Bordeaux Through the Vintages with Anne Malhere at Vinum55 in Scottsdale
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A wine tasting event this week at Vinum55 showcasing some right bank wines from André Lurton Famile of wines. They have been around since 1897. We tasted seven different wines with one being white, the 2023 Chateau de Cruzeau White. This was 100% Sauvignon Blanc which had a roundness, white fruit and light citrus flavors. This is a bit unique as most white wines from Bordeaux are blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up were two red wines, the first being a 2020 Chateau Tour de Segur. Right bank St Emilion style that was very dry and soft with 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The next red wine was a 2021 Chateau de Barbe Blanch which was a bit darker than the previous wine. Again, dry with red ripe fruit and medium viscosity in the glass. Made with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The next four wines were all Chateau La Louviere Rouge but different vintages to compare and contrast the terroir and blend changes. Anne Malhere pointed out they were done with the same wine maker and used the same barrel treatment. This was an opportunity to taste different growing seasons and the influence on each taste.
The first was the 2016 vintage that was 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Anne pointed out that the primary flavor is fruit, secondary flavors is the wine making and tertiary flavors come from aging and barrel treatment.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second vintage was 2018 but this time with a 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. This wine was just slightly darker than the previous and yet brilliantly clear.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The next two wines scored the highest points in my evaluation this evening. The first being 2019 vintage being 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. A very balanced wine scoring high on the eyes, taste and finish.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was followed by 2021 vintage that was 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. This was the darkest of all the wines this evening coming in with a garnet red coloring and luscious red fruits. A solid wine.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While enjoying tasting various right bank wines, I have been more a left bank wine enthusiast over the years, and this reconfirmed my prior perspective. I did appreciate attending the event as I have not often tasted this many right bank wines at one sitting. This was just one winery out of 5600 family vineyards in the Bordeaux region.
Pricing for these wines started at $30/bottle and went up to $70/bottle.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2008 Hewitt Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – A Flashback of Immense Enjoyment
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Working through some “older wines” to get the cellar up to date.
Opened this wine last evening which had been cellared for sixteen years. What a treat revisited indeed. The Hewitt Vineyard of approximately 60 acres in the historic center of Napa Valley in Rutherford Bench has always made fascinating wines. World famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon’s “Rutherford dust”, a quality bestowed on wines from this area in Napa Valley. Unfortunately, Provenance Winery and the Hewitt Vineyard labels were sold. Tom Rinaldi was the winemaker at both facilities and spent some quality time with him. He conducted one of the best blending exercises ever and still can remember it 20 plus years later!
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Opened this wine up and let it decant for one hour before tasting. The wine on the eyes was a luscious dark red berry, almost black, and with heavy viscosity. On the nose, violets and floral aromas waft into the senses. On the palate, black cherries, blackberries and cocoa are the dominate flavors. Secondly, flavors of leather, sweet pipe tobacco and black licorice were present. On the finish, the “Rutherford dust” and tannins of immense proportions, jagged and inviting, along with vanilla completed the sip. Complexity and layers of enjoyment are the words that spring forth in describing this beautiful wine. One of the “chewiest” Cabernet Sauvignon experienced and always in my top Napa Valley wines listing.
The wine was produced by the famous and iconic winemaker Tom Rinaldi (no longer there). Still one of the top winemakers that has produced wines in Napa Valley (IMHO). The wine is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. It was aged 22 months in 100% French barrels with 77% being new. Wine Spectator rated it 96 points and in 2013 it was ranked #4 wine in the top 100 wines! Wine wholesalers still show a pricing ranging from $160 to $400/bottle but only a few bottles are available.
Tom Rinaldi is still producing wine as a winemaker and consulting winemaker at Patent Wines and Pellet Estate. I have not reviewed or tasted their wines but hope to do so shortly. I can only assume with Tom at the helm, the wines will also be delicious.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
The Wine Club of Greater Phoenix First Session – Cabernet Franc Wines From Around the USA
Last night we held the first “official session” of The Wine Club of Greater Phoenix besides the planning group. Last night’s group was on Cabernet Franc from various states in the USA. It was a blind tasting event with Cabernet Franc wines from Michigan, El Dorado County (Calif), Columbia Valley, WA, Elgin AZ, and Finger Lakes, NY. A special sixth entry was from Texas and the grapes coming from Coombsville, Napa.
