Month: January 2023
2021 Orin Swift, Veladora Sauvignon Blanc – Mystery Label Solved
The Background
As is our custom when getting together, a wine is given to the host. The other night we had plenty of wines and this was left orphaned in the refrigerator as an oversight. Put it in the cellar and was intrigued by the “mysterious label” to open it up.
As I started to unwind the mystery label, an excellent behind the scene story unfolded. Orin Swift is the winery producing this wine. The winery uses this label to draw attention to the anonymous workforce of men and women who labor in vineyards and wineries of Napa Valley. Orin Swift Cellars donates $65,000 a year to Puertas Abiertas (Open Doors) who provides dental services, counseling and health screenings for those workers in need without checking immigration status. This group was founded by Father Gordon Kahil and the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe appears on the label of the wine. It was chosen as a recognition of the Latino heritage of their Latino farm workers. You can visit their website at: http://www.puertasabiertasnapa.org for more information
The Wine, 2021 Veladora Sauvignon Blanc
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
A most clean and crisp Sauvignon Blanc without “too much citrus” but rather more welcoming with mellow flavors. First on the eyes a light golden yellow and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of tropical fruits of pineapple, guava and mellow lemongrass. On the palate honeydew melon and grapefruit were the primary and refreshing flavors. On the finish, a minerality of wet stone was found but the lively and crispness of a “pure Sauvignon Blanc” stole the experience. The wine comes from two vineyards, Solari Vineyard and McGah and is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It was barrel fermented in French oak for 5 months with 13% being new. The alcohol is high at 15.4% but totally unnoticeable. The wine sells for $30/bottle and is a unique wine and worthy cause.
The Food & Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The reason the wine was chosen to compliment a fresh rock cod was just purchased at Ohana Seafood (Modesto). It was blackened in a variety of spices at the store and brought home. Fried on a cast iron skillet with only butter, it came out flaky tender, moist and delicious. Accompanied by broccoli and wild and long grain rice. The spiciness of the blackened fish with the tropical flavors of the wine counterbalanced each other perfectly. A very nice food and wine pairing this evening. I believe on those warm summer days, this wine would work nicely chilled as refreshing alternative to Chardonnay.
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 GoodMills Family Winery – Teroldego
Background
Teroldego is a red Italian grape variety grown in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto, Italy.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
The name Teroldego means “the little sour one” because it is often compared to another grape, Vinci Prosecco which is known for its delicate flavor. Teroldego has been called the “Champagne of the Alps” because it can be used as an alternative when making sparkling wine. The grape also grows in Tuscany and Sicily. It is primarily used for blending in dry wines. It is deeply colored and has unique fruity aromas with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, black fruit, earthiness and herbs.
(picture by USDA)
The growth of Teroldego is strong in California being in 2008 only 80 acres were planted. In 2021 (latest figures) show about 1,029 acres. Two agricultural districts (11 & 17) contribute almost 86% of the production of Teroldego in California.
The Winery
GoodMills Winery is owned by Brad and Lauri Mills. They founded their boutique winery on the premise of a simple philosophy “Good Friends, Good Times, For GoodMills Wines!” They are located on the east side of Lodi at 17266 Hillside Drive on 10 acres. Their white wines are Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. Their red wines are Syrah, Petite Sirah, Teroldego and Tempranillo. This wine was given to me from a new neighbor to try so I haven’t yet visited the winery.
The Wine – 2018 GoodMills Teroldego
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The wine on the eyes is extremely dark purplish red with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose pepper spice and red fruits abound with surprisingly intense aromas. On the palate, cranberry with a mix of blackberry and raspberry are dominate. Secondary flavors of pepper and black earthiness (old world) come into play. On the finish, almond and a smidge of licorice coat the mouth and throat with medium but present tannins. A very comfortable Teroldego to drink.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
On for what we Californian’s call a cold evening (temperature reaching in the low 30’s), it is nice to enjoy “winter comfort food” such as meatloaf. A delicious meatloaf baked with cheddar cheese and served with a drizzle of Stewart & Jasper Orchards Raspberry Chipotle sauce. A little Tabasco sauce also was added for “more heat”. Accompanied by a fresh garden salad. The GoodMills Family wine provided the right touch to the meal providing a framework for the meatloaf. The sweetness and “heat” from the sauce played a great role. A very good food and wine pairing.
