Month: December 2023
Best Wines Tasted in 2023
2023 continued to be a busy year tasting, judging and evaluating wines. Typically I have the opportunity to taste or enjoy between 1400 to 1800 wines a year. This list roughly represents the top 15% of those wines. I have broken it out by price point, those $50 and under and those $51 and up—-something for everyone! They are sorted by varietal, then a listing of miscellaneous wines (Timorasso, Picpoul Blanc, Assyrtiko, Lagrein, etc.) and finally foreign wines. The picks come from almost the entire California AVA’s and sub-AVA’s, several states and various countries. I believe whole heartily and stand by these picks. There were many other very good and solid wines, but these “stood out” in the crowd with my highest ratings. Once a wine makes this list I put my money where my mouth is and stock these wines in the cellar. Most of these wines have been written up and you can do a search for the story on the right hand side on a PC or laptop on my website.
| Cabernet Franc | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2020, 2022 L’Autre Cote Blanc | 2012,2013 Detert Vineyards | |||
| 2018, 2020 Wood Family | 2013 Keenan | |||
| 2019 Kautz & Kramer | 2020 LXV Wines | |||
| 2019 Mineral Wines | 2019 Brick Barn Wine Estate | |||
| 2017 Granite Heights | 2019 Titus Vineyards | |||
| 2017 Shale Canyon | 2019 Ledson Winery “Moon Mtn” | |||
| 2019 Pearmund | 2013 Croker & Starr | |||
| 2020 Terra Vina | 2019 Diamond Mountain Vineyards | |||
| NV – Dracaena Phoenix | 2019 pureCru Reserve | |||
| 2018, 2019, 2020 Villa Vallecito | 2017 Selin Cellars | |||
| 2019 Kenefick Ranch | 2019 Middle Oak | |||
| 2020 Ancient Peaks | 2018 Oakville East | |||
| 2021 Dracaena Reserve Plummer | 2020 Ancient Peaks | |||
| 2016 Vinoce Mt Veeder | ||||
| 2016 Aridus Barrel Select | ||||
| 2019 Gundlach Bundschu | ||||
| 2019 Brecon Estate | ||||
| Cabernet Sauvignon | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2018 Hindsight 20/20 | 2012 O’Shaughnessy Howell Mtn | |||
| 2021 Barra Reserve | 2010 Robert Mondavi | |||
| 2020 Wood Family “Viva” | 2010 Buccella | |||
| 2020 Ancient Peaks Estate | 2009,2010 Entre Nous | |||
| 2009, 2011,2014 O’Shaughnessy Mt Veeder | ||||
| 2009 Kelly Fleming | ||||
| 2020 Bennett Lane Reserve | ||||
| 2010 Hewitt | ||||
| 2013, 2014 Meyer Vineyards | ||||
| 2011 Crocker & Starr Stone Place | ||||
| 2019 VJB Dante | ||||
| 2013 YoungInglewood Estate | ||||
| 2011 Outpost Howell Mtn | ||||
| 2018 McKenzie-Muellar | ||||
| 2019 Titus Vineyards | ||||
| 2019 Justin | ||||
| 2009 Lineage | ||||
| 2012 Sarocka Spring Mtn | ||||
| 2019 Wood “Clone 30” | ||||
| 2017 Hindsight Napa Estate | ||||
| 2014 Arkenstone NVD | ||||
| 2016 Charles Krug Limited Release | ||||
| 2020 Robert Craig Howell Mtn | ||||
| 2018 Duckhorn Howell Mtn | ||||
| 2015 Laura Michael Rutherford | ||||
| 2019 Smith Madrone | ||||
| 2016 deLorimier Warm Springs | ||||
| 2009,2010 Larkmead Solari | ||||
| 2020 Patrimony | ||||
| 2020 Ancient Peaks Oyster Cuvee Pearl | ||||
| 2021 LXV Meso | ||||
| 2018,2019,2020 J.Lohr Cuvee St E | ||||
| Carménère | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2018, 2019 Cuda Ridge Wines | ||||
| 2020 Cuda Ridge Wines Insel | ||||
| Chardonnay | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2021 Wood Family | 2019 Ledson Dutton Ranch | |||
| 2018 Tenbrink Family | 2019 Maritana La Rivière | |||
| 2018,2020 Iron Hub | 2019 Maritana Dutton Ranch | |||
| 2014 Peter Michael Mon Plaisir | ||||
| Grenache | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2017 Villa Vallecito | 2020 Optio Grenache | |||
| 2017 Zuidema | ||||
| Malbec | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2020, 2021 Wood Family | 2016 Crocker & Starr Casili 9 | |||
| 2020 ROX Naked Wines | 2017 Titus Vineyards | |||
| 2021 Austin Hope Cellars Select | ||||
| Meritage/Blends | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2019 S.P. Drummer Naked Wines | 2018 Justin Isosceles Reserve | |||
| 2021 Wood Family “El Loco Rojo” | 2019 Cuda Ridge Mélange d’Amis | |||
