When Friday the 13th Was A Lucky Day!
Last evening on Friday November 13th if you attended the Collector’s Pour at Sloan Baseball Field, you indeed would be considered lucky! Here folks enjoyed some 85+ exceptional wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma County. These were not your grocery store wines, but limited-production wines not found even at many boutique wine shops. Besides all the exquisite wines, live jazz band playing music, food trucks featuring Italian inspired bites and conversations with the owners/winemakers from each of the wineries. Even a couple of boutique craft/gift shops were present. Joseph Lopez and Lisa Nunes created a spectacular event coordinating some of the best wineries to showcase their wines in Mesa, Arizona.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The event featuring at least 24 wineries, each pouring between two to five of their favorite wines under the stadium bleachers out of any pending rain. As a new resident of Mesa, a bonus was viewing Sloan Park stadium. What a great location to view Spring Training and even better to enjoy the treats of this evening.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the ability to converse with the owners or winemakers detailing their vineyards, philosophy of winemaking and unique process to produce excellent wines. Additionally, were the discussions amongst other guests at each station. We enjoyed over twenty personal conversations discussing the wines being poured and the Arizona wine culture. Those conversations led to inviting a few folks joining our humble Wine Club and discussing both the International Cabernet Franc Competition and Gourmet Food and Cabernet Franc Dinner. A shameless plug for the dinner: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2026/11/14/the-gourmet-food-and-cabernet-franc-wine-pairing-at-air-museum-in-mesa-arizona/
All the conversations were memorable but three were very interesting including one with Bremer Family Winery with General Manager Tom Trzesniewski. Discussions center around their remarkable Chardonnay, Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon and blend. I had visited them many years ago and Tom reiterated it was time for another visit my next trip to Napa.
Another long and detailed discussion ensued with Mondavi Sisters Collection of wines. While knowing the Mondavi Family history and tradition of Napa Valley, it was a delight meeting one of the faces of this group, Alycia Mondavi. The Sisters: Angelina (Winemaker and Co-Proprietress), Alycia (CEO and Brand Manager), Riana (West Coast Ambassador), and Giovanna (East Coast Ambassador and Sales)
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Neal Family Vineyards, with Mark Neal pouring several wines and additionally he brought out a special wine from The One & Only Collection, their Cabernet Franc. Mark, while the winemaker, firstly considers himself as the Farmer of their Howell Mountain Estate and Rutherford properties.
Wines sampled this evening were Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and a few others. Especially wonderful beyond Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were the number of Pinot Noirs from Petaluma Gap, Russian River Sonoma County and Santa Lucia Highlands. Other great conversations with Miner Family Winery, Cliff Family Winery, Stressed Vines, Bravante Vineyards, Boyer Family Winery, Implicit Cellars and a few others.
While the impending rain and temperature drop may have diminished the size of the crowd slightly, everyone attending enjoyed the time and wines immensely. For this inaugural event, it can only be summed up as successful and surpassing expectations.
I can’t wait for their next event!!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
The Gourmet Food and Cabernet Franc Wine Pairing at Air Museum in Mesa, Arizona
We are happy to announce that on April 3rd, 2027, the Gourmet Food and Cabernet Franc Food & Wine pairing dinner. We are especially fortunate to confirm we have chef Adam Allison preparing a scrumptious meal for the attendees.
Chef Adam Allison has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years and is currently owner of Brightside Catering. He is also a Food Network Chopped Champion, has cooked at The Masters, multiple Super Bowls with Guy Fieri and Aaron May, and is a private Chef to Celebrities and Professional Athletes.
Chef Adam’s passion for all culinary things is rivaled only by his focus on enriching his community. His charity work providing lunches for local children during the pandemic was recognized by Phoenix Magazine. He continues his work to feed underprivileged children and at-risk youth, and he is currently spearheading several philanthropic fundraising events in the fight against cancer.
Chef Allison focuses on locally sourced ingredients prepared with his signature fusion of traditional southern and southwestern flavors but has a comprehensive culinary skill set allowing him to create a wide range of custom menus. He is currently working on a delicious menu for guests for this event.
The Cabernet Franc wines are being selected by Michael Kelly wine judge and wine writer (https://californiawinesandwineries.com and https://arizonawinesandwineries.com). Michael tastes up to 2,000 wines a year and is the creator and host of the Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition. He has published over 1,500 stories on wines and wineries and many have been published nationally. The theme for this dinner on April 3, 2027, will be centered around Cabernet Franc wines from Livermore Valley. Livermore Valley was just named American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast for their rich 180-year winemaking history.
