Month: April 2020
How You Can Help Small California Wineries Survive the Shelter in Place Mandate.
The COVID-19 is something between the writings of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock for most of us today. That said being Sheltered in Place (SIP) or self-quarantined the human spirit is being squashed. Why? We are social beings with a sense of purpose with family, friends and community. We are all cut off and isolation is unsettling. Even of historical magnitudes and pervasiveness not seen since World War II affecting literally everyone worldwide, we will get through this with unwavering enthusiasm and hope, nonetheless a bit scarred but not beaten. As Alvin Toffler stated “One of the definitions of sanity is the ability to tell real from unreal. Soon we’ll need a new definition”.
I am writing this today to bring attention to the fact that many small artisan and handcrafted wineries unfortunately may not be as fortunate. They are often single person, husband/wife and/or family operations of less than five individuals. They have invested their family monies to provide some unique and quality wines for our enjoyment. The financial impact of not holding tastings may strangle the life blood out of a few. Some small wineries have wine clubs and a solid local following. Some have just “opened their doors”. Nevertheless, all are going to be hurting financially shortly as the impact of their marketing and sales is squashed by having their tasting rooms closed or the inability to hold winemaker dinners or tasting events.
I just went thru the last four months of these small wineries that I have written about and would encourage you to call the wineries (most are open but not for tastings) and place an order. This will help them immensely as you are helping them make a car payment, mortgage or put food on the table. I personally believe this is money well spent verses picking up a bottle of wine at the local supermarket. Even one or two bottles the impact will be felt. The larger wineries will be fine in the long run, but these smaller boutique wineries may be pushed to the brink of extinction.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a wonderful bottle(s) of wine and support your neighbors in the wine business. All these wineries are in California. Many more can be found on my website or blog dating back more than four months. I have listed only a few of the varietals they make and clicking the website will give you a complete listing as well as their phone number.
There are many more wineries but these are stories from the last four months by area:
Napa Valley
Zuidema Wine Company – Grenache https://zuidemawines.com/
YoungInglewood – Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, blends http://younginglewood.com/
Detert Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc https://www.detert.com/
Laura Michael – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel https://www.lauramichaelwines.com/
Tate Wine – Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon http://www.tatewine.com/
Porch Wines – Sauvignon Blanc, GSM https://www.porch-wine.com/
Vinoce – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc https://www.vinoce.com/
Hunter Glenn Wines – Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Syrahhttps://hunterglenn.com/
Livermore Valley
Wood Family Vineyards – Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Blends https://woodfamilyvineyards.com
3 Steve’s Winery – Chardonnay, Carmenere, Cab Franc http://3steveswinery.com
McKahn Family Cellars – Syrah, Grenache, Viognier https://mckahnfamilycellars.com/
Steven Kent Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon, blends http://stevenkent/com
Cuda Ridge Wines – Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot https://cudaridgewines.com/
Cellar 13 – Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon https://www.cellar13winery.com/
Arroyo Cellars – Chardonnay, Zinfandel https://www.arroyocellars.com/
Lodi
Acquiesce – Roussanne, Picpoul, Bourboulenc https://www.acquiescevineyards.com/
Prie Vineyard – Barbera, Dornfelder, Zinfandel https://www.priewinery.com/
LangeTwins – Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Teroldego https://langetwins.com/
Sierra Foothills
Gossamer Cellars – Unique red & white wines (Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, etc.) http://restless-frog.com/about
Lavender Ridge – Roussanne, Rhone varietals https://lavenderridgevineyard.com/
Casino Mine Ranch – Vermentino, Tempranillo, Mourvedre https://www.casinomineranch.com/
Bodega Del Sur Winery – Tempranillo, Spanish varietals https://bodegadelsur.com/
Allegorie & Val du Vino – Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Blends https://www.valduvinowinery.com/allegorie-wines
Frog’s Tooth Winery – Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Sirah https://www.frogstooth.com/
Jazz Cellars – Syrah, Sangiovese, Roussanne/Marsanne https://www.jazzcellars.com/
Boyle McDonald – Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Blends https://www.boylemacdonaldwines.com
Suisun Valley
Tenbrink Winery – Petite Sirah, Chardonnay http://tenbrinkvineyards.com/
Tolenas Vineyards – Gamay, Rose, blends http://tolenaswinery.com/
Carmel
Shale Canyon Winery – Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Tempranillo https://www.shalecanyonwines.com/
Paso Robles
Dracaena Wines – Cabernet Franc, Rose https://dracaenawines.com/
Agoura Hills
Dusty Nabor Wines – Syrah, Grenache, Viognier http://dustynaborwines.com/
Sonoma Valley
Mountain Tides – Petite Sirah https://www.mountaintideswine.com/
Stringer Cellars – Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon https://www.stringercellars.com/
Merriman Vineyards – no website – (707) 433-4032
Slainte,
Continuing the “Virtual Wine Tasting” in Different Wine Regions While Staying in Place. Dracaena Wines in Paso Robles, California
Winemaker and Owners
Recently did a full story on Dracaena Wines, but wanted to highlight them again as a two person operation struggling during the Stay in Place mandate. While their wines are spectacular, without tasting engagements, food pairing dinners, etc., they are left with their wine club membership only.