| 2018 J.Lohr Cuvee St E | 2016 Madrigal Sonet #63 | |||
| 2020 3 Steves Zig’s Blend | ||||
| 2021 Prospect 772 Black Tie Charlie | ||||
| 2020 Lavender Ridge “Anniversaire Blanc” | ||||
| 2021 Dracaena Cinnabari blend | ||||
| Merlot | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2019 Acre Wines | 2016 MadoroM | |||
| Negroamaro | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2018 Gossamer Cellars | 2019 VJB Cellars | |||
| Petit Verdot | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2021 Wood Family | ||||
| 2018 Cuda Ridge Wines | ||||
| Pinot Noir | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2018 Beresini “Black Dog” | 2018 Taddei Wines Indinoli Vineyards | |||
| Roussanne | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2018 Lavender Ridge | ||||
| 2019,2021 Acquiesce | ||||
| Sauvignon Blanc | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2021 Dave’s Porch Wine | ||||
| 2020 Hindsight Wines | ||||
| 2020 deTent Wines | ||||
| 2022 Cuda Ridge Wines | ||||
| 2019 Cooper’s Hawk | ||||
| 2019 Cooper’s Hawk | ||||
| Zinfandel | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2019 Iron Hub “Clock Spring” | 2016 Ledson “Old Vine” Howell Mtn | |||
| Miscellaneous Wines | ||||
| <$50 | $50+ | |||
| 2022 New Clairvaux Assyrtiko | 2018 Tobin James Lagrein “Silver Reserve” | |||
| NV Jazz Cellars Blanc de Blanc | 2019 J.Lohr Saint Macaire | |||
| 2013 Paoletti Nero d’ Avola | 2018 VJB Aglianico | |||
| 2016 Allegorie Tempranillo | 2021 LXV Meso Syrah | |||
| 2019 Mineral Wines Tempranillo | 2021 Optio Tempranillo Estate | |||
| 2018 Borjon Primitivo Reposado | 2021 Optio Petite Sirah Estate | |||
| 2020 Oddero Derthona Timorasso | 2019 VJB Cellars Montepulciano | |||
| 2019 Aridus Graciano | ||||
| 2020 Wood Family LVVC | ||||
| 2020 Jessie’s Grove Alicante Bouschet | ||||
| 2020 Barra Petite Sirah Reserve | ||||
| 2021 Acquiesce Picpoul Blanc | ||||
| 2019 Smith Madrone Riesling | ||||
| Foreign Wines (not by price listing) | ||||
| 2015 Puligny-Montrachet Les Perieres | ||||
| 2020 Mendel Malbec | ||||
| 2016 Montunal Chardonnay | ||||
| 2013, 2016 Vatan Tinta de Toro | ||||
| 2009 Ettore Germano Parpo Barolo | ||||
| 2016 Monteagrelo Cab Franc | ||||
| 2015 Koyle Carménère | ||||
| 2020 Cantna Zaccaemini Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo | ||||
| 2019 Clos d’ Angel Malbec | ||||
| 2019 Clos d’ Angel Halo Carménère | ||||
| 2020 Colome Estate Malbec | ||||
| 2012 Casado Morales Rioja | ||||
| 2014 Mendel Finca Remota | ||||
| 2017 Corti Bros Canzoniege Cab Franc | ||||
| 2017 Sino Da Romaneira Blend | ||||
| 2021 Norton Malbec Reserva | ||||
| 2022 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc | ||||
| 2009 Chêne Bleu Abelard Blend | ||||
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wood Family “Big Wood” Zinfandel – Santa’s Pick of the Week
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
At least this Santa Claus knows who has been naughty or nice and provided me a bottle of the 2021 Wood Family Vineyards “Big Wood” Zinfandel. 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/
Photo courtesy of Wood Family Vineyards
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article. Check out their website at the bottom of this article.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine being released during the Christmas season is no coincidence. A good Zinfandel wine will have many of the Christmas spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and of course peppermint. So first on the eyes a medium dark yet translucent brick red coloring with a medium to medium heavy body. On the nose, the only thing missing is the Christmas tree. On the palate this Zinfandel possesses an abundance of fruit, not sweet, but more like preserves of blackberry, plums and boysenberry. Mouth-filling with rich textures provide layers of enjoyment. On the finish the spices dance merrily in the mouth with candy cane flavor and a slight sweet vanilla pipe tobacco and roasted dark coffee. Tannins are present on the back and roof of the mouth on the finish.
