Winemaker Notes
The First of the Golden Bear Commemorative Series! 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus' first major tournament win, the 1962 U.S. Open. To commemorate the beginning of an incredible string of 18 major tournament wins, Jack Nicklaus Wines is launching The Golden Bear Reserve Commemorative Series. The exceptional 2009 vintage celebrates his first major victory at the U.S. Open and is the start of this incredible collection. Each year a limited edition bottle will be released to commemorate each of Jack's 18 Major Championships.
Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Reserve is a crimson color. Intense aromas of red and black fruit (dark cherries, plums) are with layered spicy notes of anise and clove. Concentrated flavors of dark plum and raspberry followed by a lush, full-bodied and bright acidity on the mid palate. The smooth, velvety tannins grant this wine a persistent, lingering finish.
Original Wooden Case (OWC) may ship in a separate box from the wine
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.