Month: July 2024
2022 Benmarl Winery, Cabernet Franc from the Oldest Vineyard in America!
Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Benmarl Winery won the People’s Choice Best of Show at the 5th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition in the “Eastern Division” for their 2022 estate vintage. They were up against a strong field of contenders. Additionally their Cabernet Franc in the Eastern Division received a Double Gold Medal from the People’s Choice Judges.
The Winery
Photo from Benmarl Winery Facebook page
Wine has been made from the grapes of Hudson Valley since the 17th century. The history runs deep with Benmarl Winery since purchasing the winery in 2006. Not content to sit on their historical laurels, Victor Spaccarelli, Jr, the proprietor, is constantly producing small batch wines coming from their 37 acre estate overlooking the Hudson River Valley. They are located in Marlboro only 70 miles from New York City.
Picture from Hudson Valley Wine Magazine https://hvwinemag.com/
Winemaker Matthew Spaccarelli is experimenting with new varietals and hybrids as he believes “global warming is creating new challenges as well as opening doors to opportunities that were never seen before” in the Hudson Valley Region. Additionally they are addressing issues of sustainability with a commitment to responsibility to the property.
Today they are producing besides their Cabernet Franc, red wines of Malbec, Merlot and various blends. For white wines they are producing Chardonnay (both stainless steel and oak processes), Riesling and Seyval Blanc. They also have couple of Rosés and even an effervescent called Pétillant.
Hudson Valley Region is claiming their rightful heritage in the world of fine wines. Benmarl and their “sister winery” Fjord Vineyards are living up to and exceeding the challenge. For more on Fjord Vineyards who won Best of Show from the Professional Judges click:
2022 Fjord Vineyards Cabernet Franc – Eastern Division Best of Show at International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine on the eyes was surprisingly darker than anticipated for a NY Cabernet Franc which was exciting to see as most are lighter coloring like a Cabernet Franc from Chinon. Still a medium viscosity in the glass. On the nose fragrant violets and cherry arose to the olfactory senses. On the palate, red cherries and blackberries burst forth as dominant flavors. Secondary flavors of eucalyptus, soft winter pipe tobacco and black pepper calmed down some of the fruit. A solid counterbalance. On the finish soft and silky tannins with herbaceous notes provided an enduring crescendo to the sipping of this award winning 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
It was fitting to have the oldest winery in America over the 4th of July weekend! With warm temperatures in California (7 days over 100 degrees and 6 forecasted to come), wanted a simple Americano meal to enjoy with this wine. A BBQ burger with condiments and a few French fries rounded out the dinner in the heat of the day and evening. A very good food and wine combination, but now I know this wine could hold up to a nice ribeye or filet steak!
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Ledson Winery & Vineyards Dutton Ranch Chardonnay
The Winery
Photo from Ledson Winery website
The story begins in England in 1896 and is detailed on the website https://ledson.com/discover-ledson/history/ . It is a tale of hard work, family ties and a desire to do more for the community. Steve Ledson’s history is both unique and common—unique with background and successful venture and common with family ties. His demeanor and casual manner bespeaks volumes.
The Castle is the official tasting room of Ledson Winery and the architecture and construction alone are worth the visit! Ledson Winery offers the largest premium wine portfolio of any family owned winery in the United States. Today their offering numbers more than 70 wines annually! More information on Ledson Winery can be found at:
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Picked up this wine back in May of 2022 with a great visit to Ledson Winery with friends and hosted by the knowledgeable and always energetic Jerry Padilla.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes, a bright light straw coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose the wine came alive with aromas of honeysuckle and poached pear. On the palate, honeydew melon, almond and apple swirled about and delivered a spectacularly refreshing and full filling Chardonnay. On the finish, a light buttery flavor and minerality lingered with the rich creaminess of the wine.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Only 365 cases were produced of this Chardonnay and was kept in both stainless steel drums and 75% French neutral oak and 25% new French oak for 10 months. The price was $58/bottle. Today they have various other award winning Chardonnay wines but not the Dutton Vineyards. This wine was rated 94 points and received a Platinum Medal at the 2021 Winemaker Challenge in San Diego. This also just made my Best Wines Tasted in 2023 and will again in 2024. The listing comes out annually each 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
Photo ©Michael Kelly
With the sixth day of triple digit heat, always looking for something cool and refreshing and not warming up the house with any further cooking! Tonight it was large prawns with a cocktail sauce with additional horseradish for good measure. Accompanied by an artichoke and a couple of slices of fresh sourdough bread. Also a pre-packaged Asian style chopped salad with mix chopped vegetables, white meat chicken, fire-roasted edamame, crispy wonton strips, almonds and sunflower kernels with sesame ginger miso dressing. The wine was absolutely delicious with each bite of the prawns and the salad. Cool and refreshing is the mantra with triple digit heat staying with us for another seven days per the forecast.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Iron Hub Chardonnay and Spicy Yellowfin Tuna – A Perfect Match
The Winery
Photo from Iron Hub Winery website
The winery was founded by Tom Jones from Lava Cap Winery fame in the Apple Hill area near Placerville. Tom completed his master’s degree in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis, and for almost 30 years developed award-winning wines. Tom and his wife Beth’s new endeavor began in 2014 with the purchase of the 33 acre property that had been known as Amador Foothill Winery. Having control of the grapes from vineyard to bottle was key in his quest for quality control with 17 acres planted in vines.