The dinner will be held at the museum hangar at the Commemorative Air Museum, the only combat aviation museum in Phoenix. Besides tours and booking flights on authentic WWII aircraft, education videos and memorabilia on the Tuskegee Airmen, Doolittle Raiders, Women in Aviation Pilots (WASPs) and much more to visit at the museum. A few airplanes will be moved about to have dinner at the museum amongst the vintage and historical airplanes.
All profits will benefit the Museum to continue their great work. Tickets for the dinner will be available February 15th, 2027.
8th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition and Gourmet Food & Cab Franc Dinner Co-sponsors:
Gold Sponsor – Commemorative Air Museum, Mesa, AZ https://www.azcaf.org
Gold Sponsor – John Lily, Premier Real Estate Advisor, www.JohnLillyProperties.com
Gold Sponsor – Livermore Valley Vintners & Growers, www.lvwine.com
Silver Sponsor – D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar, Mesa, AZ https://www.divinebistromesa101.com
Silver Sponsor – VINUM55, Scottsdale, AZ https://www.vinum55.com
The Wine Club of Greater Phoenix Met Last Night at Aridus Winery Tasting Room in Scottsdale
We met at the Aridus Scottsdale tasting room located in Old Town at 7173 E Main Street. A few folks were out of town; however, our smaller group met and received the nothing less than the “royal treatment” by our host Maria Lamberti. Upon our arrival the table was set with both white and red wine glasses and a lovely and complete charcuterie board.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We managed to go through a thorough and complete tasting of many current wines and even some wines which will be released soon.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Everyone appreciated Maria’s casual and yet informative and knowledgeable approach in explaining the wines and nuances from vintage to vintage. Lots of conversations and everyone purchased many of their delicious wines. Everyone was extremely pleased with the quality of the local Arizona wines produced.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A special thank you to those attending and our exemplary host Maria.
Slainte,
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2020 Cuda Ridge Wines Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larry makes his Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon in the “non-Bordeaux style” being more of a New World style with fruit forward, bolder style with the alcohol being higher than the Purple Label offering. This 2020 is a blend of two vineyards being White Cat Vineyard (75%) and Smith Ranch (25%). The barrel treatment is 71% American Oak and 29% French oak and aged for 18 months. The wine comes in at 15.9% alcohol and was released on June 25th 2022. Only 363 cases were produced.
The wine when first poured into the glass was a deep intense purple color yet with magenta hues around the rim. A medium heavy wine when swirled in the wine glass. On the nose aromas of violets waft into the senses with an allure to partake in the wine. On the palate, there is a lot going on with this wine. First dark fruits of dark cherry and blackberries are dominant. Secondary flavor of raspberries rush in and are counterbalanced by subtle tastes of cedar. The finish imparts a structured and well-defined assemblage of the parts coming together. A soft undertone of cocoa and sweet/tart blueberry completes the tasting of this broad grandiose wine.
This wine won a Gold Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition in 2023. The current release is 2023 and is listed at $46/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
Paired this evening with large juicy ribeye steak from Nebraska bought at Chuck’s Fine Meats in Mesa. The steak was seasoned and then seared at 1500 degrees on an infrared BBQ and served medium rare. The steak was so large, my wife and split the steak! Accompanied by a baked Russet potato and then halved.
This was an excellent food and wine pairing with the wine enveloping each bite and enriching the taste of the meat.
The Winery
Photo from Concannon Vineyards
In August 2026, Cuda Ridge Wines was acquired by Lemmon Family Vineyards and now operates in their own tasting salon at Concannon Winery in Livermore. For the complete story you can read at:
Larry is still the winemaker for Cuda Ridge Wines continuing to make his excellent wines.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
How a 2022 CHEV Pinot Noir Got Slobberknockered by Pistachio Pesto Orecchiette Pasta Dish
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Recently purchased this exquisite wine at a VINUM55 tasting due to its uplifting taste and pedigree. CHEV is a luxury wine from renown winemaker Michael Browne. The label was launched by Michael & Karen Browne, founders of Kosta Browne Winery. Their stated mission is to “craft the finest wines that invite you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures”. This wine met and exceeded those expectations.
