2015 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru

Posted on December 17, 2022 Updated on December 20, 2022

Background on the area

You may or may not be aware of this wine or region. It is pronounced “mon-rashay” and is considered to produce some of the most exquisite Chardonnay’s in the world. The community of Puligny-Montrachet is in the eastern Burgundy region. Prior to the addition of Montrachet in 1879, the village was known as Puligny. The Mont-Rachet slope is above the community. Mont means “hill” and rache translates to “scab or rash” built near a quarry. In the western portion of the vineyard is the Les Perrieres Vineyard with “pierre” meaning “stone”.  It is entirely planted in Chardonnay grapes, with just 11 acres with limestone/clay mix soils, allowing the wines to provide both a freshness and minerality. Other grapes from the region include red wines from Pinot Noir.

In France, specifically in Burgundy, a wine term call Premier cru or abbreviated “1er cru”, is the second highest classification level. Grand Cru is the demarcation of wines better than Premier cru or 1er cru.

Wines from Montrachet are dry and are noted for the richness and structure. Good bottles can range from $100 to almost $3,000, with some being even higher. They possess a varying depth of flavors and are exceedingly rich in texture and aromas.

The Wine, 2015 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru, Les Perrieres

Picked this wine from the cellar this evening to be enjoyed with our Friday Night Wine & Dine Group. One special being offered begged for this wine (more below). First on the eyes a glistening golden color with medium viscosity. On the nose, an elegance of pear, apple and lemon fragrance. On the palate, the dry wine incorporated honey and peach that circled the mouth. On the finish, honeysuckle, honey and gripping flint minerality counterbalanced the fruit for a long lasting triumphant finish. A spectacular Chardonnay wine to be enjoyed by itself or with a meal.

The Food and Wine Pairing

Tonight’s special at Verona18 was the seared Ahi tuna served with a mushroom risotto and seasonal vegetables, topped with ponzu sauce and sesame seeds. While only enjoying certain mushrooms, I requested the Ahi tuna served without the sauce. I did have it on the risotto. Knowing this beforehand, with no deference to the chef, I brought my own fresh wasabi and soy sauce. With a bit of both over the seared Ahi tuna, the fish was so tasty. Admittedly, when tasting the mushroom covered risotto with the wine, it also was delicious as it paired well.

Dessert was a special egg nog cheese cake drizzled with a caramel sauce that was exceptional! Some of the other wines enjoyed this evening were a 2019 Cabernet Franc from Gundlach Bundschu (Sonoma), a 2019 Tobin James “Notorious” Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) and a 2019  “Bordeaux style blend, called The Captain” from Wood Family Vineyards (Livermore Valley).

A great way to close out our dining experience at Verona18 for 2022 with “the gang” as the upcoming holidays have many of us traveling about with family obligations.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations

https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/

The Best Wines Tasted in 2022 – Yearly Summary

Posted on December 14, 2022 Updated on December 20, 2022

This is my 10^th year publishing the Best Wines Tasted in the year. This year a little over 1,700 wines were tasted at various events, wineries, judging wine competitions, meals with friends and pulling wine out of the cellar. Just under 10% made this list. The criteria is first broken down by two categories, one being up to $50 and the other being $51 and up.  The wines selected range from $10 to well over $200, something for everyone’s budget. The wines chosen are from my log book keeping track of each wine tasted or consumed over the year with my personal rating. The major considerations are color, aromatics, flavor and finish. Also playing a role in the “up to $51” is a value component. Many new wineries appeared this year and I also added a foreign wine listing. Many of the wines listed have stories written about them at https://californiawinesandwineries.com and on a laptop or desktop computer, you will find search engine area on the website on the right hand side, type in the winery/wine and hit enter.

I hope you enjoy this year’s list and find an opportunity to try several in 2023. Wishing everyone enjoyable holidays and a hopeful New Year.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

2018 The Lost Chapters, Cabernet Franc

Posted on December 12, 2022

The Winery

This winery is a joint effort of John McClelland, Paul Scott and Mitch Cosentino. It was launched on the 10^th anniversary of the friendship. One of their taglines sums it up appropriately “blending five generations of winemaking with six decades of experience and three individual brands”. All three have a history of winning prestigious awards for their wines.  Those three brands are J. McClelland, 50 Harvests and The Lost Chapters. The goal is that all fruit would be sourced from hand selected sites in the Napa Valley. Paul Scotto, the winery director is key in determining which sites are chosen. All three contribute to the making of the wine and “with a conscientious effort to separating winemaking influences” and letting the vineyard being the ultimate contributor to the wine’s quality.

