Month: January 2024
2020 Ancient Peak Cabernet Franc – One of my Top 10 Cabernet Franc Wines!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Ancient Peaks Website
Up until a few months back, I had not tasted Ancient Peaks Cabernet Franc, nor was I really aware of their winery. Was so impressed from my first sip, I scheduled to visit them in December and have enjoyed their wines ever since. The winery was founded by Karl Wittstrom, Rob Ross and Doug Filipponi. Mike Sinor has been the founding winemaker since the first vintage in 2006.
Map from Ancient Peaks Website
Once understanding that the property contains five unique soil types: rocky alluvium, ancient sea bed, granite rock, shale and volcanic you can now understand their “unique label” featuring the soil types. On the property they make white wines of Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Red wines produced include, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Malbec and red blends. They even produce a fermented mead, produced from honey bees. The estate is comprised of 14,000 acres and 900 acres are under vines.
For a complete background and detailed story on Ancient Peaks click on a previous story:
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2020 Ancient Peaks Cabernet Franc wine is dark and opulent on the eyes and with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, blueberry and blackberry wafted into the senses beckoning and drawing one to partake in the first sip. On the palate, the aforementioned fruits burst into a parade of flavor profiles, coupled with plum and secondary flavors of coffee and vanilla. The finish was expressive with grippy tannins and an intense structure, not typical of Cabernet Franc from the region. A real surprise and welcomed treat!
The wine consists of 92% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot. Their limited-edition offering was hand selected from their finest vineyard rows and aged for 23 months in 50% new French oak. The price is $50/bottle and belongs in their Pearl Collection. The wine comes in at 14.9% alcohol and extremely smooth.
This wine just made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted in the calendar year for 2024! This is truly an amazing 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 a seared and BBQ’ed ribeye steak. Seared at 1600-1800 degrees and cooked to a beautiful pink medium rare (140 degrees). Accompanied by seasoned and roasted quartered Yukon Gold potatoes. Also roasted Brussel Sprouts drizzled with balsamic reduction glaze. The fruit from the wine complimented the seared outside of the ribeye and enough tannins to cut through the meat. An excellent food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
Unique Wine Tasting Experience at O’Brien’s Market (Modesto)
It was a few years back that I attended my first tasting at O’Brien’s Market in the wine department. O’Brien’s has the best wine selection both domestic and internationally in all of Modesto. This was purposed under the direction of the wine department manager, Tom Bender. Tom Bender has headed up the California Sierra Foothill Competition for over 35 years, served on the California State Fair judge’s panel, is a well-known writer for various wine magazines and teaches wine and hospitality at the local college.
Picture from O’Brien’s website
His approach at O’Brien’s is unique with various themes. For example the lineup for January and February were the following tastings:
WINES OF BURGUNDY – “France’s Most Famous Wine Region”
For centuries the region of Burgundy has been celebrated as one of the most heralded wine regions in the world as well as the most expensive. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the players here and we will feature several distinctive but moderately priced finds from the region including Beaujolais.
TASTING BLENDS – “Wines that Mix It Up”
Some of the most interesting wines are a result of skillful blending to create more complex flavors. Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel have become prominent players that mix it up.
SAN FRANCISCO WINE COMPETITION – “Tasting Gold Medal Winners”
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Judging has become the largest competition of American wines in the World. Over 5000 wines from over 1100 producers are judged in early January. We’ll pour some of their 2024 Gold Medal winners including some Best of Class and Double Gold Medal wines.
FAVORITE FINDS FROM ITALY – “Traveling the Italian Countryside”
We will highlight a number of Italian regions including, Abruzzo, Puglia, Umbria, Piedmont or Veneto. Enjoy tasting regional wines with character and historic influences.
ANNUAL ZINFANDEL CHALLENGE! – “Blind Tasting of Regional Zins”
Here is a chance to determine your favorite regional style of Zinfandel as we conduct a fun blind tasting of five favorites from California’s top locations and producers. Zinfandel is one of Modesto’s favorite reds. So enjoy this all American wine on Presidents Weekend.
Events are typically held on Thursday, twos sessions 4 pm and 5 pm and Friday and Saturday at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm. Each session last approximately 45 minutes and the cost is $5/pp.
