Month: March 2025
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Grenache – With Cornish Game Hens
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes, a mesmerizing radiant purple hue that was semi-translucent. On the nose, aromas of bright Bing cherries and exotic tropical spicy notes wafted into the senses. On the palate, is where this “lightly colored” wine packs a world-class punch. Besides the cherries, strawberries coated in powdered sugar, wake up the mouth. Secondary flavors of cinnamon and vanilla rounded out the tasting experience. On the finish, a surprisingly welcomed number of tannins resided on the back of the throat with a hint of herbal sage. A complete and fulfilling Grenache was presented sip after sip. 167 cases were produced. It was aged 18 months in neutral French barrels.
Today’s vintage is 2023 and is even a bit spicier and the current price is $37.
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
Having roasted Cornish game hens for dinner at a friend’s house for dinner. Not a typical wine pairing, at least for me. Options included Pinot Noir, Rhone varieties, Chardonnay and even Rosé wines. Went with the Grenache based on memory. The Cornish hens were roasted and delicious. Accompanied by roasted potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts with caramelized onions and a fresh garden salad. The Cornish game hens were moist and tender with the Grenache providing definition but without overpowering the meat. A wonderful food and wine pairing.
The Winery and Background
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.
We also enjoyed a few other wines with dinner that were all solid.
Photo by Peter Singh
Sláinte,
Michael
2023 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay & Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
First on the eyes a bright and deep golden color. Swirling the wine in the glass, you immediately see the thick and rich texture of this wine. On the nose when cold, a slight lime note wafted in the senses, but as it warmed up, green apple and a tinge of green tea was present. On the palate most notable was the weightiness of the wine in the mouth. Honeydew melon was the dominant flavor with both a buttery brioche dough and soft lemon zest and almond coming to the party. Also, on the finish a fresh star fruit quality was present. This year the wine encapsulated the mouth with a spring freshness.
The 2023 comes from two vineyards with 70% being Wisner and 30% being from Kalthoff Common area. These are on opposite sides of Livermore. Barrel treatment was 100% French oak with 32.5% being new, 30% being once used, and the balance being neutral. The wine was aged 9 months, and 900 cases were produced. The lees were stirred once every two weeks for five months. It was released in August 2024 at $36/bottle and comes in at 14.6% alcohol.
The 2022 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay won Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and fully expect the 2023 to do the same!
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 new recipe for Mexican street corn chicken chili. It sounded like a great recipe with rain forecasted for this evening. As you can see from the picture in the nook, it turned out to be a clear and mild day. That did not dampen the taste of the food.
The recipe called for boneless chicken breasts, yellow onion, diced jalapeno, chicken bone broth, sour cream, shredded Monterey jack cheese, minced garlic, dried Oregano, chili powder, sweet yellow corn, chopped cilantro, fresh squeezed lime juice, cornstarch, cotija cheese, bacon crumbles, avocado, diced pancetta, olive oil and tortilla strips.
There were a few options on a wine selection but with the cheese and chicken ingredients selected the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay. It turned out to be perfectly matched food and wine pairing with the Chardonnay, bringing a refreshing and calming effect on the meal. Interestingly, the Chardonnay contrast accentuated some of the spiciness in the dish.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Meso Cabernet Franc by LXV Wines – Dark, Alluring, Poetic and Intense
Photo from LXV Wines Website
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There is a fine line between poetry and wine. Add the rich and proud heritage of Indian culture, the descriptions become intertwined. When thinking about Indian poetry it conjures up rich imagery and philosophical depth. Adding a lyrical poetry element and you have an appropriate description of this wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First, Meso refers to mesoclimate for a specific vineyard site influenced by elevation, proximity to water and land gaps. It is between the larger macroclimate (region) and smaller microclimate (specific area within a vineyard). The 2022 Meso by LXV Wines Cabernet Franc is 100% Cabernet Franc. It comes from the Willow Creek District of the Paso Robles AVA. It was aged in 50% new French oak barrels (Quintessence Montpensier and Darnajou) and 50% used French oak.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes the almost black coloring of deep rich fruits entices one to partake of this elixir. Once the aromas waft from the glass, one is excited beyond ordinary expectations like a child on Christmas morning. On the palate, blackberry, ripe plum and soft vanilla pipe tobacco swirl about in the mouth. LXV Meso is all about textural experience and this on the palate exemplifies this with both sharp and embracing tannins. Counterbalanced with the concentrated and lively fruit. The long-lasting finish provides that rhythmic and lyrical enticement mentioned earlier with the similarity to poetry.
