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2019 Diamond Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc – A Spectacular Wine and Treat
The Winery
Photo from Diamond Mountain Winery site
The winery sits on top of Diamond Mountain Vineyard in the northwest corner of Napa Valley at 2200 feet elevation. It was first settled in 1895 by Andras Rasmussen. After studying viticulture at UC Davis, Andras purchased 120 forested acres on the top of Diamond Mountain. He cleared 30 acres and planted the grapevines at the summit.
When prohibition came it was let go to be natural. Then in 1993 Fred and Mary Constant purchased the vineyard with the land overgrown and wild. Their first wine under Philippe Melka came in 1995. The current consulting winemaker is Paul Hobbs with his first vintage being the 2009. Current winemaker and General Manager is Kevin Vecchiarelli continuing a long standing tradition of quality production.
The next change was in 2016 when Aries Liu and Sai You became the property’s caretakers. This beautiful piece of property produces some of the most elegant, rich and powerful Bordeaux varietals Napa has to offer as well as other varietals. The wines offered today are: Rose, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Claret and their Cabernet Franc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Diamond Mountain Vineyard’s 2019 Cabernet Franc was a winner once again at 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition (March 29th, 2023). The Professional Judges awarded them both a Gold Medal and Best of Class in the $101 and up price category!
The Wine 2019 Diamond Mountain Vineyard “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine from the mountain top of Diamond Mountain is a “beast” like none other! With being above the fog, the growing season produces luscious, dark and rich fruit. First on the eyes, it is so dark, almost a reddish black coloring with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose a fragrant but soft lavender fills the senses with cherry coming in as a secondary aroma. Once on the palate, it bursts frist with blueberry and blackberry then opens up with plum and a forest mountain earthiness. The finish is long with silky smooth tannins but a strong structure is present along with a soft oak. This wine was sheer enjoyment. Less than 100 cases were produced and it sells for $200/bottle. The wine is 15.4% alcohol. This truly is a collector’s wine and will age for 10-14 years without a doubt.
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 BBQ’ed filet mignon seared at 1200 degrees and served medium rare. Topped off with a Bleu cheese, chive butter and accompanied by a Yukon Gold potato and sautéed fresh summer squash, peppers and zucchini. The wine was a perfect delight with this meal and a special treat.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Hindsight Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc
The Winery and Background
Previously I have written about the Hindsight Winery in Calistoga and their excellent red wines, especially their Cabernet Sauvignon’s. Their long time winemaker, Jac Cole retired. Now some excellent news—they hired Michael Weis, who was the head winemaker at Groth. He is well known for making spectacular wines and I believe he received 100 points from Wine Spectator for one of his Sauvignon Blanc vintages. Additional reading on the winery, ownership and their award winning Cabernet Sauvignon’s can be found at:
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Their 2021 Hindsight Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc release under Michael Weis was handcrafted with an artisan touch. First on the eyes it is a golden straw color and medium viscosity. On the nose, floral aromas, jasmine waft into the senses, along with reserved peach and apricot. On the palate, soft citrus accents of lime and lemon come into play and are kept in check with flavor but not overpowering. The finish provides a mouthful feeling of a much heavier wine rather than a “light Sauvignon Blanc” with a textual creaminess. This is most likely due to the addition of ten percent Semillon, Which also helps round out the acidity. This wine is currently is listed on their website for $29.99/bottle.
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
Our normal Friday Night “Wine & Dine Group” met Thursday night this week. Two specials were chosen for dinner. The first being the Salad of the Day with Southwestern grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, tomato, cucumber, cotija cheese, tortilla strips with avocado lime dressing.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second special of the day was seared Ahi with wasabi, pickled Ginger, seaweed nori, with a small salad and ponzu sauce. Both specials paired extraordinarily well with the 2021 Hindsight Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
The group also had several other wines to go mainly with Italian dishes and all were absolutely enjoyable.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
http://www.hindsightwines.com/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