The name of the winery came about from Tom’s mountain sojourns in the area. On an adventure he discovered an antique, hand-forged wagon wheel hub in a remote area. Thus this small winery on Steiner Road drew a parallel with his goal of making small lot artisan wines similar to the craftsmanship of the “iron hub” he found on a walk. The beautiful new tasting room was opened in December 2017.
Spencer, their son, following in his father’s footsteps by also graduating from UC Davis with a master’s degree from the Department of Viticulture and Enology, is the winery’s Assistant winemaker. Today, they form a dynamic father-son winemaking team. Tom and Spencer enjoy and demand a hands-on approach to every aspect of the winemaking process, from tending the grapes in the estate vineyards to carefully crafting both red and white wines. They recently added 10 acres managing the Spanish Creek site they are leasing. Having now 27 acres of “estate property” to manage is keeping them very busy. Tom has stated that “Our estate affords me creative control from the vine to the bottle”.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Chardonnay typically does not do well in the warmer climate of Amador County and when first was offered it I was taken back. It was explained that the vineyard for this wine is in Amador County but located at a much higher elevation called Spanish Creek vineyard in the Sierras at an elevation of 2700 feet. The cooler climate is ideal for producing exquisite Chardonnay grapes.
The small lot 2021 Chardonnay on the eyes was a golden straw color with medium viscosity. The first aroma on the nose, was like a lightning strike! Fruits of green apple and pear shouted out their presence in the glass. Secondary flavor of dry apricots were also present. From the first sip a creamy textural wine with previously mentioned fruits came together like a well-orchestrated symphony. Added to the mix was vanilla which was just slightly present on nose and became infused in the glass with gentle oak overtones. The finish was long, poised and glamorous like a family portrait with a hint of brioche. It sells for $34 a bottle and for my money an excellent price for such a high quality wine. It comes in at 14.7% alcohol.
Aged in 34% new French oak barrels and the remainder being neutral French oak. Held in the barrels for 12 months and went through 100% malolactic fermentation. Immediately, this wine made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted in 2024 (list 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
Photo ©Michael Kelly
When the temperature hits triple digits, always looking for something “refreshing”. My wife picked up a fresh Yellowfin tuna steak yesterday and last night tried a “new presentation”. Placed in an aluminum foil on the BBQ with olive oil, garlic salt, Himalayan sea salt, pepper, black sesame seeds, red chili flakes and Shichimi Togarashi spice. Served with a medley of cut pineapple and Mandarin oranges. The wine welcomed the spiciness of the fish and provided a great counterbalance of cooling refreshment to the dish.
Sláinte,
Michael
Livermore Valley Vintners Collective – 2021 Wood Family Vineyards Red Wine
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background on Livermore Valley Vintners Collective
The background on the Livermore Valley Vintner’s Collective (LVVC) started out with six small family run wineries with a purpose. Livermore Valley Vintners Collective is a group of highly motivated and creative winemakers residing in the Livermore Valley. Driven by collaboration and inspiration, the group decided to begin a winemaking project. At the core were a few central questions: What would happen if you give a group of winemakers a framework of varietals and ask them to make a wine. One that is totally unique, accessible and interesting. A representation of the specified grapes from the appellation, but with the fingerprints of each personality. Would you end up with similar wines? Would they be drastically different? Other rules apply like not have any more than 50% being new barrels, for the 2021 30-40% Cabernet Sauvignon and no more than 25% of any one of the other varietals, etc. Check out the LVVC website at: https://www.lvvc.net/
2021 LVVC Wood Family entry was 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Zinfandel, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Grenache and 3% Petite Sirah.
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards website
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
This year 2024, at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (largest in North America), Wood Family Vineyards won the following awards and not all are listed:
2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold
2021 Malbec – Double Gold
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon “Clone 30” – Double Gold
2021 El Loco Rojo Red Blend – Double Gold
2021 Captain Red Blend – Double Gold
2022 Chardonnay – Gold
For a complete listing see their website listed below.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is a kindred spirit to a typical symphony with four movements. The first addressing the mind, the second targeting the heart, the third a wake call with up tempo music and the fourth/final movement a strong and powerful, stirring and cheerful rendition of the previous movements. So it is with the 2021 Wood Family Vineyards LVVC Red Blend. It starts off focused on the intellect trying to dissect varying and contrasting flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon (robust, chewy, leather), Zinfandel (spices of holiday cheer, an abundance of fruit, not sweet, but more like preserves of blackberry, plums and boysenberry), Cabernet Franc (herbs, pepper, earthiness), Grenache (bright cherry, ripe fruit, licorice) and Petite Sirah (intense and chewy flavors of plums, dark fruits and blackberry).
