1998 harvest…….Whew!!

 The 1998 season and harvest will definitely be one to remember. Throughout the year Mother Nature had us baffled, worried and anxious, but thankful when it came to grape growing and winemaking. El Niño undoubtedly played its part throughout the season by changing weather patterns and temperatures. Spring bud break was later than normal and the summer temperatures seemed to hold cool and steady. As September approached, the worry of the grapes not fully maturing was becoming a bit of a concern. In the last week of September the sky turned gray and the rain fell. This gloomy weather hung around for over a week, making all of us start to wonder. Thankfully, Mother Nature cooperated throughout October, giving us warm weather and sunshine to develop and mature the grapes. Anxiously, we waited for the ripening of the grapes, but were determined to squeeze every ounce of that good October weather into the development of the Cabernet grapes. We began the harvest late October with the Morisoli Cabernet. That first morning in the vineyard the temperature was 34 degrees. (COLD). We finished the harvest by bringing in the Lamb Family Cabernet November 2nd just ahead of the next weather front; the latest harvest for Karl Lawrence so far. Whew!

 The fruit yields were good; a bit down for the Lamb Vineyards, but slightly up for Morisoli Vineyards. Fruit quality was excellent, and the 1998 wines are showing intense aromas with concentrated and balanced fruit flavors on the palate, that typify this vintage. The 1998 vintage promises to produce another great Cabernet for Karl Lawrence Cellars.

What is new with Karl Lawrence Cellars

 Bryan is back! Bryan Lawrence Henry and his family have returned to the Napa Valley. As Lt. Colonel, he completed his four-year term in Germany with the United States Air Force. Bryan has returned to St. Helena to pick up where he left off, rejoining Cheryl Henry and the St. Helena Hospital. Bryan is welcomed back as a favorite OB/GYN in the community. Now Michael and Ric plan to keep him even busier with Karl Lawrence. Bryan looks forward to tending his vineyard on Howell Mountain, and getting involved again with the day-to-day winemaking.

 New York, New York is our newest market. We are happy to have Michael Skurnik Wines representing us in the Big Apple and surrounding areas. The 1995 Karl Lawrence Cabernet is the first vintage introduced, and all future vintages will be there as well. For information about Karl Lawrence wine placements, please do not hesitate to call us.

  Chardonnay? Michael is going to make a very small amount of Chardonnay this coming 1999 vintage. We will keep you posted on the progress.

New Release

KARL LAWRENCE CELLARS

1996 Cabernet Sauvignon

 We are pleased to announce the release of the 1996 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is the sixth consecutive vintage made and blended exclusively from the Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and the Herb Lamb Vineyard off Howell Mountain. As in all past vintages, this blend of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the blending of these two renowned Napa Valley vineyards defines the unique style of Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaker notes

 This wine has up-front aromas of dark cherries, black currant and mocha with hints of coffee and spice. Bold on the palate with rich and complex black fruit flavors all held firmly with the full forward, but soft tannins. Laced with sweet vanilla and toastiness from the French oak barrels in which this wine was aged compliment the total balance. This 1996 vintage is smooth with richness, and carries itself elegantly. Drinkable now, but further aging in the bottle will definitely be rewarding.

Wine Shipping

  We must continue to inform you of the constant changes regarding direct wine shipping to certain states. As many of you are aware, it is becoming more and more difficult to ship wine directly to our valued customers. Many states have enacted strong legislation, and in some cases felony charges to those who disregard their laws. Unfortunately, Karl Lawrence will not ship to those states that have implemented and enforced laws to stop wine shipments. We strongly advise our friends and customers who would like to purchase Karl Lawrence wines, and who live in these non-reciprocal states, to contact us directly to place orders. We are happy to make other arrangements to get you the wine, whether it is shipping to another reciprocal address or having the wine picked up in California.

  We strongly believe in the right to freely market and purchase wine. We believe the best way to affect change on this issue is by having legislators hear from their constituents. We thank you in advance for your support. For more information on this issue, please refer to the following web-sites at: www.winelaw.org and www.freethegrapes.org

Ordering Karl Lawrence Wines

  This year we introduce a new ordering form (online form coming soon). To purchase the 1996 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon, please call our office directly, or fill out the attached order form and mail or fax it to our office. Check, Visa or MasterCard only on all orders please. We are able to ship within California and the reciprocal states listed on the order form. Customers who live in all other states will be required to call our office directly for further information. For those of you who live in those so-called "other states" it is still very important for you to return the order form or contact us with your order before June 21 to secure your allotment. Be sure to include your phone number(s). A reminder; after June 21 wine sales are open to all customers on a First-Come/First-Serve basis.