2021 Wood Family Vineyards GSM – Does it stand for Great, Spicy and Meaty?
The Background on GSM
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Before I answer the question raised in the title, GSM in the wine world stands for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre – three important grapes grown in the Côtes du Rhône region of France. Today, it is universally produced around the world. Why blend these three wines? The blend produces a great complex red fruit flavors and is age worthy. Typically GSM wines are bright, with in your face aromas of ripe fruit, sage, herbs and can range from smooth to having edgy tannins. By changing the percentages of each varietal in the GSM, a winemaker can significantly change the flavor profile. By adding more Grenache, the lighter of the three grapes, the outcome will be a lighter wine. Adding more Syrah, the outcome is a stronger and bolder wine. Mourvèdre a strong grape varietal, is typically added in small amounts. The end result of each winemakers’ blend, when a bright and fruity Grenache is blended with deep and peppery Syrah and Mourvèdre, is like an artist creating a master piece to their liking. GSM, with three distinctly different grapes, can run the gamut of coloring and flavor profiles.
Admittedly, many have only tasted a weak GSM, while desiring more flavor and written off the entire classification of GSM wines. One size does not fit all with GSM percentages varying from winery to winery.
The Winery and Winemaker
I have written many stories on Wood Family Vineyards and will direct you to click on the links to find out more about this prominent winemaker. Located in eastern Livermore Valley, Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades at Wood Family Vineyards. 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/
and
Here is just a “partial listing” of her current winning wines:
- 2021 “Pink Pearl” Rose – Best of Class – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2021 Albariño – Best of Class – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2021 Chardonnay – 91 points Wine Enthusiast
- 2020 “The Captain” Red Blend – 94 points Wine Enthusiast + Editor’s Choice
- 2020 GSM – 93 points Wine Enthusiast + Editor’s Choice
- 2020 Petite Sirah – 93 points Wine Enthusiast
- 2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2019 LVVC – Double Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
The Wine 2021 Wood Family Vineyards GSM “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Immediately pouring the wine you are taken back with a magenta coloring with traces of purple and violet coloring and a medium viscosity. On the nose and palate is where you are awakened to something beautiful and appealing. On the nose, pepper, strawberry, and blackberry waft into the senses. On the palate is where the “masterpiece is painted” with the soft berry notes from the Grenache, the dark fruit of the Syrah and intense coloring, tannins and earthy notes of the Mourvèdre. All of these components provide beautiful and compatible flavors of strawberry, blackberry, dark plum and still providing a bright fruit on the palate. The finish is long and satisfying with gripping tannins which was surprisingly welcomed after the fruit, adding structure and complexity to a robust conclusion. One of the best GSM’s tasted in recent memory. This 2021 GSM will be available in August and will sell for $40/bottle. Her blend is 54% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre with 465 cases being produced.
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
GSM’s are known to pair well with fatter steaks like a ribeye. Yet this paired wonderfully with the meal of flank steak marinated in a light Chaka sauce. The acidity in the wine along with the tannins, helped tenderize the meat and imparted subtle flavors to the meat. The meal included BBQ’ed Portabella mushrooms and quartered red potatoes. Additional vegetables were grilled on the BBQ including summer squash, zucchini, red onions and bell peppers.
So to answer the questions poised at the beginning of the story, “does GSM stand for Great, Spicy and Meaty? The answer for Wood Family Vineyards is a resounding YES!
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Mineral Wines Cabernet Franc – One of Only Four Wines Awarded Double Gold at 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Brett Keller and his wife Andrea own Mineral Wines in Murphys, California. Brett started out in Hospitality Management but eventually went back to school earning his degree in Viticulture and Enology in 2003. When Brett and Andrea moved back to Angels Camp (Calaveras County), Brett took over management of Andrea’s family 4 acre Cherokee Creek Vineyard. Initially this property grew exclusively Merlot, but subsequently Brett grafted three acres of vineyard to Roussanne, Viognier and Petite Sirah. These are the main stay and define Mineral Wines today. In addition, they produce a Zinfandel, Malbec, and various Meritage blends, Tempranillo, Barbera, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their tasting room is located at 419 B Main St. Murphys, CA.
