Month: January 2023
When Time Stops Enjoying a Good Meal
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Last evening a gourmet meal and hours of conversation with good friends. Opened some very nice wines and enjoyed a wonderful meal. Started out with some appetizers and two Chardonnay’s to sip on. The first was a 2018 Hill Family Reserve Chardonnay. The wine was inoculated with X16 yeast and placed in French oak barrels for 8 months. Just before bottling it was placed in stainless tanks for four weeks. Flavors of peach, caramel and toasted hazelnut & almond were noted. The wine is from Yountville in Napa Valley, California. The second wine was a 2016 Montunal Chardonnay from Lugana, Italy near Lake Garda. The Montunal has received 96 points from Decanter. The owner-winemaker Robert Girelli refers to the wine as being full of “white fruits and picking up the minerality of the area”. He uses only indigenous yeast and ages the wine in stainless steel tanks. The results produce lovely herbal qualities that are “intense and compact”. We commented while sipping the layers of flavors during the meal. We then moved on to dinner, taking the remainder of the wines to enjoy with the meal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Dinner was prepared by Susan Kelly who once again pulled out all the stops! A Mediterranean spinach tomato Feta cheese stuffed chicken breasts. The flavors pulled one to the shores of Italy with the herbs and spices. The dish was first seared in a skillet and then baked to perfection. Ingredients included in the filling and topping of the chicken breast garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped shallot, garlic cloves, chopped fresh basil, gluten free panko, chopped fresh oregano and grated Parmesan cheese. Accompanying the meal was a whole wheat spaghetti and a medley of fresh vegetables consisting of Baby Bella mushrooms, broccoli and zucchini sautéed in olive oil and garlic. Brought out two other wines to enjoy with the meal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The first being a 2020 Prospect 772 Wine Company called “The Brat”. It is a blend of 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah from Calaveras County in the Sierra foothills. The Grenache blend with the tomato, spices and herbs was beyond excellent. Or as the winemaker Ron calls it “seductive, elegant and complex”. The next bottle was a 2015 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru a white Burgundy (Chardonnay) from France from Domaine Jomain. A quick background on this wine. 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 called 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.
As I started out stating “when time stops”, as we were now some four plus hours into the meal and robust conversations. That is what a combination of good friends, wonderful food and exquisite wines will produce.
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Hindsight Wines Sauvignon Blanc and Spicy Shrimp Pad Thai
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 about the winery and ownership can be found at:
The Wine – 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
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/bottle. It is not an “in your face” over citrusy Sauvignon Blanc and thus makes it perfect for standalone drinking pleasure or to be paired with a variety of foods. They also make a 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley which I have not tasted and goes for $29.99/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Hindsight Wines Sauvignon Blanc was pulled from the cellar for last night’s meal due to the spiciness of the dish called Shrimp Pad Thai. Thai, Pad Thai or Phad Thai, is commonly served as a street food and at restaurants in Thailand. Last evening went with a much more flavorful and spicy recipe. The ingredients were thin whole wheat spaghetti, virgin olive oil, minced garlic, uncooked fresh shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, red bell pepper, green onions, chopped peanuts and lime juice. The Pad Thai sauce included, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Sriracha (lots!) and creamy peanut butter! Accompanying the meal was a fresh garden salad with an Asian dressing. The meal packed a punch of flavor and warmth! The 2020 Hindsight Sauvignon Blanc Riesling was a godsend. The wine was refreshing, quenched the palate and tasted wonderful with the shrimp. The mouth filling Sauvignon Blanc was a perfect match for this food.
While this 2020 Hindsight Sauvignon Blanc can easily be enjoyed by itself, it was a delightful and an especially refreshing wine to be shared with this food. Another reason it has made my Best Wines Tasted of Year the last two years!
