Month: November 2021
Madorom 2020 Sauvignon Blanc – A Refreshing and Appealing Wine
The Winery
MadoroM Vineyards and Winery is a family affair creating handcrafted and artisan wines from Napa Valley grapes. They produce, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, a Proprietary Red Blend (see a previous article at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/10/07/2018-madorom-camouflage-proprietary-red-wine/ ) and Sauvignon Blanc. Their new tasting room is located on the Silverado Trail. MadoroM wines is a collaboration of Andy and Marissa Amador and the talented winemaker Mike Blom. At age 27, Andy purchased a 188 acre ranch in the eastern Napa Valley and he planted 50 acres on the property. He later planted a vineyard at the base of Mt. Veeder. The name MadoroM is an incorporation of all their names!
They have two distinct labels: Camouflage and Black Label. The Camouflage label comprises their Proprietary Red Blend (see previous story at https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/10/07/2018-madorom-camouflage-proprietary-red-wine/), their Rosé and their Sauvignon Blanc. The Black Label features their 2016 & 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (see previous story at https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/10/23/madorom-vineyards-and-winery-2016-cabernet-sauvignon-and-prime-rib/) and their 2016 & 2017 Napa Valley Merlot (see previous story at https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/10/31/madorom-vineyards-and-winery-2016-merlot-the-paul-bunyan-of-merlots/). As an aside they also do custom labeling with a three case minimum order.
The 2020 Madorom Camouflage Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of my go to wines for an enjoyable sipping experience. That said, many of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s have enough pucker power (strong citrus highlights) to construct a kissing booth (showing my age)! They do have their time and place with the right foods. Having never tasted this wine before this evening, I was expecting a citrus profile, but was I surprised! On the eyes a light golden color with medium viscosity. On the nose an array of floral highlights including Honeysuckle and Jasmine. Once on the palate, at first an almost full body dry Chardonnay with rounder and softer edges burst into the mouth with textual edges. Absent was the sharp citrus notes and replaced with honeydew melon and guava, hints of vanilla and a tad citrus note of grapefruit high in the balcony seats! Truly a refreshing and remarkable Sauvignon Blanc that was not “heavy handed” or “in your face” just a beautifully constructed wine. At $28/bottle, this now is a versatile wine to be kept in the cellar!
The Food and Wine Pairing
Paired this evening with a lemon chicken piccata meal. While we had lemon slices and wedges usually to squeeze on the chicken to match with a typical Sauvignon Blanc wine, this evening we did not. The wine with this meal which was lightly breaded, with capers and seasoned with a miniscule of lemon zest and needed no additional citrus flavoring to match perfectly with the wine. Accompanied the meal was a fresh garden salad and Yukon Gold potato.
If you have been turned off by Sauvignon Blanc wines due to “mouth puckering citrus”, this is a great Sauvignon Blanc with a symphony of flavors.
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Acre Merlot – A Heavy Weight Contender and Now Round Two!
Wrote about this wine back in April and pulled a bottle tonight from the cellar and it is even better!
The Winery
“One Acre, One Guy, One Wine” slogan is the quintessential meaning behind their wines and success. It started in 2002 with Dave Becker, who founded the One Acre label with just one acre of Cabernet Sauvignon planted at his family home in the Oak Knoll region of the Napa Valley. The success of One Acre led to the launch of Acre Wines, a portfolio of classic wines from sustainably farmed, family-owned estate vineyards in Napa Valley.
Industry veterans, Mike and Talley Henry purchased the winery in 2017. Together, with well-known consulting winemaker Richard Bruno, they continue to carry on the One Acre and Acre Wines legacy that Dave created nearly two decades ago. Today, the One Acre portfolio includes an Oak Knoll Cabernet sourced from Dave’s original one acre vineyard, and a Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon, planted on one acre with identical clones, varietal, spacing and row orientation as the Oak Knoll Cabernet to be able to understand and appreciate the differences of “terroir”. The highly acclaimed Acre portfolio includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from family-owned vineyards within the stellar AVA’s of Oakville, Yountville, Calistoga, and Stags Leap.
