The funky, earthy terroir of Hansen Vineyards in Sonoma's Russian River Valley and George's skillful craftsmanship. It was a miracle that we were able to come across 218 cases produced!
Hansen's fields are cultivated organically.
It is made from Dijon and Pommard clones.
A masterful expression of the earthy terroir: dark fruit, loamy soil, and funky yet restrained flavors, this is a true Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that enthusiasts will drool over.
George Wine Company is a unique venture where all the winemaking processes are perfectly handled by just one employee, George Lefkoff. George, who grew up in New York and built his career as a bond trader in Los Angeles, discovered wine after more than 10 years in the financial industry. One day, while dining with a friend, he was deeply impressed by the deliciousness of the 1991 and 1992 vintage "Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir". This inspiration awakened George's revelation about wine, and he vowed to himself to one day pursue the path of wine.
Four years later, George made a promise to himself and moved to Sonoma, where he joined the source of inspiration Williams Selyem, where he became the oldest intern at the famous winery and immersed himself in winemaking under the tutelage of Bert Williams and Ed Salem, and further gained experience at Brogan Cellars, run by Bert Williams' daughter, Margi Wierenga.
In 2003, he acquired grapes from Hirsch Vineyards, a place he had made connections with during his internship, and released his first two Pinot Noirs, 150 cases in total. Despite very small production, George's wines quickly garnered praise from top sommeliers in Las Vegas and New York, and his Pinot Noirs established a cult following.
A one-man show, George meticulously manages every aspect of winemaking, from sorting to bottling, marketing and distribution. He values a gentle approach to the grapes, always harvesting at night and delivering them to the winery in the early hours of the morning. He uses no pumps and makes wines from the free-running juice, which falls under gravity alone. His commitment to minimal intervention allows him to bottle only unfined and unfiltered wines, allowing the Pinot Noir to show its exquisite expression.
George Wine Company is a testament to one man's passion and skill, and continues to captivate the palates of wine connoisseurs and make waves in the world of fine dining.