The concept of ‘The Crusher’ wines from Don & Sons is grounded in the philosophy that the journey from the vineyard-to the crusher-to your table will capture the freshness of the region to bring you exceptional wines. Their 2011 vintage Rosè of Pinot Noir clearly captures this philosophy.
The Crusher Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant, inviting aromas of tropical pineapple and kiwi fruit as well as blooming floral notes alongside hints of freshly cut grass. The wine offers layers of flavors on the palate with crisp apple, lemon meringue tart and classic lemon zest essence. By aging this wine on the lees, a beautiful creamy texture, bright acidity and zesty characters are showcased in a beautiful California style.
Our Chardonnay has a beautiful golden color and a signature Clarksburg aroma of freshly cut pineapple, followed by gentle notes of sugar cookie and toasty oak. This mellow, well-rounded wine is buttery yet fruity, with vanilla cream, blanched almond and canned pineapple avors. It’s marked by soft, balanced acidity and natural sweetness, making it a spectacular food wine. Pair with rich dishes such as eggs benedict, pumpkin ravioli or salmon sh cakes. For more than 115 years, the Sebastiani name has been synonymous with quality winemaking in Sonoma County. Likewise, the Wilson family has been growing grapes in the Clarksburg region south of Sacramento since 1922. Created in tribute to the multi-generational partnership these two well-regarded wine families have enjoyed, The Crusher is fittingly named for the point where the fruit of one family's labors literally gives way to those of the other.
The Crusher Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a vibrant bouquet of black cherry, toasted oak and captivating pepperiness. Graceful in the mouth, with a silky texture and lively dark berry fruit, flavors of plum and dark chocolate expand on the palate. Ten months of aging on 100% French oak imparts endearing smokey notes and a touch of sandalwood to our Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine finishes impressively long and showcases wonderful finesse and well-integrated tannins. Pair with a marinated London broil, porcini herb-crusted lamb or the classic New York strip steak.
It has a powerfully aromatic, with notes of pomegranate, rose petal and nutmeg. Juicy and spicy on the palate, this wine exudes avors of plum, glazed strawberry and cinnamon bread from 12 months of French oak aging. Earthy notes dominate, showcasing the Clarksburg terroir and creating more nuanced complexity. Bright acidity and a touch of minerality frame this fruit-driven wine. Lively on the palate with a nice toasty nish, this fuller-bodied Pinot Noir lends itself to a bevy of food pairing opportunities. Try pairing with veal ragù and porcini mushrooms, a hot Italian sandwich on ciabatta bread or a simple Margherita pizza.
The Crusher Merlot is expressive, with focused aromas of black raspberry, mocha and fennel fronds along with a hint of smokiness. Juicy, slightly tart avors of plum and blackberry contribute to the bright acidity of this wine and are accompanied by cocoa powder and dried strawberry notes. On the nish, toasty French oak inuence comes through as caramel, warm spice and cinnamon stick.
The characteristic Clarksburg Petite Sirah varietal that compromises the majority of this wine displays dark aromas of wild blueberry, black licorice and purple plum. 80% of the wine was aged on French oak promoting notes of caramelized vanilla bean. The remainder of the oak is Hungarian, which enhances characteristic notes of gaminess such as mushroom and tobacco leaf. This deeply expressive wine fills the palate with flavors of blackberry jam and dried cherry, mingling effortlessly with cinnamon bark and molasses. The mouth-coating tannins add structure and complexity to this full-bodied Petite Sirah, while the 6% Pinot Noir adds a layer of plush, round and supple flavors. This wine pairs nicely with olive tapenade on grilled bread, rack of lamb marinated with aromatic herbs or even dark chocolate lava cake.