Rosé Wine    Rose    Napa Valley    California   
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Date Printed: 12/2/2008
(search item no. 87082)

PRICE ON 12/2/2008: $13.99

Winemaker's Notes:

 Our second vintage of the Napa Valley Rosé was inspired by and made for Isabel Mondavi, by her son Rob. The special relationship shared by Isabel and Rob allows him to interpret and develop her desires into a finished product. Rob is not only the winemaker, but he also came up with the brand name, the "I’M" are her initials. Not new to the wine industry, Isabel has witnessed the business first hand for 39 years and now has designed wines which reflect her own style. The Rosé is made in the Saigneé style (see below for definition).

Saigneé is a process which not only lends itself to the production of a Rosé wine, but also enhances the quality and richness of a red wine.

I'M Rosé is a dry wine with good structure, acidity, and an enjoyable long finish. The acidity lends itself well to diverse styles of food. Last year the family enjoyed the wine at the Thanksgiving table. And yes, it was a traditional turkey dinner. They have also enjoyed this wine with Thai and other haute-Asian cuisines.
My Notes:

Additional wines from I'M:

About I'M:

 "Enjoy a delicious glass of wine with friends and family and don’t fuss over it." These words embody Isabel Mondavi's joie de vivre - and the panache she used to fashion her own brand - I'M Wines.

Named for her initials, I'M Wines was created after Isabel asked her son Rob, a winemaker, to make a Rosé from the family's Cabernet Sauvignon to serve at her weekly luncheon for a group of friends. Isabel expected 20 cases; Rob gave her 300, presenting both a problem and a solution. Though the lunch gathering could not hope to drink the entire production, the wine was impressive enough to make a name for itself on the market. Thus, the label was born. In addition to I'M Rosé, it includes I'M Chardonnay, with a Pinot Noir in the works.

Armed with nearly 40 years of experience as a close witness and advisor to the wine business, Isabel refused to be encumbered by industry standards when creating her label. Her Napa Valley Cabernet is pink, not the traditional deep red. She didn't stop there. Since she is a fan of Sonoma County Chardonnay, Rob has made her one in the style she loves best.

Every aspect of the brand is family based. Dina, Isabel's daughter, worked with her mother and a designer to create the label and the aesthetics of the bottle. The unusual use of a Bordeaux shape for the Chardonnay bottle was chosen by Dina because Isabel finds it easier to pour.