Can’t wait to visit them and taste some of their other wines!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Playoff of Two Great Cabernet Sauvignon’s: 2011 Kelly Fleming and 2009 O’Shaughnessy Mt Veeder
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Background
Last Sunday while the Forty-niners were in the NFL playoffs, we hosted a few folks for dinner. Watched the end of the game glued to the screen. Come on Niner’s that was too close for comfort! So decided to open a few nice and favorite bottles of wine that came up to drink in 2023. Others also brought wine to share and be enjoyed. So actually “pitted” these two wines and had the group vote on which they enjoyed with the meal. Both wineries wines are stocked in the cellar and we were members at both wineries for years.
The Wineries- Kelly Fleming and O’Shaughnessy
I have written about both before. Most recently here is a link to the wonderful wines of both outstanding wineries. Previously both have made by annual Best Wines Tasted of the Year many times.
The Field Conditions (sticking with the NFL theme):
Both wines were removed from the 55 degree cellar about five hours before dinner. Both were double decanted and double filtered and left to gently warm up to between 65-67 degrees to be served. Both wines served in Riedel Cabernet Sauvignon crystal. Both wines came in with a record of 95-97 point ratings. Both wines were equally matched with no flaws and low acidity. The significant difference is Kelly Fleming wines are from Calistoga and this O’Shaughnessy is from Mt Veeder. Both are in the Napa Valley AVA.
The Wines or Opponents
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 2011 Kelly Fleming Cabernet Sauvignon is made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from their estate. The wine was made by both renowned winemaker Celia Welch and Rebecca George. It possessed 14.7% alcohol and was aged 20 months in 70% new French oak and 30% neutral French oak. Only 1020 cases were made and sells for $200/bottle. On the eyes a deep luscious concentrated red brick color and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, aromas of fresh cherries, almond and soft vanilla pipe tobacco. In the palate, the fresh Bing cherries mixed with plum and herbal notes, including some spice like cinnamon. The finish was extremely soft and with the silkiest tannins in recent memory, that slid down the throat effortlessly. A beautifully balanced and enjoyable wine.
The 2009 O’Shaughnessy Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon holds a strong record. Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and aged 24 months in 80% new French oak and 20% neutral French oak barrels. Only 750 cases were produced. The winemaker is Sean Capiaux who has been with O’Shaughnessy for years! He knows the vineyards extremely well and showcases all the wines to high marks consistently. The wine today from resellers, if you can find it, goes for $200/bottle. The wine has a deep garnet coloring and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, dark black fruits and floral scents wafted into the senses. On the palate, sweet spices, raspberries, cocoa swirled endlessly coating the teeth in rich and edgy tannins. The finish was long and desirable with strength and vigor. Again a seamless bottle of liquid being enjoyed.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Served with a five rib Prime rib with Kinder’s rub with a few other spices thrown into the mix and garlic cloves embedded in the roast, served with uncut horseradish. Accompanied by roasted Brussel sprouts with reduced balsamic vinegar, country roasted spiced Yukon potatoes and garlic French bread. A most enjoyable meal this evening especially with the 49’er win!!
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
We were able to squeeze in a few additional wines as the dining event went into overtime!
And the winner was ………all of us who enjoyed these wonderful wines!! All were delicious and worthy for a playoff win or any occasion.
Sláinte,
Michael
Bennett Lane Winery – Calistoga, California
Background
Saturday, January 21st I and several wine writers and bloggers were invited to a media event at Bennett Lane Winery. They are located at the very top of Napa Valley and in fact, going from City of Napa they are last one on the valley floor before hitting Alexander Valley. Here is a brief recap of the event.
