Hello & Happy Spring from Selene!

The past winter’s rain has brought us out of the drought, the daylight is becoming noticeably longer, and the vines are beginning to awaken from their dormancy. Much to look forward to this season. 2017 marks Mia’s 35th harvest in Napa Valley and her 27th harvest for Selene. She says time flies when you’re having fun.

Speaking of fun, we have two new releases for you from the 2014 vintage, but before we get to the wines, a little something about the growing season. Though it was a drought year, we had some very well-timed moisture in early spring which was spot on for the start of the growing season. Good starts often lead to good finishes, and aside from the literal shakeup of the earthquake that hit Napa on August 24th, maturity and ripeness were excellent.

On to the wines, first up, our 23rd vintage of Sauvignon Blanc from Hyde Vineyards.

2014 Selene Sauvignon Blanc Hyde Vineyards (100% Sauvignon Blanc Musque selection , 592 cases $18/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: Lemon curd, lightly caramelized meringue, and even a slight a hint of shortcrust pastry a la lemon meringue pie; beeswax, pear eau de vie, honeysuckle, and a slight star anise. Savory and mouthwatering, showing a little mineral character, finishing with long flavors that echo the aromatics.

Next, the Chesler is BACK!! Mia found a new block of Cabernet Franc at Frediani Vineyard that she secured for the 2014 vintage of Chesler and it’s beautiful. It’s been hard to keep her hands off of it.

2014 Chesler Cabernet Franc Napa Valley (78% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, 267 cases $50/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: Raspberry, dark chocolate, exotic spice, city roast coffee bean, sweet pipe tobacco, toasted vanilla, buttery cinnamon toast. High-tone and dark, deep flavors marry nicely for a wonderful, mouth-watering feel with a super long finish.

Finally, we still have some 2013 Merlot, which is pop and pour yummy, and some Library Merlot you’ll find for sale on the website along with some Library Chesler.

2013 Selene Merlot Frediani Vineyard (100% Merlot, 424 cases $35.00/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: I haven’t doted over a Merlot like this since the 2008. A winemaker’s pet, if you will. Blackberry syrup, Black Forest cake, complete with dark chocolate, black cherries, and cream; also some caramel/molasses and buttery cinnamon toast. In the mouth there is very good impact and intensity; the wine is even-tempered, with balanced tannins and acid, and finishing with fine texture and length.

Remember the 10% discount on 1 mixed case, and 20% discount on 2 mixed cases. Plus, 3-day Air shipping is included on all orders over $200. We will hold your order for you, (not charge your credit card) until we ship.

We can accept your orders on the BUY page of the website: www.selenewines.com, or print out the Order Form from the BUY page and mail it to us, or give us a call (707) 258-8119.

Cheers,

Mia Klein and Tracy Hall

Selene Wines Featured at Yosemite National Park’s Winemakers Dinner:

On December 4 – December 7, 2016, Mia Klein of Selene Wines will be participating in Yosemite’s Grand Grape Celebration Session VII.

Featuring “Goddesses of the Grape”, all women vintners

Moderated by Ellen Landis, C.S./Wine Judge & Journalist
Susie Selby – Selby Winery
Beth Nickel – Far Niente Winery
Shauna Rosenblum – Rock Wall Wine Co.
Mia Klein – Selene Wines

The Grand Grape Celebration includes a welcome reception, an educational wine tasting seminar from each vintner, and a five-course gala dinner paired with a wine from each vintner.

Mia Klein of Selene Wines will be presenting a seminar showcasing Selene’s Cabernet Franc “Chesler” vintages 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

Selene Wines will be pouring the new 2014 Chesler Cabernet Franc at the dinner. Since the wines are the star, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel’s culinary team crafts the menu around the wines being poured — not the other way around.

For more information and reservation details

Hello from Selene!

Happy Spring! Everything in Napa is blooming, and the weather has been perfect for shorts and motorcycle riding.

So before it gets too hot to ship wine, we thought we would dig through the cellar and find some library wines that you’d enjoy. We have tasted these and they are all showing very well.

Big news, we now have a license to ship to Massachusetts!!

Merlot:
2000 Napa Valley Merlot (750ml) $45.00
2002 Napa Valley Merlot (750ml) $45.00
2006 Merlot Frediani Vineyard (750ml) $40.00
2007 Merlot Frediani Vineyard (750ml) $40.00
2012 Merlot Frediani Vineyard (750ml) $35.00

Napa Valley Cabernet: As you may remember from our last release letter, we have not made a Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2012 vintage.

2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) $70.00
2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) $70.00
2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) $50.00
2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) $50.00
4 Pack – Napa Valley Cabernet Vertical – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 $210.00

Cabernet Franc: We made Chesler from the 2002 to the 2007 vintages, and then we took a break. We are happy to report there is a 2014 and a 2015 Chesler in barrels!

