YoungInglewood Vineyards – Funambulist and Minimalist Are Key
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Jim, Jacky, Mary and Scott have been friends of mine since they officially opened. I was invited at the time by their new tasting room manager to come visit this exciting winery prior to their grand opening. Once I met them and understood their commitment to the land, their love of art and desire to produce winning wines, we became quick friends. Their commitment and stewardship are summed up by their working the vineyard organically and regeneratively by hand and with gentle equipment. Minimal irrigation is used to allow roots to grow deep into the alluvial soil on the property. They typically made small boutique production of various varieties.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This logo is still one of the best in industry showing the winemaker’s character to find the balance between sugar, acid and flavor both pre-harvest and while making the wine. Simple and meaningful symbol without wording.
While knowing and writing about their wines for years, I wanted to visit and find out what is new. First off was being greeted by their new tasting room manager Shannon Pestoni. She is well known in Napa Valley and a genuine and enthusiastic addition to the winery. Just one more reason to visit the winery.
When greeted by Shannon, Jim and Jacky, I was offered a glass of 2025 Vin Clair in the foyer, a delightful Rosé wine made from 52% Malbec and 48% Merlot.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then moved to the tasting room where one of my favorite paintings was moved back to its prominent place over the tasting bar. This photo doesn’t reveal the depth and color of the painting in person.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We wholeheartedly tasted each of these wines and a few others. Three wines made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2026. From the above list the 2022 Right Bank ($130) was produced to near perfection. Ditto for the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon ($175). However, when I thought I had tasted some of their best wines, the 2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon absolutely blew the doors off ($210). These are not simply good wines; they are exceptional wines produced to the highest level of quality.
A few others were tasted like the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and obviously all were solid wines. Somehow during my travels, I misplaced my detailed notes on each wine but that should not prevent one from tasting and obtaining any one of them!
Additional varieties produced by YoungInglewood include 2021 Malbec, 2022 Petit Verdot, 2023 Cuvée Edit Pinot Noir and 2024 Aligoté.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Smith-Madrone Vineyards on Top of Spring Mountain, Napa Valley
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I have written about their wines often as their Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and most recently their Cabernet Sauvignon are not only in the upper tier of wines coming out of Napa but also reasonably priced as a solid value. I had contacted Stu Smith to do a quick visit not to taste the wines, but to update some photos for upcoming stories! I know passing on a tasting of great wines is not something I normally do but had my priorities. Stu still wanted to pour a glass of anything! Here are some recent stories on their wines:
Riesling
Cabernet Franc Story
Cabernet Sauvignon Story
Chardonnay Story
Left to Right: Charles, Stuart and François Photo ©Michael Kelly
The winery was founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith. Today the management of the winery/vineyards are comprised of him and his brother Charles Smith. Charles is also the winemaker along with François Bugué.
We hopped on the gator 4-wheel drive and headed out throughout the winery with Stu pointing out things of interest and asking him to stop so a picture or two could be photographed at various locations.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
When touring the vineyard, this is how close they came to losing their vineyard from the devasting Glass Fire just burning into their property. Recently Stu installed fire hydrants around both the winery and maintenance buildings. He also installed a sprinkler system on the roof of the winery. This was not a simple or inexpensive undertaking. He believes that this will help with “ember suppression” should another Glass fire with high winds occur.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Stu stopped to view how their Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were doing. These clusters when touched were as hard as marbles. In just a short time, they will progress to the next stage of their metamorphosis to get ready for the harvest.
