California Wines & Wineries

Phifer Pavitt

Posted on February 18, 2016

A belated Valentine’s Day to all. What could be more appropriate then discussing Phifer Pavitt Winery? The reason for this discussion is that on all bottles of their wine, they are labeled “Date Night”. Suzanne and Shane have always tried to have once a week “Date Night”. It was typically that evening that major decisions and discussion ensued. Not the least was to purchase the Phifer Pavitt property. Their mantra is to enjoy your moments with each other – what could be more on target post Valentine’s Day or every day? Even their various Verona wine clubs are name Romeo, Juliet and Romeo & Juliet!!

Phifer Pavitt is located in south eastern Calistoga region just off Silverado Trail. Unique beyond the wines is their “eco-friendly barn” with rustic wood, straw and a “floating wine bar/table” from walnut. The décor includes numerous eco-chic elements, including reclaimed barbed wire ‘chandeliers,’ recycled blue jean insulation, recycled Wyoming snow-fencing paneling. Right now they are not producing wine from the estate, but have two contracts with vineyards in Pope Valley. The Sauvignon Blanc come from Juliana Vineyard and the winemaker is Gary Warburton. The Cabernet Sauvignon come from Temple Family Vineyards and is produced by winemaker Ted Osborne. Ted also is the consultant winemaker for the Sauvignon Blanc.

Phifer Pavitt offers two excellent wines (both in my cellar for the last several years!), a 2014 Date Night Sauvignon Blanc and a 2012 Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sauvignon Blanc is unfortunately sold out right now and the 2015 will be released in March 2016. This wine has wonderful boutique of pineapple and lemon – a real delight for Sauvignon Blanc. Gary Warburton states “the focused palate swirls around in a vibrant thirst-quenching core of Meyer lemon, crème fraiche and white stone fruits that echo with the zesty flavors of summer porch-swing sipping”. With only 588 cases produced for the 2014, you know the 2015 in April will be sold out quickly.

The other wine is their 2012 Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the third year of this vintage that I have purchased and since my first taste, I have “fallen in love” with this wine. It is a dark ruby in color with an excellent nose of red cherries. Ted Osborne describes it as “a richness then overtakes the palate in the combination of roasted marshmallow, milk chocolate and salted caramel”.  The wine is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot and aged 18 months is French oak. In 2012, 975 cases were produced.   This wine is one of the most noteworthy Cabernet’s coming from Pope Valley that I have tasted in the last five years.

“See how she leans her cheek upon her hand. O, that I were a glove upon that hand that I might touch that cheek!” ― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

So whether you open this on a Date Night or any other day, both wines will capture your heart!

http://www.phiferpavittwine.com

Slainte

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