Today under the J. McClelland label the following wines are produced: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Under the 50 Harvests label, they make both red and white Meritage wines. The Lost Chapters include white & red Meritage wines, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

One other tagline resonated on target stating “Yesterday’s Tradition, Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Vision”. What a great way to put experience, current technology and innovations and having a game plan for the future all together in one organization.

The Wine – 2018 The Lost Chapters, Cabernet Franc

Not usually being intrigued or swayed by a “wine label”, I was attracted to this ornate and decorative label. On opening the wine, it was a deep red with a “dirty red hue”. On the nose, the aromas of spice and minerality rose to greet you. On the palate, black cherry and clove were dominate. It provide a strong sense of restrained “Christmas spices”, yet truly an authentic Cabernet Franc. No typical pyrazine characteristics but a mid-long lasting finish with fruit and very well balanced. Their website shows it selling for $45/bottle, definitely a very reasonable price

I’m looking forward to trying some of their other wines soon.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://jmcclellandcellars.com/

2018 One Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, Lamm Vineyard – Strong and Bold

Posted on December 12, 2022 Updated on December 12, 2022

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 – 2018 One Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, Lamm Vineyard Yountville (Napa Valley)

The wine on the eyes was a deep royal purple with red hues and a medium heavy viscosity. Looking into the glass ones expectations immediately rose knowing a treat was beckoning.  On the nose one of the most fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon’s with blackberry and raspberry and violets. Once on the palate, plum and oak spices along with an earthly minerality to counterbalance the fruit. An odd but delightful bitter/sweet cranberry flavor came through on the palate. This wine as opposed to their “soft and gentler” One Acre Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon, provided a mouthful of flavors and edgy tannins. This is more of a “classic Napa Valley Cabernet”. The convenience of having both the Lamm Vineyard (Yountville) versus the Porchview Vineyard (Oak Knoll) is that the consumer can select which is more pleasing to their taste profile.

I believe this release will be out in 2023. The current release is the 2016 One Acre from Lamm Vineyard in Yountville and goes for $90/bottle. Generally speaking the wines are aged 33 months in French oak with a third being new. The 2018 One Acre, made my Best Wines Tasted of the Year (2022) with the list coming out this week.

The Food & Wine Pairing

Pulled this bottle to review from the cellar last evening as it was going to be paired with a Skirt Steak Marinade dish. The Skirt Steak was marinating about 8 hours in balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil and salt/pepper. With the wine being bold of strength and character, it easily paired with the meat. Accompanied by cheese tortellini, asparagus and a fresh garden salad it made a wonderful meal and wine pairing.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://acrewines.com

2021 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay – Perfect Food & Wine Pairing

Posted on December 9, 2022

Background

After celebrating International Cabernet Franc Day last weekend including tasting some of the worlds and Paso Robles best Cabernet Franc wines at an event in Paso Robles, it was time for a lighter wine.

The Winery

Located in eastern Livermore Valley, Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been a mainstay for over two decades at Wood Family Vineyards. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/    and

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/11/24/2020-wood-family-vineyards-the-captain-a-red-wine-blend/

Here is a “partial listing” of her current winning wines:

• 2021 “Pink Pearl” Rose – Best of Class – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2021 Albariño – Best of Class – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 LVVC – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 “Viva” Cabernet Sauvignon – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 Merlot – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 “The Captain” Red Blend – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 “Big Wood” Zinfandel – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 “Woody’s” Cab Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2018 “Especial” Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2018 Clone 30 Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 “El Loco Rojo” Bordeaux Red Blend – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 GSM – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2019 ‘Muy Bueno” Zinfandel – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition

The Wine

Rhonda, owner and winemaker, has consistently made award winning wines and truly one of my favorite Chardonnay’s for the last six years. While always delicious and winning awards, with caramel and full secondary malolactic fermentation creating a tinge of buttery finish, each year has a slight change. Her 2021 Chardonnay is 98% of the same “deliciousness” as her 2020. The slight changes were twofold, the first being a more “mouth filling” slightly heavier body due to more stirring of the lees during barrel fermentation. The second was a hint of an ever slight sweetness on the finish. The balance of the wine was almost identical in color (golden yellow), aroma (fresh brioche), taste (pear and apple) and a beautiful finish! This wine was as “comfortable and inviting” as her previous vintages once again. It is like coming home from a hard day at work and collapsing in your favorite recliner! The bottle sells for $32. Just what I was looking for after all those delicious Cabernet Franc’s.

