FIRST NEVADA RED ESTATE ZINFANDEL WINE
Yes—you read that right! Cheers and congratulations! Nevada finally has its first-ever estate bottled red wine, with the grapes grown solely here in the Silver State, just an hour’s drive from the Vegas Strip! Husband and wife vintners, Bill and Gretchen Loken run the Pahrump Valley Winery and their new ‘ Nevada Ridge” wine was harvested back in mid-August of 2005 and released just days ago.
“We’re proud to produce the first red wine from grapes grown solely in the state,” said Bill. “It’s a historical one-time event because there’s only one first crush like there’s only one first kiss.”
Their winery will produce about 100-cases for a total of 1,200 bottles of Nevada Ridge. The owners will personally sign each bottle, which will sell for $75—limited to one per person. A note on the wine’s label reads: “Our 2005 Nevada Ridge Zinfandel marks a milestone in Nevada history. We believe this first crush represents the state’s first commercially grown, produced and bottled red wine. This inaugural release was grown on site at the Pahrump Valley Winery and vineyards and is filled with bright, berry fruit complemented by hints of toast and almond flavors, crisp acidity and structured tannin.” Although the winery was founded back in early 1990 Bill and Gretchen bought it in 2003.
Incidentally on another interesting wine note, mark your diary for tomorrow night (FRI) for a spectacular five-course wine dinner at Flemings on West Charleston with renowned still life artist Thomas Arvid.
He specializes in capturing the wine experience on canvas and has a four-year waiting list for his originals, which command six-figure price tags. You can see more of his unique work and monumental compositions at thomasarvid.com. Chef-partner Sean Joyce of Fleming’s Las Vegas has created an extraordinary feast for tomorrow’s delicious dinner. The artworks are so realistic don’t make the mistake of reaching for one of the painted bottles!