Stay tuned for more pictures and stories that will be forthcoming.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
An Opulent Night in the Sonoma Square
Photo from Ledson Hotel website
After the afternoon wine tasting of Ledson & Mountain Terraces wines, I headed down the valley to Sonoma Square. Steve Ledson opened the Hotel and Zina Lounge on the Sonoma Plaza in August 2003. Each of the six-luxury rooms in the boutique hotel was hand crafted (just like his wines) to exacting detail. It is reminiscent of a 19th century inn.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rooms with a terrace view of the town plaza are remarkable as is the bar/lounge on the first floor with seating inside and outside.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Fireplaces with the modern flat screen televisions and air conditioning complete the “old & new” amenities. You can see in the pictures intricate wood working like Ledson Castle. This is a beautiful blend of yesteryear’s elegance with today’s modern conveniences.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the ground floor is the Zina Lounge/Bar that serves another label that of Steve Ledson’s called Zina Hyde Cunningham. His other wines are also available from Ledson Winery & Mountain Terraces.
Photo from Café La Haye
After tasting these two wines, went to Café La Haye to have dinner with Steve and Amy Ledson.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The restaurant is small and intimate with artwork adorning the walls.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I ordered one of the specials being pan seared salmon and roasted vegetables over mashed potatoes. Enjoyed this with a lovely wine of 2022 Mountain Terraces Viognier that the Ledson’s brought to dinner. This was also tasted previously at the winery during the day.
The highlight of the evening was, however, not the food that was delicious, but the conversation with Steve and Amy. Steve’s family history could fill volumes of books. More specially, got to know more about his personal journey as a person and in business.
So ended the day of wine tasting with Ledson Winery wines and Mountain Terraces wines, falling back in time at a beautifully constructed boutique hotel, more wine at the Zina Bar and then a lovely dinner and great conversation with Steve and Amy Ledson.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Mountain Terraces – A Real Treat From Wines at the Mountain Top
Photo by Jerry Padilla of Ledson Winery
Mountain Terraces Vineyard is a world-class estate vineyard sitting at 2,500 feet on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountain range. This is part of the small Moon Mountain AVA. The vineyard is comprised of 200 acres of rugged mountain terrain. Varieties planted on the property include, besides the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Viognier, Merlot, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Sangiovese.
There are many reasons for the uniqueness of the property including soil composition and diurnal temperature swings from the heat of the summer and cooling fog in the evening brushing against the high altitude Moon Mountain vineyards.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Three of these exquisite wines were presented for the tasting. I had just recently published a review of Lex’s Vineyard and opted to only taste the other two. The story on Lex’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon can be found at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2026/06/22/mountain-terraces-vineyard-2010-lexs-cabernet-sauvignon-a-crowning-achievement/
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First up was the 2016 Taylor’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. First on the eyes a dark and brooding color. On the nose, flavors of dark berries, especially blueberries and blackberries rush up into the senses to entice you for the first sip. Once in the mouth the bold fruits dance merrily about with joy. Secondary flavors of vanilla pipe tobacco take place. At the finish, the grapes, aged 30 months in oak, imparted both complex and velvety tannins.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second wine enjoyed was the 2018 Mountain Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon Block 14. If you look at the aerial photo taken by Ledson Winery, it is located at the bottom of the hill. This is a rare and exotic wine for several reasons which are: 1) the 100% French barrels used come from 300-year trees 2) the staves were aged five years in the cooperage yard 3) the minerality imparted from being at the bottom of the hillside. The barrels alone cost more than $1,500 each! This wine goes for $240/bottle and is worth every penny. This was the first time tasting this rarefied wine and hopefully not my last. Vintages of the wine range from 96 points and up.
Again, dark deep coloring with luscious minerality and bright fruit depicts the rarity of this wine. You may never taste such gorgeous wine again.
Both wines earned a spot on my Best Wines Tasted in 2026 list. Roughly 2,000 wines are tasted each year, only about 2% make the annual list that is published yearly in December.
Jerry wanted to take a picture after three hours of me writing notes and tasting these great wines. I wrote pages of notes on each wine enjoyed and the conversations with Jerry.