First on the eyes a little darker and less semi-transparent Pinot Noir than “normally seen”. That said upon opening, bright aromas of blackberries and jasmine wafted merrily into the senses. Upon the first sip, that was served a bit too cold coming out of the cellar, with strawberries being the dominant flavor in the palate. As it warmed up, raspberries, slight minerality and wet forest meadow came to light. At the finish, sparse smooth and silky tannins concluded each sip. Layers of delicate structure were noticed with remarkable acidity. Normally having Pinot Noir a bit cool, this one was significantly more enjoyable around 70 degrees allowing all nuances to shine.
The wine was fermented in 81% stainless steel, 10% concrete and 9% in wood with all being open tops. The wine then spent 15 months in 39% new French oak and 20% in once used French oak, 38% in several times used French oak and 3% in wood tank. A variety of Pinot Noir clones were used for this year. This wine sells for between $65 to $100 at various retailers. Wine searcher average price shows $88/bottle. Both Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling have given this wine 94 points.
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
Did a little research on which wine to pair with this new recipe tonight. The general thought was either Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Pinto Grigio for white wines and Pinot Noir, Sangiovese or Barbera. Being in transition with my wine cellar, only had in “the house cellar” Sauvignon Blanc, which my wife does not particularly enjoy and Pinot Noir. I was a bit hesitate to try Pinot Noir with Pesto dish but went with it.
This was my wife’s first time making this recipe. It is a pistachio pesto with Orecchiette pasta. To have a protein in the meal she added cut up rotisserie chicken. Other ingredients for the pistachio pesto sauce included shelled toasted pistachios, garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, fresh lemon zest and juice, grated parmesan cheese, EVOO, kosher salt and black pepper. This was all prepared in a food processor. This was then added to the drained pasta and chicken. Served topped off with additional fresh parmesan cheese and more pistachios. This was a delicious dish and extremely rich in texture and filling. Accompanied by lightly sauteed broccoli with butter.
Now for the pairing with this incredible wine and delicious meal was just off. The refined and delicate Pinot Noir was overtaken by the garlic and pesto sauce. Next time a Sauvignon Blanc would be a much better food and wine pairing. Our normal pairing for Pinot Noir is with a steak or dry rubbed pork tenderloin which will be our next pairing with this fine wine.
The Winery
Photo from Browne Family Wines
Michael Browne has selected various west coast sites for his grapes those being Willamette Valley, Russian River Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands and Santa Rita Hills. His two concentrated and limited production wines are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Photo from Browne Family Wines
Michael founded Kosta Browne, in 1997 with the winery quickly being known for producing exceptional Pinot Noirs and was awarded Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year in 2011. In 2018 he and his wife wanting to own their vineyards, founded Browne Family Wines. His first label for Browne Family Wines was CIRQ and more recently CHEV being the second label.
I look forward to tasting their Chardonnay wine and CIRQ wines soon.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Why is Cabernet Franc Held in High Esteem by Me?
Photo from grapevinesgalore.com
Background
Many people both casual wine drinkers and wine aficionados have asked what and why my “love affair” is all about with Cabernet Franc? Firstly, I enjoy just about all varieties of wine from A (Albariño) to Z (Zinfandel). But very few wines have had the endurance run that Cabernet Franc has in my life.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first time I heard about Cabernet Franc was at a tasting with Robert Mondavi in 1978 at his winery. Both my wife and I were caught off guard as to the intensity of flavor of his 1974 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. While always liking his wines, he mentioned that he always uses a small percentage of Cabernet Franc that provided a punch and texture to accent the Cabernet Sauvignon. Being a newbie in the wine world at that time, I was fascinated to hear about and explore Cabernet Franc in great depth.
The Journey
Photo ©Michael Kelly
From that day forward, I started ferreting out Cabernet Franc wines and winemakers. Back in 1978 very few wineries were making a 100% Cabernet Franc but used it sparingly and in moderation for blending. While Cabernet Franc has always been a wine of importance in Bordeaux blends it was not really a known standalone wine in the USA until the 1990’s. As the years passed, I started literally sniffing out small producers of Cabernet Franc wine. One of the first was Crocker & Starr with Pam Starr being a strong advocate of this grape. She in turn provided me “clues” to other great winemakers of Cabernet Franc. Over the years I met many winemakers and tasted such remarkable wines of Cabernet Franc from Keenan, Barnett, Titus, LXV Wines, Dracaena Wines, Absolution Cellars, Cuda Ridge Wines, PureCru, Crystal Basin Cellars, Wood Family Vineyards, Shale Canyon, Kautz & Kramer, L’Autre Cote, 3 Steves, Rosa Fierro Cellars, McKenzie-Mueller, Kenefick Ranch, J. Lohr Vineyards, Ancient Peaks, Lava Cap, Villa Vallecito, Mineral Wines, Selin Cellars, Dunning Vineyards, Vinoce, Palazzo, Brickbarn Estate, Middle Oaks, Mountain Terraces, Callaghan Vineyards, Vivac, Quady North, Narmada Winery, Fjord Vineyards, Benmarl, Detert, Vermilion Valley, Oakville East, YoungInglewood, Trespass Vineyards, Vineyard 29, Shadybrook Estate, Smith-Madrone, Camaraderie Cellars and many more across the USA. Also found a host of excellent Cabernet Franc wines from Argentina, Chile, France, Italy, Canada and many more countries.