The Winery
Top photo of outdoor tasting area and next is the welcoming indoor tasting area. (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Randy and Lisa Lynch founded the winery twenty year’s ago and looking for locations to build their Italian villa home and winery. They finally found this spot a mile or so north of the town of Calistoga. Their initial wine was named after the 2nd century Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus. Today a coin with pictures of Athena (Goddess of Wisdom), Bacchus (God of Wine), and Severus Alexander (Roman Augustus) adorn the bottles and name of a wine club. The stated goal of the winery was to have fun and enjoy some of the best wines produced in Napa Valley. The primary role of the winery is to make it the friendliest winery in Napa Valley with approachability and warmth. This is evident in both their indoor and outdoor tasting areas.
Winemaker Rob Hunter (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The winemaker Rob Hunter is an engaging, knowledgeable person with a coy sense of humor. I was fortunate to be seated next to Rob while tasting and talked extensively about the wines and technically about smoke taint and efforts to minimize it. Note all the wines tasted today were harvested and in process before the fires of 2020! Rob’s background and experience catapults him to the top of the winemakers having extensive work experience at Groth, Keenan, Lyeth, Markam and Sterling wineries.
Left to right: Owner/Randy Lynch, Rob Hunter/winemaker and Stefanie Longton/GM (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The General Manager is Stefanie Longton originally from the East Coast. Her winery experience started in the Maragret River region in Australia. She started at Bennett Lane Winery in 2003 in the tasting room, wine club and over time took on this role at GM. She currently is a board member for the Calistoga Wine Growers and enthusiastically proclaims Calistoga makes the best wines in all of Napa Valley.
The winery’s main wines are various levels of Cabernet Sauvignon but also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé (from Petite Sirah grapes) and a few others and a blend. On their website they boast of being the home of 68 90+ wines from industry wine raters at Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
The Tour
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The tour started out in the courtyard with a refreshing Rose and with Randy, Rob and Stefanie speaking about the wines and winery.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
While strolling and talking about the winery, one of the value added ideas they implemented is an area called the “petting zoo”. This is where a single short row of commonly planted grape varietals are planted one after another with a sign designating each varietal. While this is the dormant time of year, they encourage visitors to come look at the grape clusters, the leaves and understand how they are unique and yet have some commonality.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Next up were the crush pad and large tanks used during the wine making process. It was here that a camera focused on the tanks, caught in the background the beginning spark off a high voltage transmission that started the Tubb’s fire. The Tubb’s fire destroyed 36,807 acres, destroyed 5,648 buildings, with 22 people dying and over $1.2 billion in economic losses. The crush pad is where between 120 to 200 tons of grapes are processed yearly.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Here Rob explained the unique rotary fermenter used in the production. Having its own cooling system encased around the 5 ton capacity, allows the fruit to be “punched down” with internal arms rotating a few times per day. This takes the place of the manual checking and exhausting work of “punch downs” during fermentation. And with the cooling jacket allows precise timing to cool down the fermentation temperature. Rather than taking a few weeks for the fermentation process, this is typically done in 3-5 days. This also helps by allowing more fruit flavor in the wines. This is a unique piece of equipment from Italy.
The Wines
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
We then returned to the barrel room where various vintages of wines were resting before being bottled. They use about 30% new French oak barrels and age the wines for 20 months. The setting was perfect to introduce and taste the wines.
Menu and wine selections for the day (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The wines started out with most enjoyable 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and as Rob proclaimed an “easy drinking wine”. Not stuffy and pretentious, just flavorful and with a soft landing in the palate available for $75. Next up was their 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showing off blueberry and blackberry flavors with noticeable yet velvety tannins. This sells for $125 and personally was my favorite wine of the day, although all were delicious. Listed on the menu was the 2020 Lynch Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This single vineyard provides great aromas and the flavors were bold with silky smooth almost unnoticeable tannins. This sells for $150. A special treat was then brought out of “Ruby Fox” Cabernet Sauvignon. The name was based on an early encounter with Randy many years ago and a red fox. This wine is only produced when the stars align and the vintage is uniquely great. This wine goes for $275.