2002 “Chesler” Napa Valley Red Wine (750ml) $70.00
2003 “Chesler” Napa Valley Red Wine (750ml) $70.00
2004 “Chesler” Napa Valley Red Wine (750ml) $50.00
2005 “Chesler” Napa Valley Red Wine (750ml) $50.00
2006 “Chesler” Napa Valley Red Wine (750ml) $40.00
6 Pack Chesler Vertical – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (750ml) $250.00
4 Pack Chesler Vertical – 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (750ml) $160.00
3 Pack Chesler Vertical – 2005, 2006, 2007 (750ml) $120.00

Finally, don’t forget our current releases!

2013 Selene Sauvignon Blanc Hyde Vineyards (100% Sauvignon Blanc Musque selection , 905 cases $22.50/bottle) 91 Points Wine Spectator!

Mia’s tasting notes: Bosc pear, white peach, honeydew melon, orange blossom honey, white chocolate, clove, and saffron petals. Flavors in the mouth mirror the aromatics with very good intensity. There is a savory quality to this wine with a mouthwatering, long finish.

2013 Selene Merlot Frediani Vineyard (100% Merlot, 424 cases $35.00/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: I haven’t doted over a Merlot like this since the 2008. A winemaker’s pet, if you will. Blackberry syrup, Black Forest cake, complete with dark chocolate, black cherries, and cream; also some caramel/molasses and buttery cinnamon toast. In the mouth there is very good impact and intensity; the wine is even-tempered, with balanced tannins and acid, and finishing with fine texture and length.

Remember the 10% discount on 1 mixed case, and 20% discount on 2 mixed cases. Plus, 3-day Air shipping is included on all orders over $200. We will hold your order for you, (not charge your credit card) until we ship. We can accept your orders on the BUY page of the website: www.selenewines.com

Cheers,

Mia Klein and Tracy Hall

Hello from Selene!

We are happy to report that 2015 Harvest is now in the books! Mia has been spending her time tasting fermenters and pressing off the reds, but everything is in (including some 2015 Cabernet Franc!), and the Sauvignon Blanc is in barrels. This is the earliest Mia has been done with harvest in her 33 years making wine!

We are releasing the new vintages of Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc!

2013 Selene Sauvignon Blanc Hyde Vineyards (100% Sauvignon Blanc Musque selection , 905 cases $28.00/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: Bosc pear, white peach, honeydew melon, orange blossom honey, white chocolate, clove, and saffron petals. Flavors in the mouth mirror the aromatics with very good intensity. There is a savory quality to this wine with a mouthwatering, long finish.

2013 Selene Merlot Frediani Vineyard (100% Merlot, 424 cases $35.00/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: I haven’t doted over a Merlot like this since the 2008. A winemaker’s pet, if you will. Blackberry syrup, Black Forest cake, complete with dark chocolate, black cherries, and cream; also some caramel/molasses and buttery cinnamon toast. In the mouth there is very good impact and intensity; the wine is even-tempered, with balanced tannins and acid, and finishing with fine texture and length.

The state of Cabernet: As you may remember from our last release letter, we have not made a Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2012 vintage, and that is sold out. However, we do have some of the 2006 vintage that is available and drinking very nicely with its bottle age!

2006 Selene Dead Fred Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon $50.00/bottle)

Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate #186, December 2009
“The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Fred Vineyard, an homage to a long-deceased cat, exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to plenty of cedar, underbrush, and black currant aromas. Medium to full-bodied and slightly tannic, but well-endowed, pure, and impressively constituted, this wine requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15+.” 90 points

The state of Cabernet Franc: We made Chesler from the 2002 to the 2007 vintages, and then we took a break. We are happy to report there is a 2014 and a 2015 Chesler in barrels! To hold you over until we release the 2014, we have some 2006 for you.

2006 Selene Chesler Red Wine (62% Cabernet Franc; 38% Merlot $40.00/bottle)

Remember the 10% discount on 1 mixed case, and 20% discount on 2 mixed cases. Plus, 3-day Air shipping is included on all orders over $200. We will hold your order for you, (not charge your credit card) until we ship.

We can accept your orders on the BUY page of the website: www.selenewines.com , or print out the Order Form from the BUY page and fax or mail it to us, or give us a call (707) 258-8119.

Cheers,

Mia Klein and Tracy Hall

We are releasing our 2012’s!!

Yay for 2012! Spring started with warm days leading to a quick bloom that set the stage for even crop load and ripening. Weather in summer and fall did not disappoint and provided the harvest with a rich and appealing profile.