For the full story on Dracaena Wines click on: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/01/14/dracaena-wines-a-david-verses-goliath-story/
First, a bit on Michael and Lori Budd who fell “into love with Cabernet Franc”. While today still working full time jobs, they are planning their future in the wine business down the road. They purchased property in Arroyo Grande, near Pismo Beach, and use a custom crush house to produce their wine. Their grapes come from The Plummer Vineyard in Paso Robles. Mike and Lori’s backgrounds are primarily in Food Science and they originally met back on the East Coast while working. Lori who has since continued her education as a WSET II with distinction, is a regular blogger, an award winning writer and podcaster on a variety of wine subjects. Both Michael and Lori are co-founders of International Cabernet Franc Day, December 4th.
Their name Dracaena (pronounced druh-see-nuh) is a bit longer story, but suffice it to say, it started off as a memory of their beloved Weimaraner, which they had named Draco. You can read the complete story on their website. Draco’s hand drawn image appears on all their bottles.
The Wines
Dracaena is a very small producer of wines. Today they offer three wines: their Classic Cabernet Franc $34, a Reserve Cabernet Franc $45 and Rose of Syrah, unfortunately sold out but are accepting advanced orders. In 2019 they produced 325 cases and are expected to produce 375 cases in 2020. They will be introducing a Chenin Blanc from the Clarksburg AVA. If it were only the production quantity, that would be one thing. However their outstanding and remarkable quality is what has captivated the wine drinking aficionados around the United States. Here is a brief recap of their awards:
*2013 Classic Cab Franc – Silver in SF Chronicle 91 Wine Enthusiast
*2014 Classic Cab Franc – Silver in SF Chronicle 90 Wine Enthusiast
*2015 Classic Cab Franc (they did not make the Reserve in ’15) Double Gold in SF Chronicle.
*2016 Classic Cab Franc and 2016 Cab Franc Reserve received a Gold medal in the SF Chronicle 91 Wine Enthusiast
*2017 Cab Franc Reserve received the Double Gold from SF Chronicle Wine Competition.
*2016 Dracaena Reserve Cab Franc – Double Gold Medal Winner at the 2019 California Wines & Wineries Cabernet Franc Competition, Best of Class and Best of Show by Professional Judges. They also received a Gold by the People’s Choice Judges.
*2016 Dracaena Reserve Cab Franc – Silver Medal Winner at the 2019 Central Coast Wine Competition.
Some of the comments on their wines:
“Broad red-cherry aromas meet with more tart plum skins and carnation buds on the nose of this bottling. The palate also shows red cherry as well as vanilla-cookie and pencil shaving flavors, framed by grippy tannins and bright acid.”- Wine Enthusiast
2015 Dracaena Wines Cabernet Franc Paso Robles: “medium+ ruby; medium+ developing aromas of black cherry, red plum, blackberry, black raspberry, blackcurrant leaf, dried thyme, lavender, cloves, nutmeg, chocolate, and vanilla; medium acidity, medium+ tannins, medium+ body and flavor intensity of slightly preserved black plum, blackberry, red cherry, red currant, dried thyme, fennel, white pepper, chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla; spicy finish; really nice earthy wine.” – Rockinredblog
The Food Pairing
Their 2016 Cabernet Franc Reserve was served last evening with a beautiful two inch thick BBQed seared ribeye steak. Accompanied with a Yukon Gold potato and fresh garden salad. The Cabernet Franc Reserve was a delightful pairing with the steak. The cherry, plum and blackberry, along with a softer bell pepper, vanilla and smokiness made this wine exquisite.
