Richard G. Peterson
2004 Richard G. Peterson Brut Rosé
Nearly a decade ago, we began to incubate a dream, to craft our vision of what will become the most lauded sparkling wine produced in the Napa Valley. Today, we present to you our Richard G. Peterson 2004 Brut Rosé, produced in the Méthode Champenoise style, aged 7 years on the yeast en triage prior to disgorging. The artist: the iconic Dick Peterson. (Yes... father to Heidi Peterson Barrett.). The source: 100% Pinot Noir planted in 1995 on the Dick Peterson estate in Yountville in the heart of Napa Valley.
The Winemaker
Dick Peterson has been an innovator in the California wine industry since the 1960s. As a young man, he produced novel products such as the first wine cooler for Seagrams and Gallo's Hearty Burgundy. He was pivotal to the success of a portfolio of wineries, including Beaulieu Vineyards with Andre Tchelistcheff, the Monterey Vineyard, Atlas Peak Vineyards and Folie à Deux Winery. Dick invented many techniques still in use today, such as the "bung-and-roll," the practice of rolling a barrel to prevent the wood bung from drying. Scientist Peterson proved that winemakers do not need to "top off" barrels of wine, because the space between the wine and the barrel is, in fact, a vacuum rather than air, so the wine cannot oxidize as feared. Perhaps his greatest invention was the steel barrel pallet, which allowed barrels to be stacked higher and more securely. In response to a relatively recent threat to our vineyards, Dick developed the "DP Screw," which delivers antibiotics to vines stricken with Pierce's disease. It's no wonder that Dick Peterson's hero is Ben Franklin: "I've read everything about him!"
The Wine
The Richard G. Peterson 2004 Brut Rosé is crisp, dry with firm acidity, boasting flavors of citrus, strawberries, brioche toast and a hint of cardamom spice. It is ready to enjoy now or to cellar for twenty years from vintage date. The wine is $175 per bottle and will ship this February, just in time for Valentine's Day and other festive occasions. Allocations will be strictly limited to one six-pack per customer and awarded on a first-in basis.
We have produced 242 cases of our Brut Rosé.