Lunch was provide by Mangi Ami in Calistoga which was very good. However missing was a dedicated food/dish with each of the wines which would have highlighted the wine even more. I am an advocate of “food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost; united and well matched they are as a body and soul, living partners” (a quote from Andre Simon). Most of my wine stories talk about the winery, the wine and the food and wine pairing for this reason. When I enjoy the bottle they gave each of the attendees, it will be paired with a specific food dish to complement and accentuate the wine.
A wonderful day getting to know a previously unknown winery for me and appreciating so much their warm greeting, care & educating their visitors and understanding of winemaking. Another visit is surely in order!
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Villa Vallecito Vineyards “El Rey” blend – A Beautiful Wine
Villa Vallecito Vineyards has a small tasting room, but don’t let that stop you. Her wines across the board are big award winning wines. Her awards from various wine competitions are too numerous to list. I became aware of their wines when she entered their Cabernet Franc in the 3rd Annual Cabernet Franc Wine Competition for the first time in April 2022. They won Best of Class ($31 to $50) and won overall Best of Show competing against all categories from the Professional Wine Judges (wines included over $100).
They started their winery adventure in 2001 with purchasing land in Vallecito. After years of selling the grapes, they decided to make their own wine! The have another award winning winemaker Nathan Vader making their wines from Vina Moda. The balance of the entire operation is essentially family chasing the energetic and engaging Ghee Hagedorn about the winery and tasting room. Her husband Alan, described as Co-CEO and Quality Control Manager continual tasting the wines. Their son Gil Munoz, Wine Club Manager and Photographer with his striking pictures adorning the tasting room round out this small management team producing some of the best wines in Calaveras County.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The story on El Rey (The King being a blend and so named for her father’s influence and character) is a 50/50 blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc). Deep rich color and layers upon layers of enjoyment from two “uncommon blended grapes”. We had two of her best varietals with aromas and tastes swirling and culminating a mouth filling experience. First tasted this with some friends and we all left carrying lots of wine back home! This was opened the other evening and was so enjoyable on this cool night!
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 DéTENTE Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Still Waters Vineyard
Background
I visited Paso Robles last December for the Paso Robles Cabernet Franc Day tasting and symposium. Having just two hours of free time, I asked a friend where I should go to taste some excellent wines besides their wine (Dracaena Wines) in Paso Robles. What a great recommendation going to DéTENTE Wines tasting room, which was no small chore in finding them! The tasting room is located in the alley between 12th & 13th and Park & Pine Street, in the back courtyard of Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ. A bit tricky in finding but well worth the adventure.
The Winery
This may sound like an odd name for a winery, but in reality it is a great name for a winery in Paso Robles! It has been a long tradition of claiming that the best wines from vineyards come from either the West or East side of Highway 101 in Paso Robles. Thus calling for DéTENTE (definition being easing of hostility or strained relations) believing both sides of Highway 101 offer excellent wines! As DéTENTE Wines produces small lot boutique varietals from both the best vineyards on both sides of Highway 101.
The winery is co-owned by three individuals. Chris Eberle, winemaker, has spent 15 years working in well-known wineries across the globe building on his resume and experience. From a wine cellar in Weinsberg, Germany to harvest at Hartenberg Winery in Stellebosch, South Africa, Kim Crawford in Marlborough, New Zealand, Howard Park Wines in Margaret River, Western Australia and Chateau angelus in Bordeaux, France. He also currently is the head winemaker at Eberle Winery in Paso Robles.
Another co-owner is Trevor Iba, who has an extensive background in the wine industry. He was Director of Accounting and Finance for some of the well-known wineries on the Central Coast. He also owns a mobile wine cross flow filtration company called TS Wine Services serving the Central Coast AVA’s.
The third co-owner and Creative Director belongs to Julian Caustrita. His responsibilities are to execute the brand’s expression. Julian’s focus is on design and strategy for the past 15 years, with a design background to capture the team and brand vision with cross platform design and media development. This is one label you need to read every word printed on it as there are typically double meanings behind each label.
