Celebrated golfer Annika Sorenstam adds a red blend called 59 Red to her namesake California wine portfolio
(LIVERMORE, CA; December 8, 2011)-Annika Sorenstam, one of the most accomplished female golfers in history, is proud to announce the release of her newest wine under the ANNIKA Vineyards label-a 2009 red blend called 59 Red. A joint venture between Annika and family-owned Wente Vineyards, ANNIKA Vineyards is dedicated to crafting premium small-lot wines that express Annika’s passion for wine and their food-pairing abilities. The 2009 59 Red will be released in December 2011 and be available for purchase through the ANNIKA Vineyards website.
“I have really enjoyed learning from Winemaker Karl Wente at our blending sessions and using his expertise to help create wines that reflect my personal tastes, passion, and lifestyle,” said Annika. “I am very proud of this new wine and feel it represents my ongoing commitment to the brand and to the winemaking process.”
59 Red is named in honor of Annika’s historic accomplishment on March 16th, 2001 at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Annika made history as the first and only female to date to break 60. She earned the nickname “Ms. 59” that day and ever since “59” has been her lucky number. She carries that same passion for excellence that guided her career in golf over into the wines that bear her name.
The 2009 59 Red is comprised of 64 percent Syrah from the Marina and Hayes Block in Livermore Valley, with 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from the Smith Block in Livermore Valley and the Napa Valley Block, 3 percent Petite Sirah from the Ghielmetti Block, and 3 percent Barbera from the Smith Block in Livermore Valley to boost the structure of the wine mid-palate while big tannins carry the diverse flavors of wild blackberry, plum, mocha, and hints of chocolate and toffee from barrel aging through the mouth. The wine was aged in a combination of new American, Eastern European, French, and neutral oak and aged for 16 months.
ANNIKA Vineyards will be offering a special introductory price on Red 59 for all of her fans and wine club members. Normally retailing at $59 a bottle, Annika fans can use coupon code ANNIKA to receive 20% off their entire purchase through December 31, 2011. Annika Wine Club members can receive 30% off their entire purchase using coupon code ANNIKACLUB through the end of 2011. Simply visit https://www.shop.annikavineyards.com/
ANNIKA Vineyards Wine Club offers guests the opportunity for exclusive access to the newest releases. Each shipment consists of 6 bottles of the newest release wine and includes a 20% discount as well as tasting notes and a recipe to pair the wine with.
ANNIKA Vineyards was launched in 2008 by Annika and Wente Vineyards, and since its creation, Annika’s talent for tasting and blending wine has grown exponentially.
“It’s really amazing to watch Annika’s progression, in regards to the blending process and her knowledge of wines, and how each component affects the finished product,” said Karl Wente. “We have been able to build upon her well-honed palate and create wines that express her taste in wine.”
About Annika Vineyards
ANNIKA Vineyards is a joint venture between Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam and family-owned Wente Vineyards in California’s Livermore Valley. The ANNIKA Vineyards Central Coast portfolio is comprised of two ultra-premium, boutique wines that speak to Annika’s personal passion and wine style. The 2006 and 2008 Syrah and 2009 Chardonnay are currently available in the market. Both wines won Silver Medals at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. The 2009 Chardonnay recently received 88 points from Wine Enthusiast and 94 points from Ken Hoggins at Ken’s Wine Guide. Annika and the Wente family share the same passion for fine wine, dining, and golf as a way of life. Annika’s excitement and passion for the wine is evident through her involvement in every aspect of the process, from hands-on blending with fifth generation Winemaker Karl Wente, to her personal introduction of the wine to the world. For more information, please visit www.annikavineyards.com.
About Annika
Annika is the greatest female golfer of our generation and often regarded as the best of all-time. During her 15-year Hall of Fame career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed, and covered. She amassed 89 worldwide professional victories, including 72 LPGA wins, ten of which are Major Championships. Annika stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand of businesses, including the ANNIKA Academy, ANNIKA Financial Group, ANNIKA Course Design, the ANNIKA Collection of apparel with Cutter & Buck, signature high-end wines with Wente Vineyards and an online retail shop, shopannika.com. In 2007, Annika created the ANNIKA Foundation as a way to teach children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offer aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. In 2008, Annika joined Arnold Palmer as only the second Ambassador of the United States Golf Association, and in 2009, along with Jack Nicklaus, she was named a Global Ambassador by the International Golf Federation and aided in the successful bid for golf in the 2016 Olympic Games. Annika served as a vice-captain for the winning 2011 European Solheim Cup Team at Killeen Castle in County Meath, Ireland. More information can be found at www.annikasorenstam.com.
About Wente Vineyards
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.
2009 ANNIKA 59 Red
Suggested Retail Price: $59/750ml bottle
National Release: December 2011
300 cases produced
To purchase, and for more information please visit www.annikavineyards.com.
Contact:
Annika Vineyards
Craig Ferreira
925.456.2303
Craig.Ferreira@wentevineyards.com