Cabot Vineyards- Something old, something new

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#1 Post by **John Cabot** » January 22nd, 2019, 12:21 pm

BerserkerDay 10

Something Old, Something New

Hello everyone. Growing grapes on the edge of the wilderness in deep northern CA has been extremely challenging in recent years. Weve been experiencing serious forest fires that have caused varying degrees of smoke taint in the wines from our estate vineyards in 2013,14, and 15. Each vintage was either declassified or dumped. We had to make some brutal decisions regarding these wines, but we made the best choices for our consumers and our brand. So you won't see any Syrahs or Zinfandels from those years.

Fortunately, in 2015, we signed contracts with two of the finest vineyards in the Southwest Humboldt region. These vineyards were far from the fires in 15 and there was no impact.

Located in the Fruitland ridge area in the west side of Humboldt County, Elk Prairie vineyard, was planted in 1998 to Pinot Noir, with a mix of Dijon clones, Pommard, and the old Martini clone. This vineyard has been dry farmed using strict organic methods. It has historically produced Pinot Noirs with great elegance, balance, and purity.
Just over the hill from Elk Prairie and situated just 3 miles off the Pacific, is Lost Coast vineyard, also planted in 1998. This 7 acre vineyard is planted to various Dijon clones of Pinot Noir and a mix of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. Lost Coast is a cold, wind swept site that produces tiny yields with great natural acidity and elegance of fruit. We obtained a contract for all 7 acres of fruit and are excited to release the new wines from this amazing site.
The 2 new Pinot Noirs from Anderson Valley are from the upper slope of the Day Ranch vineyard, in the deep, Western end of the Anderson Valley and are farmed by our own, tallented, Casey Hartlip.

In addition to our aged wines we have included our new set of Pinot Noirs in this offer. These wines have not been released to the public yet so you get the first chance at them. Please go to www.cabotvineyards.com to place your order. We have buttons setup with pay pal for your convenience. or tasting comments on our aged wines there are 1000+ tasting notes and scores from consumers like you on Cellartracker.

New Release Pinot Pack- $200

2 2015 Pinot Noir- Humboldt County- blend of Elk Prairie and Lost Coast vineyards
1 2015 Pinot Noir- Elk Prairie, Humboldt
1 2015 Pinot Noir- Lost Coast, Humboldt
1 2014 Pinot Noir- Anderson Valley
1 2016 Pinot Noir- Anderson Valley

(Notes from these wines are available on the Falltacular 2018 thread )

Arnold Caplan wrote: Cabot Lost Coast was my WOTD

Mike Grammar wrote:2015 Cabot Humboldt County Pinot Noir

These are John's first PNs and he made an impression with everyone today. Elevated cherry and bits of nutmeg for me here. On palate, it's not shy but it is controlled with some cedar and sarsaparilla beside cherry fruit. Solid.

2015 Cabot Lost Coast Pinot Noir

I like the bouquet a bit more here--strawberry, cherry and mocha-woodsy all combining. I like the taste a little less, kind of striated and on the lean side, though raspberry and strawberry are in play.

2015 Cabot Elk Prairie Pinot Noir

Very evocative, both in the bouquet and on the taste. So much perfume and pure red fruit. Has some zip and shows its youth but promises a long life with plenty of verve and carry. Give 4 years, this has a ton of potential.

Aged Pinot pack- $200

1 2010 PN Anderson Valley
1 2011 PN Nash Mill, Anderson Valley
1 2011 PN Anderson Valley
2 2013 PN Anderson Valley
1 2013 PN Nash Mill, Anderson Valley

Aged Cab and Confluence- $180
Estate grown

2 2009 Confluence 40% Merlot, 30% Malbec, 15% Cabernet, 15% Syrah
2 2004 Confluence 50% Cabernet, 50% Merlot
1 2007 Confluence 50% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, 25% Syrah
1 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged AFWE Syrah Pack- $160
Estate grown

2 2010 Syrah- Humboldt County
2 2010 Syrah- Klamath Cuvee
2 2011 Syrah- Humboldt County

This year we're offering $20 flat rate shipping on 6 packs and $40 on full cases.

For those of you in California, we are offering a flat rate of $10 for 6 packs and $20 for a case.

Cheers,
John Cabot
Aida Villatoro
Cabot Vineyards
www.cabotvineyards.com
707 496 5381

#2 Post by **Peter Shurman** » January 26th, 2019, 10:34 am

decisions decisions decisions ... damn you John Cabot ...