The Wine
The 2018 Acre Merlot, Napa Valley, is one fierce wine and not a weak or wimpy Merlot. The color in the glass is your first clue this is a different Merlot. The color is dark purple and intriguing with a medium heavy viscosity on the eyes. On the nose, chocolate covered berries, strawberries and vanilla waft into the senses. On the palate, this is not your warm and cuddling drink that is relaxing and comforting to sip. You are awoken with the first sip to an explosive mouthful of Bing cherries, plums, rough and tough tannins with subtle earthy tones of bramble and minerality. No soft and warm Merlot. This is a Merlot for Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers! The finish has a textual feel and a complex layered structure continues to enhance the consumer. The words chewy and masculine come to mind in describing this beautiful wine. While having so much brawny characteristics, it still presents on the finish as elegant and charming. This is a Merlot to absolutely enjoy today or even lay down for a few years! 510 cases were produced and aged in 40% new French oak barrels for 16 months. The wine uses 100% Merlot grapes and comes from Stags Leap AVA. Current price is $38.
If you want a big bear hug of a Merlot this is your wine!!!
Sláinte,
Michael
Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner With Friends and 2019 Acquiesce Roussanne
A small portion of our pre-Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Acquiesce Roussanne a beautiful white wine with spinach tomato feta stuffed chicken breast recipe. Ingredients included paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, chopped baby spinach, sundried tomatoes, shallots, garlic clove, fresh basil, oregano, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Accompanying dishes were long grain wild rice, oven roasted cauliflower and fresh garden salad (thanks Mary Heaton). Dessert was a beautiful chocolate Kailua cake (thanks Maria Goulart). Susan Kelly made a wonderful “warm up meal” and now on to the big Thanksgiving dinner today. And almost forgot we enjoyed some other very nice wines with our conversations.
The 2019 Roussanne and earlier vintages have made my Best Wines of the Year list. The 2019 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 which makes it perfect for chicken, turkey or fish. The current release is the 2020 and winery price is $34/bottle. Click on previous article on Acquiesce Winery:
I have always believed Susan Tipton is unique in her vision for the AVA and has produced wines to showcase her ability as a top rated winemaker and trailblazer. While I have always kept her Roussanne in the cellar, this last year Picpoul Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ingénue and Clairette Blanche are also always stocked.
Sláinte,
Michael
2014 Shadybrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville, Napa Valley
The Winery
What a magnificent hidden gem beneath Mt George in the Coombsville AVA. Owners David and Alice Alkosser found a piece of heaven. They are situated on 25 rolling hillside acres with phenomenal views facing west and south. They have planted the five key Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec on this property.
I was introduced to Shadybrook by their prominent winemaker Rudy Zuidema with their inaugural 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon release. I have been a buyer for two additional releases without hesitation with the 2012 being exceptional. The 2012 Cab made my listing of “Top Wines in 2015”. Currently they are offering three wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Platine Blanc (in the tradition of whites from Bordeaux). All their wines are available with quantity limitations on purchases.
The 2014 Shadybrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2014 Shadybrook Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon is simply smooth and elegant. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a silky and layered wine. On the eyes it is dark and enticing. A cacophony of flavors from sweet pipe tobacco to plum to blackberries delight the senses. A pleasing finish with mocha and velvety tannins provides an opulent finish. The current release is their 2017 and lists for $125 on the website.
The Food and Wine Pairing
The meal was a stir fried chicken with a mild chili and sweet sauce or as we called it Orange Chicken. Served over rice and a side salad with freshly cooked bacon accompanied the meal. In all honesty the wine was really not chosen to go with the dinner as we both wanted a nice Cabernet Sauvignon but not the typical big and bold with heavy tannins from Napa perfect suited for a steak. Pulled from the cellar a “tried and true” wine from my friend Rudy Zuidema. We knew we would be delighted. So only a few sips at dinner, with the balance being enjoyed catching up on some recorded television shows! The wine did not disappoint and was even better than I remembered.
Sláinte,
Michael
Another Story Published!
Pleased and honored to be featured again in Next Taste magazine for their holiday edition. This story is on Barnett Vineyards. New Taste magazine reaches over 500,000 readers!!
