Cellar 13 2019 Cabernet Franc – Their Wines and Winemaker on the Fast Track!
The Winery
Darin Winton came from the public water services for a local municipality and while not necessarily turning water into wine and he is now producing many award winning wines! Even before retiring, Darin got his start doing volunteer work at 3 Steves Winery on his vacation, since he enjoyed their wines in Livermore and even volunteered for two weeks in Chile during harvest. There he learned “old world” techniques in winemaking, especially for Carménère. The fascination of harvesting by hand and using gravity to move wine around aroused his senses. In 2017, this winery where he was doing his training, allowed him to make a few small batches of wine with Livermore Valley fruit. He is indebted to 3 Steves Winery for allowing him to experience winemaking from the ground up and their subtle oversight and tutelage. Pictured below is Darin and Gail Henderson, his fiancée who assists in the marketing and sales for Cellar 13.
Just two years later in 2019, his 2017 Chardonnay won Double Gold at the San Francisco Wine Competition – a real accomplishment and validation for his new venture. So now in 2023 he has won the following awards:
CHARDONNAY
* 2017 Chardonnay – Double Gold – 2019 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2018 Chardonnay – Gold Medal Winner 94 points – 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition
* 2019 Chardonnay – Best in Class Winner – 2021 Livermore Valley Uncorked Wine Competition (Best Chardonnay in Livermore), Gold Medal Winner – 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
ALBARIÑO
* 2021 Albariño – Silver Medal Winner -2022 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
* 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon – Double Gold Medal Winner -2020 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver Medal Winner -2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon – Double Gold Medal Winner 97 points – 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, Gold Medal Winner – 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
BORDEAUX BLENDS
* 2017 Tsogadu (13 in Cherokee) – Left Bank Bordeaux Style Blend – Gold Medal Winner -2020 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2018 Tsogadu (13 in Cherokee) – Left Bank Bordeaux Style Blend – Gold Medal Winner – 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2019 Aliheliga (“Grateful” in Cherokee) – Right Bank Bordeaux Style Blend – Best in Class Winner – 2023 Livermore Valley Uncorked Wine Competition, Gold Medal Winner – 2022 SF Chronicle Wine Competition.
OTHER REDS
* 2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold Medal – 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition, 2023 Silver Medal at the International Cab Franc Wine Competition
* 2017 Merlot – Silver Medal Winner – 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
Here are his recent Sunset Magazine Wine Competition awards:
In 2017 Darin produced 180 cases and in 2019 production increased to 475 cases. Beyond 2020, Darin has created a wine club and in 2023 is producing about 800 cases. He has introduced many new wines into his portfolio and each are winning awards from various organizations! He is a man on mission to bring some extraordinary wines to market in a very short time!
The Wine
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Awards for his Cabernet Franc attest to his wine being absolutely delicious. The grapes are sourced from Cienega Valley AVA at the DeRose Vineyards from 100 old vines. 100% Cabernet Franc coming in at 14.6% alcohol and only 42 cases produced. On the eyes a deep purple with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose a blackberry and raspberry waft into the senses. On the palate vanilla tobacco pipe tobacco, dark fruits and earthy notes swell up in the mouth. On the finish, both defined and velvety tannins are present and beckon yet another sip.
While not having a “brick & mortar” winery he pours at various wine bars and restaurants. He is schedule to pour at Copper Valley Golf Course at Verona18 Restaurant on July 29th. Here is a great chance to meet Darin and taste his wines, with a winemaker who is on the fast track to success.
Sláinte,
Michael