Dear Friends and Family,

For those of you who haven't heard (and I know a lot of you probably have heard as news like this travels fast), we kicked off the New Year in a big way! Our extraordinary 2005 Knights Valley Sangiovese has received the desirable "Best of Class" award from The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Out of 4,235 wines entered from 1,500 wineries across the country, only 21 red wines earned "Best of Class". Every time I have a glass of Sangiovese it reminds me of sitting by the wood stove with my father on a cold winter night while Mom was cooking pasta from her great-grandmother's Italian recipe. My dad used to say, "Run down to the basement Son and grab a bottle of that Sangiovese." I'd pour Mom and Dad a glass. Dad would look over at me, after he took a big swig, and say, "I bet we could polish off a couple bottles of this, huh Son?" My dad just loved Sangiovese, especially with the aromas of Mom's meat sauce simmering on the stove.

I don't know how cold it is where you are, but it sure is cold here. I just went down to the basement and brought up a bottle of Sangiovese to warm up with. I'm going to have a toast to Dad; I invite you to have one with me. Don't let this one slip by, as this has to be one of the best Sangioveses our family has made, and we have made a lot of good ones.

I also have a pleasant surprise for you; in October of last year at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition, our 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Franc took "Best of Class" out of 1,002 Sonoma County wines. This wine sold out so fast, I couldn't believe it. However, I was so impressed with the wine, I wanted to hold back 50 cases just to see if it would get any better with more time in the cellar. I had somewhat forgotten about it, which I actually like to do, when a dear friend of mine and wine consultant, Tom Birt, called and asked, "Have you had any of the 2004 Alexander Valley Cab Franc lately?" "No," I replied and he said, "Stop what you are doing and go get a bottle for dinner. It is incredible!" So I did and Tom was right. If you are a friend of Tom's, I'm sure you already know this, but for those of you who don't know Tom, take it from me, this is a good one.

It is looking to be a great year. I hope to see you at the castle or the hotel as we have a lot of exciting things planned for 2008. Be sure to check our website for new releases, upcoming concerts, events and exciting news. Stay warm and take care.

Cheers,

2005 Knights Valley Sangiovese
Aromas of lavender, cherries & leather encompass your surroundings when you pop a cork on this Sangiovese. The flavors are rich with black cherries intertwined amongst smoke and youthful raspberries that are united with dusty tannins in the finish ... read more

Buy Now   $36/bottle

2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Franc
If this wine could dance, it would waltz to graceful melodies in an elegant chateau. Our 100% Cabernet Franc is gallant in fruit-forward flavor yet subtle bass notes of aromatics weave through this wine, appearing and receding; a master symphony. Aromatics of blueberries ...
read more

Buy Now   $52/bottle

More SF Chronical Wine Competition Awards:

2005 Mendocino Chardonnay - Gold

2006 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc - Silver

2005 Sonoma County Zinfandel - Silver

2005 Russian River Zinfandel, Baldocchi - Silver

2005 Mes Trois Amours - Silver

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 16; 7 pm - 11 pm: Love & Romance At the Ledson Castle
Exclusively for Ledson Wine Club Members; Black-Tie Attire; $250 per couple
Sweep your sweetheart off her feet as you join us for an impassioned evening of love. Tantalize your senses in passion & pleasure for the palate with succulent culinary seductions and luscious wines at the romantic Ledson Castle. Gaze into your lover’s eyes as you enjoy the enchanted ambiance during your candlelit dinner. Pull your beloved close, whisper sweet nothings in her ear as you glide across the dance floor. For reservations, please call (707) 537-3810 ext.154

February 15, 16 & 17; 8 pm: Jefferson Starship "Galactica Acoustica"
Three Amazing Nights! Three Incredible Shows! Limited Seating! Exclusively at the Harmony Lounge
For the first time ever, founders Paul Kantner & David Freiberg, longtime lead vocalist Diana Mangano & Pianist Chris Smith will perform three incredible shows at our acclaimed Harmony Lounge in Sonoma. Each intimate evening will highlight a classic period of the band's lengthy and acclaimed recording career. For details and tickets check out www.ledsonhotel.com or www.ticketweb.com.

March 15 & 16; 11 am - 4 pm: Savor Sonoma Valley - A Barrel Tasting & Culinary Experience
Experience the best Sonoma Valley offers with the royal treatment at Ledson! 19 Sonoma Valley wineries will be showcasing their 2007 vintage, perfectly paired with culinary delights. Enjoy Ledson's award-winning wines straight from the barrel, paired with savory delicacies created by Valerie Coats from Valerie's Vineyard Catering - nothing tastes this good. Meet other wine lovers and kick off the 2008 wine season with Ledson's incredible ambience and staff.
$55 per person for a weekend pass. $20 for a Designated Driver weekend pass.
$40 for a Sunday-Only pass. $10 for a Designated Driver Sunday-Only pass.
For more information please visit www.heartofsonomavalley.com or call (866) 794-9463.

If you prefer to place your order over the phone, please call
Randy Santos at (707) 537-3811, Jerry Padilla at (707) 537-3820, Brian Nogueira at (707) 537-3812 or Brigitte Lowry at (707) 537-3823.

 

7335 Sonoma Hwy 12  • Kenwood  • CA 95409  • Phone: (707) 537-3810 • www.ledson.com