I attended the tasting Saturday at 1 pm with about 6 others and here were the delicious wines chosen by Tom for this event:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Today my two favorites blends were the Châteauneuf du Pape and the “Pessimist”.
One of the benefits of attending these events is that Tom provides carefully constructed notes and is always available to answer questions. Tom’s character is always being the college professor.
In the picture below Tom is standing behind the wine bar and a couple of the other tasters for this session.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
By the way, Tom also has for the last five years headed up the Professional Judges at Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition, this year on April 3rd, 2024.
Should you get a chance to go to any of the themed sessions, you will experience some delicious wine, offered at a discount to purchase and for $5/pp can’t beat the opportunity to taste wines you might not ordinarily try and be educated on perhaps new wines by Tom.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wood Family Vineyards “VIVA” Cabernet Sauvignon
The Winery
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/
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Lots of California Cabernet Sauvignon wines are “big, bold, tons of tannins, oaky and structured” which is great, especially with a big rib eye steak. However for those occasions where a softer, more refined and gentler Cabernet Sauvignon is required this Wood Family Vineyards “Viva” Cabernet Sauvignon is spot on! Rhonda Wood does make your bigger and heartier Cabernet Sauvignon’s (“Especial”, “Clone 30”, “Woody’s Cab”) for those characteristics and for heavy food and wine pairings. She calls those Cabernets “fork & knife Cabernets”. I call them “chewy Cabernets”. Each has its place and found a perfect home for Wood Family Vineyards “Viva”.
I wrote a review of her 2019 “VIVA” and it is still reflective with the new 2021 vintage release. This wine reminds me of the 60’s and early 70’s with a mellow and laid back attitude. It is a perfectly good wine to enjoy with or without food. On the eyes a deep and bright purple stands out in the glass with a medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of raspberries and cherries waft gently into the senses. On the palate this wine cuddles up like a down comforter on a cool winter evening. No harshness of tannins or overwhelming oak or layers upon layers to debunk. Vanilla, raspberry and a hint of blueberry swarms about to provide a compelling wine to sip and enjoy. The finish is medium and harmonious. Alcohol percentage is 14.2%, aged 26 months in French oak and 550 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
Met with a few folks from our Friday Night Wine and Dine group at Verson18 restaurant at the clubhouse at Copper Valley Golf Course. Started off the evening splitting a wedge salad with a refreshing and solid 2019 Chardonnay from Smith-Madrone from Spring Mountain (Napa Valley). For a complete description of the Chardonnay see a previous article at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2023/09/26/2019-smith-madrone-chardonnay-soft-and-cuddly-chardonnay-lovers-need-not-read/
Photo ©Michael Kelly
For dinner tonight I ordered the special, the French Cut Ribeye steak. This preparation style adds so much flavor to an already excellent cut of meat. The steak had been marinated with fresh herbs and spices for a few hours then grilled to medium rare. Served with a mushroom demi-glace sauce. Accompanied by a twice baked potato and fresh sautéed vegetables. Having the marinated French cut ribeye steak with a heavy mushroom nullified the flavors of fresh herbs and spices. Still a tasty steak but would order it next time with the sauce on the side.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Dessert was also a special this evening of poached pear Zabaglione, served with a chilled Marsala cream. This was heavenly!!
We did share some additional other wonderful California wines during the meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
Two New Adventures Yesterday!
Went to Murphys at lunch time to drop off a flier for the upcoming 5th Annual Cabernet Franc Wine Stroll to be displayed at Gossamer Cellars. Got there a bit early so went next door to what used to be Mineral Wines tasting room. When they moved their operations to Idaho, it was converted to a cigar lounge called Knights of the Long Ash. I very seldom (once every two to three years) smoke a cigar and have never been in a cigar lounge. Went in and found out the tasting room manager from the Mineral Wines is now the owner at the cigar lounge. I am not sure about the attraction but they have lockers, sell soft drinks and have both an indoor and outdoor smoking areas with large televisions.
The second new adventure yesterday was going to dinner at the Old Corner Saloon in the older section of Copperopolis. This building has housed a saloon since it was built in 1862. This was built when Copperopolis was a thriving copper mine community with a population of 10,000. The mine closed in 1945 but had made most of the copper jackets for bullets for the civil war, WWI and WWII before open pit mining evolved.
