Month: July 2023
Naked Wines Sonoma Tasting Tour – Something for Everyone
Naked Wines held a fun event at their crush pad in Kenwood Saturday afternoon. It featured twelve winemakers pouring thirty-nine wines to be tasted. This is only a small contingent of their almost 100 winemakers from around the world. While called the Sonoma Tasting Tour, it actually featured local winemakers with wines from Amador, Paso Robles, Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino. Additionally a couple of Australian wines were featured by Daryl Groom, former winemaker at Penfolds. He featured a wine from Barossa and one from Adelaide Hills.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Naked Wines goes to market by passing the distributors and retail channels, selling direct to the consumer. Each of the winemakers have extensive winemaking experience from their own wineries or working at other wineries. By selling direct they are able to reduce the “cost of the wine” and with their Angel Program provide an even deeper discount. This was the first time I had the opportunity to taste many Naked Wines at one time. I am not currently a member, but after tasting some very good wines, this may change! You can check out their program at: https://us.nakedwines.com/angels .
Here are just a few of the winemakers and wines tasted during the event.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Smith
Matt Parish pouring his 2022 Rose of Pinot Noir and his 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was outstanding. Matt’s experience includes making wines for Beringer, Etude, Stag’s Leap just to name a few.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rudy von Strasser formerly of Von Strasser Winery (where I was a member for several years) and now producing wines only for Naked Wines. Two excellent wines tasted were his 2018 Diamond Mountain Sori Bricco Cabernet Sauvignon and his Vineyard 2131 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Daniel Baron, a previous winemaker for Silver Oak and other wineries, poured a wonderful “Ode to Harold” a 2020 Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a couple of other solid wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Ana Diogo-Draper poured wines from Amador County including one of my favorites of the event, a 2021 Touriga Nacional.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Camille Benitah originally from France making wines from Bordeaux, poured her refreshing, 2021 North Coast Chardonnay besides two others.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Montse Reece, originally from Catalonia Sprain and now also making wines for Pedroncelli, featured a blend but also two spicy Zinfandel wines showing the change year to year between her 2019 and 2020.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Smith
Even Naked Wines Copywriter, Elizabeth Smith, helped pour wines for Matt Parish. She also provided me some valuable history and insight to Naked Wines. Thank you Elizabeth!
Ran into some long-time friends and made several new ones at the event. A wonderful gathering of folks enjoying beautiful weather while sipping on some wines not readily available at extremely reasonable prices unless you are a member. A worthwhile late afternoon spent in Sonoma tasting wines from around the world and talking with the winemakers.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Petite Sirah and Verona18 – A Winning Combination
The Winery and Background
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley, with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/
and
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article and would refer you to their website at the bottom of this article.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Petite Sirah, as an educational note, is not a “smaller” version of Syrah as it is a wholly different varietal. The background on Petite Sirah is that it is the offspring of Syrah and Peloursin (a scarce and almost extinct grape) from northern Italy/Switzerland area. The varietal name is Durif and was first introduced in 1880. Petite Sirah possess one of the highest levels of antioxidants. In a 2021 report of the top 10 grape varieties planted in California, Petite Sirah represented only 4%.
