Description
Au Contraire wines are crafted for those who aim to live life to the fullest, who revel in turning the everyday ordinary into something extraordinary. Our wines celebrate the spirit of taking on any challenge in life, no matter how insurmountable it may seem. This irresistible joie de vivre is artfully embodied on each Au Contraire label with a playful illustration that turns expectations on their heads. Taub Family Vineyards was inspired by beloved company founder, David S. Taub, who touched everyone he met with his charisma, compassion and tenacity. This premium rosé is sourced form the heart of the Russian River Valley’s ideal Pinot Noir sites, including Green Valley, the most distinctive AVA of the North Coast.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Enjoy with fresh fish, poultry, all types of cheeses, appetizers and snacks.
REGION
Sonoma, USA
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
VINIFICATION
The Pinot Noir grapes were crushed then pressed at .04 bar to allow skin contact and color extraction. The fresh juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks for 30 days using a long cold fermenting yeast, VL3 at 55°F.
COLOR
Delicate blush pink
NOSE
Cheerful aromas of cherry and strawberry
PALATE
Delightfully fresh and crisp palate
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.8% TA: 6.6 pH: 3.47 RS: 1.25
BOTTLE SIZE
750ml
Description
Grapes for this Chardonnay are harvested from the heart of Russian River Valley to the western edges of Green Valley bordering Sonoma Coast. This area has an ideal climate with cool nights and lots of fog, which helps to extend the growing season of the region and produce grapes that maintain their natural acidity.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
The creaminess but refreshing acidity of this Chardonnay makes it a great pairing for shellfish, roasted chicken, pasta in cream sauce and zesty grilled vegetable dishes. For a delicious cocktail hour, pair with mild cheeses.
REGION
Sonoma, USA
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Chardonnay
VINIFICATION
Whole cluster pressed. The juice was settled off the heavy lees and split between stainless steel and barrel fermentation with light lees stirring. Aged for 8 months in tank and barrel (100% French oak, 30% new).
COLOR
Gold with green tints
NOSE
Pronounced lemon citrus core with tree fruits of pear and crisp apple lined with a floral note of jasmine.
PALATE
Citrus and tree fruits are complemented by a hint of brioche and toast.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.8% pH: 3.62 RS: <2 g/L TA: 6.1 g/L
BOTTLE SIZE
750ml
REVIEWS
93 Points
Wine Enthusiast
December 2015
2014 Vintage
Description
The Mighty Mouse Reserve Chardonnay is grown in the Taub Family’s estate vineyard in Russian River Valley. The 7.5 acres are located on the Russian River near the confluence of the Mark West Creek where the soils are alluvium with well-drained gravel bars. The vines are 24 year old, bi-lateral cordon trained on VSP trellising. Two clones of Chardonnay are planted — Old Wente (for aromatics) and Dijon Clone 76 (for texture). This area has an ideal climate, with fog providing cool nights which results in an extended growing season and grapes that maintain their natural acidity.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pairs well with roasted chicken, full flavored fish, lobster, pork, as well as mild cheeses.
REGION
Sonoma, USA
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Chardonnay
VINIFICATION
The Russian River Valley’s ideal climate provides cool nights which results in an extended growing season and grapes that maintain their natural acidity. The variety of growing sites for adds layers of ripeness, aromatics, fruit flavors and complexity. This Reserve Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented and aged entirely French oak for 16 months, 50% new.
COLOR
Medium Gold
NOSE
Pronounced pear and golden yellow apple lined with a floral note of jasmine, apricot, and vanilla bean. The tree fruit notes are complemented with some tropical and citrus notes along with a hint of brioche.
PALATE
A round, elegant mouth feel with perfect balance has a hint of minerality and a lingering finish.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 14.2%
BOTTLE SIZE
750ml
REVIEWS
92 Points
Wine Enthusiast
August 2017
2014 Vintage
Description
A blend of Sonoma Coast vineyards from Sebastopol to the Fort Ross Seaview AVA overlooking the Pacific make up this Pinot Noir. These warmer vineyard sites sit above the fog line, producing a cool climate style Pinot Noir with highly concentrated fruit flavors.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
The never-ending acidity in this wine make it a great pairing with duck and cherries, or pork dishes cooked with fruit. To pair with cheese, opt for lighter, delicate options like chevre.
REGION
Sonoma, USA
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Pinot Noir
VINIFICATION
Primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel on full fermentation lees. Mostly native yeasts. Minimal racking. 12 months in barrel (100% French, 35% new).
COLOR
Brilliant ruby
NOSE
Layers of cherry, raspberry and plum with a hint of violet are surrounded by subtle spice.
PALATE
An elegant and silky mouthfeel with fine-grained tannins and firm acidity showcasing the wine’s ripe red fruit.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.8% pH: 3.72 RS: <2g/L TA: 5.42 g/L
BOTTLE SIZE
750ml
REVIEWS
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
December 2014
2013 Vintage
Description
A maritime climate with warm days and a long growing season define the Lawler Vineyard. The vineyards are situated within gently rolling hills rising up from San Pablo Bay in Carneros.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This wine is a great choice for grilled and roasted meats and poultry. Or try with heartier fish like cedar-planked salmon.
REGION
Sonoma, USA
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Pinot Noir
VINIFICATION
Primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel on full fermentation lees. Native yeasts and a few small lots with cultured Burgundy isolates. Minimal racking. 12 months in barrel (100% French, 50% new).
COLOR
Dark ruby
NOSE
Pronounced aromas of fresh cherry, tea and baking spice. French oak aging lends notes of sarsaparilla and cola nut.
PALATE
The palate is broad and lush with roundness and purity of fruit.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 14.1% pH: 3.55 RS: <2 g/L TA: 6.3 g/L
BOTTLE SIZE
750ml
Description
This Pinot Noir hails from the Dutton Ranch, Sebastopol, in the heart of the Russian River Valley within the Green Valley AVA. This area has a foggy, coastal climate with cool days, producing fruit with delicious acidity and freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This highly fragrant wine of raspberries and plum makes it a perfect partner for grilled and roasted meats lamb, pork, chicken and salmon. Or for meatless options, try pairing with mushroom ravioli and flavorful cheeses.
REGION
Sonoma, USA
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Pinot Noir
VINIFICATION
Primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel on full fermentation lees. Native yeasts and a few small lots with cultured Burgundy isolates. Minimal racking. 12 months in barrel (100% French, 45% new).
COLOR
Bright ruby
NOSE
Highly fragrant raspberry and plum with a soft earthy, mushroom tone accented by vanilla notes.
PALATE
Broad and lush with roundness and purity of fruit.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 14.1% pH: 3.58 RS: <2 g/L TA: 6.1 g/L
BOTTLE SIZE
750ml