Month: March 2023
The World’s Largest Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition & Celebration
(Not all bottles shown) (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
This is the first of three events for the Cabernet Franc Wine Competition & Celebration, the Wine Competition. The format for the blind competition utilizes the Danish system, where the wines are “bagged and tagged with code numbers”, separated by 6 Categories, four tables (2 tables Professional Judges and 2 tables People’s Choice Judges) vote on medal designation. If not all agree on the medal, which seldom happens, then a lively discussion going over the key characteristics of the specific wine is debated to reach a consensus award by each group of judges. Then each Category is awarded Best of Class and/or Best of Show. In one Category (California) there are five price points, with each being awarded Best of Class and evidently a Best of Show for that Category. One new Category was the Specialty Category this year which is a potpourri of Cabernet Franc (Blanc, Rose, Sparkling, etc.). No Best of Show was awarded as only two entrees participated. Then a Grand Sweep Stakes of the Overall Best Wine of the entire competition is awarded, on by the Professional Judges and one by the People’s Choice Judges.
(Top left Professional Wine Judges, Top Right People’s Choice Judges, Bottom Right, The Wine Runners (minus one who had to leave) and a judge’s station. Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The event was held yesterday, March 29th at 9:30 am in the Grandview Room at The Golf Club at Copper Valley in Copperopolis, California. 82 wineries registered representing 4 countries and 7 states. After a little over five non-stop hours of evaluating the wines, here are the results. Overall Winner, Best of Class, Best of Show and Gold & Silver Medal awarded wines are shown.
(The judges hard at work filling out paperwork) (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
A lot more details will follow in the next few weeks, including analytics on demographics, comparisons on medal awards, percentage of medal winners from different geography, etc. An interesting note is four wines were voted on by both sets of judges as being Best of Class or Best of Show: Granite Heights Winery (Virginia), Ironstone (Murphys, Calif), Selin Cellars (Fountain Grove, Calif) and Corti Brothers Wines (Veneto, Italy).
The Grand Sweep Stake winners from both set of Judges came f from Paso Robles and Sonoma County. Overall from both sets of judges winners came from Virginia, Washington, Texas, Oregon, all over California (Paso Robles, Sierra Foothills, Arroyo Seco, Mendocino, Fountain Grove, Santa Barbara, Livermore, Diamond Mountain) and Colli Euganei in Veneto, Italy. The judges did a remarkable job ferreting out the best of the best Cabernet Franc wines from around the world.
Two other events will be held shortly, the first being the Cabernet Franc Wine Stroll. It will be held on April 15th, at The Golf Club of Copper Valley featuring the previous year’s winners pouring their Cabernet Franc and many others wines. Call 209-783-9518 for reservations. The third event is a Gourmet Dinner prepared by Verona18 show casing Cabernet Franc wines from around the world (Livermore, Chinon France, Paso Robles and Chile). Call 209-783-9518 also for reservations.
Grand Sweep Stakes Winner from the Professional Judges:
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
2020 LXV Wine Cabernet Franc from Paso Robles with grapes grown in the Santa Barbara AVA and also a Gold Medal Winner. They also won Best of Class and Best of Show in their Category. This was their first time entering the competition.
Grand Sweep Stakes Winner from the People’s Choice Judges:
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
2019 Ledson Winery & Vineyards from Kenwood, California with grapes grown on Moon Mountain AVA and also a Double Gold Medal winner. This was the first time for Ledson Winery entering the competition.
PROFESSIONAL JUDGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Category:
Best of Show and Best of Class: 2017 Granite Heights Winery Cabernet Franc from Warrenton, Virginia. This was their first time entering the competition and they also received a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Boundary Oaks – Silver
Pearmund Cellars – Silver
Cody Kresta – Silver
Narmada Winery – Silver
Northwest Category:
Best of Show and Best of Class: 2019 Camaraderie Cellars Cabernet Franc from Port Angeles, Washington. The grapes coming from Yakima Valley. This was their first time entering the competition and they also received a Double Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Hamilton Cellars – Gold
Cabernet Franc Blends (being a minimum of 50% Cabernet Franc grapes)
Best of Show and Best of Class: 2017 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Cabernet Franc from Paso Robles. This was their first time entering the competition and they also received a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
2021 Hope Family, Quest – Gold
Non-vintage Rosa Fierro Cellars – Silver
2019 Cuda Ridge Wines, Melange d’ Amis – Gold
2019 Villa Vallecito, El Rey – Silver
2019 Thirty-Seven Wines, The Hermit – Gold
2019 pureCru CFM – Gold
2020 3Steve’s Winery, Zig’s Blend – Silver
California Category
*Overall Best of Show & Class: 2020 LXV Wine Cabernet Franc from Paso Robles with grapes from the Santa Barbara AVA.
