Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/705606
9 6 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | J u l y - A u g 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m Incorporated (RTI). The barrel room is sectioned off to create differ- ent temperature zones that can be adjusted according to where the wine is in the fermenting or aging process. The entire facility is set up for ease of use and top-notch wine- making. "You have to get it right from the start," says Close. Close describes his wines as "gentle with moderate alcohol lev- els and layers and structure that go well with food; they won't hit you over the head with a bam." His pro- cess is meticulous, as everything is harvested multiple times so there are many small lots. When Vineyard & Winery Man- agement visited Gamble's winery, we tasted through a selection of the winery's offerings, including Sauvignon Blanc (the Heart Block in particular was a standout, as it goes through 100% malolactic fermenta- tion and is aged 18 months in bar- rels, which creates a rich structure that widens the palate yet retains a crisp finish), Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (a multi-layered blend of several vineyards), Family Home Cabernet Sauvignon (deep, rich), Paramount (a Bordeaux-style blend that has earthy characteristics, bold flavors and a rounded body) and Mary Anne (a concentrated, Bordeaux-style blend dominated by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, made from Gamble's newest vineyard purchase on Mt. Veeder and named after his mother). Next, we toured the estate in Gamble's truck as he described the property's history and what chang- es are being made today regarding replanting, technology and sus- tainability efforts. About half-way through, we crossed a bridge (there are two waterways onsite) that his grandfather built and that stands strong to this day, took in vistas from the highest peaks, visited old farm buildings as well as a large pri- vate reservoir that supplies water to the property. This is one place Winemaker Jim Close focuses on creating balanced wines that reflect the character of each vineyard. www.scottlab.com "Cleanliness is the basic condition for wine quality." - Emile Peynaud BENEFITS OF AIRD CLEANING PRODUCTS • Signicant water savings since no citric rinse is required • Specially formulated for the wine industry • Effective at low doses over wide temperature ranges • No chlorine, other halogens, phosphates, silicates or fillers • Do not require hazardous shipping • Safer, less environmental impact than bulk chemical cleaners