The Wine- 2020 DéTENTE Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Still Waters Vineyard
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
This wine comes from the east side in the El Pomar District. The vineyard was established in 2003 by Paul Hoover and today is farmed sustainably and SIP Certified. The vineyard is on a gentle sloping hillside, enjoying late afternoon sunlight and afternoon cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Paul is obsessed with the vineyard management from drainage to proper nutrition for the vines/grapes. Paul graduated in Agricultural Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and was named Wine Industry Person of the Year in 2017 and in 2019 Grower of the Year by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. This is no ordinary vineyard, but one of utmost pedigree.
Purchased this Sauvignon Blanc just after two sips at their tasting room. First on the eyes, it possessed a deep golden color and a medium heavy viscosity, a bit unusual for a Sauvignon Blanc. That was just the introduction! On the nose a wonderful bouquet of floral notes and tropical fruits. On the palate, this was not your New Zealand citrusy mouth puckering and zesty Sauvignon Blanc, but an opulent creamy and rich juice. Soft passion fruit with a brioche quality filled the mouth. This has to be from continual stirring of lees/yeast sediment, but I did not have a chance to ask this question of Trevor or Chris. Just a tinge of lemon zest was present on the finish. This is a great transitional wine for the newer wine consumer transitioning from a Chardonnay bent/leaning to Sauvignon Blanc. Still crisp and clean, but a rounder and more subtle Sauvignon Blanc than most. This wine will make the Best Wines Tasted in 2023 that comes out annually December 15th. It sells for $28 and the next vintage will be the 2022 skipping 2021.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The dinner was a sautéed fresh shrimp in garlic and butter. Whole wheat pasta and spinach were added into the final dish. Ingredients included garlic cloves, black pepper, red chili flakes, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese and a touch of Himalayan sea salt. Plated with a topping of Parmesan cheese and accompanied with a fresh garden salad. The shrimp and Sauvignon Blanc made a beautifully constructed food and wine pairing.
I am now planning my next visit to Paso Robles as soon as possible with the first stop being Dracaena Wines to thank them for the recommendation and next to DéTENTE Wines to taste their complete portfolio!
Sláinte,
Michael
Two Wines Last Friday Night –2018 Cuda Ridge Wines Malbec & 2020 Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Enjoyed two refreshing wines last Friday night after a dinner with our children, one son-in-law and two grandchildren. The first at a wine bar called Brentwood’s Co.Co. County Wine Co located downtown. Live music and one loud and dynamic environment but fun to get out for a change! Enjoyed the 2018 Cuda Ridge Wines Malbec on the wine list. It was “dark and handsome” and gently coated the palate with “inky purple hues” and flavors of juicy plum. Beautiful velvety smooth tannins and surprisingly paired well with cheese popcorn on the table!
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Made it back home and wanted another glass to top off the evening. Pulled a nice 2020 Wood Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc. On the eyes a dark ruby red and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose blackberry, cherry and violets were dominant. On the palate, plum and caramel pipe tobacco engulfed the mouth with a hint of milk chocolate. The finish was medium with soft edges and extremely smooth with an earthiness, an absence of any strong pyrazines made for a soft and smooth landing and lingering finish with a hint of vanilla.
It was a Livermore wine night and yet never made it to Livermore!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2019 Kelly Fleming Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Triggering A Good Memory
Background
I was asked in December if I would be interested in receiving and preparing a story for Kelly Fleming Wines. Since my wife and I were members there for many years and had purchased their delicious wines it was a no brainer! In fact today I still have one of the 2008 proudly displayed in the wine cellar. It was most likely purchased in 2010 or 2011 as we followed Celia Welch as winemaker for years.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Winery
Kelly Fleming fell in love with Napa Valley many years ago. In 1998 she purchased 300 secluded and hilly acres outside Calistoga. There she planted a 12 acre vineyard, constructed a cave, winery and full kitchen for events. The stone building is pristine and straight forward, but not opulent, it reminds one of the family run wineries in France or Italy built and taken care of with true pride of ownership.