I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I have enjoyed getting to know Michael & Lori and their excellent wines! Please support them as they are taking phone and email orders and can ship to many states.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://dracaenawines.com
Continuing the “Virtual Wine Tasting” in Different Regions While Staying in Place. Prie Winery in Lodi, California
The Winery
Quaint, small, charming may be some of the words to describe the tasting room which hold about 4-6 people comfortably. That may be a “turn off” but the reality is that the two owners John and Lisa Gash have hearts and minds the size of Texas. Originally from Livermore and working at Lawrence Livermore Labs, they understood wine from being in the beautiful Livermore Valley. Their adventure into the wine business began with Lisa starting this as a hobby. Today John and Lisa, who are “self-taught” winemakers, credit their friends and community in helping them achieve all their accolades. The two make a great “Ying and Yang” team of winemaking prowess and creativity/artistic bent.
They started officially in 2010 in Livermore sourcing grapes from the iconic Soucie Vineyard in Lodi. In 2012 they purchased the Cliff Mettler house and vineyard. They constructed the winery and in 2015 opened their boutique tasting room.
A road less travelled would be a great theme for the wine offerings. Their goals is to source from individual vineyards (including their own) to provide an expression of the terroir of Lodi AVA and surrounding areas.
Currently Prie has some sixteen wines for sale (different vintages). Their whites are Vermentino and Picpoul Blanc. A Carignane Rose is also offered. The reds are Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dornfelder, Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Barbera, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Old Vine Zinfandel. They recently announced the first Mencia produced wine from the Silvaspoons Vineyard in Lodi. It is a Spanish wine with hints of black tea and currant. They also offer a couple of blends.
The Wines – Two Specific Wines
Today I am writing about two of their wines. The first wine is their Dornfelder. So what is Dornfelder? Dornfelder is not a common household name for wine! Only 69 acres are planted in the California with 43 acres in San Joaquin County and 19 acres in Sacrament County. That leave only 7 acres for the rest of the state. August Karl Herold (1902-1973) cross pollenated Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe (two German varietals) to make Dornfelder and was recognized by the authorities in Germany in 1979. He further went on to make Heggel and it was recognized in 1994 as a sister grape of Dornfelder. The grape name Dornfelder was in honor of Immanuel August Ludwig Dornfeld (1796-1869) who was a proponent of and instrumental in creating the viticultural school in Weinsberg. Dornfelder is now the second most grown red grape varietal in Germany (who knew?). The typical flavor profile is dark on the eye, possess a velvety texture, slightly floral and definitely has dark fruit flavors (plum, blackberry, dark cherry) and is oaked. While typically dry to semi-dry, some can possess a sweetness. This 2018 Prie Dornfelder was aged 12 months in neutral French oak. It is 100% Dornfelder varietal and is from the Mokelumne River sub-AVA in Lodi. Currently it lists for $27.
The second wine is Prie Winery’s 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel. This Zinfandel is perhaps my favorite Zinfandel in the cellar. It is unique in color, texture and is a medium-bodied wine. The initial reaction that comes to mind in describing this wine is the light and unique color for a Zinfandel. I found it elegant and with a silky smooth finish. It had the typical blackberry and blueberry flavors but no harsh tannins or jam characteristics. This is now one of my favorite Zinfandels as opposed to some very jammy or heavily extruded Zinfandels.
The Food Pairing
Dornfelder – The wine was paired with a tri-tip steak, potatoes and side garden salad. The food pairing recommendations for this wine are roast meats, game dishes (venison) and rich cheeses. When wooden barrels are introduced to Dornfelder it brings out the tannin and tends to minimize the fruitiness. It is mildly acidic and full body with a deep, deep coloring. This Prie 2018 Dornfelder went well with the tri-tip steak and flavors oozed out with the introduction of the meat. It provided wonderful flavor and enough acidity to compliment the dinner. Admittedly after dinner with the second glass without food, it did not have the same appeal. So a food pairing is recommended.