Not all the wines shown Photo ©Michael Kelly
A quick recap of the key characteristics of taste and flavor of Cabernet Franc from each area was presented. There was a simple one-pager, a three pager with graphs/charts and a full ten-page explanation handed out. For last night we focused on the one-pager detailing the differences for each area where the vineyards & wineries were located. For example, Cabernet Franc from the Northwest (Oregon, Washington & Idaho) generally have the following traits that share classic red-fruit, herbal profile whereas with Washington long sunny growing season and cool evenings, produce more ripe, structured wines. Fruits include raspberries, black cherry, and sometimes blackberries. Aromatics of violet, dried herbs, tobacco and bell pepper are common. Barrel selection and time spent in the barrel can impart spice and tannins of varying degree, etc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wines, unbeknownst to the guests, were from previous International Cabernet Franc Wine Competitions, winning awards from Bronze to Double-Gold. Three of the wines were also won Best of Class. Wines last evening were: 2017 Cody Kresta from Michigan, 2020 Boeger from Sierra Foothills Calif, 2021 Wautoma Springs from Columbia Valley Washington, 2019 Callaghan from Elgin Arizona and 2022 Boundary Break from the Finger Lakes in upstate New York.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Tasting blind (bagged bottles) we went through them one by one with each person giving their “judged score”, personal preferences with and without food. At the end we revealed how the Professional Judges and People’s Choice Judges rated them in prior competitions.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Each person brought an appetizer dish that would be compatible with Cabernet Franc wine. We enjoyed garlic with mushroom crostini with thyme & garlic, mini-bell peppers (orange, red and yellow) with goat cheese and herb spread, stuffed Poblano peppers, baked Brie with homemade cranberry compote, and crostini with goat cheese, fig jam, walnut and drizzled with honey. All were especially enjoyable with the wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In almost every case the wine score without food increased in their rating with selected foods. As I have written about for years, food enhances wine and wine completes the food choice. The best quote is by Andre Simon that “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We concluded the blind tasting with a bagged bottle from Middle Oak Wines from Friendswood, Texas called “The Middle C”. The grapes come from Coombsville in Napa Valley. Two of the group guessed correctly it was a California Cabernet Franc.
Lots of interaction and discussion during the evening. So much so, that while we “schedule” a one hour and half meeting think it might go two hours, this lasted an enjoyable three hours. We are working on determining whether the next meeting will be held either October 1st or October 8th. Once we firm up a date and location, the host will determine the theme/topic for the evening.
If you would like to join us, please drop me an email at mkellyaz26@gmail.com .
Cheers,
Michael Kelly
The Wine Group of Greater Phoenix
Birds and Barrels Vineyards 2021 Malbec and Nebraska Ribeye Steak
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Having just recently moved to Arizona and continuing to publish on California Wines and Wineries, I started a new website called Arizona Wines and Wineries. I am only beginning to become acquainted with the wine industry and wineries in Arizona. So far, I have had the opportunity to taste about a dozen wines. Birds and Barrels Vineyards was recommended by a new friend here is Arizona. I called the owners to see where I might pick up a bottle locally in the Phoenix area as they are in southwest Arizona in Willcox. Drove to a specific local market and picked up this bottle.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes, this wine possesses a dark and royal purple color showing the pedigree of the Malbec grape. On the nose, fresh violets waft gently from the glass to awaken the senses. On the palate, black plum, black cherry are dominant with secondary flavor of blueberry. The blueberry provides a lush, smooth and a modicum of semi-sweet finish. The tannins were a bit perplexing in that they were both noticeably present and yet rounded with smoothness. This wine comes in at 14.8% alcohol.
The wine is 100% estate grapes with only 42 cases being produced. For the 2021 vintage they switched up the barrel treatment to neutral French and Hungarian oak, being 9-12 years old. The remarkable fact is that this wine gracefully aged in barrel for 42 months!
