The Au Contraire range of wines comes from top vineyards in appellations known for their stellar style and quality, including the Russian River Valley, Carneros and the Sonoma Coast.
Au Contraire Chardonnay is harvested from the heart of Russian River Valley to the western edges of Green Valley bordering Sonoma Coast. This area has an ideal climate with fog influences and cool nights, providing an extended growing season and grapes that maintain their natural acidity and showcase the purity of the terroir.
A blend of Sonoma Coast vineyards from Sebastopol to the Fort Ross Seaview AVA overlooking the Pacific make up Au Contraire Pinot Noir. These warmer vineyard sites sit above the fog line, delivering a cool climate style Pinot Noir with highly concentrated fruit flavors.
The charming French expression, Au Contraire, was often used by the beloved founder of Palm Bay International, producer of Au Contraire wines, David S. Taub, usually preceding an insight that took a turn from conventional wisdom. His son, President & CEO Marc D. Taub, fittingly adopted his father’s favorite saying to dedicate this brand to him to honor his 50 years in the business and his passion, vision and leadership.
Outstanding quality is guaranteed by legendary California enologist Tom Hinde and his experienced team of viticulturists. Tom’s expansive career in California wine spans three decades and brings with it a breadth of industry knowledge. He is involved in every aspect of the growing and winemaking process.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.