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Lavender Ridge Vineyard Roussanne
The Winery
2018 Lavender Ridge Vineyard tasting room is located in the town of Murphys in the lower Sierra Nevada foothills. Lavender Ridge specializes in Rhone varietal wines. They included Cotes du Calaveras Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose, Grenache, Cotes du Calaveras, Mourvedre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Vin Doux. They also feature an artisan cheese selection that is unique and has something for just about everyone. To read more about Lavender Ridge, see two previous articles:
The Wine
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Roussanne is powerful with floral aromatics, with hints of peaches, pears and with a rich and silky smooth mouthful texture, almost creamy. Roussanne on the eyes is a medium golden straw color with medium to medium heavy viscosity. On the nose floral aromatics, hints of pear, green apples, apricots waft into the senses. On the palate, you are treated to a silky smooth mouthful texture. The finish provides a soft nutty almond, compounded with a hint of honey and distinct minerality. This wine has made my Best Tasted in The Year for the last 3 years in the category of under $51. The current release is their 2020 and sells for $30/bottle. An invigorating alternative to Chardonnay.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Paired this evening with a “lighter” stir fried chicken with Bok Choy. Ingredients included sliced purple onions and topped with sesame seeds. A very nice pairing with the lighter stir fried chicken, the wine softened the garlic and ginger components. The creaminess of the wine along with the fruit elements provided just enough to frame the meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://lavenderridgevineyard.com/
2011 O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder – A Delicious Wine
The Winery
Sitting high up on Howell Mountain, O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery has been making great wines for over 20 years. They have twenty nine acres planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and six acres planted for blending. Those varietals include Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Carménère and Gros Verdot. The Wools Ranch, located in Mt Veeder, is a property having 32 acres planted featuring mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, but also has similar “Bordeaux varietals as the Howell Mountain property and St. Macaire. One last vineyard is in Oakville planted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon totaling 32 acres. Paul Wools and Betty O’Shaughnessy are the owners and Sean Capiaux is President and Winemaker. To visit and see the vineyards is a thing of beauty that is well manicured by viticulturist Alan Peirson.
The Wine
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 2011 O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder has been resting comfortably in the cellar for eight years! It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is a dark luscious red/purple color on the eyes and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose fresh blackberries, blueberries waft into the nose. On the palate, a combination of leather, minerality and gorgeous fruits. The finish is strong with structure and edgy tannins, yet provided a polished experience of the wine. Later versions of Mt Veeder, integrated all the typical “Bordeaux style” grapes into the wine. Current release is the 2019 and goes for $150/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The weekly Friday Night Wine & Dine Group had not gotten together for a while due to the holidays and family/travel obligations. It was a fun time with 13 participating last evening at Verona18. Paired with a Filet Mignon served medium rare topped with Gorgonzola, and accompanied by fresh vegetables. A tasty piece of beef that paired well with the O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon and a few others.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Other wines tasted and enjoyed last night included 2019 Prospect 772 Black Tie Charlie (Calaveras County), 2018 Hanna Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley), 2019 VJB Cellars Negro Amaro (Sonoma Valley), 2013 Young’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Amador), 2018 Harney Lane Petite Sirah (Lodi) and 2020 Windwalker Vineyard Alicante Bouschet (Amador).
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.oshaughnessywinery.com/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
2018 Tenbrink Family Vineyards Chardonnay – A Beautiful Wine & Family
Tenbrink Vineyards owners Linda and Steve Tenbrink came to Suisun (pronounced Sue-Soon) Valley in 1982 and established a home and made a living as farmers. Arriving with no experience, they now have about 60 acres in walnuts, heirloom tomatoes and various fruit trees. In 2006, they embarked in yet another venture into unchartered waters to make wine. Fortunately, with their friend and winemaker Abe Schoener acting as a mentor, they launch Tenbrink Vineyards. Years later, their daughter Lisa Tenbrink (and now Lisa Tenbrink Howard) and her husband Cliff launched in 2015 Tolenas Winery.
The name Tolenas has a significant history. The “upper valley” area where some of the vineyards are located was once part of the original Rancho Tolenas, part of the Mexican Land Grant incorporating a good portion of Napa and Sonoma Counties. A historical marker near their homestead denotes this information.