Photo ©Michael Kelly taken by Jerry Padilla
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Wine Tasting at Ledson Winery & Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This has been one of my favorite wineries for over twenty-five years. All the wines are delicious and the personnel are beyond friendly. One great reason to “hang out” at Ledson is the beauty of the facility and the overwhelming number of wines produced. Below is a picture of their overview of the wine list. If you want to get a great overview of what Sonoma and Napa Valley can offer, this is an excellent first stop to taste just about everything grown in the two valleys.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Jerry Padilla, VP at Ledson Winery in Kenwood, Sonoma County, provided an exquisite and bountiful tasting last week. Jerry had recently celebrated 25 years at Ledson. Steve Ledson provided him with this etched bottle for the occasion. I have known him since he started and have become good friends.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was the initial wine tasting lineup upstairs in one of the private suites.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
All were solid wines but these two will make my annual Best Wines Tasted during 2026. Only 2% of the roughly 2,000 wines tasted yearly make that distinction. Of this initial offering the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc provided flavors of citrus, Meyer lemon and melon were all stunning. This wine came from their new “Three Brothers Vineyard” on the property.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The other was the 2019 Napa Valley ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve with its historical background. The nose was heavenly, aged for 30 months in 50% new French oak. A Cabernet that will be hard to beat!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Enjoyed tasting the wines with a few treats of cheeses, crackers, meats and fig compote.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There were even more wines that were tasted including a lineup of wines from their rare Mountain Terraces label. More on those in a follow-up story.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
An Important View From the Plane of Livermore Valley
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Last a week I started a whirlwind journey visiting various wineries in Northern California for nine days. One item caught my attention on the approach to Oakland Airport. Flying over Livermore Valley it was easy to see the nightly fog flowing into one the few west to east valleys on the west coast. The importance of the cooling fog on the vineyards is immense. Just a few keys factors are: the fog slows down grape respiration allowing the vineyards to retain critical tartaric and malic acids. This allows for producing crisp and vibrant white and red wines. Heavy fog layers shields grape skins from harsh direct sunlight which can help prevent sunburn and off-flavors. By moderating severe temperature spikes, this allows more time on vine allowing each grape to develop a more complex flavor profile and tannins. One of Livermore Valley’s “unheralded” aids in developing excellent wines. On the left is Mt. Diablo barely showing its 3,849 feet peak.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2010 Skipstone Wines, Faultline Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
The Winery
Photo from Skipstone Wines
An interesting story on how the owner Fahri Diner came to own this remarkable vineyard. Recounting the story told to me by him thirteen years ago, he was undecided on purchasing the property. Located on the property was an irrigation pond. Perplexed, he told his wife, if he could skip a stone from one side to the other, he would buy the property. So not only the decision to move forward with the vineyard and winery, but the name seemed appropriate. He then convinced Phillipe Melka to be the winemaker, and it was his sole winemaking venture in Alexander Valley at the time.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled this out of the cellar last night for a special friend. It had been laying down for over 8 years. This is a blend of 40% of Cabernet Franc, 38% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% of Merlot. Combining these three varietals allowed renown winemaker Phillipe Melka to bring forth some of the best qualities and depth of character for these Alexander Valley (California) grapes
Faultline Vineyard is their interpretation of a Right-Bank Bordeaux blend. All three varietals come together with their own views but mesh like a well conducted symphony. On the nose soft fragrances of blueberries, dark fruit, cinnamon, and Cuban cigars. On the palate, the berries (Blue & Black) and herbal qualities meshed seamlessly to provide a mellow taste. The Merlot inserted a juicy plum into the mix. No hard edges considering the two Cabernets in the same bottle. It was smooth and tannins were sufficiently tamed to provide balanced and enjoyable wine. The finish provided hints of chocolate and roasted light coffee. An exquisite wine for special occasions and food pairings. The current vintages range from $195 to $225/bottle. The current vintage being 2023.
A marvelous bottle of wine and it will make my Best Wines Tasted in 2026 list for sure!