While I can’t seriously remember the first 100% Cabernet Franc I tasted, it has since attracted me to try and taste many production vintages by wineries, terroirs and regions of the world trying to understand its nuances of flavors. Essentially no two are identical! Cabernet Franc wines are adaptable in growing in various soils and regions.
Today I have many vintages of Crocker & Starr Cabernet Franc in cellar and credit Pam Starr with fostering and developing my “love affair” with Cabernet Franc. All the previous wineries mentioned, and many others, have been such a joy to savor their wine on this journey of a Cabernet Franc varietal and Cabernet Franc blend odyssey.
The Allure
Over the years, I have found many other noteworthy and reputable wine aficionados have had a similar “love affair” with Cabernet Franc. Jancis Mary Robinson the well know British wine critic, journalist and wine writer quote of Cabernet Franc sums up her feelings “I’m not a huge enthusiast of the sexual stereotyping of wines but even I can see that Cabernet Franc might be described as the feminine side of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is subtly fragrant and gently flirtatious rather than massively muscular and tough in youth. Because Cabernet Sauvignon has so much more of everything – body, tannin, alcohol, color – it is often supposed to be necessarily superior, but I have a very soft spot indeed for its more charming and more aromatic relative, Cabernet Franc.”
Steven Kent Mirassou, 6th generation winemaker extraordinaire of Lineage Collection, L’Autre Côte Wines and Steven Kent Winery and recent author also has a straightforward “love affair” with Cabernet Franc with this quote “Cabernet Franc, in its purest form, is all about sex. From the silkiness of its texture to the exoticism of its aromas; from the raciness of its acidity to its emotion-prodding “it-ness,” Cabernet Franc is terrifyingly and wonderfully naughty”.
For me, I have for years called Cabernet Franc “the seductress of wines”, as I was smitten back in 1978!
Cabernet Franc as the Utility Player of Red Wine
But why Cabernet Franc verses for example Cabernet Sauvignon? Again, I love Cabernet Sauvignon, and it dominates the cellar by volume and Cabernet Franc being the second largest varietal. I believe wine and food are like one coin being of heads & tails, wine and food pairings bring out the best in each other. While a few wines can be enjoyed as a stand-alone drink, together with food they bring out the best in each other. In my weekly writings, I quote Andre Simon in the statement “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners”.
Pictured are just a few of meals prepared and enjoyed with Cabernet Franc wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Cabernet Franc can easily be referred to as the utility player of red wines. With it grown world-wide, its terroir is indigenous to the location grown and food profiles range the gamut. Robert Parker in quoting about Cabernet Franc from Crocker & Starr stated they “are glorious representations of this underrated variety, and are the very definition of tension, precision of flavors, great structure and a texture that begs for a wide host of foods. This could be because there’s a note of cardamom in these Cabernet Francs, which may be their hallmark. Cardamom is a mysterious spice, often recalling bark, stones, flowers and fruit all at once. So it’s no wonder these wines are welcome at most any table.”
While extremely easy to pair up a nice ribeye or filet mignon with a Cabernet Sauvignon, it is equally enjoyable to have it paired with a heavy, tannin and acidic Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc from Loire Valley is a mild, soft and cuddly Cabernet Franc and can be a great dinner companion from pork to just about any main entrée. A noteworthy high-altitude wine from New Mexico, Vivac can handle just about any red meat. Even sparkling Cabernet Franc Rose, Blanc or a lighter “Chinon style” Cabernet Franc can go with many fish selections such as salmon, Petrale sole, tuna, etc.
Cabernet Franc Becoming King
The evolution of Cabernet Franc has exploded during the last few years as a standalone varietal. In the latest California Red Wine Grape Crush (2025) it shows that Cabernet Franc is the most expensive grape varietal per ton on average for the harvest in Napa Valley. It went for $11,052/ton and Cabernet Sauvignon went for $6,690/ton. These are average prices per ton for Napa County.
