2019 Cellar 13 Cabernet Sauvignon with Filet Mignon Steak
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Darin Winton came from the public water services at a local municipality and while not necessarily turning water into wine he is now producing many award-winning wines! Even before retiring, Darin got his start doing volunteer work at 3 Steves Winery on his vacation, since he enjoyed their wines in Livermore and even volunteered for two weeks in Chile during harvest. There he learned “old world” techniques in winemaking, especially for Carménère. The fascination of harvesting by hand and using gravity to move wine around aroused his curiosity. In 2017, this winery where he was doing his training, allowed him to make a few small batches of wine with Livermore Valley fruit. He is indebted to 3 Steves Winery for allowing him to experience winemaking from the ground up and their subtle oversight and tutelage. Pictured below is Darin and Gail Henderson, his fiancée who assists in the marketing and sales for Cellar 13.
Photo courtesy of Cellar 13
Just two years later in 2019, his 2017 Chardonnay won Double Gold at the San Francisco Wine Competition – a real accomplishment and validation for his new venture. So now in 2023 he has won the following awards:
CHARDONNAY
* 2017 Chardonnay – Double Gold – 2019 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2018 Chardonnay – Gold Medal Winner 94 points – 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition
* 2019 Chardonnay – Best in Class Winner – 2021 Livermore Valley Uncorked Wine Competition (Best Chardonnay in Livermore), Gold Medal Winner – 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
ALBARIÑO
* 2021 Albariño – Silver Medal Winner -2022 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
* 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon – Double Gold Medal Winner -2020 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver Medal Winner -2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon – Double Gold Medal Winner 97 points – 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, Gold Medal Winner – 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
BORDEAUX BLENDS
* 2017 Tsogadu (13 in Cherokee) – Left Bank Bordeaux Style Blend – Gold Medal Winner -2020 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2018 Tsogadu (13 in Cherokee) – Left Bank Bordeaux Style Blend – Gold Medal Winner – 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
* 2019 Aliheliga (“Grateful” in Cherokee) – Right Bank Bordeaux Style Blend – Best in Class Winner – 2023 Livermore Valley Uncorked Wine Competition, Gold Medal Winner – 2022 SF Chronicle Wine Competition.
OTHER REDS
* 2019 Cabernet Franc – Double Gold Medal – 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition, 2023 Silver Medal at the International Cab Franc Wine Competition
* 2017 Merlot – Silver Medal Winner – 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
In 2017 Darin produced 180 cases and in 2019 production increased to 475 cases. Beyond 2020, Darin has created a wine club and in 2023 produced about 800 cases. He has introduced many new wines into his portfolio, and they are winning awards from various organizations! He is a man on mission to bring some extraordinary wines to market in a very short time!
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the wine, which was just released October 2024, this wine already has received 97 points from Sunset International Wine Competition and Double Gold from the Orange County Wine Competition.
On the eyes a deep magenta and purple coloring, showing brightness and clarity and a full body. On the nose fragrant floral aromas of roses and violets. On the palate, beautiful red raspberries and red cherries dominate. Secondary flavors of red plum and even nectarine was present. On the finish velvety tannins coated the mouth with a tinge of jaggedness noted, along with powdery cocoa flavors and vanilla.
It is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and 3% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard is from the eastern portion of Livermore. The wine was processed with 100% pump overs then barreled in 50% new French oak for 18 months. It is listed at $45/bottle and only 125 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
Pulled this wine to pair this evening with a BBQ’ed filet mignon. First seared at 1500 degrees and then BBQ’ed and served medium rare and topped with a creamy blue cheese crumbles . Accompanied by infused mashed potatoes using two different blue cheeses, one for intense flavoring and the other for creaminess. Also sauteed asparagus was served. This was a beautiful and delicious food and wine pairing for the night.
Sláinte,
Michael