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Acquiesce Winery, 2019 Ingénue Uncommon and Profound
The Winery
Susan Tipton’s Acquiesce Winery features exquisite white French wines exclusively. When Susan Tipton founded Acquiesce Winery, she was on a mission unique to Lodi AVA and in fact, most AVA’s areas. She sought to offer only white Rhone wines. She was chastised and admonished why she should not focus on solely white wines. Yet based on her passion and life experiences in France, she proceeded without wavering. She sourced and planted the best vines from the Chateau de Beaucastel of Chateauneuf du Pape on her quest. Today she has and continues making artisan and award winning boutique wines. Her awards are too numerous to list. For the full story on Acquiesce see a previous story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2018/09/09/acquiesce-winery-vineyards-an-unique-offering/
The Wine – 2019 Acquiesce Ingénue
The wine features a combination of French varietals in her 2019 Acquiesce Ingénue. Don’t let the name fool you as its definition states “an innocent or unsophisticated young woman, especially in a play or film”. This is a unique white blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc and Picpoul Blanc. The gestalt of this wine, when you combine the Grenache Blanc (pleasant minerality with hints of green apple and apricot), Bourboulenc, a rare varietal in the United States with as Susan states “…beeswax on the nose, citrus flavors of orange and key lime…..with a honeyed finish”, Picpoul (with pineapple, lemon custard and floral nose) and Clairette Blanche (again an uncommon varietal in California (with a medium-heavy viscosity, mild grapefruit and a floral bouquet) you have an exquisite and one of kind experience. Truly a symphony of flavors to be enjoyed. Each of the varietals received an award winning Gold, Double Gold Medals or Best of Class in various competitions. The 2019 Ingénue won Double Gold at the 2021 American Fine Wine Competition and a Gold Medal at the 2021 Orange County Wine Society Wine Competition. Some of her wines have been awarded 98 points and in 2022 Sue Tipton was honored as the Best Woman Winemaker from the International Women’s Wine Competition! The current release is the 2021 Ingénue and is listed at $36/bottle. A great uncommon find and worthy of honor in any cellar!
The Food and Wine Pairing
Our Friday Wine & Dine group met at Verona18 restaurant last Friday evening. I pulled this wine out of the cellar as several specials were being offered. A special appetizer caught my attention of a lightly fried plate of artichoke hearts. It was prepared with spices and drizzled with lemon juice and an accompanying aioli sauce of butter and garlic.
The evening special fish was fresh swordfish with a medley of fresh fruit salsa along with vegetables and rice. The meal and wine were absolutely a match made in heaven!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.acquiescevineyards.com/
https://coppervalley.com/dining/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
Above the Rush Wines – 2019 Tempranillo
The Winery
It was by happenstance I noticed a new (for me) winery called Above the Rush in village of Vallecito on Highway 4 on my way to Murphys in the Sierra foothills. On the return trip, I took a gander to see what Above the Rush Wines was about. I was greeted by a welcoming Sheri Hendriks who owns the winery with Rob, her husband. It turns out it is a second label from Aloria Vineyards located in Murphys. I briefly tasted a couple of Aloria wines about 2-3 years ago but have never participated in an in depth review of the wines. So this turned out to an excellent opportunity to get some background for Above the Rush as well as Aloria Vineyards.
Sheri provided the detailed background on their property of 120 acres with 52 acres being planted. It is on a valley and hillside with magnificent views of New Melones Lake. The property is at 2200 foot elevation. They started the second label to show case some of their newer additions to the lineup of wines. I only had time to taste two wines. The first being their 2021 Albariño and their 2019 Tempranillo. I was extremely impressed with the 2019 Tempranillo and purchased one bottle on the spot for a dinner coming up. The label is looking upward through the trees to the night time sky verses a crowded city. Their tasting include small bites to enhance and showcase the wines.
