Month: January 2024
2021 Secret Door Winery, Sage Ridge Vineyards, Napa Valley
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Secret Door Winery is one of the wineries founded by Donald Patz in 2017 with his partner Jung Min Lee. The Secret Door label is dedicated to making Cabernet Sauvignon from selected vineyards exclusively from the Napa Valley. His other brands are 1) Maritana Vineyards making Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines 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 acknowledged his craftsmanship in bringing forth these wines and also many wine judges!
The Winery Name of Secret Door Winery
Maybe it is about one door opening and another closing? Mysterious secrets behind the door? Or perhaps something entire different. So I asked Donald what was the origin of the name Secret Door Winery.
Jung Min Lee was a real supporter of Donald Patz’s time at Patz & Hall eventually learning to love Pinot Noir, too. Donald had promised Jung Min that if she would move to California from Virginia to be with him he would – someday – make a Cabernet Sauvignon wine for her.
In Donald’s words, “I was thinking about a new Cabernet Sauvignon project in honor of my wife even as I finished up my time at Patz & Hall in 2016 and early 2017. The original door I used on the 2014 Secret Door (purchased wine in process that we finished) was the inspiration. I wanted a name for this Cabernet Sauvignon that was literal – it’s easier to remember. I had the red door picture on my computer for probably 15 years and if you recall we all had “screen saver” software. My screensaver dipped into the pictures on the computer randomly and projected them. Each time the red door came up I would think “secret door” – so when I was looking for potential names I also stumbled across that same red door”. There is a lot more, but I will leave that for you to read on their website link.
Since the 2014 vintage Secret Door has used a different “secret” door picture each year. They have come from all over – France, Morocco, India, Greece, Sweden and the USA.
Click on links below to read more:
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While the name Secret Door as explained above, it may also mean that opening the door (bottle) will reveal new adventures. It definitely is with this wine. While the secret on how to make it may not be revealed, when tasting it Donald has remarkably kept this secret to himself! Firstly the Sage Ridge Vineyard is in the eastern hills above the valley floor. The specific portion of the vineyard is Block 38 which is only a 1.2 acre site. Two unique factors play a large part in this Block 38, the high elevation site exposure and the clone heritage from Martha’s Vineyard. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Now the wine. In the glass a deep ruby coloration with royal purple hues and a medium-heavy viscosity greet the imbiber. On the nose, aromas swirl about in the olfactory senses of freshly picked black cherry and blueberries. On the palate, the symphony of flavors develop slowly and steadily and with resounding dynamic tastes of dark enticing fruits of blackberry and plum and secondary flavors of blueberries and raspberries. On the finish a skosh amount, hints of minerality and soft vanilla pipe tobacco guide the way for understanding the depth of the wine. Tannins are present with velvety “stickiness” but not overwhelming. An extremely secret wine with a price tag of around $200/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
Even while it was cold outside (45 degrees), the rain had stopped, we still enjoy BBQ-ing with the Napoleon infrared side burner! The best way to sear in the juices of a special cut of filet mignon steak! Seasoned and seared over temperatures reaching 1600-1800 degrees to lock in the juices.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The steak was chosen to go with the wine selection of the evening. The filet mignon was seared on the outside to medium rare inside and with a dollop of Blue cheese (Point Reyes) butter combination with chives. Accompanied by roasted Brussel sprouts drizzled with reduced balsamic vinegar and Yukon Gold potatoes seasoned with salt/pepper, and quartered potatoes also roasted.
This wine most definitely made my Best Wines annual list tasted for 2024! Perhaps the real Secret is how fast you can get your hands on bottle!
Sláinte,
Michael
Origin Wines, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bates Ranch – An Underground Winery?
The Winery
Photo from Origin website
The winery is owned by two friends, John Hurley and Jason Rasmussen. John lives on the west coast working on the branding of the wine. Jason is leading the charge on the business and winemaking process from New York. The Bates Ranch is located high in the Santa Cruz mountains upwards of 2100 feet elevation. They produce three varieties of grapes on the property, Pinot Noir, Rosé and their Cabernet Sauvignon. Their grapes are sustainably grown, natively fermented and dry farmed.