Old Vine Zinfandel – this was paired with a mesquite marinated chicken, fettuccini pasta with vegetables prepared in light olive oil and parmesan sauce. A steamed artichoke and fresh garden salad also completed the meal. The soft spiciness of did not overpower the chicken.
This truly is a small run family operation that makes wonderful unique and scrumptious wines for consumers. Both of these wines (and their Barbera) now have a home in my cellar. While the tasting room is not open, they are taking phone orders to ship out wines.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.priewinery.com/
Continuing the “Virtual Wine Tasting” in Different Regions While Staying in Place. 3 Steve’s in Livermore, California (Plus Chile!)
(The 3 Steve’s, L to R, are Steve Zigant, Steve Burman and Steve Melander)
The Winery
3 Steve’s is exactly why it was named thus. It started with three friends (Steve Burman, Steve Melander and Steve Ziganti), all in the wine business, who wanted to own their own winery. They insisted on meticulously working their own vineyard as well as bringing fruit back to their winery. Thus their tagline “3 Friends Striving to Make the Perfect Wine”. They opened the property in 2013 after a few years producing wine at a custom crush operation. In 2014, their Zinfandel was voted Best Red Wine of Show at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. They have never looked back!
The Wines
They make an assortment of wines from whites to reds to sparkling. Their list is too numerous to list but for a small operation they produce various varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, white blends, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and many more.
They can now add these awards to their ever growing list of award winning wines:
*2011 Cienega Valley Ancient Vine Zinfandel – 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Best of Red Wine of Show. Our biggest accomplishment to date, this is the largest US wine competition in the world and this wine was voted Best Red Wine (Sweepstakes Award) over 5300 other wines.
*2012 Sauvignon Blanc – 2013 Tri Valley Conservancy Uncorked Wine Competition, Best White Wine of Show
*2014 Sauvignon Blanc – 2015 Tri Valley Conservancy Uncorked Competition Best Sauvignon Blanc of Show
*2011 Cabernet Franc – Affairs of the Vine 2013 Cab Shootout Second Place Best Wine of Show
*2012 Livermore Valley Merlot – 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Best of Class.
*2013 Cabernet Franc – 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Double Gold.
*2013 Cabernet Sauvignon – 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Gold.
*2012 Sauvignon Blanc – 2013 Tri Valley Conservancy Uncorked Wine Competition, Gold Medal
*2015 Livermore Valley Chardonnay – 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Gold.
*2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Silver.
*2014 Livermore Valley Merlot – 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Silver.
*2014 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel – 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Bronze.
*2013 Zinfandel – 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Silver.
*2013 Three Brunettes Blend – 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Bronze.
*2013 Three Blondes Blend – 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Bronze.
*2013 Three Cabs Blend – 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Bronze.
*2012 Cabernet Sauvignon – 2015 Tri Valley Conservancy Uncorked Competition Silver Medal.
*2012 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Silver.
*2012 Cienega Valley Cabernet Franc – – 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Silver.
*2012 Chardonnay – 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Silver Medal.
*2011 Cabernet Franc- 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Silver Medal.
*2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel – 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Silver Medal
*2008 Cabernet Sauvignon – 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Silver Medal
*2009 Zinfandel – 2012 Best of the Bay Zin Challenge Competition, Silver Medal
*2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – 2012 Best of the Bay Wine Competition, Bronze Medal
*2009 Zinfandel – 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Silver Medal
*2009 Chardonnay – 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Bronze Medal
*2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Bronze Medal
*2007 Cabernet Franc – 2011 Best of the Bay Wine Competition, Bronze Medal
Last December 2019, 3 Steve’s won the Best of Show and Double Gold at the Inaugural California Wines and Wineries Cabernet Franc Wine Competition.
Featured Wine – Carménère
The vineyard where their Zinfandel was grown in California is owned by a person who also owns a winery in Chile. Over the past 5 years, the 3 Steve’s have been traveling to Chile where they produce and bottle their 3 Steve’s South American wine Carménère and import back to Livermore for sale.