If this is the quality of their overall winery, I can’t wait to visit to taste their other wines.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired with a beautiful Nebraska ribeye steak picked up at a local butcher shop. Seasoned with Applewood smoked salt, mesquite seasoning and roasted garlic powder. Then seared at 1500 degrees on the BBQ on the outside and to a perfect medium-rare on the inside. Accompanied by small red potatoes seasoned with Gouda cheese and a fresh salad of sauteed cut tomatoes, broccoli and purple onions.
An excellent wine and food pairing as the wine surrounding each bite providing just enough tannins to cut through the beef and the fruit calming the BBQ flavors.
The Winery
I will be meeting with the owners later in September, but I have gleamed some information on their website and additional AVA information. Chad and Monica Preston began Birds and Barrels in 2015. Their approach was simply to craft artisan wines with a minimal intrusion of mechanical equipment often used in mass production.
Map courtesy of https://ontheworldmap.com/usa/state/arizona/
They are located in the Willcox AVA which produces approximately 75% to 80% of the state’s wine grapes. The region sits in both Cochise and Graham counties covering a large 833 square miles! Elevations within the region range from 4,000 to 5,500 feet above sea level. The Birds and Barrels Vineyard is located at 4,300 feet elevation on the Willcox bench. One of the key traits of the area is the enormous diurnal temperature swings of 30 to 50 degrees. These nighttime temperatures drop stress the grape skins in a positive manner, stimulating the production of anthocyanins (color compounds) and preserving volatile aromatics that would be destroyed by continuous heat. Having warm temperatures in the day allows the grapes to ripen completely and accumulate sugars. The cool temperature from open nighttime skies allowing the heat to escape the vineyards. Cold air also flows down from the surrounding mountain ranges of Chiricahua and Dragoon mountains to pool in the valley floor.
Currently they list the following wines on their website most coming from the Willcox AVA: Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah Rosé, Vino Biano Chardonnay, Riesling, Tempranillo, Pinotage, SBR Tannat, Grenache, a few blends and an uncommon Petit Manseng and several others. Noted were two wines not using grapes from Willcox, those being their Dolcissimo (Symphony grape from Lodi, Calif), Bolle sparkling wine (from Lodi, Calif),
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2015 Peter Michael Winery Chardonnay “La Carrière” and Baked Italian Chicken Rollatini
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
From Peter Michael Winery website: ‘La Carrière’, French for “The Quarry”, reflects the vineyard’s spoon shape and tremendously rocky soils. Situated between 1,200 and 1,700 feet (366 and 518 meters) above sea level on steep mountain slopes exceeding 40 percent in grade, the vineyard has ideal southern and southeastern exposures. The shallow, rocky soils provide excellent drainage with restricted fertility, resulting in lower fruit yields with profound richness and character. As stated by their marketing ‘La Carrière’ provides a signature complexity and liquid minerality from its mountainous origin”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The winery produces other top-rated wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon blends, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Their winery is in Knights Valley in Somona County.
The history of Sir Michael David is a great read on their website listed below.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2015 Peter Michael La Carrière Chardonnay is a wine that can be aged like many top-shelf French Chardonnays. The deep and rich golden color was striking along with its minerality, almond, jasmine, lemon and pear notes. The intense creaminess was the hallmark of this wine coupled with a heavy viscosity. The finish provided jasmine and pear with a touch of butterscotch. Wine Advocate gave this wine 95-97 points. Currently online it is running around $170/bottle. It should be noted that this is one of the few American Chardonnay’s that is age worthy. I generally drink them 8-11 years after the vintage date.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with a new recipe called Baked Italian Chicken Rollatini that came out spectacular! It is baked chicken rollatini that is rolled, breaded and filled with prosciutto and smoked provolone cheese. The ingredients are chicken breasts filleted and pounded, kosher salt, black pepper, EVOO, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, smoked Provolone cheese, butter, prosciutto, chicken broth and white wine. Accompanied by baby asparagus and half a baked Russet potato.