Once in the glass the Petite Sirah has a dark purple color and a heavy viscosity. On the nose, floral and spicy notes of blackberry and black pepper. On the palate is where this wine varietal stands alone with intense and chewy flavors of plums, dark berry fruits (plum & cherry) and blackberry. The enormous and mouth-filling finish a collaboration of spices, dark chocolate and coffee resonate sip after sip. The strong tannins in Petite Sirah are meant to be go with fatty foods. Their 2020 Petite Sirah was awarded 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. The 2021 comes in at 14.4% alcohol and will be released mid-September at $35/bottle. Only 100 cases were produced.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First, started out with a seared Ahi salad with water chestnuts, pickled onion, fried wontons, sesame dressing and soy glaze furikake. Paired with a 2021 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay. The rich and lush texture was beautifully paired with this artistic as well as pleasing appetizer.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The other appetizer for the evening, and the wine being described, is the 2021 Wood Family Vineyards Petite Sirah. Petite Sirah is a wine varietal that deserves a food as big and as bold as it gets. So this evening at Verona18 it was paired with a dish called Quesabirrias which is shredded beef birria, jack cheese, cilantro, onion and salsa served with 3 small tacos. The flavorful and a tad spicy dipping sauce absolutely made this dish exquisite. While not getting the exact recipe, we were able to pick up flavors of chilies, garlic, onion, cumin and cinnamon in the sauce. The wine this evening was chosen to pair with the shredded beef and the sauce. The big and flavorful fruits calmed down and surrounded the spicy flavors in the meat and sauce. A wonderful pairing and could not think of a wine (outside Malbec) that would work as nicely as this did.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
2017 Shale Canyon Cabernet Franc – Best of Class/Division Winner Again!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery and Background
So who are the owners/winemakers of Shale Canyon Wines? It started out as three brothers and Ken Gallegos as the winemaker. Today it is a two man show with Keith Prader and his brother Tim. The responsibilities are for Keith to handle the winemaking, software, sales and marketing. Tim handles the vineyard management, facilities manager and tasting room manager. While lines of responsibilities may be drawn, each can and do fill in any and all needs of running a small two man winery. Their tasting room is located in downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea village on Paseo San Carlos, west side of San Carlos between Ocean and Seventh.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Shale Canyon won Best of Class ($31 to $50, Category 2) from the Professional Judges at the 2023 International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition and Celebration and a Gold Medal. The Cabernet Franc that was submitted was their 2017 which comes from their Estate in Arroyo Seco in Monterey County. Their property is 375 acres with only 7 acres planted in vineyard. On the estate property they have planted besides Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Tim mentioned to me that on the estate grapes, they drop a lot of fruit and target about 3 tons per acre. Flavor profile is key and dropping fruit allows more “flavor per grape” (FPG). They have sourced grapes for their Chardonnay, Malbec and Syrah. In 2018 they produced about 1,000 cases and in 2019 produced approximately 1700 cases. Looking out in time to 2025 they believe they will be between 2000 to 2500 cases maximum. Since starting in 2007 and having their first crush in 2008 with purchased grapes, they have been primarily producing 100% varietals. A small exception was their Consortium blend with limited supply for club members, essentially a “Bordeaux style” blend.
For those not familiar with Arroyo Seco AVA in California, here is a map first of the area in California and secondly a map of where Arroyo Seco AVA fits in:
(Map from Arroyo Seco Winegrowers)
Consisting of 18,240 acres the Arroyo Seco AVA is one of the smallest AVAs in California. While this area receives about 13 inches of rain per year, they have gone 100% solar power for their operation and today are one of two wineries working completely off the gird.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Keith Prader his wife, Kimberley were at Copper Valley Clubhouse for the Cabernet Franc Wine Stroll on their 34th wedding anniversary pouring their wines as past winners (2021). We are still trying to figure out if their smiles are for their anniversary or their award winning wine? Perhaps both!!
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is a dark violet on the eye with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, black cherries followed by floral aromas. On the palate a wondrous blend of blackberry, blueberry, plum and a slight chocolate. The finish provides just a hint of vanilla and mellow pipe tobacco. Tannins are present on the teeth and roof of the mouth, but are velvety and unobtrusive. Priced at $35/bottle, this is a tremendous bargain for the astute Cabernet Franc buyer! They produced 130 cases using 1/3 new American oak and 2/3’s neutral oak. Keith calls his Cabernet Franc “definitely our flagship wine and a fan favorite in the tasting room”. I couldn’t agree more.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Purposely chose this wine to go with seared BBQ’d Filet Mignon at 1200 degrees and served medium rare. Accompanied by roasted potatoes and a fresh garden salad. The salad consisted of cherry tomatoes, purple onions, navy beans, dried onions, black olives, lettuce and topped off with a little cheese and Champagne dressing. The wine had more than enough tannins and flavor to cut through the meat. The flavor of this delicious wine proved excellent with the steak. This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted in the year which is published mid-December.
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Balverne Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalk Hill – Beautiful Wine From Sonoma
The Winery and Background
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.
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.
