et al. [et ahl]
abbreviation
Et al. is defined as an abbreviation for the Latin phrase et alia which means “and others,” "extra," or "in addition."
We are beyond elated to include this exquisite “extra” bottling from the revered winemaking team of Bob Levy & Martha McClellan in this month’s Kahuna Club. With just one vintage and one opportunity to procure it, ACME is forever grateful to Bob & Martha for letting us be the one and only retail store to offer this special project to their clients.
Bob Levy and Martha McClellan are the ultimate winemaking partners with résumés that include some of the most extraordinary and sought-after wines in the world. Bob has been Bill Harlan's consulting winemaker for three decades now, overseeing throughout the years the production of not only the sacrosanct bottlings of Harlan, but also The Maiden, BOND, and The Matriarch, all of which reside under the Harlan Family of Wines. Martha McClellan, formerly of Harlan, now makes another collection of cult status wines including Sloan, Vineyard 7 & 8, and Checkerboard. Their own collaboration, Levy & McClellan, coming off their home estate in the western foothills of northern Napa Valley is testament to their combined talents. It is the epitome of the style that has come to define “Cult” Cabs and easily one of the most inaccessible and desirable wine projects in the Napa Valley. The ACME Team has known both Bob and Martha as friends, neighbors, and colleagues over the years which has given us the propitious benefit of being able to acquire their wines year after year, both Levy & McClellan and Ampersand.
Et Al., however, is a “one and only” blend they decided to produce in one of the most demanding vintages of this past decade. The 2011 is a vintage of its own - a work of diversity, attitude and suspense. Some called it challenging, Bob & Martha think of it as a majestic tribute to the testament of experience and dedication. Says Levy, “It is one of those mysteries in life that unveil themselves with time and patience, surpassing all expectations and bringing purity and true appreciation. ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ rings particularly true for the 2011 vintage.” Levy added of the vintage, “At times we find ourselves with only 175 to 185 days from bud break to bloom, however, in 2011, we enjoyed the rare luxury of well over 200 days of growing season. It is for this reason we reflect back on what some consider to be a cool growing year, but we refer to as a blessing in the ability to achieve incredible ripeness at slightly lower brix levels with unbelievable development of flavor, color, seed maturity and supple skin tannins- velvety and plush. We are delighted to be able to offer a wine of soft tannins, elegant balance and sweet charm. It is a blend to enjoy for its delicate finesse and a tribute to our dedication in presenting the highest quality wines possible in each and every vintage.” We at ACME have long been advocates and admirers of the wines coming from the 2011 vintage. They show an energy and vibrancy not seen in warmer years and share a balanced maturity with a plush and elegant finish. The blend on this exclusive bottling is 90 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, & 3% Petit Verdot and fermented and aged in 100% brand new , small, French oak barrels. Only 400 cases produced.
