Juggernaut Wines
A “juggernaut” is something described as a force or institution that inspires devotion and stops at nothing. After 50 years of winemaking, the Bogle family set about creating a unique wine and brand, sourced from different vineyards, that could be set apart from their regular line up. Juggernaut Cabernet was released a couple of years ago, followed by Juggernaut Pinot Noir, with much acclaim. The striking label with the artwork of an open-mouthed dog/ lion character is preparing you for what’s inside the bottle.
Three generations of the Bogle family now run their operation, from humble beginnings in Clarksburg, a town just south of Sacramento and east of Sonoma. Grandfather Bogle grew potatoes and corn, and later grapes. Today, the children and grandchildren run the company and winery, in a family style, hand crafted way, using sustainable farming practices, and offering a quality product for the money. We carry many Bogle wines here at Ed’s, but the Juggernaut is a step up for sure.
Juggernaut Cabernet Sauvignon Four hillside appellations from California are the source for this wine. Sierra Foothills, Livermore Valley, Alexander Valley, and Lake County. The Sierra Foothills get windy mountain breezes in the evenings off the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and very warm days. Rocky soils make grape growing difficult, but intense fruit driven wines are the result. Livermore’s gravel-based soils and unique east west orientation separates the region from other wine growing valleys. South of the San Francisco Bay area, this region produces premium grapes. Alexander Valley in Sonoma is world famous. The Russian River runs through the center of Alexander Valley’s 22-mile length, and early morning fog creates ideal grape growing conditions. Lake County is warm and dry with varying altitudes, with ridges that were formed by volcanic activity. The soil here is also prized for growing grapes. When the grapes are growing at a higher elevation, the vines get stressed, which forces more energy into the fruit, giving it a more lush structure. All of these appellations are held separate and the winemaker produces the final blend for the Juggernaut Cab each vintage. Flavors of vanilla come from 12 to 18 months in French oak barrels, the wine shows black licorice, black currants and is outstanding- I give it three bones!
Juggernaut Pinot Noir is produced with grapes grown in the Russian River Valley, also world famous for Pinot Noir grape growing. The region’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, along with the fog influence and soil composition make for a cool climate and ideal sanctuary for this temperamental grape. The thin-skinned Pinot Noir doesn’t like to be too hot or too cool. The wine is aged for 12 months in a combination of new and used oak barrels. An intriguing perfume of lilies, vanilla and toasty oak follow up on the palate with hints of spice, red cherries, and raspberries. I give it three bones!
The Bogle family is dedicated to farming, sustainability, and producing quality wines at consumer-friendly prices. We hope you will enjoy these small production, hand crafted wines by Bogle, a real Juggernaut!
By Brunello Giancola as told to CRBrown