Best of Class (below $30) – 2020 Ironstone from Sierra Foothills with a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
2020 Michael David/Inkblot – Silver
2021 Jeff Runquist – Silver
2016 Indian Rock – Silver
2018 Indian Rock – Silver
Best of Class ($31 to $50): 2017 Shale Canyon Cabernet Franc from Arroyo Seco and with a Gold Medal
Medal Awards:
2018 3 Steve’s – Silver
2020 Cuda Ridge – Silver
2017 San Pasqual – Silver
2019 Dracaena Wines – Silver
2020 Urban Legend – Silver
2020 Wood Family Vineyards – Silver
2018 Rivino Estate – Silver
2019 Mineral Wines – Double Gold
2019 Kenefick Ranch – Silver
2018 McKenzie-Mueller Winery – Double Gold
2019 Thirty-Seven Wines – Gold
2018 J. McClelland Cellars, Lost Chapter – Silver
Best of Class ($51 to $75): 2020 Selin Cellars from Fountain Grove and they also received a Gold Medal
Medal Awards:
2019 Cellar 13 – Silver
2020 Trefethen Family Vineyards – Silver
Best of Class ($76 to $100): 2020 LXV Wine Cabernet Franc and also received a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
2020 Brecon Estate – Silver
2019 Steven Kent Winery (Livermore) – Silver
2021 Hope Family, Cellar Select – Silver
2019 Ledson Winery – Silver
2020 L’Autre Cote (Santa Cruz) – Double Gold
2019 Brick Barn Wine Estate, Reserve – Gold
2019 Bravante Vineyards – Silver
2018 Oakville East – Silver
Best of Class ($101 and up): 2019 Diamond Mountain Vineyard and also received a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
2019 Middle Oak Wines – Silver
International Category: Best of Show, 2017 Corti Brothers from Italy and also received a Gold Medal. This was their first time entering the competition.
Medal Awards:
2019 Calc, Chile – Silver
2019 Csanyi Winery, Hungary – Silver
2018 Jammertal, Hungary – Silver
2017 Jammertal, Hungary – Silver
2018 Gere Attila Winery, Hungary – Silver
2017 Rejiji Wines, Hungary – Gold
Specialty Awards:
2022 L’Autre Cote Blanc – Gold
2022 San Pasqual Winery – Silver
PEOPLE’S CHOICE JUDEGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Category:
Best of Show – 2017 Granite Heights Winery Cabernet Franc from Warrenton, Virginia and they also received a Gold Medal
Medal Awards:
Boundary Oaks – Silver
Narmada Winery – Silver
Northwest USA Category:
Best of Show – 2020 Terra Vina Wines from Columbia Valley, Oregon and also received a Gold Medal
Medal Awards:
Hamilton Cellars – Silver
Blend Category: Cabernet Franc Blends (being a minimum of 50% Cabernet Franc grapes)
Best of Show -2019 Cuda Ridge Wines, Melange d’ Amis and also received a Double Gold
Medal Awards:
2021 Hope Family, Quest – Silver
2017 J. Lohr – Silver
2019 Villa Vallecito – Silver
2019 Thirty-Seven Wines, The Hermit – Silver
2019 pureCru CFM – Gold
2020 3 Steve’s, Zig’s Blend – Gold
California Category:
Best of Show: 2019 Ledson Winery and Vineyards. They also won Double Gold Medal.
Best of Class (below $30) – 2020 Ironstone from Sierra Foothills and with a SilverMedal.
