The Crusher Red Wine

Named in tribute to the agricultural roots of Clarksburg, “Sugar Beet Ranch” is a Tempranillo driven red-wine blend that opens with a fruity bouquet of cherry cola, ripe berries, and bacon coupled with toasty notes of cedar and sassafras. On the palate a flavorful array of boysenberries, raspberries and blueberry pie take center stage complemented by hints of vanilla and root beer on the finish. This medium-bodied wine is wonderfully balanced with bright well-integrated acidity. The velvety tannins and jammy mouthfeel make this wine exceptionally food friendly. Try pairing with grilled eggplant and mozzarella, seafood paella or a simple Margherita pizza.

APPELLATION

The 2012 Sugar Beet Ranch Red Blend comes from our signature vineyards in Clarksburg (56% Heringer Vineyard, 30% Lake Winchester Vineyard, and 14% Wilson Vineyard). The Clarksburg AVA is an up and coming wine region located in California’s Sacramento Delta. Originally known for row crops like the sugar beet, the area was quickly discovered by grape growers attracted by a microclimate which closely mirrored that of nearby Napa Valley. The soils here are a combination of poorly-draining clay and rich loam, meaning vines experience nutrient-rich, yet sometimes arid conditions. During the growing season, warm days give way to cooling afternoon breezes from the San Francisco Bay, dropping temperatures down 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit from their daytime highs. This mass of cool air allows wine grapes to retain more acidity than those grown in similarly warm regions.

VINTAGE

In contrast to the challenging vintages of 2010 and 2011, the stars aligned perfectly for Clarksburg in 2012. Clarksburg winemakers enjoyed a long sunny growing season that produced generous amounts of beautiful fruit to work with. Indeed, the biggest challenge of 2012 turned out to be staging the picking and processing, as all the varietals were ready to pick at the same time—a very unusual occurrence. Clarksburg yields were up and quality was exceptional. All the varietals enjoyed extended hang time, developing great color, concentrated flavors, and finely balanced structure and acidity. 2012 will prove to be an exciting year for wines from The Crusher.

THE CRUSHER

For more than 115 years, the Sebastiani name has been synonymous with quality winemaking in Sonoma County. Likewise, the Wilson family has been growing grapes in the Clarksburg region south of Sacramento since 1922. Created in tribute to the multi-generational partnership these two well-regarded wine families have enjoyed, The Crusher is fittingly named for the point where the fruit of one family's labors literally gives way to those of the other.