The second movement is the heart of the blend, flavors and aromas bursting with flavors of cocoa, and velvety tannins. The third movement is the wakeup call focused on easy to drink Cabernet Sauvignon contrasting to the robust fruit of the Zinfandel and herbaceousness of the Cabernet Franc. The final crescendo pulling it all together, is the combination of red fruits, coffee, herbs, blackberry and layers upon layers of opulence and exuberance picking up all the nuances of the various components.
Alcohol is 14.7 % and listed at the winery at $45/bottle. It is now released. The wine was aged 18 months in a mix of 50% new oak with 40% being American oak, 9% French oak and 1% new Hungarian oak. The wine was also in bottle an additional 14 months before being released.
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 evening was Jalapeño meatloaf. Ingredients included ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced jalapeño peppers (7), minced garlic and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The sauce on top of the meatloaf was a combination of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey and chill powder. Accompanied by a half of a Russet potato with freshly cut chives and sautéed cremini mushrooms with asparagus that hit the spot!
This wine was specifically chosen for the meal with the following criteria: the meat with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon to engulf the beef, 25% Zinfandel with its fruit to “cool down” the Jalapeño peppers and chili sauce, and having the Cabernet Franc synch up with its herbaceousness with the mushrooms. An excellent food and wine pairing!
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Wood Family Vineyards Syrah. Rated Highly by Local Gnomes!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards website
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
This year 2024, at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (largest in North America), Wood Family Vineyards won the following awards and not all are listed:
2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold
2021 Malbec – Double Gold
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon “Clone 30” – Double Gold
2021 El Loco Rojo Red Blend – Double Gold
2021 Captain Red Blend – Double Gold
2022 Chardonnay – Gold
Their 2019 was awarded 95 points & won Double Gold at the Orange County Wine Fair. The 2022 is surely destined to win awards also.
For a complete listing see their website listed below.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is destined to be one of the Wood Family Vineyards quick sellers. First on the eyes, a deep almost “blackish” color but with a rim of mesmerizing magenta/purple hue and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, dark berries and violets are the predominate aromas that waft into your senses. But on the palate is where robust, dense and lively blackberry and blueberry flavors, along with red plums engulf the mouth with the fruit and black pepper. Tertiary flavors of clove and cherry cola are present. On the finish, velvety texture and very subtle tannins caress the back of the mouth to provide a long lasting enjoyable tasting. Listed at $38/bottle and only 60 cases produced. The wine was aged 18 months in a mixture of French and Hungarian oak with 30% being new oak, 20% Hungarian and 10% French. 100% Syrah varietal from the Clark vineyard in East Livermore.
Two out of two local gnomes recommended this wine especially during the summer!
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 sausage filled with pork, cheddar cheese and bacon! BBQ’ed and accompanied by roasted quartered and seasoned Yukon Gold potatoes and asparagus. The enveloping fruit of the wine provided a beautiful juxtaposition with the spicy BBQ’ed sausages. A wonderful wine with food and without food for a summer time enjoyment.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Ehret Family Zinfandel from Knights Valley
The Winery
Photo from Ehret Family website
The Ehret Family Winery owners are Pierre and Susan Ehret with their three children Alex, Christian and Isabella. They established the vineyard and started producing grapes in 1996 at the Bavarian Lion Vineyards. It is one of the largest estates in Knights Valley consisting of 1800 acres of both hillside and valley floor terrain. Currently 500 acres are planted in vineyards allowing the balance to provide an ecosystem for plants and birdlife to dwell. From 1996 they sold their fruit to some of the more well-known wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. In 2005, they selected the highest quality grapes and started their family brand, Ehret Family Winery. Today they produce various Cabernet Sauvignon’s, Red Blends, Zinfandel, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Their tasting room is located in Healdsburg at 422 Healdsburg Ave and appointments are required.
Map courtesy from Vintroux https://vineyardandwinerysales.com/
Knights Valley is located in Northern Sonoma County between Alexander Valley and over the Napa Valley border next to Calistoga.