Medal Awards:
2020 Lapis Luna Wines – Silver
Best of Class ($31 to $50) – 2018 Rivino Estate from Mendocino and with a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Non-vintage Dracaena Wines – Silver
2020 Urban Legend –Silver
2019 Kautz & Kramer – Silver
2019 Michael David – Silver
2019 Kenefick Ranch – Silver
2020 Villa Vallecito – Sliver
2019 Thirty-Seven Wines – Silver
Best of Class ($51 to $75): 2020 Selin Cellars from Fountain Grove and they also received a Double Gold Medal
Medal Awards:
2019 pureCru, Reserve – Silver
Best of Class ($76 to $100): 2019 Ledson Winery & Vineyards and also a Double Gold Medal
Medal Awards:
2021 Hope Family, Cellar Select – Silver
2020 LXV Wines – Silver
2019 Brick Barn Wine Estate, Reserve – Silver
2019 Bravante Vineyards – Silver
2018 Oakville East – Silver
Best of Class ($101 and up): 2019 Middle Oak Wines in Friendswood, Texas and they also a received a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
2019 Diamond Mountain Vineyard – Silver
International Category:
Best of Show: Best of Show, 2017 Corti Brothers from Italy and also received a Double Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
2019 Calc, Chile – Silver
2019 Marquis, Chile – Silver
2018 Marquis Lien, Chile – Silver
2018 Jammertal, Hungary – Silver
Specialty Awards:
2022 L’Autre Cote Blanc – Silver
2022 San Pasqual Winery – Silver
2019 Acquiesce Winery Roussanne – France Meets Italy Last Night
The Winery
Acquiesce Winery continues to impress with their white wine portfolio on French varietals. There is so much to state about Susan Tipton, owner and winemaker of Acquiesce Winery. The key takeaway is that she established her winery in Acampo (just north of Lodi) with the expressed purpose of bringing French white wine varieties to market. Lodi had been primarily known for red wines, but she turned heads with some of her unique wines such as Picpoul, Clairette Blanche, Ingénue (blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc & Picpoul Blanc), Roussanne and more. Here are some reviews of her wines and her impact:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/09/20/2018-acquiesce-vineyards-picpoul-blanc/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/08/30/2018-acquiesce-ingenue-french-and-more-french/
Her awards are too numerous to list!!
The 2019 Roussanne Wine
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Her 2019 Roussanne and earlier vintages have made my Best Wines of the Year list. The 2019 Roussanne on the eye is a light-medium golden straw color and medium viscosity. On the nose, it possessed an elegant finesse with floral aromatics, hints of pear, apricots and with a rich and silky smooth mouthful texture almost creamy. The finish had a soft nutty texture of almond and a hint of honey with a distinct minerality with a medium long finish. Roussanne brings more acidity, elegance and floral aromatic complexities to the wine which makes it perfect for chicken, turkey or fish. The current release is the 2021 and winery price is $36/bottle. This wine made my Best Wines Tasted in 2022 (Dec 15th, 2021 to Dec 14th, 2022) Click on previous article on Acquiesce Winery:
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pulled this wine out of the cellar for a special fresh fish meal last evening. The 2019 Acquiesce Roussanne wine was paired with a baked Red Snapper fish prepared in an Italian fashion. Ingredients included a prepared sauce of minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, butter, white wine, lemon juice, paprika, rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley and capers. Then the fish baked with the sauce and parmesan cheese and plated with additional fresh chives, olives, halved cherry tomatoes and sliced green onions over a bed of lemon slices. Two fresh crab cakes with a dollop of tartar sauce and a fresh garden salad accompanied the dish.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
I have always believed Susan Tipton is unique in her vision for the AVA and has produced wines to showcase her ability as a top-rated winemaker and trailblazer. While I have always kept her Roussanne in the cellar, this last year Picpoul Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ingénue and Clairette Blanche are also always stocked and featured in the Best Wines Tasted in 2022.
Sláinte,
Michael
2013 YoungInglewood Cabernet Sauvignon – The Label Sums Up Their Wine
Opened one of our prized Napa Cabernet Sauvignon’s last night. YoungInglewood is one of my top ten Cabernet Sauvignon wines of Napa Valley. It is from a small boutique winery in the southern edge of Saint Helena up against the western mountains in Napa Valley. YoungInglewood is a boutique family run winery, which has consistently produced deep and concentrated red wines. This 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon was aged 22 months in 100% French oak, with 60% being new barrels. Only 300 cases were produced of this vintage. It is a mother/son team heading the wine making, Jacky and Scott Young, for this lush and extremely intense wine. The current release is the 2019 with only 100 cases being produced and sells for $150/bottle.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Young’s, Jim & Jacky had some many years in France and have purposed to make wines that reflect the traditional roots and values, with a Napa Valley twist. I had written about YoungInglewood in a previous article in 2016 in more detail. You can click on this to read their story at
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/16/younginglewood/ .
