Terlato and Nicklaus Families Launch Jack Nicklaus Label

LAKE BLUFF, Ill., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Terlato Wines and golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his family today announced their partnership on Jack Nicklaus Wines, a new line of handcrafted, limited-production wines from California's famed Napa Valley. In a nod to golf history and tradition, the first bottles of the inaugural vintage -- the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Private Reserve -- will be uncorked by Nicklaus at a private event at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland, globally recognized as the birthplace of golf.

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The wines' public debut was today at the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial Tournament, being played June 3-6 at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

The Nicklaus and Terlato families share a lifelong pursuit of excellence and achievement in their respective fields -- as well as a deep appreciation for the land, whether creating memorable golf courses from stunning terrain, or growing grapes in exceptional vineyard soils. When Nicklaus, a long-time wine collector, sought to create a signature wine, he and his family looked for a partner who held high standards consistent with their own.

Nicklaus and his sons, Jack II and Gary, visited the Terlato-owned vineyards in California to meet with TWI Chairman and Founder Anthony Terlato and his sons, Bill and John. They toured the Terlato-owned Chimney Rock and Rutherford Hill wineries, and what emerged from two extraordinary days in Napa Valley was a friendship and two fabulous new wines.

"It took just moments for us to know that this was going to be a great partnership," said Nicklaus. "We immediately felt a mutual respect and a connection, sparked by a shared passion for quality and a vision to create something that embodies the high standards of both our families."

No name is more synonymous with greatness in the sport of golf than Jack Nicklaus. He has defined the sport for six decades as the most prolific champion, designer, philanthropist and goodwill ambassador. Now Nicklaus has brought this commitment and passion to his private hobby, wine.

"Jack has lived his entire life in pursuit of excellence," said Bill Terlato. "Whether mastering the game of golf and dominating his competition like no one before him, or by designing some of the most magnificent and distinctive golf courses around the globe, Jack has demonstrated world-class standards. We're very proud of our relationship with Jack, his family and his brand."

Legendary in its own right, the Terlato family has been a driving force in the emergence of a growing wine culture in America. For more than 60 years, the Terlato family has brought some of the world's greatest wines to the American table. With their rich and complex harmony, the new Jack Nicklaus Wines from Napa Valley -- made from hand-selected fruit from the Terlatos' finest vineyards -- elegantly complement the world-class Terlato wine portfolio.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant garnet color in the glass with aromas of blackberry, red plum and notes of cedar. It's full bodied and rich with intense, layered mocha and red current flavors with undertones of sweet spice.  The concentrated mid-palate glides into a long and lingering finish.

The Private Reserve incorporates Bordeaux grapes and Syrah, with the intense and structured Cabernet offering deep black cherry fruit with accents of vanilla and smoky paprika.  The concentrated layers of dark fruit -- black cherries and black raspberry -- are wrapped with velvety tannins and a subtle earthiness.

Embodying the excellence one would associate with the Nicklaus name, the Limited Production 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with its smooth and complex structure, is priced at $35. The 2007 Limited Production Private Reserve, a Bordeaux-style blend which combines fruit from prestigious Napa Valley appellations, is priced at $43. Both wines are available through www.uncorked.com and at premier golf clubs and resorts throughout the United States.

Terlato Wines International has a global portfolio of more than 50 brands from a host of world class wine producers and presently markets more than one out of eight bottles of wine over $14 sold in America. Terlato, with more 90+ ratings than any wine company in the world, is the flagship company of the Terlato Wine Group, the parent company of several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. Owned and operated by the Terlato family, the Group also includes the family's winery investments and partnerships in some of the world's most esteemed wine regions, including: Napa Valley; Sonoma County; Santa Barbara County; Victoria, Australia; the Rhone Valley in France; and Montalcino, Italy.

The Terlato Wines International portfolio of brands includes: Napa Valley: Brandlin, Chimney Rock, Cuvaison Estate Wines, Jack Nicklaus Wines, Luke Donald Collection, Markham Vineyards, Quickfire, Rutherford Hill, Tangley Oaks, Terlato Family Vineyards and Two Hands-Napa Valley; Sonoma County: Alderbrook, Hanna, Hideaway Creek, Rochioli and Terlato Family Vineyards; Santa Barbara County: Sanford and Tangley Oaks; California Appellation: Glass Mountain and Seven Daughters; Oregon: Sokol Blosser; Italy: Baglio di Pianetto, Ca' Marcanda (Gaja Toscana), Florio Martinez Marsala, Gaja, Il Poggione, Kettmeir, MAZZONI (Toscana), Santa Margherita, Tiramisu, Torresella and Distillatori Nonino (Grappa); France: Champagne Bollinger, M. Chapoutier, Domaine Chanson, Josmeyer, Langlois-Chateau and Mischief and Mayhem; Australia: Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier, Domaine Tournon and Two Hands; Argentina: Tamari; Canada: Peller Estates Icewine; Greece: Boutari; New Zealand: Wairau River; South Africa: Anthonij Rupert, Cirrus, Guardian Peak, Engelbrecht-Els, Ernie Els Signature and Rust En Vrede; Spain: Olvena; Switzerland: Xellent Swiss Vodka; Japan: Shimizu-no-mai Sake.  

SOURCE Terlato Wines International