Kelly Fleming Wines is a fairly new boutique producer in Napa Valley. More specifically they’re located in the corner of Calistoga up at the northern end of the valley. It’s always fascinating to see what new producers are up to and today I’ll look at their two brand new releases.
The Kelly Fleming Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using fruit from both Oakville and Pope Valley. This offering is made up of 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Several hours of skin contact followed crushing. Fermentation occurred in a combination of new French oak (20%) and stainless steel. Aging took place over three months prior to bottling. 530 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $30. White peach and nectarine aromas jump from the nose of this Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and continued stone fruit characteristics dominate the palate which has complexity to spare. The finish of this wine is clean and crisp with spices galore and a final impression that begs you back to the glass for additional sips. This is an impeccably balanced Sauvignon Blanc that is in a word, beautiful.
The Kelly Fleming Wines 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using exclusively estate grown fruit. Specifically the vines are from 12 acres contained within their overall 300 acre parcel. This vineyard is planted to 3 clones of Cabernet Sauvignon on 4 distinct rootstocks. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Each block of fruit was hand picked. Fermentation on the skins occurred over 3 weeks prior to pressing. Barrel aging took place over 20 months in entirely French oak; 85% of the barrels were new. 700 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $90. The nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with deep and dark fruit aromas that are dense and brooding. Blackberry and blueberry aromas are joined by plum pudding spice notes. The palate is a virtual who’s who of dark fruits with plum, black raspberry, blueberry and blackberry all in evidence along with interspersed wisps of red and black cherry. There is a depth and profundity to this wine that is absolutely awesome. The finish shows off bits of earth and dark chocolate as well as pepper spice and a dollop of nutmeg. This wine is remarkably eager and ready to go for a young Cabernet of this complexity. However it will improve with time in the bottle.
Each of these offerings from Kelly Fleming Wines are delicious, fine examples of their varietal as well as distinct. In a veritable sea of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, these wines stand out. Seek them out if you can, you’ll be justly rewarded