You can read more about the winery and wines by clicking on this link:
The Wine – 2018 Tenbrink Chardonnay
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pulled this wine to have a glass at lunch with fresh tuna sashimi which was delicious from Ohana Seafood. I was told years ago one should always have a beer, whisky or wine with fresh uncooked sashimi. Saved the balance to have with dinner (see below).
When I first tasted this wine in January 2019, I immediately rated it as one of the Best of Year Wines Tasted, just on the nose alone without even tasting it. I can’t recall giving a “score” to any wine before tasting it! When I first sipped the wine it was inspirational. The pale straw coloring provided an array of honeysuckle, pear and apple on the nose and later on the palate. It had a touch of citrus on the finish and was clearly going to be a winner! All the kudos for this wine still ring true! It made my Best Wines Tasted in 2021. I am so pleased I continued to purchase this wine. Still a tremendous bargain today at $32 retail price for the 2021 release.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Paired this evening with a blackened Swordfish served over long grain and wild rice. Accompanied with a chopped Asian cabbage salad with a light dressing. Picked up the fresh Swordfish in Modesto at Ohana Seafood. When plated the fish was drizzled with Steward & Jasper Orchards Apricot Pepper Sauce that I recently purchased. What a wonderfully delicious combination of spices from the blackened Swordfish, the tangy sauce and the full body coating in the palate of the Chardonnay. Definitely a “perfect 10” on the pairing combination! This wine will make The Best Wines Tasted in 2023!
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 One Acre Wines Merlot – Conflicting Opposites in one Bottle!
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
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 2019 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, it is a bit of paradox as this is both your warm and cuddling drink that is relaxing and comforting to sip. Yet 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. 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 release is the 2018 and the price is $42.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Paired with a trimmed flank steak stir fried with broccoli. Ingredients included cornstarch, canola oil, chicken broth, ginger root, minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce and water. While the suggested pairing were either Malbec or Merlot, this Merlot was strong enough to hold up to the stir fry. A very good pairing but did not showcase the full range of this excellent Merlot. Accompanied by brown grain rice prepared with eggs and real bacon.
If you want a big bear hug of a Merlot, yet soft enough to cuddle up to, this is your wine!!!
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Tenbrink Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Suisun Valley – A Fabulous Chardonnay
The Winery
Did a story on the winery before Covid but have not been back since. However I have been enjoying their wines (Chardonnay & Syrah) happily in the interim! Here is the original story on a much misunderstood and underappreciated AVA in California, Suisun Valley:
The Wine
When I first tasted this wine in January 2019, I immediately rated it as one of the Best of Year Wines Tasted, just on the nose alone without even tasting it. I can’t recall giving a “score” to any wine before tasting it! When I first sipped the wine it was inspirational. The pale straw coloring provided an array of honeysuckle, pear and apple on nose and later on the palate. It had a touch of citrus on the finish and was clearly going to be a winner! All the kudos for this wine still ring true! It made my Best Wines Tasted in 2021. I am so pleased I continued to purchase this wine. Still a tremendous bargain today at $32 retail price for the 2021 release.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Went today to Modesto and stopped by Ohana Seafood to pick up tuna sashimi for lunch and some fresh fish for tonight’s dinner. The tuna was absolute fresh and delicious. Decided to pair it with the 2018 Tenbrink Family Vineyards Chardonnay and it was a magnificent pairing. Will also be pairing this wine with our fish this evening!
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Dave’s Porch Wine, Sauvignon Blanc
This wine has made my Best Wines Tasted for the last two years in the less than $50 category. While the last three stories that I have published have been wines in the $150 to $250 range, this is no step child. It holds its own and rightful place as an outstanding wine regardless of price.
The Wine Owner & Winemaker
Dave Yewell is the owner from north Napa Valley. He is in his 12th year producing “an everyday table wine” to be enjoyed by friends and those in the know! Today they offer two wines 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from the SF East Bay region and a 2021 Rose of Pinot from Sonoma Valley. His goal is truly to produce an everyday wine as both go for $130 a case (12) and includes tax and shipping. Unheard of from most wineries!
