2015 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc
2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc St. Helena
2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “1886”
This is based on winery supplied samples.
Bernard Ehlers bought a small, dying vineyard in the late 1800s. It was the lure of winemaking that led him on a quest to create a winery that today, still bears his name. Bernard’s first tasks were to replant his 10 acre vineyard, plant a still existing Olive grove and to build a stone barn to be used in winemaking. The construction of the stone barn was completed in 1886. This should answer one of the biggest questions about Ehlers Estate, why is the Cabernet Sauvignon named 1886?
The property passed through several hands after Bernard’s wife dies in the 1920s.
Eventually Jean and Sylviane Leducq, realizing the potential of the area to produce the wines of style and power to rival Bordeaux, purchased the property. The husband and wife team slowly increased their vineyards by buying local vineyards as they went up for sale. The family now owns 42 acres and uses the original owner’s name on their label, Ehlers Estate.
Much more information on Ehlers Estate is available on their website by clicking here.
A view of the Ehlers Estate vineyard and stone barn (From winery’s website)
My line-up for this tasting:
Ehlers Estate
2015 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc – SRP $28
This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the winery’s estate vineyard. The vineyard was awarded organic certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in July 2008. The grapes for this wine were harvested on August 19-20. After fermentation, the wine was aged in stainless steel barrels and neutral, used French barrels until bottling in February 2016. There were 1170 cases produced.
The wine has 13.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.
The wine is a pale yellow-straw color. The exhilarating nose has tart apples, grapefruit, lemon zest, lime, crushed stone minerals, orange blossoms and a hint of nuttiness. This has medium to full body with crisp acidity and just a hint of sweetness. On the palate full blown citrus and minerals grab hold on the front end with a nice floral note coming in on the back end. The mouthwatering finish adds a hint of nuttiness while the citrus leads you to take another taste. This has very nice balance and will add appeal to any meal on the deck or patio on a warm, sunny day. This is also very easy to sip on its’ own while enjoying some Summer sun. This wine has 13.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork. (91 pts)
2015 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc
2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc St. Helena – SRP $60
This wine is 100% Cabernet Franc from the winery’s estate vineyard. Like the Sauvignon Blanc above and the 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon below, the vineyard is certified organic in 2008. The grapes for this wine were harvested in late September through early October. After fermentation, the wine was aged 100% French oak (50% new) from various Coopers. 831 cases of wine were bottled on August 7, 2015.
The wine has 14.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.
This wine is a deep ruby red color. The very inviting nose has cassis, black cherries, dark chocolate, dried leafy herbs and dusty minerals. This is medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and good acidity. Lush fruit and minerals greet you palate on the front end with dried herbs coming in later. The finish is long and lingering with dark chocolate entering the picture. This is rich and lush and full of power, it is easy to enjoy. (92 pts)
2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc St. Helena
2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “1886” – SRP $110
This wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot from the winery’s certified organic estate vineyard. The grapes for this wine were harvested in late September through early October. After fermentation, the wine was aged 100% French oak (70% new) from various Coopers. There were 2733 cases produced and bottled on August 7, 2015.
The wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork
This wine is a deep ruby color. The intoxicating nose has cassis, raspberries, crushed stone minerals, tobacco, cedar, warm baking spices, dark chocolate and cherries. This is medium to full body with medium to solid tannins and very good acidity. On the palate cassis, minerals and dark chocolate grab your attention on the front end with baking spices and cherries coming in later. The long finish has nice balance between the fruit and savory elements. This is nice now with some air but give this one a couple years in the cellar to fully develop. (94 pts)
2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “1886”
Conclusion
All three of these wines were very good to outstanding. Even though the two red wines are already very tasty, showing some patience by laying them down in your cellar will be greatly rewarded. There is serious upside potential for the reds, especially the “1886” Cabernet. The Sauvignon Blanc would be a very fitting wine to open with a lighter meal or to serve with a platter of appetizers at a holiday get-together with family or friends. These wines were samples provided by the winery, but I have purchased these wines in the past, and will purchase again.
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Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines. I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar. I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com. Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear. There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.
Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase. I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but always check out the sale and close out items when in a store. Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges. None of the prices include the sales tax.
All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.
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