The “Big Wood” Zinfandel is higher in alcohol, the 2021 is 16.3% and provides a bold and full body. This wine is 95% Zinfandel grapes from three Livermore vineyards with 5% Petite Sirah. The high natural acidity pairs well with red sauce dishes, mushrooms, pork, lamb and various cheese. This was aged 20 months in 25% new American oak barrels and the balance being neutral. 640 case were produced and is listed at $40/ per 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
Another winter comfort dinner this evening paired with this wine. The dinner was a baked Ziti with Penne noodles. Ingredients were ground beef, garlic, rosemary, red pepper flakes, minced white onions, tomato sauce and mozzarella, Parmesan and Ricotta cheeses. Accompanied with a fresh garden salad and a ciabatta roll. The wine worked its magic with the sauce and beef. A very good and enjoyable meal and wine pairing this evening.
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Maritana Vineyards Shop Block 1967 Russian River Chardonnay
The Winery
(Donald Patz standing in Shop Block with Hansen Hill behind him)
Maritana Vineyards is one of the wineries founded by Donald Patz in 2017. The Maritana label is dedicated to making Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. His other brands are 1) Secret Door making Cabernet Sauvignon from selected vineyards exclusively from the Napa Valley and 2) Terminim making Mendocino County Marsanne/Roussanne and Syrah wines.
The man behind these three astonishing labels has had this vision and energy combined with 40 years of making exquisite wines. Wine aficionados have already acknowledge his craftsmanship in bringing forth these wines and also many wine judges!
Click on links below to read more:
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes a beautiful and glistening golden yellow flirts with your visual impression. In the glass, the color reinvigorates itself constantly beckoning you to pick up this heavy viscosity wine. Once you take the glass to your nose, the aromas of honeysuckle, toasted almonds and brioche swarm your senses. In the background vanilla and fresh honey (but not sweet) provide an intoxicating aroma. Once in mouth, the palate begins to find the aforementioned aromas now in your taste buds. Additionally, the texture and mouth fill is “other worldly” with a fullness and creaminess, but not that “over the top butter”. That alone is worth the “price of admission” for this wine yet there is still more to be tasted – soft rounded lemon, apple and peach. None are sharp or jagged, just lurking in the shadows of your mouth. Once the finish comes into play, the refined structure, minerality and then the clarity of thought hits you like never before – this is no ordinary Chardonnay. This Maritana wine has both Herculean strength and panache in the same bottle!
50 year old Chardonnay vines at Shop Block on Dutton Ranch from their website
The Shop Block is the only remaining vineyard planted at Dutton Ranch from 1967 with about 1/3 being original as some replanting has taken place. The wine was hand harvested and hand sorted. They used 20% new French oak barrels with the remaining being one year used. The wine was not fined but it was filtered. Available at the winery for $70. Wine Advocate rated it 93 points. If you have a special occasion coming up, this is one to enjoy!
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 at Verona18 at the Copper Valley Golf Club with a daily special offer of Jumbo Scallops Beurre Blanc. Cooked to perfection and able to cut with a fork. Accompanied by cauliflower mashed potato and greenbean almondine.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Also enjoyed the Little Gem Wedge salad with Blue cheese, croutons, bacon, hard-boiled egg, red onion, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese dressing.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
Paso Robles Cabernet Franc Experience – Part 1 – Wine Writers Luncheon
This story is about a two day event focusing on the Paso Robles Cabernet Franc experience last weekend. Day one started with a thank you luncheon for a few of the media folks who helped kick off the inganuaral event the prior year. Neeta and Kunal Mittal have a vision to make Paso Robles the center for Cabernet Franc, not just in California, not just in the United States, but the entire world. Their commitment to Cabernet Franc is shown with their exquisite and varying forms of Cabernet Franc. They both have a vision with commitment, enthusiasm and abounding energy, and both have it with abundance!
The event was held at their home and soon to be winery tasting area in an open barn next to their vineyards. So to start, the greeting for those attending started with the wording Atithi Devo Bhava in Sanskrit which means “that the divine visits us in the persona of a guest”. This was their welcoming on the menu and what could possibly be more welcoming?