Mia tasting fermenting 2012 Sauvignon Blanc

2012 Selene Sauvignon Blanc Hyde Vineyards (100% Sauvignon Blanc Musque selection , 830 cases $28.00/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: Intense and exotic aromas of Meyer lemon, pineapple, mandarin orange and orange liquor, white pepper, apple blossom, cocoa butter, apricot, bread dough, anise, and bees wax. All this exotic intensity translates very well in the palate with a fine balance between good acidity and rich viscosity.

Mia tasting fermenting 2012 Merlot

2012 Selene Merlot Frediani Vineyard (100% Merlot, 387 cases $35.00/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: Blackberry and raspberry; slightly toasted vanilla bean; darkest chocolate and espresso; slight mineral tone and a lovely floral violet and jasmine. The first sip shows lots of intensity on the initial impact with an alluring, mouth-watering quality; the tannins provide a sweet, chewy texture that lingers nicely in the finish.

2012 Selene Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Fred Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 266 cases $50.00/bottle)

Mia’s tasting notes: Blueberry syrup, blackcurrant, brown sugar, coffee, salty caramel, molasses, and chocolate aromas. Flavors in the mouth mirror the aromatics with very good intensity. The tannins are strong and intense as well, but have a ripeness and sweetness to them that you only get in vintages like this.

2007 Selene Chesler Red Wine (52% Cabernet Franc; 48% Merlot, 291 cases $40.00/bottle) 92 points – Robert Parker

Mia’s tasting notes: The 2007 is upfront, not pulling any punches; a quality not unlike the 2004. Showing vanilla, graphite, and cedar characters, with blueberry syrup, brown sugar, dark chocolate, cherry pie, and espresso. Favors in the mouth mirror aromas, tannins are particularly balanced and sweet from impact to finish.

Remember the 10% discount on 1 mixed case, and 20% discount on 2 mixed cases. Plus, 3-day Air shipping is included on all orders over $200. We will hold your order for you, (not charge your credit card) until we ship.

We can accept your orders on the BUY page of the website: www.selenewines.com, or print out the Order Form from the BUY page and fax or mail it to us, or give us a call (707) 258-8119.

Cheers,

Mia Klein and Tracy Hall

Please join Mia and Tracy for a Winemaker Dinner at Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas in Honolulu, Hawaii on Wednesday November 13th, 2013.

Here is the night’s menu created by Chefs John Iha & Axel Colobang. Please mark it on your calendars,

Charred Shishito Peppers – with crispy shrimp, goat cheese & creamy yuzu vinaigrette
WINE: 4oz 2011 Selene Sauvignon Blanc “Hyde Vineyard”

Steamed Pork Belly – with John’s “cassoulet” sauce
WINE: 4oz 2006 Selene “Chesler”

Braised Short Rib “Lau Lau” – with sunny side up egg
WINE: 4oz 2008 Selene Merlot “Frediani Vineyard”

Dessert
WINE: 2003 Selene Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

BY RESERVATIONS ONLY!! (808) 533-4476

Hello from Selene!

Harvest 2013 is here! We have brought in the Hyde Sauvignon Blanc grapes and have plans to pick the Merlot at Frediani Vineyards on Saturday! It’s looking to be a great vintage so far (fingers crossed).

We are releasing our new reds. There isn’t much of the Merlot or Cabernet, so don’t delay in putting in your orders.

Vintage 2011 gave us a good amount of rainfall in late winter, along with a tad over 2 inches in both May and June, so the soil profile got a nice shot of water for the early part of the season. The summer, and right on into ripening, was on the cool side of average.

2011 Selene Merlot Frediani Vineyard (100% Merlot, 120 cases $35.00/bottle)
Ripe flavors developed at lower sugars in the grapes and alcohols stayed below 14% in this wine.
Mia’s tasting notes: Red raspberry, cocoa powder, pink peppercorn, cardamom, mineral character, preserved ginger, and bay laurel for aromas. Savory and mouth-watering in the mouth with a clean, long finish. Less caramelized and jammy in the flavors, more savory, exotic, and clean.

2011 Selene Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Fred Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 90 cases $50.00/bottle)
Mia’s tasting notes: Raspberry and raspberry leaf, high cacao dark chocolate, glace de veau, fresh tobacco, garam masala, earthy, and blackberry pie are all part of the complex aromas. The tannins are fine and chewy in texture and flavors are savory, long and intense in character.

2007 Selene Chesler Red Wine (52% Cabernet Franc; 48% Merlot, 291 cases $40.00/bottle)
92 points – Robert Parker
Mia’s tasting notes: The 2007 is upfront, not pulling any punches; a quality not unlike the 2004. Showing vanilla, graphite, and cedar characters, with blueberry syrup, brown sugar, dark chocolate, cherry pie, and espresso. Favors in the mouth mirror aromas, tannins are particularly balanced and sweet from impact to finish.