(Photo by Alchemy Winery and used with permission)
Now to find out more about Carménère (one of the lost Bordeaux varietals) and its Phoenix rise from the ashes, a quick history can be found at Wine Folly https://winefolly.com/tutorial/10-cool-things-to-know-about-carmenere-wine/ . Suffice it to say, it was transported from Bordeaux to Chile in the 1800’s as Merlot but was only recognized in 1994 as actually being Carménère. This vineyard is located in the famous Cachapoal Valley know to produce the best of the best Carménère.
What makes the pedigree of this wine so outstanding is that it is “handmade” by the local village people in Chile. No automated equipment or optical sorters, only manual labor removing each berry from the cluster by hand and destemming by hand. This allows each bin brought into the winery to be “perfect” with no leaves, stems, MOG (material other than grapes) of any kind contaminating the wine. The results are silky and full of fruit. They also using “water bladders” to gently increase pressure during the press operation. This insures a long but high end extraction of a clean and gentle press to get bottled. The net of both of these intense manual labor processes allows one of the most flavorful Carménère wines I have tasted.
The wine is a deep red color, with medium viscosity on the eye. Bold fruit notes of black cherry and raspberry abound in each sip. Key to the taste beyond the typical Carménère flavors of bell pepper is, as Steve describes it, as having “mild spicy components, smoked paprika and hints of cinnamon”. It is slightly oaked with round & gentle tannins and a strong lingering finish.
The Food Pairing
Paired this evening was a stir-fried flank steak in olive oil, a dash of garlic and a little Teriyaki marinade/sauce with cut Shitake mushrooms. Served with a medley of zucchini and squash with green onions. Accompanied with cauliflower rice and a garden salad. A lovely food pairing
This has historically made my yearly list of the “Best Wines Less than $50” and is a sure bet to make the list in 2020.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
http://3steveswinery.com/
Traveling To Wine Regions While Staying In Place. Today, Acquiesce Winery in Acampo, California
The Winery
When Susan Tipton founded Acquiesce Winery, she was on a mission unique to Lodi AVA and in fact, most vinicultural areas. Acampo, where the winery is located, is just north of Lodi in Central California. She sought out to offer only “white Rhone wines”!! She was chastised and admonished why she should not focus on “solely white wines”. Yet based on her passion and life experiences in France, she proceeded without wavering. She sourced and planted the best vines from the Chateau de Beaucastel of Chateauneuf du Pape on her quest. Today she has and continues making artisan and award winning boutique wines. Her awards are too numerous to list, but include International Women’s Wine Competition Gold Medal, California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition Gold Medal, American Fine Wine Competition Double Gold, SF Chronicle Wine Competition Gold Medal and many, many more.
Her wines include Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Ingénue, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc and Belle Blanc (blend). She currently produces around 3,000 cases. Three of my favorite wines Susan produces are Picpoul Blanc, Ingénue and Roussanne.
The Wine
Her 2018 Roussanne on the eye is a light golden straw and medium viscosity. On the eye and palate, it possessed an elegant finesse with floral aromatics, hints of pear, apricots and with a rich and silky smooth mouthful texture almost creamy. The finish had a soft nutty texture of almond and a hint of honey with a distinct minerality. with a medium long finish. Roussanne brings more acidity, elegance and floral aromatic complexities to the wine. Perfect for fish and shell fish.
The Food Pairing
Acquiesce Roussanne was paired with fresh scallops seared in a butter/olive oil with a pinch of garlic salt. Accompanied by long grain and brown rice and a fresh artichoke. Another wonderfully matched dinner pairing.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
http://www.acquiescevineyards.com
Traveling To Wine Regions While Staying in Place. Today, Lavender Ridge Vineyard in Murphys, California (in the Sierra Foothills).