It is 100% Cabernet Franc and lists at $150/bottle. This year at the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition it received scores of Gold and Double Gold from two different sets of judges. One of the more enticing and rich Cabernet Franc wines tasted. It will make my annual Best Wines tasted for 2025.
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 filet mignon. Seasoned, seared and then BBQ’ed to medium rare. Danish Blue cheese crumbles topped off the steak. Accompanied by roasted potatoes with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and garlic French bread. Also, a fresh garden salad with Danish Blue cheese, fresh Roma tomatoes and green onions. The tannins cut through the tender meat and provided a perfect food and wine pairing.
The Winery and Wine Tasting Experience
LXV provides a unique tasting experience. So much so that they were rated one of the Top 10 tasting experiences as rated by USA Today. LXV, besides holding regular wine tasting, provide an optional spice pairing. The spice pairings are far reaching with Peruvian, Mystic Orient, Smolder Notes, Turkish Shores, Shmeli Suneli and many more spice packets. One is whisked away with their proprietary blends to capture the adventures of different cultures and culinary treats.
Photo of Neeta Mittal from their website
The idea of exotic spices started with Neeta’s mother in a town south of Mumbai. Her mother would regularly visit the spice markets to purchase fragrant herbs and spices to go with their handmade Tandoori Masala. One of the goals of spice tasting is to open the confined discussion of pH and acidity of wine to a broad horizon of international flavors.
Today they offer besides a variety of “Bordeaux influenced wines”, others like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Syrah and many more. For more information you can read a previously published story:
Sláinte,
Michael
6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition Awards by the People’s Choice Judges – Division Awards
Pictures of Awards from 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition from the People’s Choice Judges. Professional Judges awards were published the day before.
Grand Sweepstakes Overall Winner, Creekside Cellars – Grand Junction, Colorado
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal, Best of Show Southwest Division
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
Eastern Division, Best of Show – Chateau Niagara – Finger Lakes, NY
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
Central Division, Best of Show – Heineman Winery – Lake Erie, Ohio
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Bronze Medal
Northwest Division, Best of Show – Alexander Nicole Cellars – Prosser, Washington
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
Southwest Division, Best of Show – Creekside Cellars – Grand Junction, Colorado
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal, Grand Sweepstakes Overall
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
California Division, Best of Show – Overall for all California Price Categories, L’ Autre Cote – Livermore, California
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
California – Best of Category – less than $40 – Del Valle Winery, Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $41 to $55 – Wood Family Vineyards, Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold
Professional Judges –Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $56 to $70 – J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Paso Robles
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
California – Best of Category – $71 to $85 – Smith Madrone Vineyards
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
California – Best of Category – $86 to $105 – Ledson Winery & Vineyards – Kenwood
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
California – Best of Category – $106 and up – L ‘Autre Cote – Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medals
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medals
International Division – Best of Show – Pillitteri Estates Winery – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
Specialty Division – Best of Show – 3 Steves Winery – Rose – Livermore, California
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice – Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
Blend Division – Best of Show – 3 Steves Winery – Cab Franc & Zinfandel – Livermore, California
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
People’s Choice – Gold Medal
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
I was very impressed that the judges were able to discern the top picks from a variety of regions!
Hope you (and I) get a chance to taste some of these wines in the near future!
Slainte,
Michael Kelly
6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition Awards by the Professional Judges
Pictures of Awards from 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition from the Professional Judges. People’s Choice Judges awards will be published tomorrow.
