Month: October 2022
2014 Lost Blues Syrah – “Walking Boss”
The Winery
It was founded in 2012 by Gio Grandinetti in Paso Robles, California. Having had this wine once before in February 2019, I wanted to get some background information on the winery and winemaker. Unfortunately, I found out he is retiring his brand! If you have any of his wine, consider yourself one lucky individual.
The Wine – 2014 Lost Blues “Walking Boss” Syrah
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
One of the better Syrah wines tasted. At a tasting event, knew it was a good wine so I purchased two bottles back in late 2016/early 2017. Had one bottle in February 2019 and opened the other last night for dinner. On the eyes, a deep dark ruby color and heavy viscosity. On the nose a bit underwhelmed most likely because I just pulled it out of cellar and it was a bit cool or perhaps is was lying in wait to spring forth like a lion. Once in the mouth, all kinds’ of dark fruits appeared with plum and dark cherries leading the parade. Secondary flavors of peppercorn, smoke and herbaceous notes danced in the mouth. The finish was long lasting with a smidgen of sweetness at the very end.
The wine was made with whole cluster fermentation, then aged 22 months in new French oak barrels. This was a great expression of this varietal. Only 92 cases produced and sold for $48/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Paired last night with a favorite fall comfort food of meat loaf and baked Russet potato with fresh chives, accompanied by a fresh garden salad. The meat loaf was drizzled with Stewart & Jasper Orchards Cherry Pepper Sauce made with chilies and cherries. Added just a few drops of Tabasco Sauce to further spice up the meat loaf. The pairing was exquisite with the cherry flavors in the wine and the cherry in the sauce. The fruit counterbalanced the spice of the Tabasco and chilies in the sauce.
I sent Gio a note and hope to get an update as to his next steps and can only hope he is going to continue to produce wine, be it for himself or someone else.
Sláinte,
Michael
2016 idus de Vall Llach, An Enjoyable Priorat Wine With A Movie Last Night
Where and what is Priorat?
Priorat is an area about 2 ½ hour drive west/southwest of Barcelona. Priorat consists of eleven small villages in the southern portion of Catalonia in the province of Tarragona. In comparison to the country, it is an extremely small region. Priorat is a Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQa), in the southwest of Catalonia. It is one of only two wine regions in Spain to qualify as DOCa, the highest qualification level for a wine region according to Spanish wine regulations, alongside the better known Rioja DOCa.
(Map from Quintin Sadler’s Wine Page, https://quentinsadler.wordpress.com/)
Brief History and Background of Priorat
This wine area has over two thousand years of history from the Romans. Due to the proximity of the Iberian Peninsula, it was controlled by the Moors until the twelfth century. In this area you get a fabulous combination of architecture from the Moorish influence as well as Romanesque.
The Priorat district gets its name from the Carthusian order who founded a monastery in the region in the end of the 12th century. Interestingly, the most changes have transpired during the last 30-40 years. Winemakers in the region upgraded their methods and equipment and began a modernization and professional approach to wine.
(Picture from https://vinenvacances.com/)
Weather, climate and soil are the major components of this region. The wine area receives 3000 hours of sunshine and roughly 15 inches of rainfall per year. The soil in the area is rich in hard slate but the roots can go through seeking underground water. A lot of the vineyards in the area follow the terrain with terraces and steep slopes.
One of the two grapes which are used in this 2016 Vall Llach “Idus” is Grenacha (Grenache) which is the lesser grape. One of the distinct traits of the grapes from the region is its ability to produce a strong, yet fresh wine. The second grape varietal used in the making of Idus and the predominate percentage is Cariñena and in the USA it is called Carignan. Carignan grows very well in the drier regions of California like the Central Valley and Sierra foothills.
Typically wines from the area have intense red coloration, with aromas of ripe fruit with a strong mineral trait from the slate vineyards. In the mouth a fleshy, strong flavoring with tannins being present are common. They present black plum, licorice and have a black pepper spice quality, coupled with berry and chocolate with a smoky scent. Cariñena is a unique black skinned grape varietal. It typically is used in blending in many wines.
2016 idus Vall de Llach Priorat
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 2016 Idus is multifaceted, with alluring aromas of red forest fruit, fleshy black plums, with hints of forest herbs, wood smoke and dark minerals. Wide on the palate, the wine is both powerful and fresh for an old-vine Priorat; displaying good acidity, round tannins and an incredibly long finish. The percentage mix is 90% Cariñena and 10% Grenacha. A dark color and medium to medium heavy viscosity is present. You immediately pick up on the palate, wood smoke from cedar and the mineral traces from the slate. It is what I describe as a representation of “old world” wine. Powerful with enough acidity to give an edge, but with round tannins so as not to overwhelm ones senses. Together they provide a long and satisfying finish. On the label it states this wine can age up to 30 years with proper storage. The wine is almost “blackish” in color with just a slight deep purple rim. This is a very strong wine and recommended to be enjoyed with food.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy the side trip to Priorat as this growing region is extremely well-known in wine circles and the grape varietals Grenacha (Grenache in USA) and Cariñena (Carignan) are extremely tasty and wonderful grapes grown both in Priorat and the USA. I have for years now always kept wine from the Priorat region in the cellar for the uniqueness, quality and delightful expression of the local area.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://thewinesteward.com/ (where I purchased this wine)
Tobin James Cellars – 2018 “Rock-N- Roll” Syrah
The Winery – A Brief Background
Tobin James (Toby) got his start with someone giving him six tons of Zinfandel grapes. At the time he was an assistant winemaker and he took this opportunity to make his own wine. Eighteen months later he produced his 1985 Blue Moon Zinfandel which won double Gold Medals and was listed on The Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines of the Year”!! That was the unprecedented start of Tobin James Cellars. Then in 1993, Toby built Tobin James Cellars. Lance and Claire Silver joined as partners in 1996.
The winery is located eight miles east of Paso Robles on Highway 46. The property encompasses 71 acres of vineyards. Having had the old “10 mile Stagecoach Stop” on site, they went with the old-fashion western style tasting room showcasing the rugged history of Paso Robles. Today Tobin James Cellars has a tremendous following which accounts for them having the largest wine club in California of over 30,000.
The Wine – 2018 “Rock-N- Roll” Syrah
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pulled this recently purchased wine from the cellar last evening as I had tasted it only once before. I again was amazed by the wine. The wine on the eyes was deep crimson in color with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose some amazing aromas of pepper and jammy fruit. On the palate it is robust where the dark fruits of blackberry and plum light up the mouth. Some Christmas spices of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg are secondary flavors that appear on the finish. Also on the finish a smokiness of a campfire barbeque come across. This is a big wine coming in at 15.2% alcohol. Tobin James suggests it is an age worthy Syrah, and it appears even at four years of age, to be still in its youth. The wine sells for $22/bottle and provides a lot of punch for the money. They also suggest their Syrah called “Blue Moon Reserve” and “James Gang” might also be of interest.
The Food & Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Last night, I went a bit askew trying my own “creativity” with pork chops as my wife was running late. Prepared the pork chops on the stove top in a white wine, olive oil with various spices and sauces. The ingredients included: honey, salt & pepper, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, white onion slices, garlic and ginger to slowly simmer. Then served with a glaze comprised of two of my favorite cooking sauces, The Pepper Plant Sauce, made with chucky garlic and Jalapeño puree provided some kick. Combined with Stewart & Jasper Orchards Cherry Pepper Sauce made with chilies and cherries. Plated with green onions and sesame seeds. Accompanied by rice and fresh garden salad. While perhaps a bit warm from the spices, it was not a boring dry pork chop!! The cherry sauce and honey along with the fruit in the Syrah, helped in mitigating the heat of the dish. A very good wine pairing.
I look forward to trying Tobin James “Blue Moon Reserve” and “James Gang” Syrah sometime soon.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.stewartandjasper.com/
www.blossomvalleyfoods.com (The Pepper Plant)
Trespass Vineyard – An Excellent Example of Cabernet Franc
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled this 2012 Trespass Vineyard 100% Cabernet Franc wine from the cellar the other night. They are in the top twenty-five wineries making Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley (IMHO). It possesses the typical aromas of raspberry, bramble and bell pepper (pyrazines). The bell pepper can range from sharp and almost obtrusive to a sweeter roasted pepper or a spiced chocolate. A dark deep red/purple on the eyes with a medium body. On the nose, aromas of cherry, wood and black pepper are prevalent. On the palate, the fruit is strong with black cherry and an earthiness. The tannins are kept in check with a soft vanilla finish. The wine is bottled unfiltered and un-fined. Kirk Venge, along with Don & Dana Gallagher, collaborate in the winemaking process. An excellent example of Napa Valley Cabernet Franc. 150 cases of the 2012 were produced. The current vintage is 2019 which 125 cases were produced and sells for $110/bottle.
As an aside to the wine itself, two items have always caught my attention. First it is the label which is a beautiful water color of the vineyard at the base of Spring Mountain in Saint Helena. The second item is the statement on the back of the bottle which reads “Now and again one comes across a place so extraordinary it captures the imagination, yet you are not allowed to enter. We invite you to TRESPASS”. A very nice play on the wording with the picture on the front of the bottle.
Now if we could only get Donny to enter the Cabernet Franc Celebration!!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://trespassvineyard.com
Cuda Ridge Wines and Zephyr Grill & Bar Combine for Gourmet Wine Pairing Dinner
A standing ovation would not be sufficient to show the attendees appreciation for the gourmet food and exquisite wines paired last evening. Zephyr Grill & Bar restaurant in Brentwood (also Livermore & Smith’s Landing in Antioch) under the ownership of Randy Tei and his staff went all in to prepare unusual and elegant food pairings.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larry Dino, owner and winemaker for Cuda Ridge Wines and his wife Margie showcased why he has become one of the premier winemakers in Livermore Valley. Tonight was to highlight some of his “Bordeaux regional” wines including Sémillon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and his newest Carménère.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The tables were set impeccably and ready for the sold out feast to begin for forty plus individuals.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First up for the evening was a seared Halloumi cheese salad topped with fennel, cucumber, asparagus, crusty capers and pomegranate seed with a pomegranate molasses dressing! Paired with his 2018 Sémillon with fruit flavors of lemon, apple, pear and green papaya. The presentation and wine complemented each other and appeared more like art than food!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second course was perhaps one of the best short ribs I have ever experienced. It was rubbed with cocoa and braised in Cabernet Franc. Served with celery root puree, mustard greens and a Cabernet Franc reduction sauce. Paired with the award winning 2018 Cabernet Franc with notes of pepper, tobacco and raspberry with a beautiful nose of violets. The short rib peeled off with just a fork and with each caressing sip of the wine, pure enjoyment overwhelmed the palate.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was in stark contrast being a duck Bolognese. Traditional sauce featuring vegetable mirepoix, Portobello mushrooms with fresh herbs and spices. Tossed with Ziti noodles. The duck was luscious and not gamey and the dark color 2018 Malbec softened and encased the duck sublimely with fruity flavors and velvety texture.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The fourth course was perhaps the favorite of the evening. A filet mignon which you cut with only a fork, filled with fresh gorgonzola cheese and served with a Luxardo cherry demi sauce. Accompanied by a sweet potato mousse and seasonal vegetable Brunoise. Paired with his stellular and strong 2018 Petit Verdot with leather and aromas of field of violets.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Before we come to the final course, the portions on each dish were a meal unto themselves! The pictures do not capture the enormity of the size. Now for the final pairing which was dessert. It was a deep brooding chocolate ganache tart served with pecans, poached pears, vanilla bean whipped cream. The description is only half the story as it capped off a two and a half hour meal. Served with a 2020 Carménère from the Insel Family Vineyards with a cavernous dark crimson color with cherry and earthy notes. Hints of dark chocolate and tobacco added to the dessert.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Everyone at our table agreed gold medals should be awarded to the Executive Chef Jesus Martinez and his staff for his creativity and excellent food pairings. Perhaps all the attendees should also be given awards for completing the meal!!
For a delightful and beautiful meals, Zephyr Restaurant is a coveted destination, be it in Brentwood or Livermore. The exquisite wines last evening left no doubt of Larry Dino’s quest to be one of the top wine producers in Livermore.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2012 Peter Michael Chardonnay “Mon Plaisir”
The Wine
Last night this age worthy 2012 Peter Michael Chardonnay Mon Plaisir came up on my “To Drink in 2022 List”. So off to Verona18 at the Club at Copper Valley we headed for dinner. While being Saturday, our Friday Night Wine and Dine Group moved our evening from Friday to Saturday.
The wine name “Mon Plaisir” which means “my pleasure”, is truly that with creaminess and aromas. It is one of the fullest body Chardonnay you can experience. On the eyes deep golden in color and viscosity. On the nose soft and sweet lemon, pear and honeysuckle. On the palate, vanilla, hazelnut and brioche are the three predominant features. On the finish perhaps a little green apple, but oh my, the long and the enticing finish leaves you almost breathless. It is produced with 100% naturally fermented native yeasts in 100% French oak. It is aged sur lies 11 months with the “dead lies” and bits of grape seeds and solids stirred weekly. Bottled unfined and unfiltered and coming in at 15.4% alcohol level. Both Parker & Suckling rated it 97 points and I believe them to be conservative with their ratings! It is as close as one can get to being a 100 points Chardonnay in my opinion. The vineyard is located in Knight’s Valley in Sonoma County.
Peter Michael wines be it their 4 Cabernet Sauvignon red blends, 4 Pinot Noirs, 2 white blends or their 4 100% Chardonnay wines are highly sought after and are allocated. It took me 4 years waiting just to get on their allocation list! Their current vintage is 2019 I believe it is around $150/bottle. The 2012 sells in wide range of $143 to $177/bottle. It is worth every penny for this special treat!
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Getting the word ahead of time of tonights special was the impetus for choosing the wine. The special fish entrée was announced as seared Ahi tuna with a wasabi Beurre blanc sauce, black & white sesame seeds, saffron risotto and vegetables of the day. The Beurre blanc sauce was good but needed more “wasabi punch” but we were able with the help of the kitchen staff make it more enjoyable. The tuna was spectacularly seared to perfection with a wonderfully fresh Ahi.
Other Wines Enjoyed By The Group
Here are some of the other wines enjoyed by the group with various dishes of pastas, scallops and pasta, meat dishes, salads, etc. All the wines were good but one other noteworthy wine of the evening was the Austin Hope Merlot. Various varieties and years of wines enjoyed came from Santa Barbera, Paso Robles, Lodi and Calaveras County.
Sláinte
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://petermichaelwinery.com/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
Cuda Ridge Wines – 2019 Carménère
Before talking about the wine, here is a quick overview / refresher on the history of Carménère:
History of Carménère
The history of the Carménère varietal is as fascinating as it is happenstance! It was once one of the grapes in the Médoc region of Bordeaux. It served a similar purpose as Petit Verdot does today – producing a deep red ink on wines. It was one of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux. Carménère originates from the French word for crimson (carmin) which refers to the crimson color of the autumn foliage.
When the Phylloxera plague hit in 1867 destroying most of the vineyards in Europe, many thought the Carménère grape was extinct. It wasn’t until 150 years later that it was discovered that Chile had preserved the Carménère grape thinking it was Merlot (from clippings planted from France). DNA confirmed that it was the missing 6th varietal of Bordeaux.
Carménère Today
Carménère grows mainly in Chile, specifically the Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley and in the Maipo Province. It is also grown in the Veneto region of Italy, and recently several wineries in Mendocino, Livermore, Lodi, Napa and Calaveras are producing it, albeit in small quantities. Walla Walla also has some root stock growing in Carménère.
Uniqueness of Carménère
As a varietal, it has the deep ruby coloring and aromas of red fruits. Tannins are softer and milder than Cabernet Sauvignon, thus its use in blending to soften a strong Cabernet. The use is similar to the use of Merlot in formulating an enjoyable blend. Chile produces a 100% Carménère which has a cherry and fruity flavor but has traces of smoke and earthy notes with the inky coloration.
The 2019 Cuda Ridge Carménère
This wine lived up to and exceeded some of the key characteristics of Carménère. On the eyes, a medium-heavy viscosity wine with a unique inviting deep purple coloration. On the nose, ripe Bing cherries greeted the senses. The palate is where this wine excelled. First the bright cherry taste was intense and concentrated. Plums and dark fruits then came forth with a hint of soft dry and wet earthen tones (minerality and forest floor) with black tea in the background. The earthen notes are generally found in Chilean Carménère but not found too often in California. The finish was long lasting with mocha and pepper finishing off the enjoyment. The wine is aged in French oak barrels (100%) for 18 months. This wine immediately after tasting made my “Best Wines” tasted in 2021 (full list published in December). It was still a bit “tight” but will last 5-10 years in the cellar.
Larry Dino owner and winemaker at Cuda Ridge Wines now has all six modern Bordeaux varietals available at the tasting room. The Carménère is the first locally produced wine varietal in the Livermore AVA. This second release is larger than the first year but will be flying out the door. Inquire at the winery for availability.
One of the solid and simple marketing ideas that Larry devised is his coloring scheme: White label for his Reserve wines, Black label for his non-Bordeaux wines and Purple label for his Bordeaux varietals. Obviously the Carménère falls in his Purple label.
His Carménère will surely garner many awards in the upcoming wine competitions. The wine lists for $50. Truly a good price point given the uniqueness and scarcity of Carménère plantings in California and the only current Livermore grown Carménère being offered.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Dinner with this wine was a beautifully prepared Carne Asada. The ingredients included, fresh chopped cilantro, olive oil, soy sauce, fresh squeezed orange and lime juice, minced garlic cloves, a diced jalapeno, ground cumin, Kosher salt, ground black pepper marinated for 24 hours with a flank steak. The steak was seared at 650 degrees for about 5 minutes a side along with jalapeno peppers roasting on top of the steak. Topped off with fresh minced cilantro and a modicum of fresh squeezed lime juice. Accompanying the meal was Mexican rice and a fresh garden salad.
Truly a wonderful food and wine pairing last evening.
Sláinte,
Michael
2015 Alba De Domus – A Very Smooth “Bordeaux Style” Blend
Background
Another story of my “non-California wines” for the month. This vintage is from old vines in the renowned Maipo Valley that surrounds Santiago, Chile. The area is similar to Napa Valley or Russian River in California, allowing the cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean to come up the river or San Francisco Bay. The area is known for their full bodied red wines with strong flavors of black cherry and beautiful tannins.
The Wine
First on the eyes, a deep crimson with purple hues snap out of the glass with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, cherries are predominate with a tinge of smoke and leather. On the palate, oak, tobacco, plum and blackberries swirl about the mouth. On the finish, soft tannins (most likely calmed down from the Merlot mix) with a simple structure. This dry and balanced wine finish allows you to drink by itself or with food. It is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 11% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Pricing is varied from mid-$30’s to low-$40’s. The alcohol percent is 14.9. Parker rated it 91 points! Current vintage, the 2017 is available but with an entirely different percentage of grapes varietals.
The Food and Wine Pairing
One of the things I enjoy about fall season is the many comfort food dishes. Paired this evening with pot roast cooked all day in a crock pot. Ingredients included water, packaged gravy mix, package of zesty Italian dressing, ranch dressing, kosher salt and black pepper slow cooked for 8 hours. Accompanying the meal were mashed potatoes, baby asparagus and a fresh garden salad. The added Tobasco sauce on the beef was perfect and calmed down with the soft and embracing wine. A very good food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
A Delicious Dinner At Verona18
Last night after completing a round of golf, an impromptu dinner at Verona18 with friends and a nice selection of wines. Started off the evening with a few appetizers that went so quickly I couldn’t get a picture until they were almost gone! First was a skewers of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil, drizzled with a balsamic glaze. These were so delicious and consumed so quickly, unfortunately no picture.
The second appetizer was fried calamari, consisting of tubes and tenecales, shrimp fennel lemon aioli. This was taken with only half the calamari left on the plate!
The final appetizer was garlic shrimp with silvered garlic and crushed red peppers. The bowl was filled to the top when first served with about fifteen shrimp.
Went with something I had not tried before at the restaurant. It was one of their specialty dishes, Spaghetti Bolognese with their classic meat sauce. The serving was tasty, served almost too hot (which was a good thing) as it stayed warm during the meal. Additionally portion was so large, I ended up taking over half it back to the house for lunch today.
We had a few very nice wines including a 2019 Wente Cabernet Sauvignon, Wetmore Vineyards, a 2021 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay, a 2018 Tobin James “Rock-n-Roll” Syrah and a 2015 deLorimier Winery Cabernet Sauvignon. So wines from Paso Robles, Livermore Valley and Alexander Valley.
A great meal, good wines and provocative conversations. A very nice Wednesday evening.
Sláinte,
Michael
The Livermore Valley Says A Loud “Hello, Merlot!”
As part of a national movement to pull Merlot wines back to their starring role, Livermore Valley held Merlot tasting at the Bankhead Theater Saturday afternoon. Ten Livermore Valley wineries producing Merlot from the valley grapes participated. The public was admitted for a small fee and food was available for purchase. Each winery served their current vintage and a few had some additional vintages available for tasting. The wine ran the gambit from 100% Merlot grapes to many having blended in some small percentages of other varieties. Those adding other varieties included Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon for example. All were excellent wines.
Each winery presented a unique factoid on Merlot. Those included Merlot being the highest production grape in France to the typical flavors found in Merlot. Each winery participating are all small family-owned wineries. The Merlot wines ranged from $30 to $70.Here are the wineries in alphabetical order with their placards:
A large crowd showed up to enjoy the festivities, the crowds being indicative of the resurgence of Merlot in Livermore.
Not only was the crowd enjoying the event, many of the winemakers were equally enthralled with Merlot!
No official voting or judging was done at the event. However, three of the wines exemplified a traditional French Merlot or higher end Napa or Sonoma Merlots and impressed me. They were: #1 Retzlaff Vineyards and tied at #2 were Fenestra Winery and Page Mill Winery. In full disclosure, I had never tasted their wines before the event. Again, I enjoyed all the wines at the event and would not hesitate to purchase any of them (I have a couple of the wineries Merlot’s in the cellar).
This is an event, should they hold it again is not to be missed!!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.laspositasvineyards.com/
https://www.nottinghamcellars.com/
https://www.pagemillwinery.com/
https://retzlaffvineyards.com/
California Wines & Wineries 