Summary table (2025 Napa County data)
| Variety | Avg. Price ($/ton) | Bearing Acres |
| Cabernet Franc | $11,052 | 1,185 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | $8,645 | 23,783 |
| Chardonnay | $3,683 | 5,022 |
| Merlot | $4,764 | 3,283 |
Key takeaway: In 2025, Cabernet Franc grapes in Napa County commanded a premium price of over $11,000 per ton, more than double the countywide winegrape average, underscoring its strong market position in the region’s wine industry. The graph also shows the increasing demand for Cabernet Franc wine grapes.
Nine years ago, I met via telephone call with Lori Budd of Dracaena Wines. She and her husband Michael were responsible for securing December 4th on the worldwide calendar as Cabernet Franc Day. This day continued to intrigue me for about a year and decided to hold a wine competition exclusively for this varietal.
Most recently fourteen states participated in the competition and additional entries from international wineries from Canada, Chile, Italy, France, Argentina, etc.
Cabernet Franc is so wide ranging in flavor based upon the terroir that appeal is worthwhile on its own accord. Add to the “mysteries of the grape” and range of intensity, you now have my personal perspective of this tantalizing wine. It is with this background that I started 8 years ago the Annual International Cabernet Wine Competition. It is held in early March timeframe with two sets of judges (Professional & People’s Choice) and is a blind competition using the Danish methodology.
The entry form can be found at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2027-international-cab-franc-celebration/
If you want to truly appreciate an intriguing and opulent wine, pick up a bottle of Cabernet Franc and possibly start your own love affair.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2016 Beronia Reserva Rioja – A Region of Distinction
Photo from Beronia website
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine used 95% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo grapes. Aged for 18 months in mixed French and American oak barrels, followed by an additional 18 months aging in the bottle before release. The wine comes in at 14.5% alcohol. Their recommendation is to drink before 2033. Decided to open it about mid-point in its maturity and it was very good.
First on the eyes a deep radiant garnet almost blackish coloring. On the nose dark fruits, black cherry and blackberries are initial scents picked up. On the palate, this Rioja is silky smooth with sweet tannins and acidity kept in check. The fruits with a hint of old-world structure and spices finish off each sip. On the finish, a very slight sweetness of vanilla and toffee with a counter balance of minerality. The wine was rated 91 points and came in at 14.5% alcohol level.
My personal recommendation would be to spend a bit more and go with the Gran Reserva as it provides a much fuller experience. Gran Reserva is one of my favorite Rioja 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
Pulled this wine for dinner with pan fried fileted chicken with a homemade chili salsa. Topped off with grated cotija cheese. Accompanied by roasted yellow street corn, also topped with cotija cheese. Additionally, refried beans with cheddar cheese were served. While a bit apprehensive pairing chicken with a red wine, the salsa with mellowness and little tannins of the Rioja were very well matched.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2020 Lavender Ridge Vineyard Syrah – The Fruit was Perfectly Matched to the Beef Dish and Spices
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I purchased this wine four years ago and laid it down in the cellar. Knowing the meal, I thought this would go well with it. Sierra foothills Syrah tend to be intense with bold flavors from granite-based soils and a warm climate. This met and exceeded those expectations with dark fruits of blackberry, plum and spicy notes of pepper and clove. Earthy notes of smoke and minerality were exceptional. On the nose, floral violet aromas and the finish being full-bodied and soft caressing tannins.
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
Dinner with this wine beef Teriyaki with snow peas and green onions. Ingredients besides the flank steak, Teriyaki sauce, snow peas, kosher salt, chardonnay wine, red chili peppers, cayenne pepper, cornstarch, cooking oil, white mushrooms, garlic, ginger root and sliced green onions. Syrah works well with beef teriyaki with its bold fruit flavors that counterbalance the dish spiciness. The rich dark fruit of the wine absorbs the edgy profiles of ginger, garlic and soy sauce. Accompanied by a bed of brown rice.
The wine was perfectly suited for the meal with its dryness and fruit providing a beautiful backdrop to each morsel.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Lavender Ridge Vineyard tasting room is in the town of Murphys in the lower Sierra Nevada foothills. Lavender Ridge specializes in Rhone varietal wines. They include Cotes du Calaveras Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose, Grenache, Cotes du Calaveras, Mourvedre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Vin Doux and Anniversaire Blanc. They also feature an artisan cheese selection that is unique and has something for just about everyone.
