Allora Vineyards
Let’s get plastered!!! Now that may not the smoothest introduction to a wine article, but let me explain. Terry and Nancy Klein established a very successful plastering business in the SF Bay Area but had always wanted to work and own a vineyard. In 1998 they bought a 15 acre parcel in most northern area of St Helena and planted 10 acres of grapes. This consists of 8 of Cabernet Sauvignon and the other 2 acres are Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah.
A couple of weeks ago I sat down with Terry (on the left) and his wine maker Mike McPherson to taste and discuss the vineyard and direction. Terry is an engaging owner with a smile and demeanor big enough to fill his wine cellar! Each bottle of wine has a unique name and story. Rudy Zuidema is the consulting winemaker and guiding mentor to the overall development of the winery.
The first wine tasted was their 2016 Chardonnay which is from Carneros region which was smooth and light bodied. The following vintage was I was able to barrel taste was from a local vineyard “red shoulder estate” and has a bursting Old World crispness, yet inviting to the palate. This wine will be a “gold medal” contender in my opinion.
Beyond the tasting of the wine Terry presented it in a glass which they distribute from Austria called Vino O2. It is difficult to see in the picture, but a “thumb size” is indented into the glass. What this causes while swirling the glass, is for the aromas to be risen up the glass and into your nose. Tasting the wine just poured into the glass verses after a few swirls is remarkably different and does enhance the experience.
The tasting room is located in the “basement/cellar” of their beautiful house on this secluded vineyard. It is spacious enough for 6-10 people and very intimate and does takes one back to Italy. The word Allora by the way, translates, to “whatever”. I think it really translates to “whatever is good”!
The first red tasted was a 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine had a deep purple hue on sight and was medium body with aroma notes of blackberry and is fruit forward. On the finish it possessed a lingering “soft sweetness”.
Another red wine enjoyed during this tasting was their Lusso Cabernet Sauvignon. It is made from Clone 15 grapes and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon based. Only three barrels are made. Rudy Zuidema describes it as “highly extracted and decadent wine that indulges your entire pallet in pure luxury”. When sipping this wine, you get ripe berries and hints of dark chocolate. It is aged 24 months in French barrels. By the way, the label of the three women on the bottle has a fascinating story behind it, but that will be for the Klein’s to share on your visit.
So while starting the article with “let’s get plastered” you really need to slowly experience this exquisite wine.
Slainte,
http://www.alloravineyards.com
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
FTC disclosure: All wine purchased was at full retail rate.
California Wines & Wineries 