Their label with the long-horned bulls denoted the bulls roaming the Bates Ranch with the towering Santa Cruz Mountains in the background. Some of the vines are 80 years old! The label was the creation of Melia Tandanio and RF Alvarez.
They are almost a bit reclusive as I called several times but no answer. I did hear from a friend that they have full time other jobs but couldn’t get additional information for this story which helps explains their silence. That said, they are not so far underground as their Cabernet Sauvignon received 94 points from Wine Enthusiasts.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While the winery may be “under the radar”, the wine is certainly not! Their Cabernet Sauvignon is big, bold, earthy and natural. First on the eyes a dark red elixir with beautiful black fruit aromas raising up to greet the nose. On the palate is where this wine was spot on and could easily be coming from Napa Valley, Rutherford specifically. Dark cherries, blackberry fruits co-mingled with graphite shavings and a “dustiness” (similar to Rutherford Dust) provide a complete tasting experience. The finish with its layers of structure, edgy tannins and crushed gravely stones lasted extremely long and was very satisfying.
Picked from 3 blocks of varying elevations with 50% coming from the peak at 2100 feet elevation, this wine with its depth, reminded me of the hillsides of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon’s. The wine is sustainably grown and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes in at 13.7% alcohol and is listed at $72/bottle and comes with free shipping.
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 beef and broccoli stir fry. Ingredients for the stir fry included lean trimmed sirloin beef, canola oil, reduced-sodium chicken broth, broccoli, ginger root, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, water and low sodium soy sauce. Accompanied by short and long grain wild rice. The wine took on some “different” notes with the garlic and soy sauce, but still was delicious. After the meal, while sipping the wine, the true characteristics of this quality wine appeared.
This wine will make my annual “Best Wines Tasted” for calendar year 2024. Will hope to talk with and hopefully meet the owners soon.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Hoopes Vineyard ROSÉ – Unique Color and Very Tasty!
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. 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, 2021 Hoopes ROSÉ – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes a unique coloration of a combination of copper, peach and pink forming a mesmerizing and unforgettable color. On the nose a faint peach aroma wafts into the olfactory senses. On the palate with various varieties of grapes, dark cherries, pomegranate juice, watermelon and a hint of grapefruit. Aaron Pott describes the finish as “filled with bright blood oranges” and they provided a soft landing for this finish.
Using 100% grapes from Napa Valley consisting of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. 50% was aged in stainless steel and 50% in neutral oak. Barrel portion was aged 5 months. Alcohol percentage was 12.5% and 1,000 cases were produced. It is listed at $38/bottle on their website.
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
Enjoyed this wine with a charcuterie plate of various items including Boar’s Head French Brie (60% double crème cheese), Italian olives antipasto marinated in Chardonnay & herbs, dried apricots, an assortment of nuts, dry cranberries and sea salt & pepper crackers. Because of the subtle flavors of most ROSÉ wines they do seem to change with the flavors of the food or appetizers being tasted.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Later added the Cara navel orange slices while watching the National Collegiate Football Championship.
Sláinte,
Michael
Jazz Cellars Tasting Room, Murphys California – Tasted Four Aces!!
The Winery
The origin of the word “jazz” is as varied as the music being played today called jazz. Perhaps the best origin is from the slang “jasm” from around 1860 which meant “energy, vitality, and spirit”. That seems to capture the essential of music referred to as jazz. That is how the two owners of Jazz Cellars have composed their wines. On a recent re-visit based on an invite by Joe and Bob, I visited Murphys and ventured to taste one of the wines that I have previous enjoyed, their Pinot Noir.
