Dessert Wines – Novitiate
California AVA
2014 ‘Guadalupe’ Muscat Canelli
California AVA
Tasting Notes
“Deep amber color. Beautiful and concentrated aromas of fig chutney, molasses, golden raisins, and marmalade. These characters only intensify when they swirl in the palate. This first offering for Testarossa Winery, and a blast from the past for the Novitiate label, offers unctuous, dense, and lively qualities. This wine ends with hedonism and pleasure. Enjoy now through 2027.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
2014 ‘Br. Korte Cuvee’ Black Muscat
California AVA
Tasting Notes
“Reddish orange hue. Engaging notes of marmalade jam, molasses, brown sugar, and loganberry unite across the aroma and flavor profile of this first offering of Black Muscat. It is very bold, bright, yet smooth and rich with a hint of residual sugar. This wine continues to please in flavor and finish with its hedonistic and warming touch. Enjoy now through 2027.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
2012 ‘Vin Dore’ Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Arroyo Seco AVA
Tasting Notes
“Golden bronze color. Scents of honey, ripe fig, cloves, molasses, brown sugar, and caramelized apple make for a hedonistic experience. These characteristics gain intensity in the flavor profile, while the texture oozes with richness and viscosity. The sweet and sour attributes help to keep focus of this dense and deeply flavored dessert wine. Enjoy now through 2025. “
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
2013 ‘Villa Joseph’ Late Harvest Syrah
Chalone AVA
Tasting Notes
“Intensely dark red color. The aroma profile showcases very ripe boysenberry, blackberry, blueberry, and currant notes. Upon aeration, floral notes of hydrangea add a unique complexity to this flashy late harvest syrah. The flavors transition nicely onto the palate which exhibits syrup-like concentration. This heavy-hitter dessert wine aims to please with its hedonistic side while the bright acidity keep it from become too soft. Cool fermented and no oak use, preserves the fresh fruitiness profile while exhibiting the intended syrup-like palate. Enjoy now through 2027. “
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Novitiate of Los Gatos
The old Novitiate Winery was originally built in 1888 by Jesuit Fathers and Brothers from Santa Clara College (now Santa Clara University); it was intended to help fund their new seminary college, built on the grounds the same year. The term Novitiate means house of the novices, the name used for seminary students. For nearly 100 years, the Jesuits made altar wines, as well as sweet, fortified wines at the Novitiate Winery. The Novitiate Winery was best known for its fortified Black Muscat dessert wine (similar to a tawny port), which was a perennial gold medal winner at the California State Fair.