Grand Sweepstakes Overall Winner, Yates Family Vineyard – Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
Eastern Division, Best of Show – Boundary Breaks Vineyard – Finger Lakes, NY
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
Central Division, Best of Show – Heineman Winery – Lake Erie, Ohio
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Bronze Medal
People’s Choice – Gold Medal
Northwest Division, Best of Show – Spangler Vineyards – Southern Oregon
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Southwest Division, Best of Show – Vivac Winery – New Mexico
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Gold Medal
California Division, Best of Show – Overall for all California Price Categories, Yates Family Vineyard
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – less than $40 – Darcie Kent, Lemmons Vineyard, Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
California – Best of Category – $41 to $55 – Mitchell Katz, Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $56 to $70 – Donati Family, Paso Robles
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $71 to $85 – Yates Family Vineyard
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal, Best of California
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $86 to $105 – Middle Oak Wines – Napa Valley
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $106 and up – L ‘Autre Cote – Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Best of Category, Double Gold Medals
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medals
International Division – Best of Show – Pillitteri Estates Winery – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
Specialty Division – Best of Show -Chateau Niagara Winery – Appassimento – Newfane, NY
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice – Silver Medal
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Blend Division – Best of Show – Philip Carter Winery – Hume, Virginia
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice – Bronze Medal
I was very impressed that the judges were able to discern the top picks from a variety of regions!
Hope you (and I) get a chance to taste some of these wines in the near future!
Slainte,
Michael Kelly
2022 J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines Cabernet Franc – Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover!
Background
Never were truer words stated by George Eliot in the 1860 novel “The Mill on the Floss”. So it can be said of judging wines often seen in grocery stores by the company they keep! Admittedly I had relegated J. Lohr wines as “grocery store” wines. That was without a doubt a total misgiving and corrected by the knowledgeable VP of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Steve Peck a couple of years ago. I am forever grateful for “getting the straight story” about the winery.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Here is an image of one of their “mass-produced” bottles that can be seen in grocery and liquor stores. Thinking that was the extent of the quality portfolio, I often walked by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines offering in stores much to my embarrassment.
They do have eight 145,000-gallon tanks on their property called Bottle Ready Tank Farm (BRTF) which is the equivalent of 60,000 cases in each tank! While they produce roughly 1.5 million cases (number from over 1 year ago) they do produce an array of other smaller lots of wines.
Having picked up a bottle of the 2022 J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines Cabernet Franc drove home Steve Peck’s point that while J. Lohr has many good quality mass-produced wines, they also have many artisan and hand crafted wines. This is just one of many. Others include the 2019 POM Cuvee which was a blend of 74% Merlot, 18% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. The POM comes from the Grand Cru wines of Pomerol in Bordeaux on the Right Bank. Beautiful cherry and blueberries were dominant on the taste buds along with a soft finish.
The second wine is the 2019 J.Lohr St.E! It is now one of my favorites consisting of 66% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot. The inspiration behind the St E label is for St. Emilion on the Right Bank. Black fruit with velvety tannins provided a long-lasting finish and stated to age up to 13 years.
Another was for 2020 J.Lohr PAU with inspiration from the Grand Cru wines of Pauillac district in Bordeaux. Mainly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions of other Bordeaux varietal wines to provide structure and layering, resulting in texture and complexity.
Two other noteworthy wines are the 2021 J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that was rated 95 points and comes from their vineyard in Napa Valley. It spent 18 months in 54% new French oak barrels. It is listed to age for 12 years. A donation is made by J. Lohr Winery of $3 for every bottle sold to the National Breast Cancer Foundation program.
The last wine I will mention to give a fuller understanding of their exquisite line up is really about is their 2015 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This is considered Jerry Lohr’s embodiment reflecting his decades providing his best wine to be enjoyed. It has received 98 points and is comprised of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Malbec.