The Wine -2019 Mineral Wines Cabernet Franc
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was one of only four wines to be awarded Double Medals at the 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition this year by the Professional Judges across all regions and price points! This award was in the $31 to $50 price category. The 2019 Mineral Wine Cabernet Franc is a deep crimson color on the eyes and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of violets, black fruits and black cherry abound. On the palate, blackberry, cigar tobacco, balanced with a subtle vanilla spice presents a very drinkable Cabernet Franc. The finish has the typical pyrazine (green bell pepper) but it is in the background providing a smooth finish. The tannins are tame and enjoyable. The current release is the 2019 and believe it was listed at $40/bottle. A very solid wine and a bargain at this price for such good quality.
Note on the label the Flourite ‘Alien Eye’ with Aquamarine ‘lashes’ – Erongo Mountain, Namibia.
Sláinte,
Michael
2013 Trespass Vineyard Rendezvous – A Wine Worth the Wait!
The Winery
Trespass Vineyard is in St Helena at the base of Spring Mountain and owned by Don and Dana Gallagher. They have meticulously worked their 5 acre vineyard to produce some of the most exquisite wines. Well known winemaker Kirk Venge, along with Don & Dana Gallagher, collaborate in the winemaking process Currently they produce Zinfandel, Rendezvous (blend), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mayhem (blend). Most recently they have added from a Russian River vineyard, Pinot Noir under the label Encroachment. The Rendezvous blend was a 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Cabernet Franc but changed to a 50/50 more recently. Their Mayhem has 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot. In my opinion, they are in the top twenty-five wineries making Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. When blended, they achieve high accolades for their wines. For the last eight years, one if not two or three make my Annual List of Best Wines Tasted for the year.
As an aside to the wine itself, two items have always caught my attention. First it is the label which is a beautiful water color of the vineyard at the base of Spring Mountain in Saint Helena. The second item is the statement on the back of the bottle which reads “Now and again one comes across a place so extraordinary it captures the imagination, yet you are not allowed to enter. We invite you to TRESPASS”. A very nice play on the wording with the picture on the front of the bottle.
The Wine – 2013 Trespass Vineyard Rendezvous
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As mentioned with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Cabernet Franc, this wine has evolved nicely over time. Pulled out of the cellar to taste after 10 years, this wine stood out not only one of the Best Wines tasted during the year, but perhaps of the last 10 years! On the eyes a very dark and intriguing blackish coloring and medium-heavy viscosity in the glass. On the nose, wildly enticing aromas of clove and black fruit rushed to the senses. On the palate, black & red cherries, combine with a sensual blueberry. Secondary flavors of licorice, dried herbs and counterbalanced with alluring vanilla made this a full body wine. Dana has stated “it is an array of Christmas spices”. On the finish, it is long lasting with edgy and embracing tannins even after 10 years. Only 125 cases were produced and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered and unrefined. Today’s price, if available is around $140/bottle. Their currently release is the 2019 and is listed at $150/bottle. Yet by all accounts well worth it for that special meal to enjoy with good friends.
Without really having to state it but I will, the wine made my Annual Best Wines Tasted in the Year for 2023, which comes out in December each year.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://trespassvineyard.com
2021 LXV Wines Cabernet Franc – Their Tradition Continues, Back to Back Vintage Winners!
The Wine Tasting Experience
Photo from LXV Wines website
A unique experience from a unique culture to the wine industry. Neeta Mittal is the owner of LXV Wines. It started in India in a village south of Mumbai, where her mother lives and frequently visits the spice market to find fragment herbs for Tandoori Masala. The goal of Neeta is unconventional in that her goal is to open up as she states “the restrained jargon of pH and acidity” to flavors and senses. The LXV Wine experience at the tasting room in Paso Robles was named to the Top 10 by USA Today. The end goal is to create at their tasting room “a movement that inspires and heightens moments, and that transcends the personal, business and community”. Lofty goals for sure and she is obtaining them often. I was privileged to enjoy a home cooked meal last December with various Cabernet Franc wines, and the creativity and uniqueness was so far beyond any typical food and wine pairing.
Just as unique was how they found Paso Robles! Her husband Kunal and she on a flight wanted to land at Oceano’s county airport, but being fogged in, they detoured and landed at Paso Robles. They immediately made the most of this unexpected arrival and connected with the people of Paso Robles. The land also reminded them of India.