The Food & Wine Pairing

Paired with crispy baked chicken breast with Parmesan cheese. Ingredients included Panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, Paprika, Himalayan pink sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder and butter. Accompanied by a baked Russet potato topped with green onions bits and fresh garden salad. This meal was refreshingly light and tasty. It paired exquisitely with the wine, as this meal was spot on after so many exotic and spicy foods in Paso Robles with Cabernet Franc (BTW, those foods were beyond delicious!).

This wine already has made my annual reporting of Best Wines Tasted in 2022 in the under $50/category. That list will be out next week from about 1,500 wines tasted.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/

Paso Robles Embraced International Cabernet Franc Day With Open Arms!

Posted on December 6, 2022

At the conclusion of the Seminar on Cabernet Franc and International Wine Tasting, 16 wineries poured last Sunday for the concluding event for Cabernet Franc Day, Paso Robles. The event was held at the Cass Winery Event site. Cab Franc Day, Paso Robles – was presented by LXV Wines, Hope Family Wines, J.Lohr Vineyards and the Paso Robles Cab Collective. Those wineries including:

• Adelaida Vineyards  https://www.adelaida.com/
• Hope Family Wines  https://hopefamilywines.com/
• Chateau Margene   https://www.chateaumargene.com/
• Dracaena Wines (Founders of International Cabernet Franc Day)   https://dracaenawines.com/
• Ancient Peaks Winery  https://ancientpeaks.com/
• Breacon Estate  https://breconestate.com/
• Daou Vineyards https://daouvineyards.com/
• Four Laterns Winery    https://fourlanternswinery.com/
• J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines  https://www.jlohr.com/
• LXV Wines    https://www.lxvwine.com/
• Rotta Winery https://www.rottawinery.com/
• Still Waters Vineyards  https://www.stillwatersvineyards.com/
• Le Vigne Winery   https://www.levignewinery.com/
• Paris Valley Road Estate Winery  https://parisvalleyroad.com/
• Robert Hall Winery   https://www.roberthallwinery.com/
• Union Sacre Winery  https://www.unionsacre.com/

Here are the details on the vintages and makeup of the wines that were poured:

Many of the wines poured were sold out, however the wineries poured their treasured “hidden stashes” of wines to make the Grand Tasting Event worthwhile for all the attendees.

Guests were greeted by Field Recordings with a 2021 Pet Nate Rose vintage being 80% Cabernet Franc, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Molinara. Each winery was given a table to pour their wines and had access to a never ending charcuterie board which included hummus with fried garbanzo, smoky baba Ghanoush, Golden Dahl and Tapenade crusty bread, Naan, house made crackers, pickled and raw vegetable crudité. Wait staff served the guests with some specialty items created by Neeta Mittal & Chef Charlie Paladin that included: Roast Loin of Lamb with violet oil, lavender and mint; duck breast seared rare with cherry demi-glace; Camembert with Herbes de Provence and red mustard seed; Parippu Vada/Masala Vada – South Indian Lentil cakes.

Just a few pictures of the wines being offered:

All in all it was a spectacular success for the first “Cab Franc Day, Paso Robles” as all participants from the Seminar & Tasting of International Wines to the tasting of 16 of Paso Robles Cabernet Franc producers enjoyed every minute!

A job well done by the hosting parties and already looking forward to next year’s event!

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

2022 Cabernet Franc Day, Paso Robles – An Exquisite Culinary Kick Off Dinner

Posted on December 6, 2022 Updated on December 6, 2022

Last weekend, Neeta & Kunal Mittal, kicked off their Cabernet Franc Day, Paso Robles hosting a few writers and winemakers at their home. Neeta & Kunal own LXV Wines and Wine Lounge in Paso Robles. They have been awarded by Wine Spectator as being one of the top 10 wine tasting experiences in America. Their passion for Cabernet Franc, be it from Loire Valley, France to Hungary to Paso Robles and regions in between has been unwavering. Neeta is a “foodie extraordinaire” and provides both an innovative and creative touch for food pairings with exotic spices and flavors. This coincided with December 4^th being International Cabernet Franc Day.