Photo Balverne website
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Really did not know what to expect as this was the first time tasting this wine. It was an eye opening experience to be sure! First on the eyes, a radiant, yet dense enticing purple coloring greets one out of the bottle with medium-heavy viscosity. Then on the nose, a lively dark fruits and floral aromas wafted from the glass. Once on the palate, a meaty/chewy and overpowering black cherry was the predominate taste, followed by mocha flavoring in the background. On the finish, beautiful velvety tannins on the roof of mouth confirmed this was an exceptionally solid wine. It was counterbalanced by just a tinge of sweetness on the finish, not residual sugar, but of fruit. It is listed on the website for $48/bottle and a very impressive bottle for the price delivering a solid performance.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with a BBQ’d hamburger served medium rare with baked beans and a fresh garden salad. Unfortunately no pictures this evening. The wine paired wonderfully with its lively cherry flavors with the BBQ burger with embedded Sonoma Jack Hot Pepper Cheese with red and green jalapeno peppers. The spiciness of the cheese and full body and predominate black cherry flavors was a delightful marriage. This wine could easily be paired with many other hot and spicy dishes.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Acquiesce Winery Picpoul Blanc
The Winery and Background
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/2020/08/30/2018-acquiesce-ingenue-french-and-more-french/
Photo from Acquiesce Winery
Her awards are too numerous to list for her wines! However two recent awards stand out for Susan Tipton: 2022 Woman Winemaker of the Year by International Women’s Wine Competition. The other is being named 2023 Winery of the Year by Visit Lodi.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo from Acquiesce Winery
Previous vintages has made my yearly Best Wines Tasted for years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022. However, this was the 2022 Acquiesce Picpoul Blanc, which up until now I had not tasted with food. As usual this was a beautiful white wine, produced by winemaker/owner Susan Tipton. Visually this varietal is faint in color and almost translucent with a pale yellow hue. Picpoul means to “sting the lips” yet this wine was much more embracing and had a disguised light sweetness on the finish. The finish produced a full mouthful of wonderment. This wine was made to pair with oysters in Europe with its bright acidity.
On the nose lemon & pineapple were the predominate scent coupled with flower blossoms. Lemon and a silky mouth filling sensation on the palate accompanying with a light green apple taste. This wine looks like a “light weight wine” but packs a delicate punch of enjoyment. For my taste, it is an exquisite delicate wine and the previous vintages have scored 98 points and have won the following awards:
*Double Gold – 98 pts – 2022 International Women’s Wine Competition
*Gold – 96 Pts – 2022 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition
*Gold – 90 pts – Orange County Wine Competition
All those awards for this distinctive and coveted wine which sells for $34/bottle and is a real bargain! Again, Susan can count on this wine to be included in my Annual Best Wines Tasted for 2023 which comes out mid-December.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photos ©Michael Kelly
First paired with an appetizer of Fried Calamari with fried tubes & tentacles, shrimp, fennel, green beans and lemon aioli (two pictures back). The other was one of the specials at Verona18 last Friday night, a grilled Swordfish with pineapple jalapeño relish with brown rice and sautéed seasonal vegetables. So as usual with seafood dishes, I either generally choose a full body Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc or anyone of Susan Tipton’s exquisite white wines. Tonight the 2022 Picpoul Blanc was perfectly suited and aligned with this entrée. The fish was cooked to perfection and the wine with its bright acidity provided a beautiful partnership.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.acquiescevineyards.com/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
2019 Camaraderie Cellars Cabernet Franc
The Winery and Background
Camaraderie Cellars is located in Port Angeles, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. Camaraderie Cellars has been recognized for over 25 years making quality and award winning wines. The winery is owned by Don and Vicki Corson. Don is the winemaker. Don has two outstanding quotes on their website, the first being “Our wines are meant to go with food than just opening the mail”. A personal philosophical position I take, that the food and wine pairing elevates both up to a better place. His second quote is on how they prefer traditional wine methods when producing wines, specifically using a lot of different types of barrels concluding with “I want to use oak to frame the picture and not be an opportunity for an oak carving”. Well stated Don!
Photo ©Pam Russell from Camaraderie Cellars website.