They hired consulting winemaker Jeff Strekas with his background from Napa and Bordeaux style of wine making that was a match for Neeta and Kunal. Jeff’s creativity and willingness to experiment in new varietals that Neeta enjoys like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Semillon have proven excellent. Additionally he has adapted to Kunal in his love for Cabernet Franc. The vineyards are situated mostly around Paso Robles on some of the most pristinely manicured and hand selected vineyards.
The tasting room just off the main square in downtown Paso Robles has three separate areas to taste their exquisite wines- the main tasting lounge, the Cellar room and the outdoor patio. At each location, besides the wine, flavor samples are available with simply exotic spices and aromas. For example Irish Monk – dulse flakes, miso, pink peppers, amchur, cardamom and black vanilla. Another is Chai Garm Chai – black tea, tulsi, green & black caardamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, rose petals. Currently seven other tastings are available with various wines.
The 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine won the Grand Sweepstakes Award at the 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition in April 2023 from the Professional Judges. This was the first time they entered and walked away with a “ton of hardware” including Gold Medal, Best of Class and Best of Show/Division for their price category ($76 to $100).
Now the 2021 LXV Wines Cabernet Franc
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I was given a “sneak preview” of LXV Wines 2021 Cabernet Franc and it was equally as good as the 2020! On the eyes an enticing dark cavernous purple coloring. On the nose, raspberries and lavenders reach out to the senses. On the palate is where the wine shines with fruit including blueberries and vanilla. The finish shows a depth of structure and spices of white pepper and sage. Unique is the smoothness of caressing velvety tannins. So uniquely smooth and enjoyable. Their notes include “structure of Chinon (France) and the aromatics of Bourgueil! Laced with herbaceousness, blessed with copious fruit”. In the production, the grapes were fermented 17 days using short and gentle pump-overs to avoid over-extraction and with predicated result. Aged in 40% new French oak barriques and puncheons for 20 months. While having a wide ranging taste it is only 14% alcohol.
The 2021 wine will be released in August and will sell for $95. I am sure if any is left by March of 2024 for the 5th International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition it will win many awards!! Now both the 2020 and 2021 Cabernet Franc wines from LXV Wines have made my list of Best Wines Tasted for 2023 that is published annually in December.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At dinner it was paired with braised beef ribs, blackened salmon with sauce, baked beans, Russet potato and dessert was a pineapple upside down cake. The braised beef ribs were so delicious with the wine and made a lovely pairing. Paradoxically the wine was brawny enough to go with the beef and yet “light hearted” to be enjoyed with salmon. Dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jaime Alderete, Verona18 Restaurant, for the Copper Valley Invitational that was absolutely delicious!
Sláinte,
Michael
2011 Crocker & Starr “Stone Place” Cabernet Sauvignon
The Winery
This came up on the 2023 “To Drink List” over last weekend. While admittedly having more than “a few bottles” of Crocker & Starr in the cellar, I have been patiently waiting to open many of them. This was again such a wonderful tasting wine and confirmed why we were wine club members there for ten years!
I did a previous story on the excellent partnership and friendship between Pam Starr and Charlie Crocker many years ago for more details click:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/01/crocker-starr-2/
The Wine
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pam Starr has always made some of the best Cabernet Franc’s and Cabernet Sauvignon’s in Napa Valley. Her 2011 Stone Place Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception! She added about 5% Petit Verdot which is easily seen in the wine glass with its bright ruby coloring. It has a medium to medium heavy viscosity as seen in a few swirls of the goblet. On the nose aromas rise up of floral notes of violet and espresso. On the palate the wine provides wide reaching tastes of dark chocolate, raspberries, spicy black pepper, plum, pipe tobacco and black licorice. The finish is where gentle oak and minerality come into play, with a faint hint of vanilla to entice one to take yet another sip of this intoxicating Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are present but not obtrusive and the structure shows layer upon layers of distinction.