The Wine: Above the Rush 2019 Tempranillo
The color was an amazing deep enticing purple, so unique and almost solid in coloring except the beautiful edges. The viscosity was medium to medium heavy. On the nose, aromas of black plums and leather are just the leading edge of flavor that awaits one. Once on the palate, the fresh lively fruit of cherry meets an earthly red soil to formulate a quintessential Tempranillo of “old world” taste. On the finish, cedar and pipe tobacco provided a long and hearty finish in the mouth. The acidity was bright and tannins were noticeable and correctly angular for a Tempranillo with surprising layers of enjoyment. The alcohol level is 15.8%. The wine was aged in barrel for 22 months with American oak, 50% being new. It is listed at $48/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
This evening’s meal was baked chicken cheese enchiladas. Ingredients consisted of shredded cooked chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, fresh roasted corn kernels off the cob, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne and onions. Then topped off with a tangy salsa, cheddar cheese and green onions. Together this was a spectacular food pairing with the cherry and plum flavors of the wine softening the spicy enchiladas.
I will now need to go back and taste some of the other wines offered by Above The Rush Wines.
Sláinte,
Michael
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Wines and More Wine!
The Friday Night Wine & Dine group has had several birthdays and anniversaries in September. This week, two dinner parties were held to celebrate the birthdays and anniversaries. The first dinner was an Asian fusion theme dinner with a few exceptions!
Started the evening off with Champagne from Louis Roederer and Veuve Clicquot and appetizers of crackers and a special humus dip along with meatballs.
Dinner was comprised of several special dishes prepared by our hosts Ansuiya and Peter Singh. The first was a five spice pork tenderloin tossed with fresh vegetables and noodles.
The second dish was a Thai chicken with basil and chili’s. A special and tangy sauce of homemade tomato-habanero was a perfect complement and combination.
The next main dish was a seared ribeye steak with a Bourbon glaze. The sauce was comprised of a hot and spicy Japanese Barbecue sauce mixed with wasabi paste. This made the steak even more scrumptious and so tasty.
Another guest brought a “large bowl” of a fresh garden salad. The dressing was another original consisting of homemade white balsamic vinaigrette. The dressing was chosen to complement the spice of the main dishes.
Wines with dinner included a wide assortment of Wood Family Chardonnay (Livermore Valley), Tobin James “Big Shot” blend & Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles), Jeff Runquist Zinfandel and Barbera (Amador), Gossamer Cellars Petite Sirah (Murphys) and L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc (Livermore Valley).
Dessert was an assortment of fresh cut fruits including Star fruit, Asian pears, peaches, Guava, Cumquats and nectarines.
For an after dinner drink, 12 year old Macallan and Glenmorangie were offered along with a Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.
A similar meal (no pictures) was followed up the next evening at a different location and with more very excellent foods and wines. Wines included were Champagne from Moet & Chandon, Young Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Amador), Prospect 772 Black Tie Charlie (Calaveras County), Wood Family Chardonnay (Livermore Valley), Vina Moda Grenache (Calaveras County), Toulouse Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley) and VJB Cellars Dante Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County).
I think we have a reprieve on birthdays and anniversaries for a couple of weeks in order to let our livers recover!!!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
https://www.jeffrunquistwines.com/
http://restless-frog.com/ (Gossamer Cellars)
https://www.youngsvineyard.com/
http://www.prospect772.com/home.html
2011 Outpost Wines, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Pulled this out of the cellar for our Friday night stand alone and outstanding wine: Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2011. Robert Parker gave it 95 points and stated “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 75% new French oak) reveals attractive scents of blackberries, black currants, charcoal and graphite, full-bodied flavors with impressive richness, a long, opulent mouthfeel and a heady finish“. Definitely spot on with the aromas and flavors. A great way to end the week. For more on Outpost wines see a previous story at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2015/12/20/outpost-wines/
Sláinte,
Michael
Wonderful Wines And A Theme Dinner
A midweek Mexican food feast celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with some delicious foods and wonderful wines with friends.
The evening started off with a Freixenet Italian dry Prosecco DOC sparkling Rosé wine. Besides being a dry brut style wine, the bottle is an outstanding “art piece”. All while enjoy appetizers of olives, salmon, capers, white onion slices, cheese and slightly grilled baguette slices in olive oil roasted with Habanero peppers on the patio.
Dinner consisted of many dishes, mostly a Mexican theme menu. First up was a 48 hour marinated Carne Asada. It included fresh cilantro leaves, olive oil, soy sauce, juice from an orange and lime, minced garlic cloves, a diced Jalapeno with seeds, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper and two large flank steaks. Then quickly seared on the BBQ and sliced cross cut to be served. Extra “marinade” was made and then drizzled on top of the meat to be served. We have had this dish many times, but the extra marinade made this so outstanding.