The Winemaker & Owners
Here we have Rich and Siri Gilpin who started the business in 2000, planted a vineyard in 2003 and started selling wine on Main Street in Murphys in 2005. The first years, when there was only 3 wineries on Main Street as opposed to twenty-eight or so today, so they were one of the first. Rich grew up on the San Francisco peninsula and Siri in Winnetka, Illinois. Rich study enology and viticulture at UC Davis and was fortunate enough to also work in “an experimental field” passing his classrooms knowledge thru his toiling hands in the field to making wine. The best of both a priori knowledge and a posteriori knowledge – theory and practical experience. One of his first jobs finishing at UC Davis was in Sonoma. Siri, after leaving Winnetka, Illinois, attended and graduated UC Santa Barbara with a BA in Sociology. She then pursued doctorate studies in Marriage and Family Counseling at Sonoma State University. It was there where she met Rich, who got the job working as an Assistant Winemaker in 1993. Later, they spent 10 years in El Dorado County at Wind Walker but always wanted to move to Calaveras County where Rich had spent some time at a family property. In 2000 they purchased the property and within three years had it planted with vines. Those vines provided their first estate release in 2006. The tasting room on Main Street opened in 2005 with wines from grapes gathering from various vineyards. Today they get 70% of the fruit from Calaveras County and the remainder mostly from the Sierra Foothills. The name Lavender Ridge, came from some health challenges of their children and the positive effect that Lavender (and other herbs) played in strengthening their immune systems, ultimately helping them get well.
The Tasting Room
They run a rather unique tasting room as it is truly three businesses in one. First is obviously the rustic tasting room for walk in traffic. Here is where you can simply walk in and taste typically six of their current wine releases. In the back, is their Rhone Room where you can make reservations to small groups or several individuals up to 20 people. Here they are focused on presenting Rhone varietals. Their second tasting room Coppermine features Bordeaux varietals. (Click on https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/06/27/coppermine-winery/ ). The second thing you notice is the Artisan Cheese Market they display in the walk-in tasting room. They also have an entire wall decorated with items for sale including local artisan soaps from the iconic and sought after Copper Soap Works (https://coppersoapworks.com). The third aspect of the business is their profound use of pairing their wines with artisan cheese. During the year they hold many events focused on the two. Topics of the ones coming include: Romance of France, Sheep Chevre, Best of Cheddars, etc. These are held via reservations and presented by Judy Creighton a certified cheese professional and Erin Nagle. Usually four wines and cheeses are available to compare and contrast.
The Wine Offerings
So in discussing Rich’s winemaking capabilities, the first question was his style or what he is trying to provide via his wine making skills. His answer was simply perfect, he wants to show the expression of the varietals. He does not do blends or add 5% or 10% of this or that to present a preconceived notion of how a varietal should look like by “artificially adding a darker varietal”. Simple and truthful. To this end he uses only natural native yeasts so as not to upset the expression. To quote Rich this makes his wines “fruit forward and easy to drink”. He does work to balance acidity and tannins to make his wines rounder and fuller flavored. Having tasted two of his “prized wines”, his Grenache is done in “concrete eggs” for minerality and keeping the lees naturally moving, and his Mourvèdre they both were “light colored”. Having to dismiss any preconceived ideas of coloring, the floral aroma of both were “other worldly” wonderful. He mentioned some consumers come in and summarily dismiss his wines due to the “lighter coloring”. Just a thought that if they provided blacked out tasting glasses he would sell out in half the time! By the way, his wines generally sell out despite the “lighter coloring” with such aromas and tastes.
Tonight’s Wine –2016 Roussanne
It was powerful with floral aromatics, with hints of peaches, pears and with a rich and silky smooth mouthful texture almost creamy. Roussanne most times is blended with the Marsanne varietal but in this case it was 100% Roussanne. This retails for $28. Roussanne brings more acidity, elegance and aromatic complexities to the wine. His 2016 Roussanne won Double Gold at the 2018 Sierra Foothills Wine Competition. His 2016 and subsequent releases are now a standard fixture in the wine cellar!