(photo from Kelly Fleming website)
The winery today produces five wines: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, The Big Pour and The Bears & The Bees. Celia Welch was the original and founding winemaker who has made wine for many wineries in Napa and most notably Scarecrow Wines. She also has been the consulting winemaker for many wineries. Rebecca George worked alongside Celia for many years and the 2019 was made solely by Rebecca. Rebecca has made wine on three continents for over 15 years. In 2020 Andy George took over as head winemaker.
The Wine – 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Just being released in January of 2023, this wine made me remember why I joined the Kelly Fleming Wine Club. The wine stands in contrast to land which the grapes hail from, rough and steep hillsides. The wine is opulent, exquisite and refined from the first waft of aromas to the long lasting finish. First on the nose, red and black fruits abound along with a floral bouquet followed by blueberry being the most aromatic. The coloring is not as dark as I remembered, more of a crimson red and medium heavy viscosity. On the palate, raspberry and fresh firm plum provide an outline for the savory flavors. Secondary flavors of soft and mellow vanilla pipe tobacco and a modicum of cocoa swirls in the mouth. The finish with structure and velvety tannins surround each tooth and roof of the mouth claiming friendly dominance. The wine is 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon being aged in 85% new French oak barrels and 15% neutral oak for 20 months. 917 cases were produced and will be selling for $185/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The meal last evening was a flank steak marinated in Chaka sauce. We normally prepare this on the BBQ, but the seemingly never ending rains, prepared it on a cast iron skillet. Served medium rare and accompanied with sautéed asparagus & mushrooms and a Yukon Gold potato with chives. The meal was wonderful and the wine exquisite, but just a “B level” pairing as the marinade was a bit too strong to enjoy the fullness of the wine. After dinner, we sipped the wine by itself and it fully blossomed without the food.
This was how I remember Kelly Fleming wines and now can’t wait to open the 2008 which is on my “To Drink List” in 2023.
Sláinte,
Michael
A Community Supporting a Community
This 36th annual “First Taste of the Year” event was held on Saturday January 14th, 2023 at the Armory on Main Street, in Copperopolis, California. It was sponsored by the Copperopolis Community Center a volunteer staffed organization that restores and preserves the two publicly owned historical buildings in town. 2023 marks the 36th Annual wine tasting event and coincides with the 163rd anniversary of Copperopolis. The two buildings are the historical brick Congregational Church and the Armory. Both buildings were constructed during the copper rush in the mid 1800’s, the Armory in 1863 and the church in 1865. Copperopolis was the center of the “Copper Rush” (after the gold rush). These are two of the four buildings in town on the National Register of Historic Places: Copperopolis Armory and the Congregational Church. From 1860’s to the time the mines closed in 1945, 72,598,883 pounds of copper were mined in Copperopolis and the copper used in the Civil War, WWI and WWII for ammunition casings.
With advance purchase the cost of $25/pp which included a commemorative wine glass, hors d’ Oeuvres, a raffle and of course many wines to enjoy. Wineries present were: Hurst Ranch Wines (Jamestown), Gianelli Vineyards & Winery (Jamestown), Jazz Cellars (Murphys), Stevenot Winery (Vallecito), Aloria Vineyards (Murphys), Above the Rush Wines (Vallecito), Ironstone Vineyards (Murphys), Indian Rock Vineyards (Murphys) and Jessie’s Grove Winery (Lodi).
Many volunteers contributed setting up & decorating the event, preparing and serving appetizers, greeting guests and making sure wineries each had their “station assigned”. A big thank you to the Board, Volunteers and participating wineries for preserving the local history. And of course the supporters who braved the rain storm to enjoy the event.
Also a special shout out to the local community who supported the event with donations for the raffle. For example, Copper Cove Restaurant, The Golf Club at Copper Valley, Griff’s Restaurant, IGA Market, Cooper’s Coffee Shop, Mi Pueblo Restaurant and many others.