The intent of the evening was to pair various Cabernet Franc’s with key characteristics of the varietal. The four main themes were Violets, Fruits, Herbs (Pyrazines & green vegetables traits), and earthy characteristics of Cabernet Franc.

The dinner started out with Raclette cheese with Violet Oil and seared sous vide Octopus with lemon. This was paired with LXV’s 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc. Made with 100% Cabernet Franc from the Portico Hills Vineyard in Los Alamos district. The grapes were fermented and macerated on the skins for 19 days before being pressed. Aged in one third new French oak for 20 months before bottling. This provided a most aromatic and deep purple wine.

The second course was a Boeuf Bourguignon with scalloped potatoes. The flavors of miso and a hint of cardamom were added to this traditional French dish. Paired with a Union Sacre 2020 Cabernet Franc which Wilfred Wong of Wine.com called “…fresh & bright on the palate with aromas of candied fruit and spices”. This provided just the right counterbalance to the Boeuf Bourguignon.

Next up was the most creative Street Tacos of lamb braised in herbs and grilled vegetables. The juxtaposition of the earthiness of the lamb and sweet grilled veggies was splendid. This was paired with a robust and hearty 2021 Austin Hope Cellar Select Cabernet Franc. Again the contrast and comparison of the food and wine was exquisite.

The final course was truly provocative being a chicken mole dish with rice. The recipe while having the sweetness of mocha/chocolate, had some unique hotness and spice included in the mole. The rice was perfect in “calming it down”. This was a paired with an ever so enjoyable J Lohr 2017 Cuvee St E “Bordeaux style blend”. This is comprised of 63% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 1% Malbec. This wine as Steve Peck, VP of Winemaking in attendance called “dark in color and provided strong overtures of roasted coffee and dark chocolate” was spot on simpatico with the meal.

Several other wines were generously offered and tasted during the evening. However the rare treat of tasting a 1985 Chateau Fonroque, Saint Emilion Grand Cru was heavenly. This was provided as a surprise by Steve Peck. While perhaps a bit over its optimal offering, it provided a glimpse of its true pedigree from France.

A wonderful food and wine pairing evening to kick off the Cabernet Franc Day, Paso Robles. Neeta and Kunal provided a fantastic, creative and enjoyable start for the festivities.  More on the other events to shortly follow.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://www.lxvwine.com/

https://www.unionsacre.com/

https://hopefamilywines.com/

https://www.jlohr.com/

Cabernet Franc Day, Paso Robles – Seminar & Tasting of International Cabernet Franc’s

Posted on December 6, 2022 Updated on December 6, 2022

The first event for Cabernet Franc Day, Paso Robles was a seminar and tasting of International Cabernet Franc wines. The seminar was led by Wes Hagen, who’s credentials would fill a couple of pages, suffice it say he is a WSET 2 & 3, Estate Host for LXV Wines & Native9 Wines, researched and wrote the thesis/proposals for Ballard Canyon AVA, Happy Canyon AVA and Santa Rita Hills AVA, is LXV’s wine educator and was high school and college instructor.  Additionally, he is an engaging speaker with delight metaphors and some outright hysterical quips on wine and the wine industry.

The first part of the session was about 45 minutes starting out with the history of International Cabernet Franc Day starting with Cardinal Richelieu, who brought cutting of Cabernet Franc to Loire Valley. Cardinal Richelieu also invented the table knife! December 4^th is the anniversary of Cardinal Richelieu’s death to honor his legacy. Other interesting factoids of the sessions included:

1. Jean-Louis Vignes imported vines from France for the Mediterranean climate to Los Angeles. But in the 1800’s when Anaheim (Pierce’s) Disease impacted the region, the vines and viticulture headed to northern California to follow the Gold Rush.
2. Cabernet Fran ripens about one to two weeks prior to Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Cabernet Franc is a parent grape of Merlot, Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. Jancis Robinson calls Cabernet Franc the “feminine side of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is subtly fragrant and gently flirtatious”.
5. A couple of Wes’s comments were “to be a good wine experience, you need wine, food and love. Should any one of these items be missing, you are simply drinking beer”.  People often talk about “over oaking a wine, but Wes stated, if you are tasting too much oak, it is “under wined as you cannot over oak a good wine”. Wine is “a time machine as it is the only drink which can delineate both time and place”.

Then the tasting of Cabernet Francs from around the world took place with detailed explanations on each area, characteristics of the varietal, food pairings, soil conditions, and more. Here is where Wes provided some great insight with each of the six regions tasting. The overall perspective is that New World Style being bold, fruit forward and Old World Style being lean, lighter and herb driven.

They included:

2018 Vignerons de Saumur Roughe “ Les Epinats” Samaur, Loire being 100% Cabernet Franc

2018 Chateau Bel Air St Emilion, 50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot

2017 Havas & Timar, Franom Eger Region, Hungary, 100% Cabernet Franc

2017 Pirque Vineyard, Maipo Chile, 100% Cabernet Franc

2020 Stinso Family from Crozet, VA, 100% Cabernet Franc

2019 Crocker & Starr, a Cabernet Franc blend.

The next portion of the meeting was a panel discussion featuring Steve Peck, VP of Winemaking at J Lohr, Michael Mooney, President/Winemaker for Chateau Margene and Stasi Seay, Director of Vineyards for Hope Family Wines answered questions posed by Wes. Pictures are of Steve and Stasi, but Michael Mooney is from a Facebook picture.

A good size crowd attended both the educational and panel discussion sessions.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion attendees were then dismissed to taste and meet sixteen wineries pouring their wines on the patio. Another story on that event to shortly follow.

In conclusion, Neeta Mittal of LXV Wines coordinated and did a masterful job as Master of Ceremonies for these two events. Also, should you get a chance to listen or hear Wes Hagen speak, do not pass up a wonderful opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://www.lxvwine.com

https://www.jlohr.com/

https://www.chateaumargene.com/

https://hopefamilywines.com/

2018 One Acre Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Porchview Vineyard, Oak Knoll District

Posted on December 5, 2022 Updated on December 6, 2022

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.

While not a big “wine label” person, their wine bottles are unique and a piece of art! They researched out many ways to get their label on the bottle and chose Bergin Screen Printing & Etching in Napa. The process is “glass printing” with proprietary colors and have perfected the glass printing process. The printing process uses a steel screen with the ink applied to the glass. They are able to screen around the entire bottle 360 degrees. The bottle is then baked in a Lehr at temperatures of 1160 degrees permanently fusing the label with the glass. This makes for a decorative bottle on the outside to hold some exquisite wine.

The Wine – 2018 One Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District

(Photo ©Michael Kelly)

The wine on the eyes was a deep purple/red color and a medium heavy viscosity. Looking into the glass ones expectations immediately rose knowing a treat was beckoning.  On the nose one of the most fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon’s with blackberry and raspberry and violets. Once on the palate, plum and oak spices along with an earthly minerality to counterbalance the fruit. This wine was rounded and wrapped with soft gentle tannins. The finish was medium length beckoning yet another sip. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Porchview Vineyard in Oak Knoll, the original vineyard of One Acre. I believe this release will be out in 2023. The current release is the 2016 One Acre from Oak Knoll and goes for $90/bottle. Generally speaking the wines are aged 33 months in French oak with a third being new.

The Food & Wine Pairing

(Photo ©Michael Kelly)

Pulled this bottle to review from the cellar last evening knowing I was going to order the Filet Mignon steak at Verona18. Our normal Friday Night Wine & Dine group moved to Thursday as two events going on at the Club on Friday. So eleven of us ventured out in the rainy night to enjoy a nice meal. The Filet was pan fried with an herb-Gorgonzola compound butter and accompanied by a medley of fresh vegetables. A bit concerned tasting the wine before the meal that perhaps it did not have enough “power” behind it to mingle with the steak with its rounded tannins. Just the opposite transpired as the pairing brought to life the wine showing even more character once co-mingled with the steak.

Other wines enjoyed by the table included Newsome-Harlow 2012 Zinfandel, 2018 Jermey Petite Sirah, 2018 Tobin James Nebbiolo, 2017 Tobin James Petit Verdot and a 2019 Toulouse Pinot Noir. Always enjoyable to taste different varieties from different regions. Last night included Paso Robles, Lodi, Calaveras foothills, Napa Valley and Anderson Valley.

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://acrewines.com

https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations

https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/