Native Texan Theodora Lee has a passion for wine-making. This passion shows in her vintages each year. A modest woman with a large personality, her Vineyard is named after her.
The original Theodora was the empress of the Byzantine Empire. Theopolis Vineyards, based on a twist of Lee’s own name (they used to call her riding a tractor, “Theopatra“), is the former lawyer’s passion project. Located in the Yorkville highlands of California’s Anderson Valley, she opened its doors in 2003. She has made quite a name for herself since that time. The legendary wine critic Robert Parker has even given some of Lee’s vintages ratings as high as 94 to 96 points
In tasting Theodora’s recent 2014 Pinot Noir and 2013 Petite Sirah releases, the one word that we could say describes them all is the same word that is reflected in her personality: lively. Each one is subtle with various nuances, yes, but it is also effervescent in its finish. This means you don’t just swallow them, you remember them.
WINEMAKER NOTES:
2013 Theopolis Vineyards Estate Grown Petite Sirah
- Varietal: 100% Petite Sirah
- Harvest Date: October 13, 2013
- Bottling Date: September 22, 2015
- Vinification: Refined and aged in neutral 100% French Oak Barrels (25% new oak) for 23 months, and then bottled unfiltered.
- Alcohol: 14.8% Alcohol
- Color: Black-Purple
- Tasting Note: This Estate Grown Petite Sirah has a bouquet of delicious and ripe dark red fruit with hints of chocolate, balanced by suggestions of black cherries, anise, and ripe plums. The wine is rich and flavorful on the palate, lingering to a pure and long finish. This vintage will stand up now and age beautifully.
- Food Pairing Suggestions: Petite Sirah pairs well with barbecue, stews, braised and grilled beef or wild game, charcuterie, lamb or sausage.
- Production: 285 Cases
- Retail Price: $38
2014 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
- Harvest Date: September 15, 2014
- Bottling Date: September 22, 2015
- Vinification: This Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is fermented with native yeast in French Oak (25% new oak) for 11 months, and bottled unfiltered.
- Alcohol: 14.9% Alcohol
- Color: Ruby Claret
- Tasting Note: An expression of Anderson Valley terroir, this exquisite Pinot Noir has aromas of lightly toasted oak and delicate rose petals, with flavors of cherry and raspberry highlighted with subtle undertones of forest floor to round out the bouquet. This Pinot Noir is savory which adds length to a memorable finish.
- Food Pairing Suggestions: This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with fowl, pork and cured meats, and will accompany a variety of creamy cheeses.
- Production: 200 Cases
- Retail Price: $42