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They provided a welcoming cordial of their LXV Cabernet Franc Rose while the guests assembled to hear about their vineyard.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Their consulting winemaker Fredrick Ammons provided many detailed insights into the terrain and planting of the vineyard. Fredrick’s experience and knowledge was absolutely incredible and very much appreciated by those in attendance.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Then we sat down to partake in an extraordinary meal. Not lost was the formal seating and culinary utensils in an open barn. A striking, stunning and rustic environment all presented before us as a gorgeous experience and one not soon forgotten.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Kunal and Neeta provided a warm welcome and an outline of the food and wine pairing about to take place. Neeta’s exuberance for foods with flavor and spices paired with wine is unparalleled amongst most of my circle of friends. She literally was about to burst out of her skin with joy describing what was about to take place. Her love of Cabernet Franc was summed up with her statement that this wine provides “conversations rather than a monologue”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first dish was a beets and quince comprised of pomegrante, smoked hibiscus , hazelnut, calamansi, Mexican tarragon and LXV Perfumed Garden spice. The textures and flavors were incredible and unusually delicious. This was paired with a 2022 LXV Blanc De Sangiovese light and delicate so as not to overpower the dish.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Before the next dish was served two wines were served side by side. On the left the 2019 Meso by LXV Cabernet Sauvignon and on the right the 2021 Meso Cabernet Sauvignon. A startling difference in coloration and clarity is seen immediately.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This dish was a fermented rye risotto with candy roasted squash, cacao, sunchoke, pecorino and LXV Turkish Shores spice.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
And it only got better and better with a pork jowl toro featuring smoke scallop xo, turnip, dashi, shiso, sea beans served with a 2021 Meso LXV Syrah. The pork and Syrah were melt in your mouth simpatico and a joy to savor each taste.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The last dish before dessert was a juniper smoked duck leg with crabapple, chestnut mushroom, piñón, lovage, duck demi and served with a 2022 Meso LXV Cabernet Franc Barrel Sample (as it is not released yet). At some point it almost felt like being water boarded with delightful foods, exotic spices and wonderful wines. Nonetheless, we endured with a stoic attitude to the finality.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The afternoon concluded with a profound dessert of smoked chanterelle panna cotta with rosemary cajeta, chanterelle powder and sea salt. A surge of confusion immediately hit when tasting, as it was both sweet with a heavy texture, but so light and heavenly on the palate, you desired another bowl. This was served with a 2022 LXV Rose of Cabernet Franc and provided a beautiful finish to the culinary event.
A special thanks to Linda Sampei of Parker Sampei for the logistics and communications with all the attendees as it was commendable.
It has to be noted that the chef, Matthew Roberts, working with Neeta created a rare, unique, remarkable experience and the descriptors could go on for a page to help one comprehend the scope of this meal. While they were welcoming and thanking the media attendees, we were all treated as deity being served the foods and wines. A hearty thank you Kunal and Neeta Mittal for your hospitality and we were blessed by your presence “Atithi Devo Bhava”.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Instagram: chef_matthew_roberts
Umi Sushi and Sake and Hearst Ranch 2022 Glacier Ridge Chardonnay
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Visited the restaurant Umi Sushi and Sake on a friend’s recommendation and were extremely happy with the food and service. One of the best sashimi dishes outside of Japan and located in downtown Paso Robles.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Started off the evening with seared Albacore carpaccio, topped with Tobiko. Accompanied by a glass of wine from Hearst Ranch Winery a 2022 “Glacier Ridge” Chardonnay. Light coloring, clean and refreshing with brioche and minerality highlighting the flavors.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Followed by an evening special of fatty Bluefin tuna that literally melted in the mouth served with the chef’s special Kizami wasabi.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Followed by a deliciously fresh Maguro sashimi and another serving of the chef’s special Kizami wasabi.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Susan Becker Kelly enjoyed a beautifully presented and delicious beef yakisoba and enjoyed with a glass of the same 2022 Hearst Ranch Glacier Ridge Chardonnay. Paso Robles is not only a wine destination but a foodie mecca.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Came out and viewed the Paso Robles plaza lit up in Christmas lights to top off the evening.
Sláinte,
Michael
Dracaena Wines – Winning Wines 10 Years In a Row!
