Canihan Family’s 2007 Pinot Noirs Receive Ratings of ‘90’ and ’93-Points’
Sonoma, California, (October 30, 2009) -- Canihan Family Cellars’ announced today that their 2007 Estate Pinot Noir received a score of 90 points while their reserve Pinot Noir “ Exuberance” was awarded a ’93- point’ score from Connoisseurs’ Guide. The wine is the result of organic and bio-dynamic farming practices perfected over the past 30 years.
The “Exuberance” label represents the winery’s reserve line of small production, hand-crafted Pinot Noir and Syrah, only produced if founder Bill Canihan believes the vintage to be exceptional.
“It takes exceptional fruit to make exceptional wine,” commented Bill Canihan.”The ‘93’ score validates our biodynamic farming practices and minimalist winemaking techniques.”
Canihan’s Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Franc are from their Sonoma and Carneros estate vineyards which are certified organic by CCOF. The “Exuberance” name was created following results of the prestigious 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition in which Canihan’s very first commercial release, a 2004 Syrah, won “Best Syrah/Shiraz” and “Best of Show-Red Wine”.
In 1975, the Canihan family purchased the 20-acre vineyard parcel, previously farmed organically by a Basque farmer for 60 years, and let it rest for 20 years,that allowed Mother Nature to cleanse the soils. In 1998, the Canihans planted the first vines. Commitment to quality is evidenced by the low yields, which never exceed two tons per acre. Old World, minimal intervention winemaking techniques characterize the Canihan Family Cellars’ winemaking philosophy.
The Canihan Family vineyards are ideally located in the Sonoma Valley, and border the Los Carneros Appellation. The vineyards receive the cool evening breezes and early morning fog from San Francisco Bay that provide for perfect grape growing conditions. Biodynamic vineyard management practices, dry-farming, and hand-harvesting only at complete ripeness, fermentation with naturally occurring native yeast, and no fining or filtering result in flavorful wines expressive of the distinctive Sonoma terroir.
Canihan Family Cellars and Exuberance Wines can be ordered at www.canihanwines.com or by calling (415) 929-8190.
