Winemaker Notes - 2007

The 2007 growing season started with a late freeze resulting in the loss of this years Petit Manseng and most of the Syrah. We were fortunate as many of the regions vineyards suffered major losses. The rest of the growing season turned out to be ideal for grapes. Harvest was of good quality and high yields. We even sold our excess production to wineries in Virginia and North Carolina.

In the winery we’re not introducing any new wines this year, but we are producing a Cabernet Sauvignon again and we made a change in the Saffire blend with Marzanne replacing the Petit Manseng. So let us know what you think of the new Saffire. We will be bottling the whites in late May and the reds in August so if any of you want to volunteer for a long day of hard work please give me a call. Right now I’ll spend the rest of the winter racking the reds and blending, fining and finishing the whites. So that’s it from the cellar for now.

A couple of other notes: Russ is building a kitchen, so look for more food and wine pairings. And our Marketing director reports sales are up 30% this year. Our wines are now available statewide in all Krogers and we are expanding into Giant, Harris Teeter and Farm Fresh. And we introduced our wines throughout West Virginia. So if you don’t see your favorite wine just ask and they’ll get it.

Steven Bolleter
Winemaker
AmRhein Wine Cellars

Congratulations AmRhein!

Virginia Governor's Cup Competition:
Silver Medal - 2006 Aglianico
Silver Medal - Allure Innocence
Bronze Medal - 2005 Chambourcin Bronze Medal - 2005 Petit Verdot
Bronze Medal - 2006 Petit Verdot
Bronze Medal - 2006 Pinot Grigio
Bronze Medal - 2006 Saffire
Virginia State Fair:
Gold Medal - 2005 Petit Verdot
Gold Medal - Melange
Gold Medal - Veranda
San Francisco International Wine Competition:  
Bronze Medal - Veranda
Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition Best in Category &
   Gold Medal - Melange
Gold Medal - Chambourcin
Bronge Medal - 2005 Petit Verdot
Bronze Medal - Sauvignon Blanc

Our new Tasting Room! Stop in for a visit.