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It is often stated that “success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it come from what you do consistently”. No truer words sum up what Dracaena Cabernet Franc has done over the last ten years. The have scored consistently 90+ scores since introducing their wines. Michael and Lori Budd are the owners who fell “into love with Cabernet Franc”. While today Michael is still working a full time job and Lori just recently retired from school teaching, they have been molding their winery business. They use a custom crush house to produce their wine and their Cabernet Franc grapes come from The Plummer Vineyard in Paso Robles. Michael and Lori’s backgrounds are primarily in Food Science, they originally met back on the East Coast while working. Lori who has since continued her education as a WSET II with distinction, holds various certifications on wine, and is an award winning writer and podcaster on a variety of wine subjects. Both Michael and Lori are co-founders of International Cabernet Franc Day, December 4th. Additionally they have been consistent winners at the Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition held in early April.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They recently opened their tasting room on the corner of 13th and Pine in downtown Paso Robles. I had the opportunity last weekend to see their “new digs” and what they had done with this space. It is open, homey and a very comfortable area to sip wines from their white, Rosé to red varietal to blends.
The Wines of Dracaena:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the benefits of “stopping by the tasting room” is that offer only certain wines that are available at the tasting room. For example their 2021 Cinnabari can only be purchased there. It is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot . A wine light in coloring but packs a punch of robust flavor and will go with just about any meal.
We were able to taste their premier wine, the 2021 Cabernet Franc Reserve from Plummer’s Vineyard. This has won more awards than can be listed here in this article! Always one of my top 10 favorite wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We also enjoyed their regular Cabernet Franc which again has won many awards!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Had one additional taste but unfortunately did not take a picture of their 2022 unfiltered Chenin Blanc. Next time you are downtown Paso Robles stop by for a taste of their wines and you might also meet Vegas their current Weimaraner dog!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Sláinte,
Michael
Optio Vineyards – The “Little Winery That Can”
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Met with winery owners Troy and Michelle LaMar last weekend on their 14 acre vineyard. Nine acres are currently under vine. The vineyard is located at the tail end of the Templeton district within the Geneseo District appellation. Their production is around 500 cases a year with the balance of the fruit being sold off. Their goal is to increase the production steadily with club membership and getting the word out on their quality wines. They already have won many awards including for their 2022 Chardonnay, Las Vegas Global Platinum Medal with 96 points and their 2021 Estate Tempranillo, Las Vegas Global Platinum Medal also with 96 points! This is the little winery that not only could, but has!!
Troy is a general surgeon in Los Angeles and met his wife Michelle as she was a floor nurse at the same hospital. She is now in nurse educator. Today with their son LT, they spend as much time as possible on the estate. Their winemaker is Aaron Jackson from Tin City with 23 years making gorgeous wines. Aaron’s background includes Four Vines, ONX and Saxum wineries. He earned his Wine & Viticulture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and spent a year in Australia where he earned a Master’s degree in Oenology.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The winery today produces Chardonnay, Inmesceo (meaning blend together of Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Syrah and Petite Sirah), Grenache, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah. Had the opportunity to taste each one (a few with different vintages) and uniquely different was that each one was a solid and exceptional wine. Not a so-so or average wine in their offering. Rare and very much appreciated and I am sure by their customers.
The name Optio comes from the Latin word meaning “choice” which has paid off for the LaMar family. Troy while in medical school his first day heard a professor quote William Jennings Bryan “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.” Literally and physically, the little vineyard on top of the hill, has climbed up it to achieve many excellent wines.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While tasting their full offering, three wines very much received my attention. The first shown in the picture is their Immesceo. Soft, warm and cuddly would best describe this smooth wine. Dusty with an Old World sense of place with spices of cinnamon and cloves with mild tannins. This retails for $58/bottle and only 45 cases produced. The second wine was their Estate Tempranillo resonating the flavors of Spain with dark cherry and cocoa. Various “Christmas spices” abounded, with an alluring and complex finish. The third wine was their sensational Grenache with a great boutique of aromatics, followed with spicy blueberries and plum notes. On the palate bright cherry and chocolate stole the show. Grippy tannins provided a beautiful elongated finish. Aged 17 months in 100% neutral Oak barrels and lists for $58/bottle. Left Optio Vineyards purchasing several Grenache bottles. By the way, this was not the order in which the wines were tasted.
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
While we did not have a meal with these wines, I look forward to doing so with the Grenache wines we left with that evening. We were able to enjoy a gorgeous charcuterie board that was offered with cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits and crackers. Each wine was paired explicitly with a cheese or meat offering for example the Petite Sirah with three year aged Gouda and the Tempranillo with Manchego cheeses.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The evening concluded far too soon as the conversations, not just about wine and food, but family, children, the wine industry, etc., left me ready for more conversations. I look forward to our ongoing dialogues.
Sláinte,
Michael
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