The winemaker is Erin Green who has been there since 2015. Previously Erin has had experience at Sonoma-Cutrer, Vinewood Cellars and Napa Wine Company. She has also blended wines for various premium projects such as Bryant Family, Colgin Cellars, Martinelli Winery and Pahlmeyer. From 2000-2012 Erin was the winemaker and Director of Winegrowing at Pahlmeyer.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Admittedly not being a big fan of Zinfandel, I was turned around after enjoying this delicious wine! My earlier experiences of Zinfandel were of the “fruit-bomb” characteristics and since then have shied away when given a chance to taste Zinfandels.
First on the eyes, a dark and enticing purple coloring greeted you in the glass. On the nose, aromas of blueberry and freshly picked raspberries exuded from the wine glass to the olfactory senses. At this point my a priori knowledge of Zinfandel was shattered and I was about to experience something wonderful. On the palate, blackberry preserves and blueberries were dominant. Secondary soft tones of licorice and Christmas spices were present (nutmeg, cinnamon). On the finish one of the gentler landing in the mouth with a meaty, fruit but non-sweet and light oak taste providing a fine waltz begging for another sip.
For the 2021 only 125 cases produced and it comes in at 15.5% alcohol. The wine was aged 18 months in 40% new French oak barrels. It received an awarded of 93 points and a Gold Medal at the American Fine Wine Competition. The current release is the 2022 and is listed at $60/bottle and 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
With the temperatures hitting three digits, wanting a cool and refreshing meal last evening. A chicken taco salad was the right choice. Shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker with spicy salsa on a bed of iceberg lettuce, sliced purple onions, cheddar cheese, roasted yellow corn and quartered cherry tomatoes. The Zinfandel wine with its dark fruit, calmed down the spiciness of the chicken and provided a refreshing wine pairing with the dinner.
This is both an excellent wine for food pairings as well as drinking without food.
This wine will make my annual report for Best Wines tasted in 2024 that comes out in December. I am now a converted Zinfandel fan especially for Ehret’s Zinfandel!
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Pinot Noir with Blackened Mahi Mahi and Romesco Sauce
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards website
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.
Background on Pinot Noir
The name Pinot Noir derives from the French words “pine” and “black” as the grape’s tight pine cone clusters and dark color. Pinot Noir has origins dating back to the first century AD. Roman’s most likely expanded the plantings of Pinot Noir during their empire reign. The phylloxera crisis devastated vineyards across France and did not spare Pinot Noir. In the following years, many Pinot Noir clones were introduced with each having specific attributes including resistance to certain diseases, yield levels, distinct aromatics and flavor profiles. The most notable clones and commonly found today are 115, 667 and 777.
Geographically, California Pinot Noir presents more upfront fruit flavors, ripeness and a fuller body due to the warmer climate. Oregon cooler climate has a subtler fruit with pronounced earthy and mineral qualities.
In California Pinot Noir is the second largest planting of red wine grapes being 16% of the acreage (46,134). Number one being Cabernet Sauvignon with 92,364 or 33%. Zinfandel and Merlot follow with 37,601 and 32,978 respectively from the 2023 United State Agriculture Statistics Report. The latest numbers show Pinot Noir being the 5th most planted red wine grape in the world.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The grapes for this Pinot Noir come from the Nella Terra vineyard located at the top of the Sunol grade. This area gets the cool breezes from the San Francisco Bay in the late afternoon and is typically much cooler than Livermore Valley, but both being in Alameda County.
On the eyes a semi-transparent ruby red coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose red berries and tart cranberries are predominant. On the palate the wine provides a mouthful feeling of texture along with the strawberry and cherry fruits. On the finish, the tartness provides the classical puckering in the mouth as well as the fruit counterbalanced with pepper and clove.
This inaugural wine will be available on July 18th for their summer release event. Only 65 cases were produced. Aged 9 months in 100% neutral French barrels. One unique process was saving about 10-15% of the grapes as full grape clusters without destemming. This was added to the destemmed fruit for fermentation to increase the complexity and fruitiness of the wine. The wine will be sold at $50/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
Chose this wine to pair with this evening with our Friday Night Wine & Dine group. Not necessarily a “common pairing” having a blackened Mahi Mahi with a Romesco sauce, smashed potatoes and green beans with salsa Verde. The Romesco sauce is a bit unique in that it is a tomato based sauce originated in Catalonia in the province of Tarragona, Spain. Fisherman in the area made the sauce to be paired with locally caught fish. It is typically made in a mixture of roasted tomatoes, garlic, almonds, pine nuts, olive or sunflower oil and peppers. Other ingredients can include sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, onions, fennel and even mint. An excellent sauce!
The flaky Mahi Mahi was excellent with the Pinot Noir absorbing the blackened fish with fruit flavors and rounding out the finish. The wine, in my opinion is definitely a food wine as opposed to a standalone drinking wine as it was wholly enhanced with food. Next time will be pairing it with a pork tenderloin.
Other wines enjoyed this evening were:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Sláinte,
Michael
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