First a quick background on the two owners/composers of Jazz Cellars. Bob Smith and Joe Lazzara are both neighbors, musicians and high tech folks who shared a vision of producing great wine. They started and are still headquartered in Foster City. They had been using a well know facility in the Dogpatch area of San Francisco to create their master pieces prior to 2020. Currently they are now making their wines in Murphys. The tasting room is located in Murphys California in the lower Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The unique aspect of Jazz Cellars is that they search and find the “right terroir” in order to produce award winning wines. At last count they had accumulated well over 100 awards in a very short period of time, without a dedicated vineyard! No small feat.
So while in Murphys (Calaveras AVA), I stopped by to taste their Pinot Noir as it had been some time since I had visited. They are located 100 feet down a side alley off Main Street. The wines being served that day did include one using “Calaveras County” grapes. While stopping for one wine, I ended up sampling four wines and was very much impressed with each varietal offered.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Started out tasting the 2015 Pinot Noir from Doctor’s Vineyard in the Santa Lucian Highlands district. A surprisingly light color but with strong and bold aroma and flavor of a beautiful Pinot Noir. Next up was the 2021 Malbec from the Sierra Foothills area that possessed an old world flavor, akin to some of the lower altitude wines of Argentina. Those two were the ones that I wanted to taste, however two others were offered as being very good. So when in Rome do as the Romans, so I first tasted the 2016 Zinfandel from the Teldeschi Vineyard located in the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. This was a beautiful dry Zinfandel with soft nuances of nutmeg and cinnamon with a big taste. Admittedly not a big Zinfandel drinker, but this was spot on for my palate. From the same area came a 2018 Petite Sirah that was dark and fruit forward without any “sweetness”, just juicy berries showing their inner beauty.
These four wines from my quick tasting were like drawing four aces when playing poker! Hard to beat that hand. Will need to return to write more detailed notes, but Bob and Joe are continuing their tradition of making award winning wines. Great job!!
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Hoopes Vineyard Syrah – “In Dogged Pursuit of Perfect Wines”
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Hoopes Vineyard has a great tagline with a picture of the dog jumping thru the hoop being “In Dogged Pursuit of Perfect Wines”. From my perspective it could be “we will jump thru hoops to make your experience enjoyable”. Known for their Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, it was about seven years ago that I visited them. Many things have changed since then, but their wines are still stellar and the boutique and handcrafted wine remain constant. One new tag line used by Hoopes is a quote by e.e. cummings is “lips drink water, hearts drink wine”.
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. 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 deep and dark coloring yet the edges possess a radiant and enticing purple/magenta hue. On the nose, a big and bold Syrah with lavender and blackberry, waft into the senses. On the palate, blackberry, black licorice and cinnamon bounce joyfully from side to side expressing a fullness in the mouth. A hint of mocha and light roasted coffee are present on the enticing finish beckoning yet another sip. On the finish minerality liken to a gravely dry creek along with the edgy tannins provided a wonderful conclusion balanced with the aforementioned fruit. This was a delightful Syrah having all the key characteristics assembled into one bottle.
The wine is an assemblage of 86% Syrah from the Oak Knoll District, 10% Viognier, 2.5% Malbec and 1.5% Merlot. Barrel treatment was 100% French oak with 25% being new and coming in at 15.7% alcohol. Only 206 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
The wine was specifically selected for tonight’s dinner to go with a dry rubbed baked pork tenderloin. This was a slightly new and different recipe that is mellower 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 Bok Choi, a fresh garden salad and a combination of short and long wild rice. The slices of pork tenderloin were served with Stewart and Jasper Cherry sauce.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Malbec
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” Rose – 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
This wine on the eyes is medium viscosity with a deep royal purple coloration, yet around the rim it is almost translucent. On the nose blackberries and dark red plums are the leaders rushing in to claim dominance in the olfactory senses. Also present were violets and roses. On the palate almost overpowering black and dark red fruits (blackberries and plums) come to the forefront with tobacco, French oak, chocolate, black licorice and fresh leather. The finish is velvety smooth with medium acidity and rounded embracing tannins with no sharpness. Also on the finish the presence of ground stone minerality provide a juicy and mouth filling finish. Alcohol was 14.2 % and listed at the winery at $40/bottle with only 93 cases produced from their estate vineyard. This Malbec has been on my list of Best Wines Tasted yearly for the last three years and will continue to be in 2024.