Took the picture on my way back from Murphys in daylight
The saloon survived two fires that swept and consumed the town and has a very interesting history. Some of the key points is the bar has operated continuously being open every day since constructed! That included during Prohibition as it was a “speakeasy” in the basement area. A buzzer was installed at the soda parlor and was pushed to warn those in the basement, that law enforcement was approaching.
Took the picture on my way back from Murphys in daylight
Another interested tidbit is the upper floors operated both as a rooming house and brothel at various times! The legendary stagecoach robber Black Bart was caught just four miles east of the Old Corner Saloon. It is rumored that Mark Twain penned his famous “Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” in Copperopolis while staying in the local hotel. Today the Jumping Frog Competition in Angels Camp is known throughout the world. One of his better known quotes is “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day”.
Mark Twain spent almost 3 months in the Mother Lode area of the Sierra Nevada’s. Once he was taking the stagecoach from Sonora to Stockton to catch a boat to San Francisco. The stagecoach broke down in Copperopolis on a warm day and Mark Twain had to spend the night at the Copperopolis Hotel. He was greeted by then self-appointed vice mayor Stone and mentioned to him that “if you’ve spent a summer in Copperopolis you’re not afraid of hell” to the summer temperatures. You can get a feel for the history of the town as pictures adorn the bar, pool table and dining areas. Here is one picture:
Took the picture after dinner
Now that the background is sufficiently outlined, our Friday Night Wine & Dine group ventured on a recommendation to go to the Old Corner Saloon for their Thursday night special. So 15 of us ventured the four miles to the facility. Two specials were offered, a flat iron steak and a top sirloin steak for very reasonable prices. I elected for the flat iron steak and two sides for twenty dollars! The meal was good. Their half pound hamburgers were enormous and looked delicious.
There is not wine pictured as when one person asked for which red wines were served by the glass, the response was they had no more red wine only white! So draft beer and martinis were the drinks of the evening for just about everyone!
Both experiences were a novelty and very much enjoyed for a change of pace.
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Aridus Wine Company Graciano
The Winery
First thing right up front is most don’t think of Arizona as a “winery state”! Turns out Arizona has over 120 wineries scattered throughout the state. Aridus is located in southeastern Arizona in Willcox, about 85 miles east of Tucson in Cochise County. The town of Willcox has 14 different tasting rooms!
(Picture from City of Willcox)
Scott and Joan Dahmer founded Aridus Wine Company in 2012, just outside the city of Willcox. The name Aridus, come from the Latin word meaning “dry or arid”, most appropriate for most people’s idea of Arizona.
(Tasting room in Willcox. Picture from Aridus Wine Company)
The winery/crush facility and tasting room are located in two different locations in Willcox. They also have another tasting room in Scottsdale on Main Street. Their yearly production is approximately 2,500 cases. They have an amazing lineup of different varietals available including: whites including Malvasia Bianca, Viognier, Chardonnay, Fume Blanc and Muscat. Reds include Merlot, Mourvèdre, Graciano, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Petite Verdot and Montepulciano, as well as several Rosés.
(Tasting room in Scottsdale. Picture from Aridus Wine Company)
The winemaker, Lisa Strid has produced wine for the last seven years at the winery. During this time, she has produced 183 wines from five different growing regions in Arizona, New Mexico and California. Since 2020, Aridus is now making wine exclusively from its estate vineyard.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Graciano is one of my favorite wines and is the third most popular grape behind Tempranillo and Granacha in Spain. Graciano typically has a very aromatic aroma and deep coloration. Often on the palate black peppery spice notes appear along with red fruits and noticeable herbaceous qualities. Another key trait is high acidity and strong tannins.
The Aridus Graciano on the eyes has a very deep and rich coloring. Predominately soft violet aromas waft into the nose. On the palate, peppery spices definitely appear with delight and flavoring along with blueberry notes. A beautiful and long finish.
The wine comes from Cochise County and comes in a 15.3% alcohol. Their website lists it at $65/bottle. Key recommendations for food pairings are red meat, charcuterie board snacks and cheese.