The current release of this wine is the 2019 coming out in the Fall of 2023 and will sell for $195/bottle.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc
The Wine
The Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc on the eyes is a dark ruby red/purple and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose blackberry and cherry were dominant. On the palate, plum and caramel pipe tobacco engulfed the mouth with a hint of milk chocolate. The finish is medium with soft edges and extremely smooth with an earthiness, an absence of any strong pyrazines (bell pepper) made for a soft and smooth landing and lingering finish with a hint of vanilla. The tannins and acidity could not have been more balanced than a funambulist! A great food and wine pairing varietal with a broad range of foods and even nicknamed and referred to as “the utility player” of wine varietals by Michael Kelly. Ideal serving temperature is 67 to 70 degrees. Alcohol is 14.4 % and listed at the winery at $42/bottle. 571 cases were produced. Available in early July, 2023.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Paired with a BBQ’d boneless ribeye steak served medium rare, fresh potato salad and a chopped Italian salad. The wine had sufficient tannins and acidity to “cut the steak” beautifully. A match made in heaven! This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted for 2023.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Merlot – Which cheese, fruit or vegetable paired best?
Paul Giamatti, the character in the movie “Sideways” and his disdain of Merlot almost killed this wondrous grape varietal in California. Yet this 2021 Merlot is one fierce wine and not a weak or wimpy Merlot. The color in the glass is your first clue this is a different Merlot. The color is dark purple and intriguing with a medium heavy viscosity on the eyes. On the nose, chocolate covered berries, strawberries and vanilla waft into the senses. On the palate, it is a bit of a paradox as this is both your warm and cuddling drink that is relaxing and comforting to sip. Yet you are awakened with the first sip to an explosive mouthful of Bing cherries, plums, defined and silky tannins with subtle earthy tones of bramble and minerality. The finish has a textual feel and a complex layered structure continues to enhance the wine drinker. The words chewy and masculine almost come to mind in describing this beautiful wine. While having so many brawny characteristics, it still presents on the finish as elegant and charming. This is a Merlot to absolutely enjoy today with or without food. Alcohol is 13.7 % with only 241 cases produced. Price is $36/bottle and will be released July 9th, 2023.
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Aridus Tempranillo – A Quick Visit to Spain via Arizona!
The Winery
Recently I published two other stories on the Aridus Wine Company in Willcox, Arizona. Scott and Joan Dahmer founded the winery in 2012. Willcox is located about 85 miles east of Tucson and makes some remarkable estate wines! Click on the links for more details on the winery:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2023/05/24/2020-aridus-viognier-a-summertime-refreshing-wine/
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of my personal favorite wines is the Spanish varietal Tempranillo. The name comes from the Spanish word temprano, which means “early” as it ripens earlier than other grapes in Spain. If you have visited any town in Spain, Tempranillo is available as ubiquitously as Starbucks coffee shops here in the USA. Today, 80% of the world’s Tempranillo is grown in Spain, and is most common in the Rioja, Navarra, Douro, and Ribera del Duero regions.
This wine is a varietal blend with 86% Tempranillo and 14% Graciano. The wine is aged in a mix of neutral and second-fill American and French oak barrels for 28 months. On the eyes this wine is a brilliant purple and ruby color with medium to medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, it starts out fresh, lively and with vibrant black/red berry fruits. On the palate, cherry, dried fig and vanilla pipe tobacco greet the mouth. The tannins are mildly strong and the acidity is medium which cuts through both red meats and red tomato sauces. The finish provides some earthiness (dust), aged leather, oak and tartness which counterbalances the fruit exquisitely. The alcohol level is 14.3% and 308 cases were produced. Their website shows it selling for $50/bottle.
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
Our Friday Night Wine & Dine group met at Verona18 to enjoy a meal together as many have been traveling or out of town. Pulled this wine out to have with the spaghetti Bolognese but two specials caught my attention.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first being a featured appetizer of Mexican Style Ceviche with marinated Petrale sole, scallops, marinated shrimp, cucumber, tomato, lemon-lime juice, avocado and served with tortilla chips. While perhaps not the best coordination with the wine, the main dish was indeed a good fit.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
That was a pepperoni pizza cooked in their outdoor fire roasted pizza oven. The red sauce and pepperoni were a perfect match for the wine. Again Executive Chef Jaime Alderete has perfected the sauce for his oven roasted pizzas!
This now makes four varietals of Aridus Wine Company that I can wholeheartedly recommend: 2019 Tempranillo Limited Release, 2016 Cabernet Franc Barrel Select, 2020 Viognier and 2019 Syrah.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 