Todd F r e n c h · #3 Post by **Todd F r e n c h** » January 26th, 2019, 10:37 am

John and Aida are FAR too humble!!!

This is Cabot's first release in THREE FREAKIN' YEARS! They've been pummeled season after season with smoke damage due to wildfires, so they've been only able to offer past vintages until now! This is huge news...

#4 Post by **I. Howe** » January 26th, 2019, 10:57 am

In for the AFWE Syrah.

#5 Post by **John Cabot** » January 26th, 2019, 11:46 am

If anyone is interested in some notes on the new pinots check out the Falltacular 2018 Tasting note thread, posted above in the OP. There are a handful of notes from a few people.

#6 Post by **Marshall Gelb** » January 26th, 2019, 12:07 pm

FWIW, I have tried all of the new pinots and I think they are excellent. I am especially enamored with the Lost Coast fruit. However, as (most) you know, I am highly prejudiced!

Cheers!
Marshall

#7 Post by **Karl_O'Donoghue** » January 26th, 2019, 12:29 pm

ordered 2 six packs, once again ... love these wines ... Thanks John.

Todd F r e n c h · #8 Post by **Todd F r e n c h** » January 26th, 2019, 12:38 pm

Marshall Gelb wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 12:07 pm
FWIW, I have tried all of the new pinots and I think they are excellent. I am especially enamored with the Lost Coast fruit. However, as (most) you know, I am highly prejudiced!

Cheers!
Marshall

You are only slightly prejudiced to the female half of this duo - as to the male half...

#9 Post by **John Cabot** » January 26th, 2019, 12:59 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 12:38 pm

Marshall Gelb wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 12:07 pm
FWIW, I have tried all of the new pinots and I think they are excellent. I am especially enamored with the Lost Coast fruit. However, as (most) you know, I am highly prejudiced!

Cheers!
Marshall
You are only slightly prejudiced to the female half of this duo - as to the male half...

Right!? Thank god I'm good at shucking oysters..

#10 Post by **Chris_H** » January 26th, 2019, 1:33 pm

In for a sixer of the new releases, excited!

#11 Post by **John Cabot** » January 26th, 2019, 1:39 pm

Thanks you guys for the orders! If anyone has any questions please don't hesitate to to text me at 707 496 5381 or email me at johnjcabot3@gmail.com.

#12 Post by **David K o l i n** » January 26th, 2019, 1:42 pm

Love your Syrahs, John, as you know. Jeannine loves them more. Reupped.

$27 a bottle is an unbelievable value

#13 Post by **Keith Koshk!n** » January 26th, 2019, 1:49 pm

Cabot syrahs have been an amazing find for me on past BDs. I love drinking them but get really sad when I run out.

Will definitely order a syrah pack when I can get in front of a computer.

#14 Post by **CJ Beazley** » January 26th, 2019, 2:16 pm

As I posted in the b-day newbie thread, these are probably my favorite purchases-killer qpr’s.
In for the syrahs.
Thanks John.

#15 Post by **John Cabot** » January 26th, 2019, 2:19 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 10:37 am
John and Aida are FAR too humble!!!

This is Cabot's first release in THREE FREAKIN' YEARS! They've been pummeled season after season with smoke damage due to wildfires, so they've been only able to offer past vintages until now! This is huge news...

Good point. Yes, we had a rough string of vintages where we dumped or declassified all of our estate Syrahs and Zinfandels. I adjusted the OP to explain. Fortunately the Pinots from the coast were unaffected.

#16 Post by **Rick Bollig** » January 26th, 2019, 3:00 pm

In for some Syrah, first time for Cabot. Looking forward to it!

John, who do you use for shipping?

#17 Post by **John Cabot** » January 26th, 2019, 3:09 pm

Rick Bollig wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 3:00 pm
In for some Syrah, first time for Cabot. Looking forward to it!

John, who do you use for shipping?

We ship UPS ground. We'll check in with you prior to shipping to make sure temps are in a comfortable range for the travel and you are ready for them.

#18 Post by **AlexS** » January 26th, 2019, 3:14 pm

Count me as another who absolutely adores John's wines, always delicious and more often than not I'm just blown away by them.