There are many more……
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Opened this up the evening on the eve of the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition. It had been sitting in the cellar for over one year. I was pleased, startled and in awe of this wonderful wine. On the eyes, a dark and brooding brick and purple coloring. On the nose, fragrant aromas of dark berries and violets sprung forth like a young teenager heading to the Prom. On the palate layers upon layers of pure enjoyment and inspiration. Flavors of black cherries, blackberries, caressing oak, soft leather and smoky oak nuances. On the finish, strong and pronounced tannins, more reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but all so welcomed. Finishing with minerality, a touch of Pyrazines (bell pepper) and a long finish.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
It is listed at $60/bottle and was aged 16 months in French oak barrels. It comes in at 15.2% alcohol with only 367 cases produced. This Home Ranch Cabernet Franc not only made my annual Best Wines Tasted for 2025, but also is now on my personal best Cabernet Franc wines ever tasted!
History
Fifty years ago Jerry Lohr with little viticulture background ventured to California and found two areas that he thought could produce good wines: Monterey coast and Paso Robles. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco had the cool windy climate and rocky soils necessary to produce excellent Chardonnay. Ten years later in the 1980’s, he also realized Paso Robles was well suited for producing Bordeaux varietals with rich soils and large diurnal temperature swings between the warm summer days and the cooling breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fast forward, the growth of vineyards and planting was steadfastly adhered to with incremental acquisitions of property. Today over 1,400 acres are planted in Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County with a focus on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié, and Pinot Noir. Now add the 2,700 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles planted and producing Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines winery also owns 30 acres in Napa Valley producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Jerry’s vision has become a reality, producing many solid and award-winning wines with it now still being run as a family business.
One of many distinctions separating J. Lohr winery is their conscientious “farming for the future”. 2023 marks thirteen years since and continuously, J. Lohr became the first vineyard and winery in California to earn the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing from California Sustainable winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). Detailed information can be found on their website.
Sláinte,
Michael
The 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition Results – Dedicated Exclusively to Cabernet Franc Wines
Not all the bottles of competition shown (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 6th Annual Cabernet Franc Wine Competition was held yesterday on March 5th at the Copperopolis Armory. It was constructed in 1864 and is now a California designated Historical Site. The format for the blind competition utilizes the Danish system, where the wines are “bagged and tagged and marked with coded numbers”. There were four tables of wine judges (2 tables of Professional Judges and 2 tables People’s Choice Judges each with 3 judges at each table) voting on medal designation, Best of Category, Best of Show and Grand Sweepstakes Winner. If all could not agree on the medal, which does happens, then a lively discussion going over the key characteristics of the specific wine is debated to reach a consensus award by each group of judges.
In total there were eight Divisions this year. They were the Eastern Division, Central Division, Northwest Division, Southwest Division, California Divsiion, International, Blend (must be 50% Cab Franc) and Specialty (Cab Franc Ice Wine, Rose, Appassimento, Blanc, etc.). In total 96 wines entered the competition. The event started at 8:30 am and went non-stop, concluding at 2:30 pm with a luncheon for the judges and volunteers.
One of the two tables of Professional Judges (L to R-Tom Bender, Debra Miller, Martha)
The Grand Sweepstakes winner from the Professional Judges was the 2021 Yates Family Vineyard in Mount Veeder AVA in Napa Valley, California. Here they have 35 acres of hillside estate vineyards. It is 100% Cabernet Franc from their estate. In addition, they won Double Gold Medals, Best of Category and Best of Show from the Professional Judges. The People’s Choice Judges awarded them a Silver Medal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Grand Sweepstakes winner from the People’s Choice Judges was 2020 Creekside Cellars from Evergreen, Colorado. They are located at 7200 feet elevation. The grapes came from the Grand Valley AVA ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 elevation. They won Best of Category, Double Gold, Best of Show from the People’s Choice Judges and the Professional Judges awarded them a Silver Medal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Detail stories on the Grand Sweepstakes winners will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Below are the listing for Best of Class and Medal Awards (just showing Gold & Silver) for the various Divisions.