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 spicy Italian meatballs and a red sauce with ground beef. Served with fresh Parmesan cheese. Accompanying the meal was a fresh garden salad with homemade Thousand Island dressing. The wine was very good with the meal cutting through the red sauce with its tannins. The dark fruits added to complement the rich and savory fats of the meat and the acidity helping with the tomato sauce.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2022 Starfield Vineyards and Winery Syrah with Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork Street Tacos
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Starfield Vineyards
The winery was founded in 2012 by Tom and Rob Sinton with plantings of 31 acres on the hillsides east of Placerville, California in El Dorado County. They are located at 2759 Jacquier Road.
Map courtesy of https://uscountymaps.com/el-dorado-county-map-california/
The naming of the wines, especially their new labels starting with the 2023 vintages, highlight the history of region from the Gold Rush with wine names as Miner’s Inch and Rising Hope. These two are for a nearby mine.
The winery produces 17 varieties of wines comprising of mostly Rhone varieties (66%) and Italian (30%) and a few Spanish varieties. The vineyards have been farmed using sustainable and fish-friendly farming since their inception.
Photo from Starfield Vineyards
The wineries name Starfield refers to “Star Fields”, sites where in their words “fruit develops the optimal balance of aroma, flavor and texture”. They also consider what they refer to as Sierra Spice, the aroma and taste characteristics that come from the western facing forests surrounding the vineyards. The local trees are Ponderosa Pines, Cedars and Douglas Firs and their oils provide earthy and woodsy forest aromatics from their oils.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I had reviewed this wine before it was released, and it was excellent and it has only improved. This wine was aged in 30% new French oak and 70% in neutral oak for 18 months. It is 14.5% alcohol with 269 cases produced. It is made with 97% Syrah and 3% Grenache. Pricing is expected around $60/bottle.
This wine on the eyes was an inviting red brick color with medium viscosity. On the nose, soft and subdued fruit with violets waft into the senses, not slapping one in the face with dripping sweetness. Stoic and respectful best describes this wine on inspection. On the palate, the wine swirls with blackberry and black pepper. On the finish, minerality and freshly plowed earthen fields complement the fruit for a smooth and lasting sip. It was awarded 93 points by Wine Enthusiast.
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
Selected to pair this Syrah with a new recipe called, Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos. The main meat for the recipe was a boneless pork roast but opted for a large pork tenderloin. The pork tenderloin was rubbed with the ingredients of chili powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, ground oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cinnamon and a small amount of ground cloves. The pork tenderloin was first seared on the stove before placing it into the slow cooker. Used flour small street tortillas and filled with the pulled pork, then added cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes, diced purple onions and chopped cilantro. Fresh lime juice was squeezed on top of each taco.
One of our new favorite dishes with warmth and spiciness. The wine with its subdued fruit and earthiness was a great counterbalance for the dish. A very good food and wine pairing this evening with the Syrah embracing and mellowing each bite of the tacos.
Sláinte,
Michael
Two Gems From the Sierra Nevada Foothills – 2020 Mineral Wines Meritage & 2020 Gossamer Cellars Damo
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Had our oldest daughter and family over for a pre-4th of July BBQ. Broke out two wines from our previous residence in Calaveras County to have with a casual dinner. One of our grandsons is into minerals and rocks, so choose the 2020 Mineral Wines with a gold nugget on the label. The other is the 2020 Gossamer Cellars Dame a Graciano wine. Both were in Murphys originally, but recently Mineral Wines moved to Idaho.
The Wines – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Opened both up to compare and contrast as to which wine was better paired with dinner.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first one poured was the Mineral Wines 2020 Meritage which was 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec. This is a great Bordeaux style blend. First on the eyes a robust and dark coloring with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose aromas of cedar and cherry were dominating. In the mouth rich dark black cherries and blackberries danced merrily on the palate. Beautiful balance and complexity top off each sip.
The wine is aged two years in oak and another two years in the bottle. The wine is priced between $32 to $35/bottle.