Next up was a dish called Mexican Shrimp Diablo. Ingredients included olive oil, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, diced fire roasted tomatoes, chopped cilantro, chopped chipotle in adobo, brown sugar, kosher salt, unsalted butter, corn kernels, cut zucchini wedges, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground black pepper, fresh squeezed lime juice, avocado slices and large peeled and deveined shrimp. Two pans required for preparation and food to be sautéed over the stove. First time for this dish and the spicy flavors brought the shrimp to a new level of enjoyment.
An original roasted corn relish was prepared by one of the guests with fresh corn off the cob, roasted with bell peppers and jalapenos. This dish was also a great hit with spices and just a little punch of “hotness” to be savory and delightful.
Another guest brought a “large bowl”, about 16 or 17 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep, filled with a delicious salad with shredded Romaine lettuce, green onions, cucumbers, black olives, tomatoes, crumbled cotija cheese and jicama cubes. The dressing was another original consisting of an avocado cream, olive oil, salt, garlic, lemon juice, cilantro and a dash of sugar and blended with a touch of half and half. Then garnished with tri-color tortilla strips. The presentation was overwhelming and the texture and taste superb.
Concluded the evening with a fresh baked carrot cake from scratch with cream cheese frosting that was heavenly in every sense of the word!
And for the toast to start the evening off was of course Champagne. Wines from Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Calaveras Foothills and Livermore Valley were enjoyed with dinner. What was not paired with the various dishes were casually sipped while conversing around the table.
A marvelous evening of food and wine. Perhaps one of the best of the year only overshadowed by the friendships and conversations. Happy Birthday to two and Happy Anniversary to two couples!!
Sláinte or perhaps more appropriately Salud,
Michael
2018 L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc – One of the Best Cabernet Franc’s Available
At the April 2022 International Cabernet Franc Blind Wine Competition and Celebration held in Copperopolis, California, 2018 L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc won several awards. Two sets of judges presided over the tasting, one being the Professional Judges and the other being People’s Choice Judges. The Professional Judge’s in the $76 to $100 price range category, awarded a Gold Medal and Best of Class to the 2018 L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc. This was the only wine in this prestigious category to receive a Gold Medal from the Judges. For more information you can read the following story:
The Wine – 2018
Ghielmetti and Sachau Vineyards have been a long-time source for Steven’s wine be it Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. The one block at Ghielmetti of Cabernet Franc Clone 332 is 3.7 acres in size. Sachau vineyard is six acres in size with a loamy soil. The 50/50 combination of the two (each aged separately) then with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon added provided the best of both vineyards. On the eyes, a bright and dark reddish/purple coloring, with medium viscosity. On the nose a very fruit forward aroma of raspberry and blackberry fruits. On the palate, besides the fruit bursting with excitement, you are rewarded with chocolate, jasmine tea and minerality. The finish provides rounded and defined tannins without overt edges, giving one a silky landing. The finish is mid-lasting with a tinge of fruit sweetness, yet with subtle pyrazines in play. Using once used French barrels, this wine does not have a predominance of oak but rather allows the fruit to be showcased. This wine was released in early March and is $98/bottle with only 145 cases produced.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Last night wanted a very opulent and tasty wine to go with a seared BBQ’ed ribeye steak served medium rare. Accompanied with twice baked potatoes, garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. The wine and steak were not just compatible, but rather gave a huge “bear hug” to each other. Cabernet Franc with a seared ribeye is perhaps one of my favorite food and wine pairings. Now add one of the best Cabernet Franc’s available, it made a wonderful meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Acquiesce Winery Cinsaut Rosé
What is Cinsaut?
Cinsaut (sin-soh) also spelled “Cinsault” is a red wine grape varietal that is found in the hot and sunny climate of Southern France and typically goes into red wine blends in Southern Rhone, Languedoc, Roussillon and Provence. In California, Cinsaut thrives in the Lodi region of San Joaquin Valley as well as along parts of the Central Coast where temperatures can be very warm. Cinsaut is used to generally produce red wines with aromatic and floral qualities and if well-made are typically smooth with subtle tannins. Acquiesce Winery elected to complement their white and rose line up with whole cluster pressing and sur lie aging in the tanks of this grape. A great wine just added to their Provence line up.
