Sonoma-Cutrer® Launches First Offering in Winemaker's Release Series

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonoma-Cutrer® announces the launch of its Winemaker's Release Series which showcases the craftsmanship and innovation of the Sonoma County, California winery. The first in the series, Late Harvest Chardonnay, is part of the limited edition bottlings that will be released periodically and will consist of different varietals and blends.

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Produced from grapes left hanging on the vine well past the standard amount of ripeness, Late Harvest Chardonnay allows for a more concentrated amount of sugar and flavor to be captured with each sip. In general, late harvest wine uses grapes or other fruits that have been left on the parent plant longer than usual and in turn, develops more sugars, resulting in a sweeter, richer wine.

"The Late Harvest Chardonnay is very special in that we are only able to produce it when conditions allow," said Mick Schroeter, Sonoma-Cutrer Winemaking Director. "Its sweetness comes from extra time on the vine that concentrates the sugars and flavors which creates a dessert-style wine with rich, succulent flavors and robust sweetness."

Sonoma-Cutrer holds an uncompromising commitment and dedication to growing and crafting its wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Winemaker's Release Series has been launched to explore what California wine offers by using the highest quality methods to craft innovative products.

"Through the Winemaker's Release Series we wanted to emphasize the meticulous practices and techniques of Sonoma-Cutrer and we think Late Harvest Chardonnay does this," said Tracy Thornsberry, Sonoma-Cutrer brand manager. "We're known for Chardonnays, so for the first release in this series we thought a perfect fit would be a Chardonnay, but one that's very unique to our other offerings."

Sonoma-Cutrer has been crafting wines since 1981 in the esteemed Russian River Valley growing region of Sonoma County, California. Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards utilizes unique cooling tunnels designed specifically to preserve the highest quality grapes, and the wines are aged in barrels made of specific French oak trees that are individually-selected to the winemakers' needs. 

Late Harvest Chardonnay is offered in select U.S. markets with a suggested retail price of $29.99 for a 375mL bottle. For more information on Sonoma-Cutrer, please visit www.sonomacutrer.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/sonomacutrervineyards.

Winemaker's Notes for Sonoma-Cutrer Late Harvest Chardonnay
A classic late harvest wine with lush aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, honeysuckle and maple syrup. Enjoy this wine on its own or with desserts such as poached fruit, fresh berries, tarts or creme brulee.

Sonoma-Cutrer is one of the fine wines produced and marketed by the Brown-Forman Corporation(NYSE: BF-B). For more than 140 years, Brown-Forman has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands.  The company's brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide.  For more information about the company, visit www.brown-forman.com. Please enjoy our wines responsibly.

© 2013 Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Windsor, Sonoma County, California

SOURCE Sonoma-Cutrer