For more on the winery and winemaker, Brett Keller with his recent move to Idaho from Murphys, California, you can read at:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second wine was the 2020 Gossamer Cellars called “Damo”, a Graciano wine. Damo is named after Gary & Sue’s grandson. Those that follow me know I am a big fan of Gossamer Cellars as Gary is trying to make each of the wines on the DeLong Wine Chart, no small goal!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Graciano is a black skinned grape that provides a deep red wine as seen in the photo. Graciano is one of my favorite wines and is the third most popular grape behind Tempranillo and Granacha in Spain. Graciano typically has a very aromatic aroma and deep coloration. Often on the palate black peppery spice notes appear along with red fruits and noticeable herbaceous qualities. Another key trait is high acidity and strong tannins.
Graciano on the eyes has a very deep and rich coloring. Predominately soft violet aromas waft into the nose. On the palate, peppery spices appeared with delight and flavoring along with blueberry notes. A beautiful and long finish. This wine is listed at $32/bottle on their website.Bottom of Form
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
As a pre-4th of July dinner, BBQ burgers were deemed appropriate. Accompanied by backed beans with ground beef and French fries. Both wines paired wonderfully with the meal. Three of us voted on which tasted best and it was a draw (let that sink in) and rightly so as Brett and Gary are very good friends. Our son-in-law stayed with beer which was also great with the meal.
Both wines should be sought out as the three of us drinking the wines were equally impressed with the quality of each.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2013 YoungInglewood Right Bank Blend – A Birthday Treat!
Photo from YoungInglewood Website
The Winery
This small winery is best-known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and “Bordeaux blends”, as they are situated on historic vineyard land in St. Helena, California. However, they’ve got a passion for several white wines like Chardonnay, Vin Clair and a rare Aligoté that is oak aged. One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting YoungInglewood Winery is not just the tasting of exquisite wines, but partaking in intelligent, purposed and thoughtful discussion of wine.
To begin with, the owners Jim and Jacky Young met while in college and shared a passion/drive with wine. Jim and Jacky bought a historic piece of land in southern St Helena and have today all five Bordeaux varietals planted. It is truly a family winery with Jim handling the operations and Jacky and son Scott, being the co-winemakers on property. Their daughter, Mary helps in the operations as well as providing an occasional flute recital.
Their time spent in Europe cultivated a real sense of old-world wines and that is exactly how they construct both their red and white wines. They like to describe themselves as presenting “old world non-interventionist” winemaking techniques. It surely shows in their incredible wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I seldom talk about wine labels but theirs is the exception. This label is one of the simplest yet says so much about their wine with the balancing of the tightrope walker. This is a paradigm for balance in the fruit, tannins, acidity and color. A little too much of any one item, and a misstep happens. Even deeper is their aspiring sense of balance in life, starting in the vineyards with organic and sustainable practices.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
You can read previous stories:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/16/younginglewood/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/04/06/younginglewood-2014-malbec-and-portuguese-sausage/
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled this bottle out of the cellar the other night to enjoy watching a movie on my birthday. While the movie was entertaining (Made in Italy on Amazon), the wine shined from the ten years wait! The wine is from their estate fruit. Barreling was 100% French oak with 40% being new barrels and aged 21 months. The blend used 86% Cabernet Franc and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and only 136 cases produced. It came in at 14.5% alcohol level. Each year the percentage mix and grapes are varied based on the winemaker and what nature provides.
On the eyes an alluring and dark concoction with red and purple highlights with medium to medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose aromatics of raspberries and dark fruits. On the palate, this is one of the quintessential Cabernet Franc’s with hints of blackberries, strawberries and only a faint trace of pyrazines. The finish provided silky and rounded tannins, a soft earthiness. Truly a remarkable and elegant Cabernet Franc. The current vintage is 2022 and it retails for $130/bottle.
No food and wine pairing as we were still recovering from a large lunch compliments of my sister!
This wine will make my list for Best Wines Tasted in 2026 for sure. Treat yourself to a visit to YoungInglewood Winery as each wine is purposed and handcrafted. It was indeed a beautiful birthday treat!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly