The unique 1787 Brasher Doubloon he purchased in 2005 was the inspiration for the name of a new brand of wine, Arrow&Branch, just released by well-known professional numismatist and Napa Valley California vineyard owner Steven L. Contursi, President of Rare Coin Wholesalers of Irvine, California.
The eagle on the famous gold coin is depicted clutching arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other.
"This subsequently was a common design theme on many United States coins, indicating that America wants peace but also has the strength and willingness to defend itself. I named our Arrow&Branch Estate Vineyard in Napa and our wines in recognition of that familiar design," explained Contursi.
The wine bottle labels depict arrows and a branch with the Latin words, TELUM (arrow) and STIPES (branch).
The first production of eagerly anticipated Arrow&Branch wines was released today, April 26, 2011: a 2008 red wine that emulates Napa’s version of a right bank Bordeaux wine made from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec, and a beautifully layered Sauvignon Blanc from the 2010 vintage that also shows the complexity that can be created by making a Napa version in the white Bordeaux style.
The main source of grapes for the red wine comes from the Napa estate vineyard Contursi and his wife, Seanne, purchased in 2007.
"Our production of red wine in 2008 was limited to only 62 cases due to critical crop selection and final blending decisions. Our 2010 Sauvignon Blanc production is only 204 cases. Our intent is always to make the best wine possible, not the most," said Contursi.
The 2008 Arrow&Branch red wine is priced at $125 per bottle and is limited to one three-bottle set per customer. The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is $35 per bottle.
In a recent tasting at benu restaurant in San Francisco, Head Sommelier Yoon Ha made these notes about the high quality of the Arrow&Branch wines:
"2008 Red Wine: A truly unique wine from a tiny, historical site in southeastern Napa. Layers of sweet blue fruits, fresh tobacco, black currant leaf and violets. The Cabernet Franc, on which this wine is based, is impressively versatile at the table. I took great pleasure in pairing this wine with Corey Lee’s braised beef with daikon, ginkgo nuts and pear."
"2010 Sauvignon Blanc: Citrus notes of Meyer lemon that expand to curd and rise to verbena. The small amount of oak is discreet on the nose, as its real purpose is to lend a silky texture. Within this luxurious mouthful lives a beam of acidity, creating balance and harmony."
The unique Brasher Doubloon with designer Ephraim Brasher’s "EB" hallmark on the eagle’s breast is insured by Contursi for $7.5 million. He has exhibited the gold coin in a half dozen cities nationwide, most recently at the ANA National Money ShowSM in Sacramento, California this past March.
For additional information about Arrow&Branch wine, visit online at www.ArrowandBranch.com or call (707) 927-3640.
