Brashley Vineyards Event and Winemaker Dinner, Anderson Valley, California
Background
Saturday, August 12th was a full day at Brashley Vineyards. Seven wine writers or bloggers were invited to participate in getting to know Brashley Vineyards ownership, winemaker and tasting their wines. Also each were welcome to bring a guest.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The event started out in the tasting room with a welcoming glass of 2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir. And then quickly moved to their 2020 Pinot Noir Blanc (pictured). We then moved upstairs to a small tasting area. At the table we enjoyed the 2020 Pinot Noir Blanc, Clone 777 that was light, airy and possessed a beautiful bouquet. Next up was the 2018 Hacienda Sequoia Pinot Noir and followed by the 2021 Hacienda Sequoia Pinot Noir.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Both Ashley Holland (left) the winemaker and Ashley Palm the owner (right) provided insights into how the winery, the wines and their partnership developed to the seven wine writers/bloggers and guests. And also answered many questions from the attendees.
After an hour and a half, the writers moved downstairs to mingle with invited friends to munch on appetizers and homemade fire roasted pizzas made with sourdough while enjoying other wines!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The dinner was held outside in the shade, with a Kings/Queens table format and the food was served family style.
One of my favorite quotes is “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” by Andre Simon. This evening all the foods served found their soul mates.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Some absolutely scrumptious dishes were served. The main entrées being Chicken Salsa Verde and Pulled Pork.
Dishes included: crispy shrimp, peach tomato salad, mixed salad, cucumber green goddess salad, corn sugo, charred broccoli, fried potatoes and freshly made sourdough bread with a herb butter. For dessert a decadent over the top chocolate pot de crème topped with freshly ground peanuts on top of a dollop of peanut butter.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
The Wines
Many wines were served but during the course of the dinner four featured wines were offered. The 2021 Hacienda Sequoia Pinot Noir, 2021 Bevel Vineyard Pinot Noir and the 2021 Bevel Vineyard Somerset Estate Blend. The 2021 Bevel Somerset Estate Blend wine was made with 25% whole clusters and full lies. Exceptional taste and finish, which rated my highest score of the day.
They generally use tight grain 30% new French oak barrels. Their current product is 1,000 cases. When asked about the 5 year plan, they are looking to keep the production at no more than 2,000 cases.
The Winery
Bram and Ashely Palm, originally from upstate New York, made a life changing decision to move to California. Soon afterwards they found themselves venturing more and more into wine country. They fell in love with Anderson Valley and settled in Philo in the middle of Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. In 2021 they opened their new tasting room at 7000 Highway 128 just past the village of Philo with a population of 346 residents.
All their wines are estate grown except for a new project. To honor their New York roots, they contracted with a vineyard to produce their 2021 Finger Lakes Riesling that was released late in 2022.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As if this wasn’t enough, they held another session on Sunday morning at their home with a light breakfast with a tour of the vineyard. The views and tour were fascinating seeing where the vines and vineyards were that produced such exquisite fruit.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
A great, perhaps the best place to stop in Anderson Valley to taste Pinot Noir and a few other incredible wines.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 