PROFESSIONAL JUDGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Division:
Best of Show: Boundary Breaks Vineyard from the Finger Lakes AVA in New York. They were also awarded Double Gold
Medal Awards:
Sheldrake Point – Gold (2022)
Philip Carter Winery – Gold (2022)
Wolffer Estate – Silver (2022)
Roanoke Vineyard “Poet” – Silver (2022)
Narmada Winery – Silver (2020)
Roanoke Vineyard “Gabby” – Silver (2022)
Quartz Rock Vineyard – Silver (2023)
Ducard Vineyards – Silver (2022)
Roanoke Vineyard “Merlot” – Silver (2022)
Chateau Niagara – Silver (2023)
Central Division:
Best of Show: Heineman Winery located in the Lake Erie AVA.
Northwest Division:
Best of Show: Spangler Vineyards located in Roseburg, Oregon. They also received Best of Class and a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Quady North Winery – Gold (Applegate Vineyard) – 2020
Camaraderie – Silver (2021)
Terra Vina – Silver (2022)
Alexander Nicole (2021)
Southwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Vivac Winery located in Dixon, New Mexico from the New Mexico AVA with their 2022 vintage.
Creekside Cellars – Silver (2020)
California USA Division:
Best of California Division overall: Yates Family Vineyard
Best of Category 1 (up to $40):
Best of Category: Darcie Kent Vineyards (Lemmons Vineyard) – 2023
Medal Awards:
Eco Terreno – Silver (2022)
Quest – Silver (2022)
Lava Cap – Silver (2022)
Sierra Vista – Silver (2022)
Fenestra – Silver (2021)
Revolution Wines – Silver (2022)
Fenestra – Silver (2022)
Best of Category 2 ($41 to $55):
Best of Category: Mitchell Katz located in Livermore, California. They also won Double Gold for their 2020 vintage.
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge – Double Gold (2022)
3 Steves – Double Gold (2019)
Notre Vue – Double Gold (2021)
Kenefick Ranch – Double Gold (2022)
McGrail Vineyards – Gold (2021)
Shale Canyon – Gold (2019)
Rosa Fierro Cellars – Gold (2021)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver (2022)
McKenzie-Mueller – Silver (2020)
L & M Vineyard – Silver (2021)
Wood Family Vineyard – Silver (2022)
Dracaena Wines Reserve – Silver (2022)
Le Vigne Winery – Silver (2022)
Omega Road – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 3 ($56 to $70):
Best of Category: Donati Family Vineyard for their 2021 vintage and Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Eco Terreno – Double Gold (2018)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Double Gold (2022)
Sequoia Grove – Gold (2021)
Titus Vineyards – Gold (2022)
Selin Cellars – Silver (2022)
Mid-Point Winery – Silver (2021)
Foxen Vineyard & Winery – Silver (2021)
Peltzer Winery – Silver (2020)
Best of Category 4 ($71 to $85):
Best of Category: Yates Family Vineyard for their 2021 from Mount Veeder AVA.
Medal Awards:
Smith-Madrone – Gold (2021)
Culmination – Gold (2022)
Brecon Estate – Silver (2022)
Bianchi Winery – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 5 ($85 to $105):
Best of Category: Middle Oak Wines for their 2021 vintage and Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Ledson Winery & Vineyards – Double Gold (2021)
Brecon Estate Reserve – Gold (2022)
Canard Vineyard – Silver (2021)
International Division
Best of Show: Pillitteri Estate Vineyard & Winery for their 2022 “Cellar” Cabernet Franc from Canada.
Medal Awards:
Le Monde – Silver (2020) from Italy
Pillitteri Estate Vineyard & Winery – Silver (2020 – paper label) from Canada
Specialty Division:
Best of Show: Chateau Niagara for their “Appassimento style” Cabernet Franc from Niagara County.