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 Friday night “Wine & Dine Group” met at Verona18 to enjoy another tasty meal. A special for the evening was a seared Alaskan Halibut with a Romesco sauce. While originally looking for a steak option, the fish looked interesting and decided to go with it. The Romesco sauce is an interesting story and asked for it on the side. The sauce is a tomato-based sauce that originated from Valls in Catalonia, Spain. The local fishermen made the sauce to be eaten with fish. It typically is made with a mix of roasted tomatoes, garlic, toasted almonds, pine nuts, olive oil and dried nyora peppers. The sauce was delicious and dipped every bite of the fish in it! Accompanied by sautéed vegetables and rice.
It may not have been the best food and wine pairing, but both were very good!
We also shared some other very solid wines during the evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
2019 Maritana “Jenkins Ranch” Pinot Noir (With 3 Noted Minor Flaws!)
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Facebook with Donald holding a bottle of Jenkins Ranch
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
First a little technical background on this wine. Jenkins Ranch is located near Sebastopol and sits at 350 feet elevation. Clone selection was a Dijon 115. When making this wine, 50% was done in whole cluster formation with no chemicals added except sodium dioxide. It was barreled in 80% new and 20% being used and stored for 15 months. Only 100 cases were produce and the alcohol level came in at 14%. The wine lists for $100/bottle on their website and scored 95 points from Robert Parker. On their website it states one could drink until 2039!
First on the eyes a royal purple with magenta edges radiating a brilliance in the glass. On the nose, tremendous aromas rise up to greet the imbiber of this rare elixir. Elegant perfume scents of “Pinot essence” await the first sip. On the palate this wine shows it’s pedigree with tart cranberry, dried strawberries and black tea. Secondary flavors of mild vanilla pipe tobacco are present. The finish with tannins (most likely due to whole cluster soak) and the black tea, grip the teeth but are counterbalanced with a candied apple flavor providing a long lasting and complex finish.
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 wine was specifically selected for tonight’s dinner to go with a dry rubbed baked pork tenderloin. This was a slightly newer recipe that is spicier than a previous one. The dry rub included chili powder, brown sugar, dried oregano, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fine sea salt, pepper and a little extra virgin olive oil. The slices of pork tenderloin each provided ample flavors to assimilate this refreshing and exquisite wine without overpowering it. The meal was accompanied by sautéed sugar snap peas with salt & pepper, Yukon Golden potato and a fresh garden salad. The slices of pork tenderloin were served with a homemade sauce of apricot preserves, chili flakes and Dijon mustard. The sauce with the pork was divine! The sweet sauce with the sugar snap peas complimented the spicy rub and the wine, wrapping up the meal like a Christmas present with a gorgeous bow on top!
Now to the notation of the flaws and these are very subjective. First the label does not show case this exquisite wine appropriately and is difficult to capture in pictures. Secondly, there wasn’t enough wine to go with this delicious meal. And lastly, the meal and wine should have had friends over to share this experience with this evening! I did state they were subjective!
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Wood Family Vineyards, “Pink Pearl” Rosé and NFL Playoff Games
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards
No one has more fun than Rhonda Wood making wine! 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/
Here is a partial listing of her current awards:
- 2022 “Pink Pearl” Rosé – Best of Class – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2021 Albariño – Best of Class – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2021 Chardonnay “Para Mas Amigas” – 91 points Wine Enthusiast
- 2020 “The Captain” – 94 points Wine Enthusiast + Editor’s Choice
- 2020 GSM – 93 points Wine Enthusiast + Editor’s Choice
- 2020 Petite Sirah – 93 points Wine Enthusiast
- 2020 “Viva” Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2019 Merlot – Best of Class – Uncorked
- 2019 “Big Wood” Zinfandel – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2019 Syrah – 95 points & Double Gold – OC Wine Fair
- 2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2019 LVVC – Gold – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2019 “Woody’s” Cab Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2018 “Especial” Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2018 “Clone 30” Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2019 “El Loco Rojo” Bordeaux Red Blend – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2019 “Muy Bueno” Zinfandel – Silver – SF Chronicle Wine Competition
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The name “Pink Pearl” is a wine dedicated to Rhonda’s girlfriends. They received the name “The Pearls Girls” as they frequented a restaurant in Fremont called the Pearls Café. This started many years ago where they gathered sharing life, supporting each other and as Rhonda states “shamelessly laughing”.