The Winery
Acquiesce Winery, Susan Tipton makes so many wines that have topped the wine charts with high ratings. Her latest claim came from the International Women’s Wine Competition being named Best Woman Winemaker in 2022! You can read more about this and her wonderful and unique white wines coming out of the Central Valley at:
Among my personal favorites are her Picpoul Blanc, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ingénue (blend) and Clairette Blanche. All of which are proudly stocked in my wine cellar.
The 2021 Acquiesce Cinsaut Rosé
The Bad news first: only 50 cases were produced for the 2021 and it sold out in two weeks. Now the good news, with such success they planted another two acres for the future and will be releasing the 2022 vintage in May of 2023. This truly is a heads up on this delicious wine.
First on the eyes, a golden/copper coloring that is unique and enticing just to view! It has a medium viscosity in the glass. On the nose, the aromas of honeydew melon, strawberry and summer fruits arise to greet the palate. Once in the mouth a light but lively wine opens up to the fruits and a slight mineral flavor. Each sip beckons one to dissect the aromas and convert to their favorite summertime fruit such as watermelon, guava, papaya, etc. The finish is dry and a hint of cantaloupe sneaks in for a soft and round finish. Tannins are not present to help with the subtle fruit finish.
The Food & Wine Pairing
We paired the wine with Ahi Tuna from Fiji quickly sautéed in white wine, oil, red pepper flakes, ginger paste, garlic salt, etc. Then served with a topping of fresh minced papaya, pineapple, Mandarin oranges and slice green onions. Accompanied with long & short brown rice and sliced of fresh massive Beefsteak tomatoes from a farm in Brentwood. The fish and toppings enhanced the wine and made a spectacular meal. In fact Susan Tipton’s food pairing for this wine suggest “sushi, Thai food, or a fresh fruit dessert”.
BTW, the fresh Ahi Tuna came from Ohana Seafood in Modesto.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
2018 Lavender Ridge Vineyard Roussanne – A Mouth Filling Wine
The Winery
2018 Lavender Ridge Vineyard tasting room is located in the town of Murphys in the lower Sierra Nevada foothills. To read more about Lavender Ridge, see a previous article:
The Wine
The Roussanne is powerful with floral aromatics, with hints of peaches, pears and with a rich and silky smooth mouthful texture, almost creamy. Roussanne on the eyes is a light golden straw color with medium to medium heavy viscosity. On the nose floral aromatics, hints of pear, apricots waft into the senses. On the palate, you are treated to a silky smooth mouthful texture. The finish provides a soft nutty almond, compounded with a hint of honey and distinct minerality. Lavender Ridge Vineyard Roussanne has made my Best Wines of the Year since 2019. The current vintage 2019 retails for $30
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The Food and Wine Pairing
While enjoying this wine last evening by itself, it is a perfect wine for fish and shell fish. It also works with spicy dishes with its mouth filling texture and flavors.
Lavender Ridge Vineyard 2018 Roussanne is always displayed in the wine cellar as an exceptional wine. This wine is one of the least expensive wines on the display row in the cellar, but is still one of my all-time favorites!
If you have never tasted Roussanne, you are missing a delightful experience in wine.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://lavenderridgevineyard.com/
2019 Wood Family Vineyards Syrah – Perfect Compliment for Triple Digit Temperatures
The Winery
Here is a link to hear more about this remarkable winery and their award winning wines! https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/
The Wine
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, berries, leather and spices are the predominate aromas that waft into your senses. But on the palate is where robust, dense and lively blackberry and blueberry flavors engulf the mouth with the fruit and black pepper/sweet pipe tobacco. On the finish, velvety texture and very subtle tannins caress the back of the mouth to provide a long lasting enjoyable tasting. Listed at $36/bottle and only 110 cases produced.
The Food and Wine Pairing
When the temperature hits triple digits, the food choices get paired down quickly. Correspondingly, the red wine choices follow. Last night had a taco salad with lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced purple onion, meat sautéed in a “taco mix”, cheese and covered in a chipotle salsa. Paired with the 2019 Syrah made a refreshing and enjoyable meal combination.
Sláinte,
Michael
2012 Lineage Wine from Steven Kent Mirassou – The Winemaker and Mission
The Wine Maker
Steven Kent Mirassou as a 6th generation family winemaker has set high goals. He set as his pinnacle development to produce the best “Bordeaux style” wine California could produce. A lofty and perhaps extreme goal for one man in Livermore Valley. After many years as a successful winemaker at Steven Kent Winery, he decided to make 3 to 5 barrels a year of the absolute premier “Bordeaux style” wine. We just opened his 2012 vintage, which is the sixth of the Lineage releases. The blend which changes year to year based on flavor profiles, consisted of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 30 & 7); 14% Cabernet Franc; 10% Merlot; 4% Petit Verdot.
While blending is an “artistic” endeavor, Steven also is analytical in his pursuit of the perfect Bordeaux blend. Here is Steven’s write up on why these varietals and clones were chosen. It is like an artist mixing paint colors for the right shading and expression of a painting.
“Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 30: Dark cherry and cassis flavors, fine-grained tannins and acidity. Less opulent but more age worthy than Clone 4.
Cabernet Franc: Not as “big” as CS but with more finesse and an aromatic palate of sandalwood and chocolate. Acidity is the watchword of this variety. Its acid-based red fruit flavors marry well with the darker more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon to enliven and length Lineage’s finish.
Petit Verdot: Contributes tannin, color, and grapey aromas and flavors of violet and black fruit. This variety helps to build density in the mid-palate of the wine.
Merlot: Noble variety of Bordeaux’s Right Bank; as counterpoint to CS’s austere structure, Merlot is fleshy and opulent; ripe red/dark cherry flavor, a touch of herbal complexity which adds to Lineage’s rich mid-palate.”
The key take way on blending is that it is extremely selective and requires rigorous decision making of not only varietals, but the correct Clones of the varietals to get the flavor profile. Add another step of both winemaking and personal craftsmanship and abracadabra you have a gorgeous and refined Bordeaux blend called Lineage. I am sure Steven wished it was that simple, but this is the shortened version.
Two of many other detailed undertakings are his hand selection of French oak barrels (Taransaud, Le Grand and Francois Freres) and his constant monitoring of the development of the wine in the barrel.
The Wine
2012 was marked by nearly perfect weather throughout the growing season, and the temperate year produced perfectly ripe and balanced fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon contribution had a significantly larger role by percentage than it did in the previous releases and shows in Lineage and generous structure. Again, Cabernet Franc beautifully serves its role as the contributor of verve, style, and vitality. Merlot provides a great mid-palate roundness while Petit Verdot adds tannin and exotic fruit. The overall feel of Lineage is one of beauty and elegance with a fairly low alcohol level of 13.9%. The suggested maturity of this wine is recommended from 2018 to 2030. The wine was harvested from the Ghielmetti Estate and Home Ranch Vineyards in Livermore Valley. This library wine today from Lineage goes for $245. The current release is the 2018 and available for $175. The 2018 was given 97 points immediately by Wine Enthusiast and the 2017 received 100 points from Steve Heimoff.
The flavor profile and experience of this wine is truly remarkable. First on the eye you see a medium to medium dark red tint and medium viscosity wine. Very different than some of the bolder Cabernet Sauvignon’s coming out of Napa Valley. Your first impression is perhaps this may be a bit light. But hold on until you get your first whiff which reveals “black fruits, exotic woods and spice aromatics”. On the palate, you get all the above characteristics that Steven purposed in his selection of varietals and clones to produce a crescendo of semi-sweet mocha, dark cherry, dark roasted coffee, sweet tobacco, violets, black fruit, etc. You are a bit mesmerized in trying to dissect each essential trait in this wine drinking experience. But it is a wine to simply enjoy and savor the existential engagement and relationship of such a rare and eloquent treat.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Last night our Friday Night Wine & Dine group ventured to Verona18 in Copperopolis. Paired with an eight ounce pan seared filet mignon with herb encrusted Gorgonzola compound butter cooked medium rare. Served with steak fries and a medley of fresh vegetables. The wine embraced the exquisitely tender filet mignon and was a perfect dinner companion.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/
https://www.lineagewine.com/