This year the participants voted for Best White Wine and Best Red Wine tasted during the evening. For the Best White Wine, it was a three way tie with Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony, Ironstone Vineyards Verdelho and Aloria Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Second place was also a tie with Jazz Cellars Blanc de Blanc and Indian Rock Winery Chardonnay.
For the Best Red Wine it went to Hurst Ranch for Miss Leslie’s Last Surrah (a blend). Second place went to Stevenot Winery for their Zinfandel.
Here are a few of the links to previous stories on specific winery participants this year:
1. Jessie’s Grove Winery –
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2018/04/26/jessies-grove-winery-and-vineyards/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/10/03/2015-jessies-grove-winery-westwind-zinfandel/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/05/11/2015-jessies-grove-carignane-reserve/
2. Jazz Cellars –
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/10/07/2012-jazz-cellars-rhapsody-one-of-my-favorites/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/16/2012-jazz-cellars-pinot-noir-lone-oak-vineyard/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2018/06/07/jazz-cellars/
3. Stevenot –
4. Above the Rush Wines –
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/09/24/above-the-rush-wines-2019-tempranillo/
5. Ironstone Vineyards
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/02/14/both-liquid-and-actual-gold-in-the-sierra-nevada-foothills-calaveras-county/
Sláinte,
Michael
2013 Detert Family Vineyards – A Twist on The Birthday Celebration
The Winery
Those familiar with Detert Family Vineyards know that Detert is an established winery. W.F. Detert came to the US in 1866. He operated a gold mine in Jackson, sold it and in 1912 he owned 22,000 acres in Guenoc Ranch in Lake County as well as other ranches/gold mines in Amador Placer and El Dorado Counties. W.F. died in 1929 and it was managed by his son Richard Detert who died in 1951. Tom Garrett, one of the current owners, great-grandmother Hedwig Detert, sold the Guenoc Ranch and purchased 50 acres of the To Kalon Vineyard from Martin Stelling estate in Oakville in 1954.That is when the Detert Vineyard was named. Today it is known as one of the most prestigious vineyards in all of Napa Valley. In 1966 Detert Vineyards started selling their grapes to Robert Mondavi. For many years Robert used Detert Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc for blending. Today the owners of Detert are all great grandsons of Hedwig Detert: Tom Garrett, John Garrett and Bill Cover. Their first commercial wines were Cabernet Franc (2000) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2002).
The Winemaker
Tom Garrett is the winemaker for the Detert Family Vineyards. Tom started in 1999 at Turley Wine Cellars and then over the next 15 years worked at various wineries. The list shows some exceptional wineries such as Joseph Phelps, Robert Mondavi and Revana Family Vineyards. Tom focused his time with Detert and his other winery Dakota Shy. Tom is well known and perhaps one of the most congenial and pleasant people in Napa Valley. Over the last fifteen years I have known Tom he is always flexible and available to assist, even dropping off wine at another winery for me to pick up on more than one occasion!
The Wine – 2013 Detert Cabernet Franc
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
This week we pulled a bottle of their 2013 Cabernet Franc out of the cellar. The reason behind grabbing this bottle is that it was our eldest daughter’s birthday. My wife had this thought that once a child is grown and out of the house, married with her own children, that on the child’s birthday, the mother should be celebrated for child birth! So with that thought a “solid bottle” was selected for the occasion. The bottle was the 2013 Cabernet Franc. The extremely dark and lush color and medium-heavy viscosity entices one to sip and taste. On the nose black cherries engulfed the olfactory senses. On the palate, soft vanilla pipe tobacco, black pepper contrast with chocolate flavors. The finish was long and extremely enjoyable. This is a quality Cabernet Franc and something special to drink. Even being 10 years old, (8 years in the cellar), it was bright with fruit, well-structured with tannins and layers of enjoyment. The current allocated release of their 270 cases of 2019 Cabernet Franc sells for around $100.
Their wines, both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, have for many years made my “Best Wines of The Year List”. I know this trend will continue.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 