A very good wine pairing with the Chardonnay complementing the chicken and a counterbalance to the prosciutto.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Spain through the Glass by GIL Family Estates at Vinum55 in Scottsdale
Slide from GIL Family Estates
Tonight’s presentation was by Ian Giza, Western Regional Sales Director for GIL Family Estates. This was a highly anticipated event as Spanish wines, in my opinion, are underrated and a tremendous bargain. Spanish wines over the years have represented the second or third most wines in my cellar by country. A map was presented of the various locations of vineyards and areas around Spain for a greater understanding. Also noted is which varieties are dominant in an area. Spain is the 4th largest country in Europe and is roughly the same size as California and Nevada combined.
Slide from GIL Family Estates
Classification of Spanish wines are broken down into four distinct classifications:
*Joven-young wines with little or no oak
*Crianza-aged for at least two years with a minimum of six months in oak and mostly twelve
*Reserva-Aged for at least three years, with at least one year in oak
*Gran Reserva-Aged for at least five years, with two or more years in oak.
The evening started out with a greeting of NV Bodegas Tridente Cantagrillos Sparkling Brut that was refreshing and enjoyable, a pleasant welcoming pour especially when coming inside from 112 degree weather!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next was a full introduction of Spain and the various regions, and the history of GIL Family, being now over 100 years old and managed by their 4th generation family.
Slide from GIL Family Estates
Their agricultural practices and care/concern for the land are extraordinary as outlined in this slide.
Slide from GIL Family Estates
We jumped right into the first pour. It was a 2025 Lagar da Condesa O Fillo da Condesa Albariño Rias Baixas. It was especially clear, crisp and bright in the glass and one of the better Albariño’s tasted in some time. This area in the northwest portion of Spain is known for producing some of the best Albariño’s in the world.
I had just recently tasted two Albariño’s, one that won Best of Show White Wine at 2026 SF Chronicle Wine Competition. The other won Double Gold at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition and awarded 98 points! The wineries being Las Positas Vineyards and Cellar13 are both from Livermore, California. Tonight this wine was equally delicious! This wine and three others received my highest scores of the evening, a rare occurrence with 4 out of 7 wines being rated this high. The other three missed the mark by a half point, still an excellent rating.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Up next was the 2024 Bodega Atalya La Bien Plata Garnacha Almansa. Again, having enjoyed Garnacha from this area for some time, it also was phenomenal. Grown at 3200 feet elevation from plantings that are 90 years old.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We moved on to the 2022 Cellars Can Blau Red Blend Montsant which appearing in the glass could be classified light and almost semi-translucent with a radiant purple coloring. However, this is far from reality as it came through as strong and spicy with the Cariñena and Syrah helping to punch up this blend. This was one of the best scores given this evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Not only was this wine a blend of Garnacha, Cariñena and Syrah it is also a blend of three soil types, with two very different soils shown in the slide.
Slide from GIL Family Estates
The region of Jumilla in the southeastern portion of Spain has been a favorite for the last twenty years. When I first saw the geography of the region, I was shocked that anything could grow on it. Not only does it allow vines to grow, but the wine also produced is exquisite.
Slide from GIL Family Estates
Served this evening was the 2023 Juan Gil 110th year Anniversary Monastrell Jumilla. First on the nose, dark fruits of blackberries and blueberries fill the olfactory senses. On the palate, smooth and silky tannins allow the wine to glide down joyously with every sip. Mild spices are noted on the finish. This area is a high-altitude vineyard in Jumilla and rocky terrain. This wine was a standout winner for us again with the highest rating. I left the meeting ordering several bottles of this wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The next two wines also rated extremely well. The first one was the 2022 Bodegas Rosario Vera Tempranillo Rioja. Considering it’s meek price point of around $20/bottle, this was a wine consumer’s best friend this evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A special wine was served at the conclusion of the evening from 150-year-old vines. It was the 2021 Bodegas Tridente Rejon Tempranillo Castilla y Leon. Dark and brooding in the glass only began to describe this wine! 100% Tempranillo from pre-phylloxera vines in Castilla y Leon Spain due to the soil conditions. This vineyard was planted in 1898. Dark fruit of blackberries and plum abounded on the nose and palate. Oak and minerality were present at the finish. Key was the complexity and layers on each delightful sip. The wine comes in at 16% alcohol. It also received the highest marks for the evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Four wines hit all the high marks for this tasting for color on the eyes, aromatic notes on the nose, tasting for authenticity of place and a delightful finish. Those wines were: 2025 Lagar da Condesa O Fillo da Condesa Albariño, 2022 Cellars Can Blau Red Blend Montsant, the 2023 Juan Gil 110th Year Anniversary Monastrell Jumilla and the 2021 Bodegas Tridente Rejon Tempranillo Castilla y Leon.