#19 Post by **Marshall Gelb** » January 26th, 2019, 3:31 pm

John Cabot wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 12:59 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 12:38 pm

Marshall Gelb wrote: ↑
January 26th, 2019, 12:07 pm
FWIW, I have tried all of the new pinots and I think they are excellent. I am especially enamored with the Lost Coast fruit. However, as (most) you know, I am highly prejudiced!

Cheers!
Marshall
You are only slightly prejudiced to the female half of this duo - as to the male half...
Right!? Thank god I'm good at shucking oysters..

That is certainly an endearing quality!

#20 Post by **PHuff** » January 27th, 2019, 7:57 am

In for a 6-pack of the AWFE Syrah! Will be my first time trying Cabot wines.......Looking forward to it!

Paul

#21 Post by **Michael Manix** » January 27th, 2019, 8:21 am

Had the 2010 Syrah- Klamath Cuvee with grilled strip steak last night. Full of blackberry and spice with plenty of life ahead. Delicious!

#22 Post by **JPWilley** » January 27th, 2019, 8:22 am

PHuff wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 7:57 am
In for a 6-pack of the AWFE Syrah! Will be my first time trying Cabot wines.......Looking forward to it!

Paul

In for a 6, too, again.
You will enjoy them.

#23 Post by **Cris Whetstone** » January 27th, 2019, 8:23 am

Stocked on my Syrahs last year. As good as any from California for my palate. Also, in their own standout expression.

Been too long since I've had a Nash Mill so I went in for an aged Pinot pack.

Thanks you two! See you at Falltacular.

AndrewH · #24 Post by **AndrewH** » January 27th, 2019, 8:23 am

In. Sorry to hear about the lost Syrahs, which I've been enjoying from earlier years. Look forward to their return. In the meantime, looks like I'll be enjoying some new Pinot Noirs - the previous ones have been equally enjoyable to drink as the Syrahs.

#25 Post by **Grant G** » January 27th, 2019, 8:28 am

In for a 6 pack of Syrah. Thanks.

#26 Post by **sdfruman** » January 27th, 2019, 8:30 am

In for a 6 pack of the new Pinots! I brought two Cabot 2011 Nash Mill Pinot Noirs to Friendsgiving, and the wine was singing! Everyone loved it, even non-red wine drinkers!

#27 Post by **Philip G** » January 27th, 2019, 8:34 am

Torn between the Syrahs or the Confluence/Cab. Like that both are ready to go. Leaning towards the Confluence/Cab...

Went with the Confluence/Cab.

Looking forward to trying these.

#28 Post by **brigcampbell** » January 27th, 2019, 9:06 am

Can someone call the house and wake John up? LOL

John, I fixed up some things in the offer regarding the tasting notes for you.

#29 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 9:26 am

brigcampbell wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 9:06 am
Can someone call the house and wake John up? LOL

John, I fixed up some things in the offer regarding the tasting notes for you.

I'm up, I'm up! Thanks for the orders and kind words.

#30 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 9:28 am

brigcampbell wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 9:06 am
Can someone call the house and wake John up? LOL

John, I fixed up some things in the offer regarding the tasting notes for you.

Thanks so much Brig! Looks much better!

#31 Post by **R. del Rosario** » January 27th, 2019, 9:28 am

In for something new!

Mark Pecken · #32 Post by **Mark Pecken** » January 27th, 2019, 9:30 am

In for the Syrah and the aged Pinot. A no-brainer.

#33 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 9:34 am

AndrewH wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 8:23 am
In. Sorry to hear about the lost Syrahs, which I've been enjoying from earlier years. Look forward to their return. In the meantime, looks like I'll be enjoying some new Pinot Noirs - the previous ones have been equally enjoyable to drink as the Syrahs.

Thanks Andrew. Fortunately 2016 was beautiful and clear with a gorgeous fall so the Syrahs and zins are back in force. We'll be offering them in the fall mailer along with our 17 pinots and whites from Lost Coast.

David Mc · #34 Post by **David Mc** » January 27th, 2019, 12:29 pm

In the for aged AFWE Syrah!

Adam G · #35 Post by **Adam G** » January 27th, 2019, 12:47 pm

This one is the hardest. I love Cabot wines - John does a great job! But I'm over-full and over-spent. I may come back later and bite.

Dan R · #36 Post by **Dan R** » January 27th, 2019, 12:56 pm

I remember my first Cabot - Bill Weir, legendary Pinot Noir grower, shared one with me some years back. Striking wines, haunting, delicious. Wild wines, that taste of the frontier, totally unique, that last forever. Cabot is benchmark Syrah for me.