In other news, for those of you that happen to have the 2003 Selene Cabernet Sauvignon, we are happy to report that it received 93 points in the Wine Spectator 2003 Retrospective Tasting this July. It was one of the Top Five wines for the tasting! Here is the review:

SELENE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 Score: 93 | Release price: $70 | Current price: $70
Delicious and at a great drinking plateau, this is ripe and juicy, offering tiers of dark berry, spice, loamy earth and cedar. Impressive for its supple texture and long, lingering finish. 2003 California Cabernet blind retrospective (July 2013). Drink now through 2024. 465 cases made.—J.L.

And finally, in case you missed them, we still have our special verticals:
4 Bottle Vertical of Chesler – 1 bottle of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Chesler for $150.00 (shipping included)
6 Bottle Vertical of Chesler – 1 bottle of 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Chesler for $225.00 (shipping included)

Remember the 10% discount on 1 mixed case, and 20% discount on 2 mixed cases, including the Vertical Specials. Plus, 2-day Air shipping is included on all orders over $100. We will hold your order for you, (not charge your credit card) until we ship.

We can accept your orders on the BUY page of the website: www.selenewines.com , or print out the Order Form from the BUY page and fax or mail it to us, or give us a call (707) 258-8119.

Cheers,
Mia Klein and Tracy Hall

Hawaii here we come!!!!

Selene Wines will be a participating winery this year for the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival in June in Maui, Hawaii at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

We will be pouring 2010 Selene Sauvignon Blanc from Magnum at the Welcome Reception on Thursday.

Then on Friday June 7th, Mia will be one of the panelist for a seminar on Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, with Philippe Melka and Andy Erickson, where she’ll be showing the 2003 Selene Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Selene Dead Fred Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Join Mia and Tracy at Merriman’s Kapalua on Saturday June 8th for a winemaker dinner featuring Selene Wines. Chef is preparing an amazing menu to pair with our 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, 2002 and 2006 Chesler, 2004 and 2008 Dead Fred Cabernet, and 1994 and 2010 Merlot.

We will also be pouring at the Grand Tasting and the Seafood Festival. We hope to see everyone there!

Mia and Tracy

You have two chances to join Tracy and Mia for a Selene Wines tasting in March!

On Thursday March 7th, 2013 – 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Join Mia and Tracy at Fatted Calf in Napa, California for their Butcher’s Happy Hour featuring Selene Wines!

Everyone likes happy hour, and in wine country it’s even better. The Napa Fatted Calf shop is featuring hand-crafted wines from Selene Wines a tiny producer focusing on the Bordeaux varietals which are known to thrive the Napa valley. The winemaker works with a minimalist approach that produces wonderful fruit forward vibrant wines.

To balance the artisanal dedication of Selene winery we are featuring a truly special hog from Good Farms in Olsburg, Kansas. The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a heritage breed hog with its origins in England. This is a rare breed, and worth experiencing.

Come by the Fatted Calf this Thursday from 5:30-7 for some complimentary snacks and wine. You can even choose your cut off the hog!

On Friday March 22nd, 2013 – 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Join Mia and Tracy at Enoteca Della Santina in Sonoma, California for their Friday Tasting Series featuring Selene Wines. We’ll have the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2006 Chesler, as well as the 2006 Dead Fred Cabernet for you to try!

See you soon!

Skippy

Ritz-Carlton, New York Central Park

Women and Wine Dining Event Wednesday, March 13, 2013 7 p.m. Featuring Bressler Vineyards and Selene Wines.

Join us for another delightful Women and Wine dinner series with Stacey Bressler of Bressler Vineyards and winemaker Mia Klein.

Mia Klein is one of the most widely respected winemakers in California. Having worked in restaurant kitchens before embarking on her winemaking career, Mia has an inate ability to craft wines of finesse and balance from top-quality fruit.

After receiving her degree in Enology from U.C. Davis, Mia worked her way up from the cellar, starting on the nightshift at Chappellet under the tutelage of Cathy Corison, before moving on to Robert Pepi winery. She then left the world of regular employment to consult for many esteemed wineries including Spottswoode, Araujo, Viader and Dalla Valle Vineyards.

Currently Mia makes wine for her own small label, Selene, and three small, super-premium producers, including Bressler Vineyards.

An inviting 4-course dinner created by Chef Mark Arnao will be served with a wine pairing by Wine Director Marika Vida-Arnold featuring the wines of both Bressler Vineyards and Selene Wines. As this is an exclusive event, seating is limited. To make a reservation, please contact Cathleen.brown@ritzcarlton.com by March 10th.

A percentage of our proceeds will go to the Women’s Shelter at Crossroads Community Services in NYC.

Cost: $125 plus tax and gratuity