I have been an admirer of the winery since their inception and have always stated their label of the tightrope walker represents one of the best labels – showing how the winemaker must balance so many facets of the production in order to arrive at the destination with a grand product. This includes vineyard management, canopy trimming, dropping fruit, harvesting at the precise moment to extract the perfect juice, formulating the right blend, keeping tannins and fruit in check, etc. All of this requires the balance and finesse summed up in a tightrope walker!
The Food and Wine Pairing
On the eyes one can only anticipate what the dense dark red and purple juice will taste like. On the nose, aromas of black cherries, raspberry engulf the olfactory senses. On the palate, vanilla, dark chocolate, clove, licorice, plum with a hint of soft lingering pipe tobacco & leather conjoin to make an expression of wine so delicious and yet graceful. The finish is smooth, integral, long and the tannins are present yet controlled. The structure of this wine is excellent. When finished savoring each sip you are left in amazement and awe of experiencing this wine. It could easily go for another 5-8 years in the cellar.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
This wine was paired with a seared BBQ’ed Filet Mignon steak served medium rare, asparagus and mushrooms sautéed in olive oil with light spices, an artichoke and a fresh garden salad. The steak was topped off with a dollop of Roquefort cheese and chive butter. With each bite of the steak and sip of this Cabernet Sauvignon was a match made in Heaven. Even Dionysus would celebrate and be proud of this wine! They have made the annual “Best Wines Tasted” yearly since 2014 and this will make the list again!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
http://www.younginglewood.com/
The 2020 Villa Vallecito Vineyards Cabernet Franc
The Winery
(Photo Villa Vallecito Vineyards)
Villa Vallecito started their winery adventure in 2001, purchasing land in Vallecito. After years of selling the grapes, they decided to make their own wine! They have award winning winemaker Nathan Vader making their wines from Vina Moda Winery. 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 is continually 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)
Their 2019 won Best of Show at the 3rd Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition in 2022.
Today they offer the following wines: Sagrantino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera (and a spectacular Reserve), Grenache, El Rey (Cabernet Franc/Syrah blend), Syrah and Payaso (Syrah/Grenache blend).
The Wine – 2020 Villa Vallecito Vineyards Cabernet Franc
The 2020 Villa Vallecito Cabernet Franc is an exquisite wine. Here a beautiful purplish hue surround the glass, with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose soft new leather, pepper and raspberry wafted into the senses. Secondary flavors of dried fruit and bramble, coupled with an “earthiness” (rich soil & gravel) highlighted the taste and the soft finish. The tannins were present, but rounded and velvety. Approximately 100 cases of the wine were produced. Between club members and the general public, it will go quickly. At $45/bottle this is a phenomenal “deal”.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Paired last evening with a marinated tri-tip steak for 24 hours in a Chaka sauce. Seared and BBQ’ed and served medium rare. Accompanied with roasted carrots, and sweet potatoes and sautéed asparagus. The wine hard plenty of structure and sufficient tannins to handle the tri-tip steak.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
A fresh salad with Romaine lettuce, Roma tomatoes, garbanzo beans, bacon, avocado and feta cheese with a light Champagne dressing.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Dessert was simple and delicious with fresh blackberries, blueberries and slices of peaches with a dollop of Cool Whip. A lovely food and wine pairing for the evening.
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Smith-Madrone Riesling – Endorsed by an Irish Gnome!
The Winery
(Photo by Matthew Dewey)
Smith-Madrone Vineyards is located on 200 acres on top of Spring Mountain west of St. Helena with 38 acres planted in vineyards. The vineyard elevation ranges from 1,300 to 2,000 feet. The Founder, managing partner and enologist is Stuart Smith, Charles Smith is the winemaker. Truly a family affair! All the wines are estate grown and dry-farmed on top of the mountain. Annual production is between 3,000 to 4,000 cases a year. Currently they are producing Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and their iconic Cooks Flat (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc).