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
Dinner with this wine was a special Carne Asada. The ingredients included, fresh chopped Jalapeño peppers (3 with seeds), olive oil, soy sauce, fresh squeezed orange and lime juice, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin, Kosher salt, ground black pepper marinated for 24 hours with a flank steak. The steak was smoked on a Pit Boss (like a Traeger) with cherry wood pellets. Topped off with fresh minced cilantro, fresh marinade sauce and a modicum of fresh squeezed lime juice.
Accompanying the meal were scalloped potatoes, broccoli and garlic French bread. The Carne Asada was flavorful and spicy. This Malbec with its fruit surrounded the spicy meat and cooled it off to be absolutely a wonderful fruit forward wine pairing.
This is now one of our go to food and wine pairings! This Malbec will definitely make my “Best Wines Tasted This Year” again. A great meal on a cool winter evening.
Sláinte,
Michael
Verona18 at Copper Valley Went All Out
It is often stated a picture is worth a thousand words, but the pictures below are equal to a thousand bites! On New Years Eve the restaurant at the Copper Valley Golf Course, Verona18 located in Copperopolis provided an evening not soon to be forgotten.
Everyone was greeted with Champagne and many tasty appetizers were served. Each were spectacular and it was a fast start for the evening of culinary delight.
Scallops with Couscous
Crab cakes
Filet Skewers with Red Wine Balsamic
Caviar Waffle Sticks
Eggplant Involtini
I will dispense with a lot of wording but simply show the pictures with a description underneath each picture. Arriving in the Grandview Room was decorated and festive to start off the evening.
Just a few of the table decorations
The beginning of the evening with our table of eight which grew during the evening that only enhanced the many conversations.
I am only showing a portion of the food served as no one could possibly eat all the beautiful foods available in one seating! I approached the evening meal with strategic thinking of first hitting the iced seafood stations and then gathering some of the fish & shellfish. While eveyone brought wines to share, I choose to bring a 2013 Peter Michael Chardonnay, La Carriere.
From the Iced Station – huge shrimp, oysters on the half shell with a vinaigrette sauce and fresh baked sourdough bread.
From the warmed chafing dish, Chilean Sea Bass and Lobster Thermidor
Stone Crab Claws
Steamed mussels
Next up the strategy was to venture to the carving station to pick up beautifully cooked Chateaubriand slices. The wine chosen for this portion of the meal was a 2010 Larkmead Solari. Deep, rich and chewy. It could easily go another ten years.
Chateaubriand from the craving station horseradish sauce and Caprese Pasta salad
Desserts were varied and baked to perfection. they included Cheesecake Creme Brulee, Limoncello Mascarpone Cake and Chocolate Temptation.
Cheesecake Creme Brulee
We did enjoy some excellent wines brought by the original eight and as the evening grew others also brought wines to be enjoyed at the table. Here are two pictures of the wines enjoyed. Some were too bashful to get the picture taken!
So if this was not enough food, wine and Champagne to visualize, here are some of the items that pictures were not taken: Red wine mushroom sauce for the Chateaubriand, Paella with saffron risotto, scalloped potatoes, roasted root vegetables, scissored clams, sweet bread, focaccia bread, limoncello mascarpone cake, and Chocolate temptation.
Here is the table at the end of evening engaging in stimulating conversations!
Almost forgot to mention a great band played from 9 pm until after midnight called Zero Gravity featuring Kerry Tweedy.
A special thank you to Edwarda and Jaime Alderete, Edwarda Director of Food & Beverage and Jaime Executive Chef, for planning such a great evening. Also thank you to the entire staff for a job well done.
At the end of the evening, shortly after the mandatory Champagne toasting for well wishes, life is really about friendships, family and some occasional delicious wines and foods!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sláinte,
Michael
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