dimanche 21 septembre 2014

Etats Unis : Kieu Hoang Winery rachète Guilliams Vinyards (Saint Helena)

In its ongoing effort to create the top vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Napa-Sonoma Region, the Kieu Hoang Winery had recently purchased the Guilliams Vineyards, a family-operated property in the prestigious Spring Mountain District of Saint Helena since 1978. 

The land where the Guilliams Vineyards currently occupies has been known to grow wine grapes since 1890.  As the latest proprietors of this property, husband and wife John and Shawn Guilliams purchased the property to make their own hand-crafted wine.  The property comprises a total of 10 acres, seven of which are dedicated vineyards.  It is located high above Napa Valley.  In addition to the vineyards, it has an on-site residence, tasting room, and crushing and bottling facility.  Located at an elevation of over 2,000 feet, the area has four distinct soil types with multiple micro-climates that help to enhance the rich and complex flavor of its grapes. 

The Guilliams family boasts its hand-crafted and artisanal approach to wine-making, which produces a select amount of fine wine that is rich and intense in flavor that fetches a premium price of up to $300.00 per bottle.  The Vineyards is dedicated to 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. 

According to Ian Scally, General Manager of the Kieu Hoang Winery, the recent acquisition of the Guilliams Vineyards will help the Winery in its goal of producing one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon vintage in the world, which will bear the label "Tennobudo," representing the top wine in the Winery's inventory.  Scally said, "We are happy to acquire this property as we strive to grow, blend, bottle, and offer wine lovers from around the world the finest Cabernet Sauvignon.  The Guilliams Vineyards presents us with more possibilities and opportunities in this regard."     

John Guilliams, the former proprietor of the Vineyards, has agreed to stay on the property as an in-residence consultant and winemaker to assist the Kieu Hoang Winery as the company continues to implement its plan to elevate the inventory and the quality of its fine wine, particularly with the Cabernet Sauvignon blend and merlot selection.  Scally commented, "Having John on board is a great asset, as he has intimate knowledge of the land and the grapes for over 35 years.  The Winery will do well with the addition of the Guilliams Vineyards' inventory and its varietals." 

The Kieu Hoang Winery, located in the world-famous wine making region of Napa–Sonoma Valley is owned and managed by an American businessman, Kieu Hoang.  The Winery includes the crushing facility located in the prestigious Carneros region of Napa, two parcels of vineyards, and the newly renovated tasting room beautifully appointed by the Michael Mondavi Family, former proprietors of this 20-acre property.  The Winery is permitted to produce up to 100,000 cases annually.