#37 Post by **I. Howe** » January 27th, 2019, 1:46 pm

Bought 6 on early buy day. Came back today and bought 6 more.

#38 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 1:48 pm

Dan R wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 12:56 pm
I remember my first Cabot - Bill Weir, legendary Pinot Noir grower, shared one with me some years back. Striking wines, haunting, delicious. Wild wines, that taste of the frontier, totally unique, that last forever. Cabot is benchmark Syrah for me.

Wow. That's awesome Bill shared that with you. Ive never met him but have always been an admirer of wines made from his fruit.

Thanks for the nice comment

#39 Post by **Alex G** » January 27th, 2019, 2:40 pm

In for a Syrah 6 pack, thank you John!

#40 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 3:53 pm

Thank you all for the orders and support. I'd like to take this opportunity to offer replacements for any corked or less than pleasurable bottles you've come across from us from the past years. It's part of the deal using natural cork for closures but I'm happy to replace them. No questions asked. Please don't hesitate to let me know via email or pm.

#41 Post by **Peter Shurman** » January 27th, 2019, 4:25 pm

So I finally decided John ...

Patrick T · #42 Post by **Patrick T** » January 27th, 2019, 4:43 pm

Hello,

Long time lurker, first time Berserker. Happy to support this winery with a 6 pack of Aged Cab and Confluence, and a 6 pack of Aged Syrah.

Oh, I couldn't make a note on the purchase order.... Please hold for better shipping weather. Thanks!

Patrick

Todd F r e n c h · #43 Post by **Todd F r e n c h** » January 27th, 2019, 4:47 pm

The Syrahs from John are always among my favorites - so rustic and expressive, it's the wine I go to when I want to feel like I'm with my friend (both the wine AND the winemaker). They are all SO different, as well - I remember when he launched Marier vineyard and it was strikingly different on the nose, in particular. I think John expresses uniqueness of the vineyards more than most do, and I believe it must be more difficult to do so with Syrah, which is so rich and dark in character.

#44 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 4:49 pm

Patrick T wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 4:43 pm
Hello,

Long time lurker, first time Berserker. Happy to support this winery with a 6 pack of Aged Cab and Confluence, and a 6 pack of Aged Syrah.

Oh, I couldn't make a note on the purchase order.... Please hold for better shipping weather. Thanks!

Patrick

Thank you Patrick! We'll send you a note when we are shipping and you can let us know if you want to hold off or not. We generally wait a bit before shipping to Eastern states.

#45 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 4:51 pm

Peter Shurman wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 4:25 pm
So I finally decided John ...

Thank you for supporting us a this time Peter! We wouldn't be here if it weren't for guys like you.

#46 Post by **John Cabot** » January 27th, 2019, 4:52 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 4:47 pm
The Syrahs from John are always among my favorites - so rustic and expressive, it's the wine I go to when I want to feel like I'm with my friend (both the wine AND the winemaker). They are all SO different, as well - I remember when he launched Marier vineyard and it was strikingly different on the nose, in particular. I think John expresses uniqueness of the vineyards more than most do, and I believe it must be more difficult to do so with Syrah, which is so rich and dark in character.

Thanks Todd. Syrah develops a lot of character in these mountains.

#47 Post by **Paul R.** » January 28th, 2019, 6:20 am

Order in for aged pinot, thanks!

AndrewH · #48 Post by **AndrewH** » January 28th, 2019, 6:39 am

John Cabot wrote: ↑
January 27th, 2019, 3:53 pm
Thank you all for the orders and support. I'd like to take this opportunity to offer replacements for any corked or less than pleasurable bottles you've come across from us from the past years. It's part of the deal using natural cork for closures but I'm happy to replace them. No questions asked. Please don't hesitate to let me know via email or pm.

Have to quote John's generous offer here. One of my earlier BD Cabot orders contained what turned out to be a corked bottle. I mentioned it to John and and he put in a "fresh" one with my next order, no questions, no charge. Outstanding customer service and responsiveness.

#49 Post by **Andrew Christiansen** » January 29th, 2019, 12:28 am

A bit late, as usual (Brig got me loopy Saturday night), but I grabbed the pinot 6. Tasted the two new HC versions at Falltacular last spring, and they we outstanding. Love the syrups, but don't miss the two new pinots!