Posted by: thepinetree on 05/13/2014 08:07 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 05/13/2014 08:24 PM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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Hovey Winery Releases First Cabernet
Calaveras County, May 2, 2014 – Sierra Foothill winemaker, Chuck Hovey, will showcase the first release of Isabel Cabernet Sauvignon May 31 starting at 6:30 p.m. with an event befitting its namesake, his grandmother, Isabel Hovey. The premier event, The Isabel Coming out Party, features a “Great Gatsby” theme in honor of Isabel. Live music from the 1920s performed by the 10-piece Speakeazy Jazz Orchestra, a full gourmet dinner, professional photos alongside a vintage automobile and a lively group toast to Isabel is planned in the tasting room gardens, 350 Main St., Murphys. Guests are invited to attend in period dress....
 
“Isabel’s steady and strong positive life force has inspired me how to live life to this day,” Chuck expressed. “She lived quite fashionably in Southern California and enjoyed a very flamboyant lifestyle. The 2012 Isabel Cabernet is meant to be cherished and savored, just as Isabel lived her life.”
Grapes for the 2012 Isabel Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from the Rasmussen Vineyard situated midway between Angels Camp and Murphys in Calaveras County. Clayton and Ginger Rasmussen are lifelong residents of Calaveras, and the family has deep roots began in 1850. They got their start in the lumber industry, became cattle and horse ranchers and were the primary founders of Bear Valley Ski Resort. In the Rasmussen’s 280-plus acre ranch, they planted 1½ acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in 1999. “Our Cabernet vineyard gives us great pride,” Clayton shared. Close to three-and-a-half tons from this vineyard yielded 180 cases of limited production.
Hovey pulled out all the stops to make the 2012 Isabel Cabernet one of the finest Cabernets in the Sierra Foothills. Signature “Icone” American Oak barrels were purchased from Sequin Moreau cooperage, where the wine aged for 20 months. “The grapes were picked at perfect ripeness and balance giving it intense flavors of black current, dark chocolate and rich blackberry,” Hovey noted. “These flavors combine with soft tannins and sweet oak notes from the new oak barrels. I am truly excited to release this wine.”
The Coming Out Party for Isabel Cabernet features live music from the Speakeazy Jazz Orchestra, a dance ensemble in the style of famous 1920s hotel bands. The group formed in 2008 and showcases some of the area’s top local and professional musicians. Organizers, Steve and Jeff Chambers, are former members of the world-famous Royal Society jazz Orchestra.
The menu, prepared by Chef Skye Ruggieri, begins with Artisan cheeses and mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat. The main course, prepared to pair perfectly with the Cabernet, is Filet of Beef Chassuer with Currant Cognac Sauce and Sauteed Mushrooms, Potatoes Gratin, Green Bean Salad with Feta and Thyme, Creamed Fresh Spinach and assorted fresh breads. Dessert will be New York Cheesecake with Raspberry Port Reduction Sauce.
Cost, inclusive of a wide variety of Hovey wine, food, entertainment, taxes and gratuities, is $85 per person and $75 for wine club members. “This will most certainly be an evening to remember,” added Jan Hovey, co-owner.
Hovey Tasting Room is open daily in the heart of downtown Murphys from noon to 5:30 p.m. and until 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays as of Memorial Day weekend. For reservations or for additional information, call 728-9999.
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