(LIVERMORE, CA; May 1, 2009)-Annika Sorenstam, one of the most celebrated female golfers in history, launches her wine brand in partnership with Wente Vineyards on May 1st with the release of her namesake Syrah, ANNIKA. This elegant wine is comprised of 75 percent Livermore Valley Syrah and 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, and fittingly, 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from the Livermore Valley Golf Vineyard.
Throughout her storied 15-year playing career, Annika was fortunate to experience many of the best wines the world has to offer. At Wente Vineyards, they share the same passion for fine wine, fine dining, and golf as a way of life. The same scenic acres that produce their varietals are also home to Northern California’s premier destination golf course. It’s only natural that Annika would choose to meld her passions for fine wine and golf together in the rolling hills of the Livermore Valley at Wente Vineyards.
Working closely with fifth generation Winemaker Karl Wente, the two hand selected the 2006 Syrah from the Silva block on the Livermore Valley estate to be the backbone of the wine. The Syrah emits aromas of wild blackberry, plum, and strawberry that continue with chocolate and coffee flavors from the barrel. The Cabernet Sauvignon boosts the structure of the wine in the mid-pallet and augments the cassis and clove aromas. The amenable, big tannins carry the diverse flavors through the mouth for a long, rewarding finish.
“I was drawn to Wente Vineyards because we share the same passions, fine wine, fine dining, and championship golf,” Sorenstam said. “I really enjoyed the blending process with Karl, as we are both perfectionists. I am very excited about our end product.”
“It was our goal to blend a wine that Annika is passionate about, and that had the strength of a Cabernet Sauvignon, but the refined elegance and fruit of the Syrah,” says Winemaker Karl Wente. “Our Syrah has an intensity of flavor and aroma without being too big.”
About Annika
Annika is one of the most dominant players in women’s golf. Throughout her storied career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and events, and brought unprecedented attention to women’s golf. Her success has changed how women’s golf is played, covered, and viewed, and in her rise to mainstream athlete and celebrity, she has had a positive impact on all women’s sports. Annika continues to impact lives with the establishing of the ANNIKA Foundation, which teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. In addition, her boutique golf instructional school, the ANNIKA Academy outside of Orlando, Fla., provides individualized golf instruction and custom-made fitness programs to help golfers of all levels improve their game.
About Wente Vineyards
2008 marks Wente Vineyards’ 125th Anniversary. The country’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards is led today by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining, and championship golf.
Suggested Retail Price – $75.00 750ml Bottle
Nationally Released – May 2009
611 cases produced
To purchase, please visit www.annikavineyards.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE AT 323.871.1151
Contact:
WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE
Ashley E. Rodgers/Nadia Al-Amir
323.871.1151
ashley@wagstaffworldwide.com
nadia@wagstaffworldwide.com