Ian Giza did an outstanding job preparing and presenting these lovely wines from Spain. A special thank you to both Ian and Vinum55 for having this informative presentation and the opportunity to taste a wide range of wines showcasing not only GIL Family Estates but also Spain.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Stainless-Steel Sauvignon Blanc and Alaskan Halibut
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The stainless-steel fermented version is like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, lemon grass, etc. However, this is just a bit “tamer and more subdued”, yet zesty and lively. On the eyes there is a tantalizing light golden coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of lemon grass and tropical floral rise to meet the imbiber. On the palate, the strong flavors of grapefruit and lemon grass swirl about like a party in the mouth. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit. At the finish, a puckering and enjoyable finish of lemon zest. A complete and hearty Sauvignon Blanc from Livermore!! Only 240 cases were produced, and the wine was released in early March 2024, with 13.6% alcohol.
The current vintage is 2025 listed at $34/bottle and is 14% alcohol.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with Alaskan Halibut. Used a different spice with jalapeño and garlic and was disappointed. While tasting the seasoning from the jar, it was tangy and spicy, but when cooked the flavors dissipated. Will go back to my standard rub going forward. Served with mango and pineapple salsa. Accompanied by Tai Pei chicken with fried rice and vegetables with a Thai Chili Mango chopped salad that included broccoli, crumbled cauliflower, green cabbage, sunflower seeds, radicchio, Brussel sprouts and dried mango. This with a zesty Thai sweet chili vinaigrette with just enough spiciness and with the extra salsa added it to the salad. A slice of fresh sour dough also was served.
The wine with its just slightly muted New Zealand spiciness complimented the dish. Additionally, the temperature of the wine served cool, helped mitigate the “heat” of the spices with fish and salad.
A delicious meal with the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. As previously mentioned in another story, this wine made my Best Wines tasted in 2024. It will again make my list for 2026
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Tour of Italy Through the Wine Glass Presented by Classico Wines
slide by Classico Wines
This week Vinum55 hosted a wonderful one and half hour presentation by Kevin Smith from Classico Wines at their Chandler facility.
slide by Classico Wines
The meeting started up with everyone getting a refreshing non-vintage De Faveri “Valdobbiadene” Prosecco from Veneto in northern Italy. This is made with 100% Glera grapes and possesses an alluring aroma and flavor of fresh peaches.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Up next was the 2025 Agricosimo Pecorino from Abruzzo working our way up north. One of the key takeaways this evening was Kevin’s pointing out the differences between warm climate and cool climate wines and the effects on acidity. Wines in Italy that are from cool climate being more acidic, lighter body with more tartness and herbaceous quality. This wine being from Abruzzo on the east coast of Italy.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The third wine of the evening was the 2024 Conti Vermentino Sardegna. Vermentino is gaining traction in the USA as a nice in-between wine from a harsher/more citrus Sauvignon Blanc and a smooth Chardonnay. This is especially true in California. This wine provided all the harnessed citrus needed without overrunning the palate. This is a great wine with so many white tender fish and shell seafood dishes. This and the next wine having my highest rating of the evening for white wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The fourth wine was the 2025 Les Cretes Petite Arvine Valle d’ Aosta. This is a unique grape and not widely known. It comes from Valle d’ Aosta in northern Italy next to Switzerland. This cool climate wine is known for vibrant grapefruit notes, white flowers and a salinity finish. Bright acidity with a full body made me order a couple of bottles!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
That concluded the line up of white wines for the evening. We then moved on to the red wines which many were anxiously anticipating. Here again two red wines stood out and received my highest marks for the evening. The first red wine tasted was the 2022 Le Sabbie Dell Etan Rosso from Sicily. This wine possesses an earthiness and was very acidic being grown on the slopes of Mount Edna in Sicily.