The Wine
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 2018 Riesling is extremely aromatic with floral notes and green apple on the nose. A light golden yellow straw color and medium viscosity. On the palate, hints of lime, mixed with stone fruits (white peach and apricots) tame the lime citrus. On the finish, the minerality comes through strong and pure from either the volcanic soil, or sandstone, limestone or the general rocky soil found on the property. The minerality and acidity is jovial and enticing with a semi-sweet crescendo. Very low residual sugar (.7%) and coming in at 13.3% alcohol, Smith-Madrone Vineyards produced 1,611 cases. The current release is their 2018 and listed on their website for $36/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Started the dinner with an appetizer of fresh jumbo prawns with red cocktail sauce and parsley. The wine was excellent with it!
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pulled this wine out of the cellar specifically for our meal this evening of baked Cheesy Hasselback Chicken (Tasty recipe, modified). We had this wine and meal the day before St Patrick’s Day. The ingredients included: mushrooms, sea salt, black pepper, fresh thyme leaf, baby spinach, paprika, shredded cheddar cheese and added Jalapeño bacon. With vertical cuts in the chicken breasts, spinach along with mushrooms were inserted into each cut, the flavors of the chicken were wonderful with each bite. The bacon on top provided an “extra boost” to the flavors inside the chicken breast. This has now become one of our favorite dishes. With the semi-dry and fruit forward Riesling, the wine surrounded the tangy chicken with comforting coolness. A very enjoyable food and wine pairing.
Accompanied with additional sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Also a fresh garden salad with halved tomatoes, cut green onions, iceberg lettuce and Pepita seeds with a Champagne dressing.
Sláinte,
Michael
An Irish Tradition in our Household – Friendships Now & Remembered
A 45 year old tradition continues despite the quarantines, travel and sickness and work obligations. I have had three half shots of Jameson Whiskey on St Patrick’s Day every year, usually at a restaurant or drinking establishment. The first toast is to my grandfather Lewis Kelly who always had a shot on St Patrick’s Day. When he got up in age and unable to drive himself to a local pub, my father used to take him to a local bar despite the protestations of my grandmother! 42 years ago my father passed, so I took my grandfather out for a shot of Jameson. It only happened once, as subsequently later that year at 89 he too passed.
I had a very good friend Tom Mollard an industry mentor and every year since we met for 37 years having 3 half shots of Jameson. Missed only one while attending the New York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, but subsequently met with Tom on my return. During this time we told a tale or two of those we were toasting. The first shot was for my grandfather, the second shot was for my father (and subsequently Tom’s wife Ann who passed) and third was for good health and lives’ for those we were drinking with on St Patrick’s Day! No surprise, there was always lots of others around us who joined in!! Besides telling some stories of those we toasted, many Irish toasts were read.
Tom Mollard passed a few years ago. So today the second toast is to the key and influential people in my life who have passed: Dr John Rhodenbaugh (golfing buddy, former NCGA President, mentor), Tom Mollard (a great friend in the high tech industry, mentor), Margaret Houghton (one of our adapted grandmothers, former member of Castlewood CC), Richard Becker (the greatest father-in-law one could have!), Jim & Marian Heaton who guided me in work, spirituality and family life passed more recently and Deidre Comerton (a Saint in Dublin Ireland, mother of my good friend David Comerton) and continuing to add others from our memories.
The third continues to be with those we are with this evening. Having moved and our children have also moved, it has been Susan and I, but with the power of video chatting, we will toast with both daughter’s and their husbands this evening. Both daughters have continued this tradition with a spin on being more inclusive.
45 years of this tradition continues with toasting and speaking about great friends both past and present, relatives and the joy they brought to our lives this evening. Saint Patrick’s Day in our household is far more than just drinking but of fond remembrances and what life will bring our way.
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Mineral Wines Tempranillo – A Mouthful of Flavor
The Winery
Brett Keller and his wife Andrea own Mineral Wines in Murphys, California. Brett started out in Hospitality Management but eventually went back to school earning his degree in Viticulture and Enology in 2003. When Brett and Andrea moved back to Angels Camp (Calaveras County), Brett took over management of Andrea’s family 4 acre Cherokee Creek Vineyard. Initially this property grew exclusively Merlot, but subsequently Brett grafted three acres of vineyard to Roussanne, Viognier and Petite Sirah. These are the main stay and define Mineral Wines today. In addition, they produce a Zinfandel, Malbec, and various Meritage blends, Tempranillo, Barbera, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their tasting room is located at 419 B Main St. Murphys, CA.
