Adastra > California

The name Adastra is taken from the Latin saying per aspera ad astra, “through striving to the stars”. Now certified organic, Adastra strives to produce intense, complex wines that capture the essence of Adastra Vineyards, a unique combination of fog, soil, clones and stars on twenty acres in the Napa Carneros. Family-owned, Adastra is run by Chris Thorpe and son-in-law Edwin Richards. Pam Starr has been Adastra’s winegrowing consultant since 1997.

Adastra Website

Chardonnay-Carneros

Technical Facts: Grapes: Chardonnay Old Wente, Dijon 76, 95 & 96, 4 Harvest Dates: September 19 and 25, 2003 Alcohol: 14.7% by volume pH: 3.53 Barrel Aging: 11 months in oak Bottling Date: August 18, 2004 Cooperage: 100% French oak; 50% new oak Additional Remarks: Barrel fermented, stirred on the lees Production: 641 cases.

Description: Aromas of apple, pear, lemon, apple pie crust and toasted almonds. A full-bodied, richly textured wine. Delicious on its own and excellent with food.

Merlot-Carneros

Technical Facts: Grapes: Merlot clones 3, 6 Harvest Date: September 25 Yields: 2.71tpa (cl 3), 3.14tpa (cl 6) Maceration: 15 days on average Alcohol: 14.9% by volume pH: 3.47 TA: 0.63 Bottling Date: April 19, 2005 Barrel Aging: 19 months in oak Cooperage: 100% French oak: 50% new oak (Demptos & Nadalie) Production: 498 cases.

Description: An inviting nose of cherry, plum, blackberry, brambles and clove; full, concentrated and pleasing mouthfeel. Well-balanced, with a long finish this age-worthy wine will complement a wide array of culinary fare.

Pinot Noir

The same vineyard as Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir.

Technical Facts: Grapes: Dijon 115 and Pommard Harvest Dates: September 13, 2003 Alcohol: 14.9% by volume pH: 3.79 TA: 0.58 Barrel Aging: 15 months in oak Cooperage: 100% French oak (Dargaud-Jaegle) Bottling Date: February 10, 2005 Additional Remarks: Unfined, unfiltered. Yields: 2.32 tons per acre Production: 120 cases.

Description: Dark and complex with aromas and tastes of plum, cherry, cola, sassafras, sandalwood, licorice and cinnamon. Rich, like a well-made Christmas cake. Sumptuous on the palate, this wine should delight for many years.