slide by Classico Wines
This wine is often compared to Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo for its elegance, light to medium body viscosity and high acidity. Being planted on prior eruptions, the soil provides distinct mineral and smokey flavors, not pronounced but present.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of our personal favorite wines is Aglianico. Poured this evening was the 2018 Fontavecchia “Vigne Catarrate” Aglianico Reserva from Campania. Campania being on the southwest portion of Italy in a warmer climate. Here in this picture, you see Campania overlooking Naples with Mt Vesuvius in the background.
slide by Classico Wines
This was a hefty wine with tobacco, leather and dried herbs being forefront and very noticeable. Very different than a typical California Aglianico from Sonoma like VJB Cellars (one of our personal favorites). These two would make a great comparison in contrasting a warm verses cool climate identical grape.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then moved on to two of Italy’s most famous varietals, Nebbiolo and followed by Barolo. This 2017 Arpepe “Rocca di Piro” Grumello DOCG comes from Lombardia and is made from Chiavennasca grapes a local alpine name for Nebbiolo in Italy. This grape boosts a 500-year history in the mountains of Piedmont. This wine is light, but packs a punch with bright red fruit, high acidity and firm tannins. A wine looking to be paired with food. Notes flavors of sour red cherry, cranberries and raspberries. Secondary flavors of wet stone, herbal notes and surprisingly mint. Both this wine and the following received my highest ratings for the evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The last wine and a crowd favorite was the 2021 Boroli Barolo another DOCG wine from Piedmonte and made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Key notes of cherry and plum stood out. Wood from barrel aging were also noted. This is due to aging 18 months in oak and then aged another 18 months before release. This is a classical Barolo and a good standard in understanding why Barolo is sought after throughout the world.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A very energetic and thorough “ride along” through Italy with various stops to enjoy some of their special and unique wines. Personally, I really enjoyed being introduced to two grapes/wines that I had not tasted previously, the Nerello Mascalee and Petite Arvine. We were so enamored with the Italy tour (and previous visits there), we had made reservations at an Italian restaurant to complete our tour and make it a perfect evening.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
North Italia in Gilbert, Arizona Served an Incredible Delicious Meal
After a one and half hour wine presentation and tasting on Italian wines by Kevin Smith of Classico Fine Wines, a distributor, held at Vinum55 in Chandler, it only made sense to have an Italian dinner.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This restaurant was recommended by our oldest daughter who accompanied us to the seminar/tasting. With the temperature being 115 degrees during the day and only cooling to 108 by dinner, a refreshing Vermentino was ordered. The wine was a Lunae Colli di Luni Vermentino. It is 100% Vermentino from the hills of Liguria, northern Italy, near the Tuscany region. The wine being very dry with aromas of apricot, peach and a distinct briny and herbal finish. A perfect wine with a medium texture and mild white fish.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The ingredients for the Yellowtail Crudo included Castelvetrano olives, capers, orange, Sicilian pistachio, mint, avocado and Aleppo pepper. When having a bite of the fish with this wine, it was almost an “out of body experience” being light, exquisite, unique and words cannot describe the taste in its totality. Suffice it to say, I have already ordered today Sicilian pistachios and Aleppo pepper!!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As we were eating a bit late, I ordered another appetizer of beef carpaccio that consisted of pecorino stagionato, toasted pine nut, salsa verde, arugula and grilled bread. This was fine also with the wine.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Ordered a special dessert called Seasonal Butter Cake with gelato, banana slices and caramel sauce which both my wife and daughter also enjoyed.