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Gold for their Ice Wine (2019)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver – Cab Franc Blanc (2024)
3 Steves Winery – Silver – Cab Franc Rose (2024)
Blend Division (must be 50% Cabernet Franc grapes):
Best of Show: 3 Steves Winery for their 2022 Blend receiving also a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Philip Carter (Ten Vines) – Gold (2023)
Foxen – Silver (2020)
Graveyard Vintage – Silver (2022)
Quady North – Silver (2022)
Toast Winery – Silver (2022)
Cuda Ridge – Silver (2022)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Silver (2022)
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE JUDGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Division:
Best of Show: Chateau Niagara for their 2023 from New York. Also Received Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Sheldrake Point – Gold (2022)
Wolffer Estate – Gold (2020)
Boundary Breaks – Silver (2023)
Wolffer Estate – Silver (2022)
Philip Carter Winery – Silver (2023)
Quartz Rock – Silver (2023)
Roanoke Vineyards – Silver (2022)
Glendale Ridge Vineyard – Silver (2020)
Central USA Division:
Best of Show: Heineman Winery located in the Lake Erie AVA and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Silver Crest – Silver (2019)
Northwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Alexander Nicole for their 2021 and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Spangler Vineyards – Silver (2021)
Quady North Winery – Silver (2020)
Camaraderie – Silver (2021)
Southwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Creekside Cellars for their 2020 and won Double Gold
Medal Awards:
Vivac Winery – Gold (2022)
California USA Division:
Best of California Division overall was L’Autre Cote from Livermore and won Double Gold.
Best of Show for Category 1 (up to $40
Del Valle – Double Gold (2021)
Medal Awards:
Darcie Kent Vineyards – Double Gold (Strong Silent, 2021)
Fenestra – Double Gold (2022)
Eco Terreno – Silver (2022)
Quest – Silver (2023)
Lava Cap – Silver (2022)
Sierra Vista – Silver (2022)
Revolution Wines – Silver (2022)
Best of Category 2 ($41 to $55):
Best of Category: Wood Family Vineyards – Double Gold (2022)
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge Wines – Double Gold (2022)
McGrail Vineyards – Double Gold (2021)
Le Vigne – Gold (2022)
McKenzie-Mueller – Gold (2020)
Darcie Kent Vineyards – Gold (2022, Stone Patch)
Mitchell Katz – Gold (2020)
Kennefick Ranch – Gold (2022)
Rosa Fierro Cellars – Silver (2021)
Notre Vue – Silver (2021)
Omega Road – Silver (2021)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver (2022)
Cinnabar Winery – Silver (2022)
Dracaena Wines – Silver (2022)
L & M Vineyards – Silver (2021)
Dracaena Wines, Reserve – Silver (2022)
3 Steves – Silver (2019)
Schema – Silver (2023)
Ancient Peaks – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 2 ($56 to $70):
Best of Category: J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines and won Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Peltzer Family – Double Gold (2020)
Titus Vineyards – Gold (2022)
Donati Family – Silver (2021)
Selin Cellars – Silver (2022)
Eco Terreno – Silver (2018)
Sequoia Grove – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 3 ($71 to $85):
Best of Category: Smith-Madrone Vineyards for their 2021 and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Yates Family Wine – Silver (2021)
Culmination – Silver (2022)
Brecon Estate – Silver (2022)
Bianchi Winery – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 4 ($86 to $105):
Best of Category: Ledson Winery for their Moon Mountain 2021. They also won Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Brecon Estate Reserve – Gold (2022)
Canard Vineyard – Silver (2021)
Middle Oak Wines – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 5 ($106 & up):
Best of Category: L’ Autre Cote for their 2022 from Livermore and winning Double Gold
Medal Awards:
LXV Wines – Double Gold (2022)
International Division:
Best of Show: Pillitteri (paper label) for their 2020 and a Silver Medal
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Silver “Cellar” (2020)
Specialty Category:
Best of Show: 3 Steves for their 2024 Rosé using one Cabernet Franc and 2 different Cabernet grapes. Also won a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Gold for Ice Wine (2019)
Quady North – Silver for sparkling (2021)
Chateau Niagara – Silver for Appassimento style (2023)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver for Blanc (2024)
Cabernet Franc Blends (being a minimum of 50% Cabernet Franc grapes)
Best of Show: 3 Steves for their 2022 and a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge Wines – Silver (2022)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Silver (2022)
Foxen – Silver (2020)
Graveyard Vineyards – Silver (2020)
Toast Winery – Silver (2023)
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A very special thank you to both sets of judges and volunteers without which this event could not have happened!
