Lucky Cabernet-Merlot 2006
Portrait Series -
Each release in this series is one-of-a-kind—both the wine and the artwork on the label are unique for that vintage. The original limited edition illustrations of artist Jay P. Snellgrove honor a real dog with a special story. A limited number of prints of the label art, signed by Jay will be made available in our gallery.
Label Art -
The second release in our Portrait Series is an original illustration by Jay P. Snellgrove. The Yellow Labrador Retriever is Lucky, an assistance dog trained by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and assigned to Randi Price, a nurse practitioner at Children's Hospital in Denver. Randi was diagnosed with Muscular Distrophy at age 29. She has since come to depend on Lucky to be her everyday companion and her "bridge to the world." See the Art Gallery for limited hand signed and numbered giclee print reproductions of the original artwork, available for sale to art collectors and dog lovers alike.
Read more about Lucky and Randi's story
The Causes -
A portion of our sales revenue on all wines, art, and merchandise is split equally between Canine Companions For Independence and the Morris Animal Foundation's Cure Canine Cancer Campaign.
We also make additional donations on selected wines to great causes like the Alie Foundation in order to provide both awareness and funding.
Tasting Notes Update-
Tony Wasowicz, Winemaker
January, 2009
| Vintage: | 2006 |
| Wine Type: | Bold Red Wine |
| Alcohol %: | 14.6 |
We knew this wine had to be special—the pedigree of the noble and endearing Yellow Labrador Retriever demanded it. And “Lucky,” the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) assistance dog gracing the label, is a very special Lab, indeed. Admittedly, our goal was lofty: produce a wine with the finesse and character of the finest Bordeaux’s along with the exceptional concentration of California’s very best fruit. This 2006 “Lucky” Bordeaux blend features Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Cabernet Franc from the esteemed Spring Mountain appellation in Napa Valley, as well as Merlot from steep-sloped vineyards in the benchlands of west Dry Creek Valley. The grapevines grown on these sites are smaller than their valley floor counterparts, yielding small crops of tiny berries. The fruit is a winemaker’s dream—combining the concentration and complexity of its flavors with balanced tannin and acidity, which drives the wine’s age-ability. Experiencing how a great wine opens and blossoms during a good meal is one of life’s finest pleasures. As for “Lucky,” consider how the dark cherry, boysenberry and smoky plum aromas expand and intensify; how the red currant, pomegranate and cranberry flavors ripen in the glass as notes of floral and spice are gradually revealed. Lastly, take time to revel in the finish—a seemingly endless array of fresh-crushed pure California fruits with hints of smoky cedar, dark chocolate and dried blueberries. Considering the time, energy and love that went into producing this wine, it makes sense that consuming it should be a leisurely and intimate experience. So, invite a friend or two over for some great wine, food and stories. And, speaking of friends, be sure to raise a glass of “Lucky” while toasting humankind’s best friends, our dogs.