A great presentation and tasting of Italian wines, followed by a delicious meal with some family. Life can’t get much better!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards Visit – A Tasting & Conversation with Christina Lopez
Acquiesce Winery in Acampo at 22353 N. Tretheway Road in Acampo (just north of Lodi) has been a phenomenal success under the watchful eye of Sue Tipton. Met Sue many years ago and have watched her rise to fame, even as Winemaker of the Year in 2022. The awards are too many and are staggering to list. Her wines are always kept in my cellar, like her exquisite white wines like Bourboulenc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, etc.
Photo from Acquiesce Winery
On my last visit to California, I contacted Sue and during the time frame she was traveling but had arranged for me to meet with Christina Lopez, winemaker and vineyard manager at Acquiesce. While having met Christina a few years back in passing had never spent any time with her and what a delight. She is extremely knowledgeable, witty and engaging. Here is a summary of our visit.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We first just started off talking and “informally introducing ourselves” to each other while sipping wonderful wines. First was their inaugural 2025 Grenache Gris which was light and elegant with citrus notes. It possesses a medium heavy body. This wine is listed at $35/bottle. This won Double Gold at the California State Fair Wine Competition and scored 97 points. It also received a Gold Medal at the International Women’s Wine Competition.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was their new 2025 “Sirens” a blend of Grenache Blanc, Gris and Noir. In Greek mythology, siren mermaids were dangerous and alluring hybrid creatures with the head of a woman and the body of a bird who lured passing sailors to their deaths with hypnotic songs. Don’t worry, you will be drawn to this wine without bodily harm! The wine is aromatic, silky and unique in their lineup. Flavors of peach and tropical fruits were dominant. Christina described it as “a pin ball wizard in the mouth” with so much going on. This won the highest accolades at the International Women’s Wine Competition of Best of the Best, Best White and Double Gold. Additionally at the California State Fair Wine Competition it won Double Gold. Impressive for a “new wine”. This wine sells for $44/bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Moving right along was their 2024 “Lucinda” a blend of Roussanne and Clairette Blanc that recently received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and named a Hidden Gem. It is listed at $44/bottle. Of the various wines tasted this day, this got my highest rating.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then partook of one of my favorites that Acquiesce produces, Roussanne. This was their current release the 2023. This wine burst forth with honeysuckle and counterbalanced with white tea notes. It was rated at 92 points by Wine Enthusiast and also noted as a Hidden Gem. It sells for $41/bottle. I was so enjoying the wine, I forgot to take a picture
The last wine that we tasted was again one that is always in the cellar, their Picpoul Blanc. The vineyard is now planted in the Beaucastel Clone. We tasted their 2025 vintage which possessed a mouth full filling and ended with a tart flavor. Picpoul translation from the original Occitan language means “lip stinger”. Acquiesce describes it as “light on its feet and lively on the finish”. The wine has a briny finish. This wine won Double Gold and was rated at 96 points at the California State Fair Wine Competition. It also won Gold at the International Women’s Wine Competition. It is listed at $37/bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
During the discussion we spoke on various topics. One of the questions I asked at each of fifteen wineries I visited was how their business levels were from 2024 to 2025 and expected in 2026. This was only for reference in understanding how the “downturn” in the wine business was affecting their business. While not going into detail, Acquiesce business has remained basically flat from 24 to 25 and expected to be at the same level in 2026. That is, in the scope of today’s economic climate, great news. One of the key reasons is their unique wine varietal line up essentially producing all white wines in an area (Central Valley) that is known for their red wines. Sue made this conscious decision when she started the winery amidst many naysayers. She has grown and is outpacing many wineries today.
Their current production is roughly 3,500 to 4,000 cases a year. Their wine club is strong with steadfast and loyal members keeping it at the same number. Christina mentioned that reservations seem less and yet more walk-ins are showing up at the tasting room.
That led to the next question of how they were doing with what I call the “alphabet generations”, the next wave of younger wine drinkers. They have a blend of events scheduled at the winery to both their existing wine club members and introducing unique and creative activities to draw in new folks. Here is a list of just some of their formal events for 2026.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Sunset Socials, Oysters, Smash Burgers and Sushi pairing events are filled up and capped out!
What a great afternoon spent with Christina and tasting some new wines. While I have been a supporter of Acquiesce for years, it was wonderful to see their evolving lineup.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly