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I Nformation About Specific Wine Label

Noble wines from California strictly put numbers on there labels 337'667 etc. What do the numbers stand for, there web site says nothing.
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW

Noble Vines, a brand of California wine, has adopted the numbers pertaining to certain grape clones as a branding device. It makes for an interesting message but is not in fact unique. A clone is genetically identical to a certain original or "mother" vine. Clones have been propagated and registered over the years. Each clone in theory performs best under certain conditions of soil and climate and expresses distinctive characteristics. For example, one yields a more overtly fruity wine while another is more complex. Using clonal selections is standard in a modern vineyard; identifying them on the label is not. Moreover, wineries tend to prefer a mix of clones for security and a better, more balanced result. Noble Vines offers three wines with a specific clonal number: Cabernet Sauvignon 337, Pinot Noir 667, and Merlot 181. Their Chardonnay 446 refers to Clone 4 and, apparently, a certain parcel (Block 46) of the vineyard where the vines are planted. Trust this clears up the mystery!


About Our Expert

Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with a leading European company. Previously, he served as senior executive of importers Frederick Wildman & Sons. In recent years, Roger has judged wine competitions in Argentina, Turkey, Portugal, China and the U.S. Roger is one of America's first Masters of Wine.

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