The winemaker is the renowned Rudy Zuidema who just made his best Sauvignon Blanc! He is also the winemaker for many other wineries including Rapp Ranch, Shadybrook Estate, Red Cap Wines, Southern Roots, Phamus, Napa de Oro and many others including his Zuidema Wine Company. All of which are excellent wines with many varietals produced.
The Wine
From the initial pour this caught my attention as being a shade darker than previous vintages, yet still a soft golden yellow. This was produced with no malolactic fermentation and non-oaked. On the nose, aromatic with dried herbs and white peach. On the palate is where this wine showed its pedigree and phenomenal taste. Not a typical New Zealand (citrus flavors & super crisp) but one of restrained character of brioche, silky and smooth, with a touch of apricot and a mild lemongrass. The finish all mouth consuming with an intense full body and was long lasting, especially for Sauvignon Blanc. Immediately this will make my Best Tasted Wines for 2023 in the under $50 bracket.
The Food and Wine Pairing
A baked chicken breast with broccoli, potatoes and fresh lemon juice, with spices of rosemary and parsley. Accompanied with a fresh garden salad with salted pepitas. First time for this dish which was very tasty along with the first time tasting the 2021 Dave’s Porch Wine Sauvignon Blanc.
Sláinte,
Michael
2009 Entre Nous Cabernet Sauvignon – What a great wine!
2023 continues to bestow great wines to be tasted! Pulled out of the cellar a 2009 Entre Nous, French for “between us” which continues to delight and bring forth such a rich and luscious Cabernet Sauvignon. The 26 acre estate with 16 acres planted is directly next door to Cardinale Estate winery, unfortunately Entre Nous closed their doors. You can still find some of their wine at wine brokers and you will not be disappointed.
Entre Nous was a small boutique winery with production done by the award winning Philippe Melka. Wine Advocate consistently rated their wines in the 94-96 point range and the 2009 rated 98 points by Robert Parker. Almost all Cabernet Sauvignon and just a little Petit Verdot added. Only 281 cases were produced and today sells for roughly $155/bottle. It tasted like a $300 to $500 bottle of wine!
The wine is typical Oakville character with spiciness and opulence. On the eyes dark deep blackish red in color and heavy viscosity. On the nose, aromas of violets and dark fruit (blackberries) waft into the senses beckoning the first sip. On the palate, an almost sensory overload with black cherries, soft leather and chocolate. Mint and cinnamon linger on the finish which is long lasting and enjoyable. The tannins have softened from the original release but still present enough to provide an edginess. The soft oak is present in the background, but not in your face. This Cabernet Sauvignon dances merrily in the mouth and immediately captures your imagination. One of the smoothest Cabernet Sauvignon’s tasted in a while. A wine I can whole heartedly recommend without hesitation for a special occasion.
The “between us” translation is meant for bringing those together who enjoy drinking a wonderful wine and is best enjoyed with others! This is the real deal, so let’s keep this “between us”.
Sláinte,
Michael
2010 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – A Great Start to 2023
Pulled this out of the cellar and unwrapped it to start 2023 in the right direction. For over 50 years, the Reserve has been the hallmark signature of the winery, as well as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, I’m always happy to enjoy this wine. Robert Parker rated this at 95 points and the Tasting Panel gives it 99 points.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
This wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. On the eyes is a deep royal purple color and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, blackberries and violets spring forth with a trumpet reception knowing something special is about to take place. On the palate, dark berries coupled with dark chocolate lava cake are the most prominent descriptors. Secondary tastes range from vanilla and Rutherford dust or minerality. The structure and tannins are strong and bold but at the same time tame enough to be considered round and not overly intrusive. The finish was long and so enjoyable. The current release is the 2018 Reserve To Kalon Vineyard and it sells for $260/bottle.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
As a footnote, Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has always been a “go to wine” for me. It was the first case of wine I purchased in 1978 (it was a 1974 Reserve). The reason this wine is so special and a memorable “ah-ha moment” was that Robert Mondavi sold me the wine. I still have one bottle of the 1974 Reserve in the cellar to remember that day. It figures into one of my “special wines” not to be opened but cherished for meeting one of the icons and pioneers of Napa Valley.
Sláinte,
Michael
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