Sláinte,
Michael
2008 Lineage – Truly an Artisan Wine for a Special Occasion
Steven Kent Mirassou as a 6th generation family winemaker had to set new goals. He set as his pinnacle development to produce the best “Bordeaux style” wine California could produce. A lofty and perhaps extreme goal for one man in Livermore Valley. After many years as a successful winemaker at Steven Kent Winery, he decided to make 3 to 5 barrels a year of the absolute premier “Bordeaux style” wine. For our anniversary we pulled out of the cellar a 2008 vintage, which is the second of the Lineage releases. This release entailed only five barrels. The blend which changes year to year based on flavor profiles, consisted of Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Merlot 2%, Petit Verdot 5% and Malbec 3%. While blending is an “artistic” endeavor, Steven also is analytical in his pursuit of the perfect Bordeaux blend.
Here is Steven’s write up on why these varietals and clones were chosen. It is like an artist mixing paint colors for right shading and expression of a painting.
“Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 30: Dark cherry and cassis flavors, fine-grained tannins and acidity. Less opulent but more age worthy than Clone 4.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 191: Cassis, coffee, and mocha flavors, angular, tannic structure and lengthy, persistent finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 4: Powerhouse rich, viscous flavors of dark fruit and chocolate with broad tannins.
Cabernet Franc: Not as “big” as CS but with more finesse and an aromatic palate of sandalwood and chocolate. Acidity is the watchword of this variety. Its acid-based red fruit flavors marry well with the darker more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon to enliven and length Lineage’s finish.
Petit Verdot: Contributes tannin, color, and grapey aromas and flavors of violet and black fruit. This variety helps to build density in the mid-palate of the wine.
Malbec: Adds fruit and tannin; quite different from Cabernet in its sauvage mix of dried berry and raspberry fruit notes. It signature aromatic note is obvious when the wine is young. As Lineage ages, the Malbec takes on a dried-fruit edge and nice acidity.
Merlot: Noble variety of Bordeaux’s Right Bank; as counterpoint to CS’s austere structure, Merlot is fleshy and opulent; ripe red/dark cherry flavor, a touch of herbal complexity which adds to Lineage’s rich mid-palate.”
The key take way on blending is that it is extremely selective and requires rigorous decision making of not only varietals, but the correct Clones of the varietals to get the flavor profile. Add another step of both winemaking and personal craftsmanship and abracadabra you have a gorgeous and refined Bordeaux blend called Lineage. I am sure Steven wished it was that simple, but this is a much shortened version.
Two of many other detailed undertakings are his hand selection of French oak barrels (Taransaud, Le Grand and Francois Freres) and his constant monitoring of the development of the wine in the barrel. The 2008 Lineage was aged 28 months in barrel and released approximately 36 months after harvest. So the wine last evening has been in the cellar for just over 10 years.
The flavor profile and experience of this wine is truly remarkable. First on the eye you see a medium to medium dark red tint and medium viscosity wine. Very different than some of the bold Cabernet Sauvignon’s coming out of Napa Valley. Your first impression is perhaps this may be a “bit light”. But hold on until you get your first whiff which reveals “black fruits, exotic woods and spice aromatics”. On the palate, you get all the above characteristics that Steven purposed in his selection of varietals and clones to produce a crescendo of semi-sweet mocha, dark cherry, dark roasted coffee, sweet tobacco, violets, black fruit, etc. You are a bit mesmerized in trying to dissect each essential trait in this wine drinking experience. This is a wine to simple enjoy and savor the existential engagement and relationship of such a rare and eloquent treat.
Steven for his 2017 Lineage received 100 points and is the first Livermore winery to achieve this honor. His current release is the 2018 and goes for $175. Prior years are available for the example the 2010 for $255 and the 2012 for $245.
Food and Wine Pairing
We had dinner at Vine18 restaurant at the Copper Valley Golf Club. Since my wife was having the short ribs with a Yukon garlic mash potatoes and she had requested a nice red wine to go with her meal. I had the seared Atlantic salmon filet with a champagne crab béarnaise (on the side) served with saffron rice and seasonal vegetables. Also five others had the short ribs and enjoyed the wine with their meal. For this evening it really didn’t matter the food pairing as the wine was spectacular with both meals. We had nine at our Friday Night Wine & Dine meal at dinner including a toast to Peter Singh as it was his birthday the day before. So some other very good wines were also enjoyed!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Impromptu and Spontaneous Wine Tasting
A simple day turns into a spontaneous wine tasting experience! A couple of folks were golfing in the late morning along with Susan and when done came by house. It started off in the late afternoon with appetizers and a refreshing 2020 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay (https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/10/19/2020-wood-family-vineyards-new-chardonnay/ ) which has made my Best Wines of the Year for 5 years straight. Followed by a delightful and 2016 Darcie Kent Vineyards Cabernet Franc (https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/04/14/2017-darcie-kent-vineyards-cabernet-franc-silver-and-bronze-medal-winner/ ) with assorted cheeses, fig compote and assortment of specialty crackers.
As the conversations continued for a few hours it was decided to order a couple of pizza’s to be delivered. They were a meat combination (salami, pepperoni, olive, mushroom, onion and bell pepper) and a Margarita pizza. It was now time to “up the wine selection” to some heavier wines. One guest went home to pick up a 2013 Leal Vineyards Cabernet Franc from the Popescu Terrace Vineyard located in San Benito region. An excellent heavily oaked Cabernet Franc (https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/10/01/one-steakhouse-founded-by-morton-brothers-a-1200-degree-success-with-hindsight-leal-vineyards-far-niente-and-trinchero-wines/ ). The accompanied wine from the cellar was a 2015 Alaya Tierra from Spain. This is one of our favorites from 1,000 meters altitude region of Almansa and is a Granacha Tintorera. Intensely dark, almost black in color and a heavy viscosity. An elegant nose, with wood aromas from both French and American oak. A juicy wine with an extremely lengthy finish. This wine has also made my list of Best Wines of the Year for the last 4 years! https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/05/04/3-acquiesce-wines-3-food-pairings-3-couples-1-spectacular-dinner-and-8-hours/
The culminating crown jewel of the evening was the 2008 Oakville East Exposure Cabernet Sauvignon. This was well worth the 11 years letting it rest in the cellar aging gracefully to partake of this beauty. Elliot Stern, owner of the winery, produces a Cabernet Sauvignon with a nose of blackberries and blueberries. On the palate, dark cherries, Christmas spices and a hint of honey tobacco. The finish had a panache with structure and punctuated silky smooth tannins. All of us thought this was a great wine to cap off the evening! https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/06/29/2008-oakville-east-cabernet-sauvignon-exposure/ Oakville East Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon have made my list of the Best Wines of the Year many times. It will again this year!
Sometimes impromptu and spontaneous gatherings are the best. As the evening wound down, it reminded me that great wine and food is best shared with great friends!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
https://darciekentvineyards.com/
My Special Lunch with 2020 Hindsight Sauvignon Blanc
The Winery
Previously I have written about the Hindsight Winery in Calistoga and their excellent red wines, especially their Cabernet Sauvignon’s. About six months ago their long time winemaker, Jac Cole retired. Now some excellent news—they hired Michael Weis, who was the head winemaker at Groth. He is well known for making spectacular wines and I believe he received 100 points from Wine Spectator for one of his Sauvignon Blanc vintages. Additional reading on the winery and ownership can be found at:
The Hindsight 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Wine
Their inaugural Sauvignon Blanc release under Michael Weis was handcrafted with an artisan touch. First on the eyes it is a golden straw color and medium viscosity. On the nose, floral aromas waft into the senses, along with green apple which is most prominent. On the palate, citrus accents of lime and lemon come into play and are kept in check with flavor but not overpowering. The finish provides a mouthful feeling of a much heavier wine rather than a “light Sauvignon Blanc”. This is most likely due to the addition of nine percent Viognier. This also helps lower the acidity. This wine goes for only $25.99!
The Food and Wine Pairing
The lunch today is my weekly or every other week special meal! It is fresh Maguro (tuna) sashimi with rice from a local market. The fish is tender and flavorful. It is always recommended to pair sashimi or sushi with Saki, wine or beer to help sterilize any bacteria that can be found especially on raw fish. I have always enjoyed Sauvignon Blanc, but this was a truly remarkable pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
Barnett Vineyards – A Trio of 2013 Great Wines
The Winery
At the top of Spring Mountain AVA, at 2600 foot elevation is Barnett Vineyards. The trek up the switchback road to the peak is worth the adventure. Upon reaching Barnett Vineyards, you are greeted with a breathtaking view looking back towards Howell Mtn. The Valley floor is the area between Calistoga and St Helena. Unfortunately the day this picture was taken it was a bit overcast, but on their website you will find a few beautiful sunny photos. As you can see the terrain is very sloped (30 degrees and more)!
A quick background on the owners, Fiona and Hall Barnett. They bought the 40 acre property in 1983 and established Cabernet as their initial varietal. In 2007 they hired David Tate as Winemaker and General Manager. For those who do not know David, he is a very “solid contributor” to the wine industry at large and has had a phenomenal impact on Barnett Vineyards. David has produced wine in Australia, France, New Zealand and now Napa Valley. His influence from vineyards to wine making has shown well with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill receiving a 98+ points from Robert Parker. It is truly a 98-100 point wine with its dark concentrated mountain fruit and layering of tannins. He believes it “will last 18-20 years”. The Cabernet Franc rivals some of the best in the Valley with its dark purple color with hints of floral and dark chocolate. In my opinion these two are the premier wines at Barnett Vineyards. Current release is the 2018 vintage and unfortunately are both sold out! The Cabernet Franc goes for $80 and the Cabernet Sauvignon goes for $190.
Went to dinner last night and one of the guests mentioned he very much liked Merlot. So pulled this 2013 Barnett Vineyards Merlot out of the cellar. The 2013 Merlot has a deep purple coloration and has a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose plum and black cherries waft inviting you take that first sip. On the palate, silky smooth and lush mouth filling black cherries as well as blueberry with secondary flavors of cinnamon and caramel. The finish is opulent with soft tannins yet the brightness of the wine comes across. Mostly Merlot with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc added. Aged approximately 22 months in 60% new French oak. Current release is the 2018 and goes for $70.
Sláinte,
Michael
2016 Twisted Oak Tempranillo with the Perfect Comfort Food
The Winery
Jeff Stai, owner of Twisted Oak, a boutique winery in Vallecito, California continues to make some exceptional wines. He purchased the land in January 2002 with his wife Mary. Jeff, previously an electrical engineer in Southern California had spent a lot of time in the Calaveras and Alpine foothills. Jeff’s idea of building his own winery, with his detailed background, merged the two disciplines rather easily. Here it built a gravity fed system that was both practical and efficient in the grape production. You can read more details in a previous story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/06/24/twisted-oak-winery-a-paradox-of-sorts/
The Wine
One of my personal favorites is the Spanish varietal Tempranillo. The name comes from the Spanish word temprano, which means “early” as it ripens earlier than other grapes in Spain. If you have visited any town in Spain, Tempranillo is available ubiquitously as Starbucks coffee shops here in the USA. On the eyes this wine is a brilliant purple color with medium to medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, it starts out fresh and with black berry fruit. On the palate, you get the earthiness (dust), tobacco and a slight aged leather in the mouth. The finish picks up on the oak and the tannins are held in check with the cherry and slight vanilla. This is a wine to be had alone or with a delicious meal. This is their current release and is listed at $29/bottle.
Food and Wine Pairing
Last night with the temperature dropping to the mid 40’s (cool for Northern California), some warm comfort food was in order. My wife prepared a turkey chili. Besides the 99% fat free ground turkey, it included diced sweet red peppers, uncooked red onions, chopped Jalapeño peppers, chili powder, ground cumin, diced tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, water and cilantro. A modified Weight Watchers recipe. Accompanied by a garden salad. The meal had a tang of “warmth” to it but not overly hot. Paired with the fruit forward Tempranillo, it embraced the chili dish perfectly. A great food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 