As a geographer by academia and fully understanding a “sense of place” and it shows with them getting their grapes from primarily five major vineyards located in Eastern Washington. Each being hand selected. Today Camaraderie Cellars make about 3,000 cases consistently of Sauvignon Blanc, “Bordeaux style” blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Sangiovese Grenache, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and a few others.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the 4th International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition & Celebration, Camaraderie Cellars won from the Professional Judges the Best of Class and Best of Show for the Northwest Division and a Double Gold Medal.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Besides the Cabernet Franc awards at the Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition, they have also won Gold at the Seattle Wine Awards and scoring 91 points. Additionally they won a Bronze at the Jefferson Cup Invitational. This wine a primary color of red bricks with a purple rim and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas waft into the senses red fruits (cherry, raspberry and a tinge of strawberry). On the palate the wine is dry and presents a wide range of flavors of vanilla pipe tobacco, leather and earthiness. On the finish, the acidity comes across and the tannins have an edginess without being over bearing. A slight finish of sweetness of vanilla completes the tasting. At 14.4% alcohol it has enough to “pack a punch”. Their website lists the wine at $31.50/bottle. This wine is made from grapes from Yakima Valley, Washington and uses 100% Cabernet Franc grapes.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was chosen specifically for this meal at a neighbor’s house serving Baby Back Pork Ribs. Slow cooked on a Traeger at low heat for 4 ½ hours with both a handmade rub and BBQ sauce. Accompanied by roasted fresh vegetables, sautéed baby potatoes and a beautiful salad (unfortunately not shown). The wine with both its acidity and cherry flavors, softened and enveloped the pork and BBQ sauce perfectly with the meat just melting off the bones.
While not visiting Washington often, after this tasting experience, I would like to visit and taste their Syrah and Malbec wines.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://store.camaraderiecellars.com/Wines/All-Wines
2022 Wood Family Vineyards “Para Mas Amigas” Chardonnay – Consistently Excellent
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery and Background
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley, with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/
and
Photo ©Michael Kelly
What truly is amazing is her year to year high quality of Chardonnay winning awards, selling out and being one of my personal favorites for an everyday Chardonnay. Her awards for all her wines are too extensive to list here in this article. However, her award for current Chardonnay 2021, was rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast. The 2022 will certainly equal or surpass her previous ratings and awards.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First off, my apologies to Robert Louis Stevenson:
“In the glass, the juice glistens of golden perfection,
A sculptured artwork displaying the winemakers’ vineyard reflection
Of quality, detailed preciseness and caressing hands.
Aromas abound from the origins of the vineyard of dreams
Conjoined with the bountiful fruits of the vine, apple & pear flavors
With an undercurrent of almonds, light citrus and encased in a brioche wafer.
The finish of exquisiteness frames the sip and beckons again to the taster.
But enough, as it is time to partake and enjoy this invigorating elixir”.
-ode to Rhonda Wood’s Chardonnay by Michael Kelly
The 2022 Chardonnay will be released August 13th 2023 and will be $34/bottle. Aged sur-lie for 10 months in 100% French barrels. 900 cases were produced. The grapes come from two vineyards, one on the valley and the other in the hillside. Together they make a wonderful wine!
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with chicken just slightly battered with and stir-fried with Bok Choy. Accompanied by long and short grain wild rice and a beautiful Asian salad. The subtle flavors of the meal allowed the wine to burst forth and envelop the chicken and Bok Choy vegetables.
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Oakville East “Franc ‘n Stern” Cabernet Franc
The Winery and Background
The name Franc ‘N Stern is intriguing as is Elliot Stern, owner, who has called his Cabernet Franc, Franc ‘N Stern since the introduction. I met Elliot many, many years ago and went through his lineup of wines at his kitchen table. I immediately enjoyed his Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc. I have always kept both in the cellar as “trophy wines”. The Franc ‘N Stern Cab Franc is an easily remembered name and his wine notes are whimsical and play on the “Frankenstein” theme. His notes alone are price worthy. Currently besides their Cabernet Franc, he produces two distinct Cabernet Sauvignons (Exposure and Harter Family Double H Ranch) and a red wine blend. He has previously scored 94 points from Wine Enthusiast for his Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon Exposure. Marie-Laure Ammons, originally from France is the head winemaker at Oakville East.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This year at the Annual Cabernet Franc Competition and Celebration, Oakville East won Silver Medals from the Professional & People’s Choice Judges for Division 4 ($76 to $100). Elliot also poured at the Wine Stroll in April, 2023 with many clamoring for his wines!
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine is extremely dark purple and magenta coloring with crimson red hues. On the nose, dark fruits, soft pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and fresh ground black pepper. On the palate, spices, including reclusive pyrazines (bell pepper taste), along with blackberries swarm the mouth with enticing and vibrant flavors. Rounded velvety tannins provide a medium long finish. With Marie-Laure coming from France, this is a very smooth wine in the French Cabernet Franc tradition. As Elliot states in his humorous notes, “IT’S ALIVE, IT’S ALIVE!! This wine retails for $100 and is worth every penny.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired with a seared BBQ’d ribeye steak at 1200 degrees, served medium rare. Accompanied by fresh homemade potato salad and a fresh garden salad. This wine paired so well with the steak, being strong enough to enhance the steak with its soft tannins and acidity. Elliot’s Cabernet Franc will make my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2023 (comes out mid-December yearly).
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wood Family Vineyards “The Captain” – Continuing to Soar!
The Winery and Background
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley, with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/
and
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Captain, is named after Rhonda Wood, who was a captain for US Airways. She continues to fly private planes today. Each of the components of this wine were easily discernable by itself before having the food. The blend is 62% Merlot, Cabernet Franc 25%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10% and Malbec 3%. This blend combined so much into the drinking experience. First on the eyes a royal purple with deep red hues and medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, floral aromas of roses and violets greeted the senses. On the palate, here is where each component could be recognized and accounted. The Merlot providing the dominant mocha covered berries, Bing cherries and plum. The Cabernet Franc, without striking pyrazines, contributing pipe tobacco, caramel with blackberry flavors. The Cabernet Sauvignon contributing more on the finish with rugged tannins (perhaps why only 10%) and Malbec providing a soft landing. The finish combined mad a beautiful balance between tannins and acidity that produced a smooth and graceful landing. Aged in French oak barrels for 20 months, 252 cases were produced. The wine will be released mid-August and is sure to be a sellout. Her 2020 “Captain” was awarded 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and received the Editor’s Choice Award and each of the varietals winning various awards.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Had the wine with a butter garlic flank steak. Ingredients included salt, black pepper, soy sauce, cornstarch, canola oil, butter, beef broth, minced garlic cloves, sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Served with snow peas quickly sautéed and a combination short and long wild rice. The wine with its varying varietals, provided enough acidity and tannins to cut through the butter, garlic, and beef and yet enough fruit to balance each morsel when chewed. A good food pairing with a complex wine.
Sláinte,
Michael
2015 Jessie’s Grove Winery & Vineyards, Old Vine Zinfandel
The Winery and Background
Photo by Winemaker Tana Cole
Jessie’s Grove Winery and Vineyards is located at 1973 West Turner Road in Lodi, California. The unassuming single lane road leading to the vineyard and tasting room, indicates the demeanor of what you are about to experience—understated, homey and it brings one back to the “casual family element” of the winery. Jessie’s Grove is the site for the oldest producing Zinfandel vines in the Lodi Appellation. It is named for Jessie Spenker, daughter of Joseph and Anna Spenker, who founded the ranch and land in 1868. The property is 320 acres with 265 acres planted in vineyards. The Zinfandel vines were planted in 1888 and are still producing an incredible ancient Zinfandel wine. Here on the plot of land between highway 5 and highway 99 on West Turner Road is the home of a host of varietals- some unique, some traditional but all exceptional. As with most wineries, for myself, only a certain number of wines appeal to my tastes. However I was overcome with glee and excitement being wooed over to all the wines offered, including a few from the backroom.
Photo by Winemaker Tana Cole
Since I was last there a significant amount of renovation and remodeling has taken place like a new indoor and outdoor tasting room, picnic area, table and cabanas. Those pictures were courtesy of Tana Cole the winemaker at Jessie’s Grove Winery. I need to revisit soon to see all the new construction first hand.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2015 West Wind Old Vine Zinfandel was picked specifically for this evening. First on the eyes it possesses a deep purple/brick red hue with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose and palate the wine has aromas of berries and chocolate covered cherries with a hint of black pepper. The finish is a contrast between sweet berry fruit and leather flavors. It was getting towards the end of its life at 8 years of age. So the remaining two bottles will consumed in short order. The current release is the 2018 and is listed on their website at $45/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The reason it was picked for tonight’s dinner, was the “hot and spicy” meal prepared. It was chicken enchiladas prepared with slow cooked chicken, then laid out in the tortillas with a hot salsa, corn and slices of green onions and baked. It was served topped off with more salsa and slices of green onions. The sweetness on the finish of wine paired well with the spiciness of the enchiladas. It provided an intriguing “yin/yang” (Chinese philosophical concept that describes opposite but interconnected equal forces) for a fun dynamic for the meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 