Opus One Winemaker Launches His Own Brand

Jun 12, 2014 at 8:45 AM Permalink Be the first to comment on this post

Opus One Assistant Winemaker & Cellarmaster Unveils a New Winery

Mike Farmer announced today that he is launching Euclid Wines with his son, Lucas Farmer. Mike Farmer has been a long-time employee at Robert Mondavi and Opus One Winery. He recently retired after 35 years with the company to focus on Euclid.

Farmer started working at Robert Mondavi in 1979 as a cellar worker. When the Opus One Winery was built he worked at that location for 21 years as Cellarmaster and Assistant Winemaker. Tim Mondavi, an initial Co-Winemaker for Opus One, recalls, “I have always valued Mike’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to every aspect of the winemaking process. His logistical capabilities are excellent, but it is his winemaking skill and artistry that allows him to achieve the highest level of quality. I look forward to seeing he and his son’s Euclid project flourish for many years to come.”

The name, Euclid, is Mike's middle name and the name of his Grandfather and Lucas’ Great grandfather. Euclid Doucette was a man known for his passion, hard work and integrity - qualities Mike and Lucas wanted represented in their new venture. Euclid Wines will be spearheaded by Mike and Lucas and made in Napa. The father-son team released a small, initial offering of the 2009 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon to friends and family last year, which quickly sold out and met with success winning a Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle tasting. This year, with Mike’s retirement on the horizon, the team decided to expand and is offering a 2010 Cabernet Sauvignonand 2010 Syrah.

Mike says his goal is to continue the journey, “I have decided to take what I have learned and focus on creating wines that are representative of the terrior. Our goal is to create wines that are elegant and long-lasting, but also delicious upon release.”

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Clark Claudon vineyard on Howell Mountain. The Farmer’s chose this fruit for the famous concentration and bright acidity this appellation provides. The wine is robust, with present acids and tannins, and is meant to age. The Syrah also features terrior-driven fruit from the Sierra Foothills appellation. “It’s a “Cab-drinkers” Syrah, explains Lucas. “Our goal is to make something we’d like to drink.”

Both wines are made in small quantities – less than 250 cases each, and will be sold direct from their website euclidwines.com or by calling the winery at (707) 681-9463. The 2010 Euclid Cabernet Sauvignon is $85.00 and the 2010 Euclid Syrah is $40.00 retail.

About Euclid Wines Euclid Wines is a limited production, family-owned winery owned by a Napa winemaker, Mike Farmer and his son, Lucas Farmer. Euclid makes elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and other red wines in Napa. For more information go to http://www.euclidwines.com or follow them on Facebook @EuclidWines, Twitter @euclidwines, and You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/Euclidwines.

Jun 11, 2014 at 11:09 AM Permalink