Chris Von Holt is the quintessential, second career, artisan wine proprietor. He was raised in San Francisco, CA, just a few miles from California’s premier wine growing valleys. As the saying goes, he knows the area. His first career was service to the Executive Branch of government as a United States Secret Service Agent, where he served his country for over twenty years. He protected 4 presidents, 4 vice-presidents, and their immediate families, as well as numerous foreign heads of state, and senior members of government. While assigned to Protective Details, he traveled to 40 foreign countries, having to quickly discern the nature and differences of people, places and cultures; while witnessing the culinary traditions and offerings of numerous foreign heads of state. His travels exposed him to the best of the best (i.e. wine) and living in the Bay Area he knew that he was destined to have a second career in the wine industry. With Ed Kurtzman (winemaker at ROAR, FREEMAN, AUGUST WEST and SANDLER on his side you can only expect that the best possible wine is being made!
Van Holt 2009 Pinot Noir “Suacci” Russian River Valley
Retail $40.00 – GGWC $35.99 – FREE SHIPPING* on FULL CASE
I don’t like to quote publications, but Wine Spectator just wrote on July 6 2011 that 2009 is THE best vintage for Pinot Noir in decades and produced some of the most amazing wines ever. Here is one example. I would describe The Van Holt 2009 Suacci Pinot Noir as a cross section between a great Premier Cru Red Burgundy and a high-end California Pinot Noir. The wine offers intense aromas and flavors of pomegranate and red fruits with a (oh so) slight earthy undertone. The 2009 growing season was one of the coolest in over two decades and the result was stunning wine! This is a delightful wine that is rich, intense yet very elegant with bright red cherry, raspberry fruit that is well-balanced with the right touch of acidity. The wine finishes long with a touch of toasty vanilla and silky tannins. While nuanced and lovely now, this is also one for the cellar. Only 225 cases produced.
Also check out the new release of the Van Holt’s 2008 Syrah “Old Lakeville” only 75 cases produced!
Retail $33.00 – GGWC $29.99