From above, the “Pink Pearl” won Best of Class Rosé at the San Francisco Wine Competition and deservingly justified. Watching the NFL playoffs generally a Rosé (for me) is not a normal choice but was I surprised by this wine! Let me explain that Rosé is probably my least favorite wine type. That said this wine is produced using 100% Grenache grapes picked a little earlier than their grapes for their red Grenache. Rhonda explained that she likes to pick earlier to maintain the natural acidity in the wine.
First on the eyes a beautiful shade of soft translucent pink coloring. On the nose, strong floral scents engulf the olfactory sense. In the palate this is no ordinary “soft and cuddly” Rose. It provides a strong strawberry and dried strawberry flavors with green apples. Secondary flavors of watermelon and honeydew swirl about playful in the mouth. The finish is mouth puckering with the combination of bright slightly higher acidity and a reclusive citrus (lemon) springing forth. Only 800 cases were produced and it comes in at 13.5% alcohol. This wine will be released in February 2024 and priced at $34/bottle.
The “Pink Pearl” turned out to be a Rosé wine worthy of NFL football watching and I enjoyed it!
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 watching the NFL playoffs, a delightful array of snacks served on a charcuterie board. Items included slices of apple, Boar’s Head Bianco de Oro salami, Point Reyes Blue cheese, Boar’s Head French Brie cheese, dried apricots, dried cranberries, Italian olives and peppers prepared with spices and Chardonnay wine and a couple of different crackers. The Blue cheese, salami, Brie cheese and apples paired best with the wine. When you can find a Rosé that can hold up to those foods, you have a winner no matter who won the game!
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Hoopes Sauvignon Blanc – “lips drink water, hearts drink wine” – e.e. cummings
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Lindsay Hoopes is the second generation owner of the vineyard. Her father Spencer founded the vineyard and worked the small twelve acre parcel in Oakville producing award winning wines for many years. Lindsay returned in 2012 needing to help out with an illness in the family. Taking full charge she made some unique changes including hooking up with famed vintners Anne Vawter and Jennifer Rue to produce new and bold Cabernets. Lindsay took up the challenge to develop bio-diverse farming practice initiatives for sustainability certification. Lindsay undertook the adventure to find new and unique vineyards throughout Napa Valley to augment their estate offering. She also founded a rescue sanctuary for animals. The quote in the title is one of Lindsay’s favorites. In 2020 noted and heralded winemaker Aaron Pott joined Hoopes as the winemaker with his impressive and extensive resume from Napa Valley and beyond.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of the winery is the tasting room, which was their home. Sipping and discussing various wines at the dining room table while looking out into the vineyard adds a “real touch” of genuineness to the experience without pretense.
Today they produce a Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc (Atlas Peak), Chardonnay (Carneros), Syrah (Oak Knoll), Merlot (Howell Mountain) and various levels of distinct Cabernet Sauvignon’s (from $125 to $225/bottle).
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes a glistening golden color and medium viscosity awaits the drinker. On the nose soft aromas of pear and floral scents. On the palate, the predominant tastes are lemon grass and a bit of earthiness. Faint secondary tastes of green apple combined with slight citrus of lime and lemon shavings. The finish is abbreviated with the “rocky minerality” coming through. The grapes are from Atlas Peak region.
The wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and aged 80% in Amphora and 20% in neutral oak barrels. Originally priced at $50/bottle and when I went on line today it is showing $38/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 wine was chosen for this evening’s meal of sautéed scallops over whole wheat pasta. Accompanied by sweet snap peas, halved cherry tomatoes and a fresh garden salad. The wine provided great point counterpoint to the sweet scallops and sweet snap peas. The wine framed the meal appropriately. A very good food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael
A Community Supporting a Community, Small Town Americana
The 37th annual “First Taste of the Year” event was held on Saturday January 13th, 2024 at the Armory on Main Street, in Copperopolis, California. It was sponsored by the Copperopolis Community Center a volunteer staffed organization that restores and preserves the two publicly owned historical buildings in town. 2024 marks the 37th Annual wine tasting event and coincides with the 164th anniversary of Copperopolis. The two buildings are the historical brick Congregational Church and the Armory. Both buildings were constructed during the copper rush in the mid 1800’s, the Armory in 1863 and the church in 1865. Copperopolis was the center of the “Copper Rush” (after the gold rush). These are two of the four buildings in town on the National Register of Historic Places: Copperopolis Armory and the Congregational Church. From 1860’s to the time the mines closed in 1945, 72,598,883 pounds of copper were mined in Copperopolis and the copper used in the Civil War, WWI and WWII for ammunition casings.