The Wine – 2018 Tempranillo
(Photo ©Michael Kelly
First, on the label, it is Wulfenite stone, from the Red Cloud Mine, La Paz County, Arizona. Brett has various stone, gemstone and mineral pictures on each of his labels. It adds a nice touch to have “gemstones” representing his valued wines. This wine won Double Gold Medal, Best of Show at the 2022 Sierra Foothills Wine Competition.
First on the eyes an enticing purple hue lures your interest with a medium body viscosity. On the nose, aromas of raspberries and blackberries swell up to greet you. On the palate, the berries are ripe and delicious followed by red cherries. On the finish a hint of vanilla and cinnamon make it a delightful treat. At $38/bottle an excellent wine and it will make my annual Best Wines Tasted in the year report (December 2023) for wines up to $50.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Chose this wine to have with our dinner of Carne Asada. With a short break in the weather, BBQ’ed the marinated flank steak. The marinade 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. The steak was seared for about 3-4 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 sautéed asparagus and mushrooms, along with a fresh garden salad.
The Carne Asada was flavorful and spicy without being too red-hot! This fruit forward, but not a “fruit bomb” wine, coated the mouth and made a totally enjoyable meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Balverne Pinot Noir
The Winery
(Photo Balverne website)
Bob and Renee Stein purchased the 710-acre Russian River Valley estate that included a working vineyard in 1992. The Steins vision was to create a sustainable property and they called it Notre Vue Estate. They developed the property keeping 350 acres in a protected Forever Wild open space. This acreage weaved with the vineyards combined rugged wildland and wildlife with the manicured vineyards.
This accomplished their ideal view and called it Notre Vue (our view).
(Photo Balverne website)
The resulting effort is 250 acres of rolling vineyards and the “Forever Wild” protected space. This includes 17 miles of hiking and biking trails with picnicking areas throughout. Horseback riding trails also exist. Their label shows a red shoulder Hawk which roam the area. Thus their motto is the reason they consider Forever Wild to be the heart of the Notre Vue Estate.
Their goal with their winemaker, is focused on making wine in a European style with finesse and low intervention. Their current offerings with the Balverne label include Zinfandel, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, a few different Chardonnay’s, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Under their Notre Vue label, they have various Rose’s, Chardonnay’s, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a few red blends.
The Wine – 2021 Pinot Noir
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
This wine on the eyes was a semi-translucent light and bright red in the glass. On the nose, aromas of strawberry were predominate. On the palate, the ripe strawberries burst vividly in the mouth with secondary flavors of cranberry and cherries. The finish was a bit abrupt, but sufficient to enjoy each inviting sip. The finish was on the smoother side of tartness with rounded and caressing tannins. Only 388 cases were produced from their Russian River Valley property. It was aged in 25% new French barrels for nine months. Alcohol level is 14% and used clones 667, 459, 114 and 115 picked from their vineyard.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Chose this wine to pair with a pork chops this evening. Pork chops are a good match for Pinot Noir as goes well with lean cuts like pork chops. Pork Chop’s neutral flavor pairs well with wines that are light but offer sufficient amount of fruit forwardness. The pork chops were seasoned and skillet cooked. Accompanied by roasted Brussel Sprouts, drizzled with reduced balsamic vinegar, Stove Top dressing and a fresh garden salad. The pairing was very good as the Pinot Noir completely surround the seasoned pork chop.
As an aside, this was the second bottle we opened, it was another vintner not Balverne, as the other way too sweet with little “typical” Pinot Noir characteristics. It went down the drain, but we were very pleased with the 2021 Balverne Pinot Noir.
Sláinte,
Michael
2009 Ettore Germano Prapo Barolo – Piedmont Revisited
The Winery
(Picture from Ettore winery)
The winery is located on the south-east edge of the Barolo appellation. Sergio Germano is the 4th generation owner of the property. Ettore, Sergio’s father, who grew grapes and made a little wine for his private customers is who the winery is named after. The Prapo vineyard is wildly steep producing wines that are substantial and very well structured. Sergio completed six years at the School of Enology in Alba and worked at Fontanafredda before returning to the property near the village of Serralunga.