The Wine Pairing
Tonight was a fresh Petrale sole dish. Cooked in butter with seasonings consisting of purple onion, Himalayan sea salt, pepper corns, capers, lemon, garlic and a dash of ginger. Then topped with crushed Pistachio nuts. Served with a fresh California artichoke. The flavors conjoined with the wine, made a fabulous meal.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://lavenderridgevineyard.com/
Traveling To Wine Regions While Staying in Place. Today, Wood Family Vineyards in Livermore, California
The Winery
More behind the curtain at Wood Family Vineyards, especially Rhonda Wood! From high in the sky to down to earth wines!! Yes Rhonda Wood, winemaker/owner of Wood Family Vineyards used to fly planes (US Airways) but now can be found in the vineyards tending vines. She and husband Michael (with their two sons), have a winery in eastern Livermore. Rhonda started making wine in 1996. Besides sourcing wine on their property (Merlot), they have 17 specific vineyards which are manicured to their specifications throughout Livermore’s ideal climate.
Rhonda and the family winery are small in comparison to some of the Livermore’s popular known name wineries, but have been regarded for years as one of the top quality wine producers. For example, just recently they received the following accolades with many more coming:
• 2017 Petit Verdot – 93 points Wine Enthusiast + Editors’ Choice
• 2017 GSM – 93 points Wine Enthusiast + Editors’ Choice
• 2017 Malbec – 93 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2016 Petite Sirah – 92 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Especial’ – 92 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Viva’ – 92 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2017 Merlot – 92 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2017 Red Blend ‘The Captain’ – 91 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2017 Chardonnay ‘Para Mas Amigas’ – 90 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2017 Red Blend ‘El Loco Rojo’ – 90 points Wine Enthusiast
• 2017 Malbec – Best of Show – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 ‘Big Wood’ Zinfandel – Double Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 ‘El Loco Rojo’ – Double Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 Petit Verdot – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2018 Chardonnay – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 LVVC Vintners Collective – Silver SF – Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 ‘The Captain’ – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2016 Petite Sirah – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 Merlot – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 GSM – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
• 2017 Cabernet Franc – Silver – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2020
Three Wines
2018 Chardonnay – While Rhonda may state her favorite wines are her Petite Syrah, Zinfandel “Big Wood Zin” or her Merlot, personally I have enjoyed for at least 15 years her Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Her Chardonnay, a regular for summer time crowds, is call “Para Mas Amigas” meaning “for more girlfriends”. This was not on purpose, but some rusty Spanish made it thus! She was trying to say “for my girlfriends”. She has made many friends, of both sexes, all enjoying her Chardonnay. It has lingering tropical fruits, peach and pear in the palate. A portion under goes 100% secondary malolactic fermentation, but allows a final mix, to allow old world and new world Chardonnay to coexist in harmony. In a recent conversation, she has blended her Chardonnay from both “tightly grained barrels and loosely grained barrels” into the final production wine.
2017 “El Loco Rojo” – This wine is a “Bordeaux style” wine incorporating all local grapes grown in Livermore. They include 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec. Only 150 cases were produced. The name is for a red-headed man as “El Loco Rojo”. This man is the life of the party. Rhonda describes it as “bringing a smile to your face, regardless of your mood. His love is boundless and his attitude is contagious”. Having a just a few sips of this “big wine” will bring a smile to your face from first sip to the never ending finish. Her wines are extracted and deep in color. Fresh earth, clove and campfire smoke provides the background with the foreground provides all the aroma’s and tastes from this five “Bordeaux” grapes. Raspberries, Blackberries, oak and licorice abound with each sip. An excellent expression of her Livermore blend of varietals.
2017 Petite Sirah “Casa de Vinas”. Again a deep extracted color from a vineyard near her residence. On the eyes a deep almost black/purple wine. On the nose blackberry and cherry are dominant. On the palate, floral, black cherry and in Rhonda’s words “rustic tannin” round out the mouthful experience of this wine. This wine had a long finish with a hint of sweetness.
The Food Pairings
The Chardonnay was paired with a stir fried garlic chicken with mushrooms, peppers and onions over a cauliflower rice. The “El Loco Rojo” (Bordeaux blend) was served over a slow cooked eight hour seasoned pot roast with Yukon Gold potatoes and a fresh garden salad. The Petite Sirah was enjoyed by itself with no food as a follow up to a dinner. It was hearty and sumptuous by itself!!
Besides the above three wines discussed, Rhonda makes another 12 or 13 wonderful wines. Her Cabernet Sauvignon and the Against the Grain (red blend with Bourbon barrels) are two of my favorites and are stocked in my cellar.
