Flambeaux Wine Offer

The team from Flambeaux Wine came by to pour for us at yesterday’s Sip 'n Swing, and brought along a few favorites. Their winemaker, Ryan Pritchard, who you may know from Williams Selyem, Copain Custom Crush, Medlock Ames, and even, currently, Three Sticks is crafting some serious Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel from estate holdings in Dry Creek Valley, as well as long term contracts with some of the best sites in Sonoma.

During a recent somewhat unofficial trade visit to Flambeaux, I may or may not have witnessed some rather heated poolside Rose-fueled debates amongst a few local Sommeliers over the merits of the Flambeaux Dry Creek Cab vs. the Alexander Valley Cab. One or two unnamed Sommeliers may or may not, have been shoved in the pool. I however, luckily remained dry. It was just friends
rough-housing, but if you should be fortunate enough to arrange a visit to the beautiful Flambeaux Estate off of West Dry Creek Road, be wary of rogue Sommeliers spouting off opinions about the two Cabernets. I’m sure you’ll be just fine.

Named after the Tennessee Williams heroine from A Streetcar Named Desire, Stella is the estate’s loyal overseer and unofficial mascot. She dutifully guards the vines and her “flock”—Nia and Lila.

2024 Flambeaux Rosé, Sonoma County

Only 100 cases made—just four barrels! Crafted in the saignée method, a portion of Cabernet and Zinfandel juice is bled off at crush, creating a vibrant Rosé while deepening the remaining red lots. This vintage leans Cabernet-driven, with bright acidity and juicy palate weight. It’s the kind of Rosé that sparks lively conversation… though hopefully without anyone being pushed into the pool.

2021 Flambeaux Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Sourced from two of Sonoma’s most renowned sites—Sangiacomo Robert’s Road (Petaluma Gap) and Kiser Vineyard (Carneros)—this Chardonnay balances brightness and depth. Dijon Clone fruit from Robert’s Road provides crispness and lift, while Old Wente Clone from Kiser adds texture, citrus, and richness. If you’ve ever heard me praise Old Wente Chardonnay out on the Terrace, you’ll know why this wine excites me. Stay tuned—we may just host a Chardonnay Study soon.

2019 Flambeaux Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

Here’s where the debates begin. For the 2019 vintage, I’ll admit my allegiance is with Alexander Valley. Fruit from Toby Lane Vineyard on Chalk Hill Road shows beautifully, and I prefer the elegance of French oak here compared to the American oak used on their Dry Creek Estate bottling. There—I’ve said it. Let the Cabernet conversations continue.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Mayacama wine program. We’re incredibly excited to offer these exceptional wines to our Members, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions or requests—I’m always happy to chat wine.

Cheers!

Jared Hooper, Wine Director

WINES BEING OFFERED: (sold in 3-packs)

2024 Rosé, Flambeaux, Sonoma County ($120/3-pack)

2021 Chardonnay, Flambeaux, Sonoma Coast ($165/3-pack)

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Flambeaux, Alexander Valley ($255/3-pack)