With advance purchase the cost of $25/pp ($30 at the door) which included a commemorative wine glass, hors d’ Oeuvres, a raffle and of course many wines to enjoy. Wineries present were: Hurst Ranch Wines (Jamestown), New World Wine Co. (Jamestown), Stevenot Winery (Vallecito), Ironstone Vineyards (Murphys), Twisted Oak (Murphys), Indian Rock Vineyards (Murphys) and Jessie’s Grove Winery (Lodi). They also had Indigeny Cider present pouring, which provided a refreshing alternative to wine.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Many volunteers contributed setting up & decorating the event, preparing and serving appetizers, greeting guests and making sure wineries each had their “station assigned”. A big thank you to the Board, Volunteers and participating wineries for preserving the local history. And of course the supporters who braved the rain storm to enjoy the event. Many folks were having the opportunity to try many different wines.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Also a special shout out to the local community who supported the event with donations for the raffle. The committee worked hard to improve the food appetizers for this year’s event and it was noticeable.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
This year the participants voted for Best White Wine and Best Red Wine tasted during the evening. For the Best White Wine, the 2019 Indian Rock Chardonnay won. Separated by just one vote was Obsession from Ironstone Vineyards and Twisted Oak %@#$! (a Blend).
For the Best Red Wine it went to new winery, New World Wines. Cody LaPertche has been making wines for Hurst and Vallecito and this is his first year with his own brand. His winning wine was 2019 Dionyc a blend of Italian varietal wines including 49% Montepulciano, 15.5% Aglianico, 15.5% Barbera, 11% Primitivo, 3% Grenache and 3% Zinfandel. Coming in just a few votes behind were 2015 Indian Rock Petite Sirah, Stevenot Syrah and Stevenot Reserva Danza Rosa.
Here are a few of the links to previous stories on specific wineries that participated this year:
1. Jessie’s Grove Winery
2. Stevenot
3. Ironstone Vineyards
4. Twisted Oak
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/10/08/twisted-oak-winery-2016-the-spaniard/
In conclusion, the Community Center is always looking for volunteers. Additionally the Armory is available for rental by contacting Linda Beck at 209-985-1849 or lindabeck@caltel.com.
Sláinte,
Michael
Cuda Ridge Wines 2023 Sauvignon Blanc – More Than Meets the Eyes!
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There is a lot to be said about Cuda Ridge Wines in Livermore, California with Larry Dino as the winemaker and his wife Margie as chief wine taster. They produce Bordeaux style wines. The Cuda Ridge Wines tasting room is located at 2400 Arroyo Road in Livermore, California. Cuda Ridge Wines current production is approximately 2100 cases. They produce the following Bordeaux varietals: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and most recently their addition of Carménère. Always experimenting, Larry Dino also has produced non-Bordeaux style wines which are designated under their Black label, these wines include Sangiovese, New-World style Cabernet Sauvignon and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from 100 – 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of the varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This is where one should not judge a book by its cover! While on the eyes a pale almost clear coloring thinking this is nothing more than “gloried water”. The truth is just the opposite. Bright and crisp aromas of peach and white grapefruit greet the olfactory senses. Then when on the palate, this wine becomes larger than life with grapefruit being the pronounced flavor. Secondary flavors of peach and just a touch of pineapple hint of their presence. The finish is long especially for a Sauvignon Blanc. Having only had one tasting of this wine previously, this wine just made my Best Wines tasted during the year for 2024. It will be a summer time winner on the patio and being only 12% alcohol is great for social occasions. It is listed for $30/bottle and the surprising punch of power and flavors was astonishing.
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 to compliment tonight’s dinner of Chilean Sea Bass. Seasoned with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning and then quickly sautéed in butter and olive oil. The fish was rich and flaky and cooked to perfection. Then a clear sauce of fresh lemon juice and butter. Accompanied with fresh lemon slices, brown rice and sautéed broccoli and mushrooms. Each bite with a sip of wine provided a “divine intervention” of a marvelous treat made in heaven with the 2023 Cuda Ridge Sauvignon Blanc!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 