As their motto states, “It’s all good at Wood” and I certainly can attest to that statement!
Slainte,
Michael
https://califiorniawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
Traveling To Wine Regions While Staying in Place. Today 2014 Feudo Maccari Saia Nero d’Avola from Sicily.
The Winery
Dr. Antonio Moretti besides owning Feudo Maccari in Sicily, also has Tenuta Sette Ponti near Arezzo and Poderi Orma in Bolgheri. Dr. Moretti and his daughter purchased several small properties in Sicily near the town of Noto, southeastern portion of the island. These older vineyards are located about 1 mile from the sea which provides cooling breezes, which mitigates the searing heat in southern Sicily. The vines are “alberello” (literally meaning tree-like) and are head pruned. The estate produces Nero d’Avola, Grillo as well as two reserve wines Saia from d’Avola and Maharis from Syrah.
The Wine
This 2014 Saia is opaque deep cherry red in color. It is a light viscosity, but do not be fooled as to its depth! On the nose and palate, a combination of red cherry, spices and oak are the first hints of what is to develop. Plum, blueberries and pepper are balanced with an underlying minerality from the volcanic and limestone soil. The finish was long and “woody” with smooth tannins and a crisp acidity. This wine has received 93 points from both Suckling and Parker which is remarkable for a $30-32 wine! The wine is aged 12-14 in oak and 6 months in the bottle before release.
The Food Pairing
The wine was served with a Bucatini pasta with a red tomato based meat sauce topped with parmesan shredded cheese, accompanied with a garden salad. The acidity in the wine was spot on for tomato based sauce. Our SIP (Stay in Place) adventure continue while experiencing wines from around the world.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.feudomaccari.it/
Traveling Wine Regions While Staying Place. Today 2016 YoungInglewood Cabernet Franc from St Helena, California
The Winery
Still the best label on any wine bottle and one of the top ten Cabernet Franc’s coming out of Napa Valley. The label is so simple with no wording but speaks volumes regarding their wine. He a tightrope walker balancing on a rope (hard to see in the picture) with the balancing pole. Here is a definition and use of a balancing pole: “An increased moment of inertia helps withstand external sources of torque, such as sudden gusts of wind. The heavy weights allow the tightrope walker to exert torque by simply rotating the pole slightly, which moves his/her center of mass the other way, helping re-center him- or herself directly over the tightrope”. So now think of the tightrope walker as the winemaker striving to balance a vintage of wine with fruit and acidity, sweetness and dryness, smooth finish and quality tannins, etc. One powerful “little figure” with no wording, provides the insight and vision of the Young Family in their quest in making excellent wine. Jim, Jacky and Scott Young have a keen insight on how to produce excellent wines year after year.
The Wine
The 2016 Young Inglewood Estate Cabernet Franc has a deep and dark brick red color and with a ting of Royal Purple. It has a medium viscosity on the eyes. On the nose you get blueberry, cherry, cranberry and a hint of plum and lavender. Also on the nose, you can get a waffle of red licorice, sage and sweet pipe tobacco. On the palate, raspberries, caramel, vanilla and new soft leather. This wine has the key benchmark of mild pyrazine with herbal and vegetal aromas of red bell pepper and peppercorns. This just adds some classical complexity to the wine. Medium acidity and sweetness but tannins that stir up the senses to be awakened but not be overpowered. The finish is like the tightrope walker, making it to the other side with confidence and completing the task assigned successfully. No wonder why their Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and blends, have made my list of the yearly Best Wines! The grapes were hand sorted and the wine spent 21 months in neutral French oak. Only 24 cases of Cabernet Franc were produced. Current list price is $110.
The Food Pairing
Tonight’s meal was a shish kabob barbequed filet mignon, red & orange bell peppers, purple onions and Portobello mushrooms. Two filet mignon were cubed and placed in a closed metal basket and layered with each of the ingredients sliced or slivered. The flavors of the vegetables over low heat on the BBQ waffled into the lightly seasoned meat. The peppers provided a complementary flavor profile to the wine. Served over a bed of cauliflower rice and accompanied with a fresh garden salad.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
http://younginglewood.com/
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