Professional Judges were Tom Bender, Debi Miller and Martha Dunne picture at beginning of story. Unfortunately the second table did not get their picture taken consisting of Mike Dunne, Tana Cole and Michelle Becker.
People’s Choice Judges, left to right: Scott Behiel, Gary Miller and Peter Singh.
People’s Choice Judges, left to right: Chris Cox, Greg Pelican and Candy Strubbe.
No pictures of the volunteers who literally were on their feet all day running wine! A big hearty thanks!!
Susan Kelly
Ansuiya Singh
Suzanne McElroy
Mary Goulart
Darlene Besst
Patty Powers
Two special shout outs: First to Joe Goulart & Peter Singh who helped with the 6:30 am set up unloaded all the wines from cars! And the second to Susan Kelly who took on gathering and securing all the food, non-alcoholic beverages and serving materials as she was acting for the group as CEO, Catering Executive in charge of Ordering.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2018 Palazzo Cabernet Franc – An Elegant Wine
Background
Scott Palazzo has entered the International Cabernet Franc Competition for several years. Over the years he has won consistently Gold and Double Gold for his Cabernet Franc. Enjoyed last evening his 2018 and it was a treat to taste this exquisite wine.
The Winery
Picture from Palazzo website
Scott Palazzo’s background is both unique and fascinating how he ended up being a winemaker. Scott grew up in an Italian family which influenced both his understanding of wine as an everyday event as well as with food and celebrations. At age 19, Scott set out with his guitar on his back and ended up in Europe. There he ended up in Saint Émilion (on the Right Bank of Bordeaux’s Gironde River). This became his wine paramount experience shaping his palate for years to come and the foundation for Palazzo Wine some 20+ years later. In 2003, after establishing a career as a television director/producer (nominated Grammy for Music Video & Television Director/Producer), he began searching for a similar terroir that he enjoyed while living in Saint Émilion.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Key to his success was his charismatic and energetic personality! Scott combined his experience with Old World wine in the cellar with New World fruit from lower Napa Valley rolling hills. Today his wines are featured by some of the world’s most famous wine restaurants. A small partial listing is French Laundry, Gary Danko, Michael Mina, Per, Daniel, Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Spago, Bouchon, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Emeril’s, Valintino’s, etc. The full list of restaurants can be found on his website, suffice to say, in any major city, find a prestigious restaurant and you will find Palazzo Wine!
Today Scott’s portfolio of wines includes his Master Blend Series (Left Bank Cuvee, Chardonnay, Rosé) and Reserve Wine Series (Cuvee Blanc, Right Bank Blend, Cabernet Franc).
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Scott started making his Cabernet Franc exclusively for The French Laundry in Yountville. This catapulted his wine instantly to “cult status”. This story is on his 2018 vintage of Cabernet Franc. On the eyes, this is a very deep crimson red color with medium-heavy viscosity. What wafts into the nose is a symphony of aromas from floral notes of crushed violets to red fruits like cherries and raspberries. Once entering the mouth all parts of the orchestrated flavors burst into a flavor profile like the 1812 Overture. Red and black cherries, subtle spices like pepper are counterbalanced with hints of dark chocolate. On the finish only a hint of pyrazines (herbal notes), this wine is vibrant, yet silky smooth beckoning one to take another sip. Structured and defined layers with silky smooth tannins and still some with defined edges are present. One of the smoothest finishes on a world class Cabernet Franc I have tasted. This wine is 14.1% alcohol and 2018 was rated 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck. The current release is 2019 and won Gold at Sommeliers Choice Awards. It is priced around $119 and rated 96 points by Wine Advocate.