To read more about Lavender Ridge, see these previous articles:
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2021 Absolution Cellars Great Odin’s Blend – Both the Wine and Bottle Label Artwork are Excellent
Background
This wine was entered into the 5th International Cabernet Franc Competition in 2024 and received Silver Medals from both the Professional and People’s Choice Judges in the Blend Division. His Cabernet Franc won a Gold Medal from the People’s Choice Judges and a Silver from the Professional Judges. I have since tasted many of their wines and they hand crafted wines each bottle adorned with great art work.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 27% Syrah and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. First on the eyes a deep ruby coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose, a smattering of aromas waft into the senses including fruits of red cherries, blueberries and raspberries with not one being dominant. On the palate the fruits manifested gently in the mouth and spices of black pepper along with mellow herbaceous spices. The finish was smooth and tannins were soft and gentle.
For 2021 only 3 barrels were made with all the grapes coming from the Central Coast AVA. The wine came in at 13.9% alcohol and received a score of 92 points from Wine Enthusiast. The price for 2021 was $50/bottle. This wine was very good with the meal and by itself a very calm and relaxing wine to sip.
Current vintage is 2023 and which has received a score of 94 points and an Editor’s Choice award. Other accolades include Double Gold at the Orange County Fair and Gold Medal at the Central Coast Wine Competition. Their website shows $55/bottle and is almost sold out. His 2024 was just released in August 2026 with a similar blend and goes for $60/bottle.
While not usually commenting on wine labels, Absolution Cellars bottles have the licensed artwork from Aja Trier of Sagittarius Gallery. Each label by her being unique, creative and mind illuminating similar to the winemaker Dirk Neumann’s creations.
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 meat ravioli from Giovanni Rana, new to us, with simple marinara sauce with added ground beef and ground pork. Essentially the meaty Bolognese sauce and the wine were more than compatible and provided an excellent and quick meal in time to watch Monday Night Football. Topped with fresh Parmesan cheese.
Would recommend this food and wine pairing with no hesitation.
The Winery
Photo from Absolution Cellars website
Dirk Neumann is the owner and winemaker of Absolution Cellars. He specializes in small batch production featuring single-vineyard grapes from the Central Coast. The tasting room is located at 845 Embarcadero, Suite H in Morro Bay, California, next to the ocean. Each year Dirk makes over 20 different varieties focusing on the expression of the vineyard. Dirk’s style combines Old World vineyards and creativity that the New World winemaking offers. Typically, the grapes are hand sorted in each cluster, destemmed and sorted again by hand. The red wines are aged between 16-40 months in neutral barrels.
Current offerings of his wines are broad and with limited quantities. Besides his Great Odin’s Blend are: Albariño, Marsanne/Roussanne blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Clairette Blanche, Grenache, Penance (white blend), Pinot Noir, Rosé of Graciano, Rosé of Mourvèdre, Rosé of Sangiovese, Syrah, Trebbiano, Verdelho, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo.
Photo from Jesse A and Absolution Cellars website
A little bit more on artist Aja Trier with her imaginative artwork inspired by animals, nature and travel. Her art is known for rich colors, luminous skies and imaginative detail blending realism and abstraction. Her art while sipping the wine is contemplative and inspiring.
The name Great Odin’s Blend came from two sources. First being the supreme chief deity of pantheon in Norse mythology. His key traits were wisdom, poetry, death, magic and royal leadership. He is depicted as a tall, grey-haired one-eyed elder. He gave up one eye to sacrifice it for knowledge, wisdom and insight. The other reason for the name is that his dog is named Odin!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Wine Tastings of Napa, Sonoma and Oregon Wines
You have a choice on November 13th: drive to various wine regions of Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Oregon. Or attend Collectors Pour in your backyard at Sloan Field in Mesa, Arizona.
https://www.collectorspour.com
If you are a wine aficionado or a newbie to the wine scene, it is a chance to taste some 65+ curated wines poured. The event is being held at Sloan Park in Mesa on Friday November 13th. Wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Oregon are being poured. So why travel to these locations when they are coming to your neighborhood?
Tickets are available at: https://www.collectorspour.com/
Not just another “wine tasting” but one with boutique and artisan wineries featuring the opportunity to meet with winery owners and winemakers to learn about their craft. Wineries that have confirmed their attendance with more are being added:
In addition to the assortment of wines being poured, each attendee will be treated to the tunes of What’s the Big Deal, a jazz piano trio. Food will be available for purchase.
Hope to see you there!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com