Hillside in Piedmont with Nebbiolo vineyards (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Barolo wines made by Sergio are not “creamy or international wines” as he prefers to let the single vineyard speak for itself. He makes his wines using both large and medium sized barrels (called barriques) to get the best expression of the grapes. Having two unique vineyards, he makes the wines in a traditional fashion as opposed to tailoring the wines for the consuming public. Old world with a musty, earthy fashion best describes his wines with long macerations. One sip and you are transformed to the hillsides of Barolo. The best Barolo wines typically need 10-15 years before drinking and can further age up to 30 years.
The winery also makes Docetto, Barbera, Riesling and some sparkling wines.
Characteristics of Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is a thick skinned, late harvesting grape. Key flavors and aromas are pronounced roses, cranberry, sour cherries, leather, and strong minerality along with red fruits. Most notable are the mouth puckering and lip smacking tannins. Most Nebbiolo are best served many years after their release date to allow the tannins to settle down. In the glass they can appear light colored and translucent around the edges, but do not be fooled that you are about to be greeted by a “light weight wine”! The acidity and tannins are almost unmatched in red wines.
The Wine- 2009 Ettore Germano Barolo, Prapo Vineyard
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The wine on the eyes is a used brick red coloring with a brownish hue with a medium body. On the nose faint classic cherry and leather showing off this wines pedigree. On the palate, a very dry Barolo with earthy and almost dusty characteristics, yet cherry and spices still were present. On the finish, dried herbs and a slight tinge of oak provided a long lasting and enjoyable experience. This Nebbiolo wine from the Piedmont region, specifically Langhe sub-region, is always a beautiful treat and cherished. The 2009 is hard to find today, and if found goes for $80 to $110/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pulled from the cellar last night to have with dinner as the bold, acidic flavor of the wine allows it to cut through the fats, oils and richness of the Bolognese sauce. The sauce was started at 9 am and left simmering all day on the stove. Ingredients included lean hamburger, ground Italian pork, bacon, chopped celery, chopped carrot, minced garlic cloves, olive oil, chopped onions, chopped fresh thyme, , red wine, bay leaves, beef broth and tomato puree. Served with whole wheat spaghetti pasta and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese and accompanied by broccoli and a fresh garden salad. The good news, it was an exquisite, perhaps the best of the year, food and wine pairing bringing one back to any Italian restaurants in northern Italy!
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Malbec Merlot Blend – A Real Gem
The Winery
Brett Keller and his wife Andrea own Mineral Wines in Murphys, California. Brett started out in Hospitality Management but eventually went back to school earning his degree in Viticulture and Enology in 2003. When Brett and Andrea moved back to Angels Camp (Calaveras County), Brett took over management of Andrea’s family 4 acre Cherokee Creek Vineyard. Initially this property grew exclusively Merlot, but subsequently Brett grafted three acres of vineyard to Roussanne, Viognier and Petite Sirah. These are the main stay and define Mineral Wines today. In addition, they produce a Zinfandel, Malbec, and various Meritage blends, Barbera, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their tasting room is located at 419 B Main St. Murphys, CA.
The Wine – 2018 Malbec Merlot Blend
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
First, on the label, it is bentonite and neptunite mineral/stones. Brett has various stone, gemstone and mineral pictures on each of his labels. It adds a nice touch to have “gemstones” representing his valued wines.
The newest blend is the 2018 Malbec & Merlot co-fermented wine with equal parts (50/50). Not generally a big fan of blends, this was as they say “a diamond in the rough” and a worthwhile find keeping with the gemstone theme. It combined the best of his Malbec with wafting aromas of blueberries and lavender. The Malbec also provided intense flavors of plums and blackberry jam. Add to this his full body Merlot bursting with blackberry fruit and abracadabra, a beautiful wine was born. The nice thing about this deep luscious wine is that is not a sweet fruit bomb, just a extremely fruit forward and intense wine with flavors. This blend provided a nice change up and is listed at $38/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pulled this wine out to pair with a marinated flank steak. Malbec is generally a good choice for lean meat pairings as it does not have a lot of woody or oak aromas. With the fruity flavors from both varietals, it was a great counterpoint to the marinated flank steak. The flank steak was marinated ten hours in a Chaka sauce and slices were plated with small pieces of green onions. Accompanied by roasted Brussel sprouts drizzled with reduced balsamic vinegar and a Yukon potato.
Brett not only made a very solid wine, he turned my opinion on this blend! Great job!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 