Sláinte,
Michael
When The Stars Align!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Last evening I had a beautiful meal (for me) with one of my favorite Chardonnay wines. I happened to pick up some fresh Dungeness crab meat Saturday evening in Half Moon Bay at the wharf. Fresh Dungeness crab has always been one of my go to meals when the season is not truncated. It has been for migrating whales getting caught up in the basket ropes. Add to this some tangy red seafood sauce and the stars were aligned.
In addition, my wife made some deviled eggs with Tabasco and topped them off with a sprinkling of smoked paprika.
Now for the third ingredient, the 2023 Wood Family Vineyards Chardonnay. First on the eyes a bright and deep golden color. Swirling the wine in the glass, you immediately see the thick and rich texture of this wine. On the nose when cold, a slight lime note wafted in the senses, but as it warmed up, green apple and a tinge of green tea was present. On the palate most notable w the weightiness of the wine in the mouth. Honeydew melon was the dominant flavor with both buttery brioche dough and soft lemon zest and almond coming to the party. Also, on the finish a fresh star fruit quality was present. This year the butter scotch finish was not present, yet the wine encapsulated the mouth with a spring freshness. This wine has made my annual Best Wines Tasted during the year and will again for 2025.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Each of these three items are some of my favorites. It was a good night!
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Ehret Family Vineyards Merlot -Turning Miles (from the movie Sideways) Upside Down
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
It has been almost a year since I tasted this exquisite wine and my critique of it has only intensified. Miles, the character played by Paul Giamatti, caused extraordinary damage to the Merlot wine market in the 2004 movie Sideways with his irrational distain of Merlot. While not the theme of the movie, Miles outright hatred of Merlot was a sub-theme while he and his friend were struggling to cope with their addictions, middle age and breaking out of their ordinary lives. The impact of the movie resulted in Merlot, which had been 20% of California production dropping to 13%. Consequently, it gave an unprecedented rise to Pinot Noir. By 2017, Pinot Noir production surpassed Merlot for the first time and hasn’t fallen behind since.
Photo cover of their book
More economic impact on the wine industry and details can be found in an article by Steven S. Cuellar, PhD from Sonoma State University’s Economic Dept.: https://winebusinessanalytics.com/sections/printout_article.cfm?content=61265&article=feature . Also a recent book was published called “Sideway Uncorked” by Kirk Honeycutt & Mira Advani Honeycutt which is a great read on this cultural changing movie phenomenon.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the key lines in the movie Sideways was from Miles stating “No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any #*&%-ing Merlot!” If Miles had tasted this wine, he would be a changed man! This wine on the eyes was dark, brooding color and enticing, not a “plain Jane” Merlot coloring. Lush purple and lively on the eyes with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose ripe plums and red cherries wafted into the olfactory senses. Once on the palate, a combination of the juicy plum but not sweet enliven and dance in the mouth. Also, a beeswax coating surrounding the palate. The finish gives a hint of vanilla and concludes with noticeable tannins in the back of the mouth and a chewiness note often found with Merlot. This is one strong Merlot to be reckoned with and with layers of enjoyment. This is one of four Merlot’s that I consider noteworthy to be in the cellar and aged.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The current vintage is 2021 and is listed at $69/bottle. This wine tonight made my annual Best Wines Tasted in the year 2025. This is one of only a handful of Merlot’s that are robust, bold and targeted for Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers!
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
This wine was chosen to go with tonight’s dinner of a tenderized and 24 hour marinaded tri tip steak. It was marinated in Chaka sauce, seared on the BBQ at 1500 on each side for 3 minutes to capture the juices. Then BBQ’ed at medium heat to a medium rare level. Accompanied by a Russet potato and fresh garden salad of iceberg lettuce, pepitas, freshly cooked bacon pieces and green onions. Only a hand full of Merlot wines could handle and pair as comfortably with this steak as did Ehret’s Merlot. The meal provided a varied range and intensity of flavors with both the dinner and wine in concert.
The Winery
Photo from Ehret Family
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.
Sláinte,
Michael
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