Progeny

Posted on April 16, 2016

Progeny is hands down the best wine thus far in 2016. While I know that is a bold statement, I have smelled, swirled and tasted over 300 wines this year already and I gave this my highest marks without hesitation.

If that wasn’t enough this winery is situated on a pristine Mt Veeder property. They have 260 acres with only 32 planted in vineyards. At first glance, you might think of yourself back in the “ode sod” of Ireland. The hillsides were strikingly green with the recent rains.

Betty and Paul Woolls, wanted to take their experience with O’Shaughnessy one step further and purchased the land which had been a cattle farm since 1885. While predominately plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon the also have Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and St Macaire on the property. Also in some remote areas they have a small portion planted in Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise grapes.

Additionally they enlisted the “stars” of O’Shaughnessy to put Progeny on the map. Sean Capiaux continues as winemaker, Alan Pierson once again is making the vineyards into art work. The charming and engaging Blanca Preciado will be running the hosting of guests as Hospitality Manager.

They are in the midst of construction of their production facility which is slated to be completed in August 2016. This September/October will be their first production on site. Their hospitality building will start this summer and hope to have it completed by fall of 2017.

Now about their wines. I want to mention two only, but all four wines were near perfect. The first is their 2014 Trinity Blanc which is just in time for summer enjoyment. It combines Marsanne (46%), Roussane (46%) and Viognier (8%) producing a classic white Rhone blend. The golden color is exquisite, the aromas of peaches, apricot and soft melon are evident with flavors of honeysuckle and cantaloupe — a complete white refreshing wine.

The second wine is their first release of Special Selection Reserve (SSR), a 2009 Progeny 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This was the WINNER! Only 100 cases were produced. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 30 months and then aged 2 years in bottle before release. This was perhaps one of the darkest and voluptuous Cabs I have come across in years. This was described as “a mouth filling wine of power and elegance” and I can only second that statement.

2010 only 50 cases were produced, 2011 it was not made and 2012 will be their next release in fall of 2017. It is not too early to make a note on your calendar for fall of 2017 to get a wonderful wine.

Slainte

http://www.progenywinery.com/

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Three Promotions for Readers of California Wines & Wineries

Posted on April 7, 2016

Three wines have agreed to a “special promotion” for the readers of California Wines & Wineries. I have done a story on each of these during Q1 2016. Each of these wineries will honor this promotion for a limit time and then it will end.  The wineries listed have recently won awards or have a solid track record for their wines so they are sharing their good fortune.  This is not moving out “non-saleable inventory”, it is an opportunity to buy and taste some exceptional wines. Use code CAWINEQ2 when placing an order on their website or in person in the tasting room.

Incendium Wines – https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/03/29/incendium-wines/

Winemaker/owner Vince Kalny just won Silver & Gold Medals at the SF Chronicle tasting. Above is the link to the article I wrote about Incendium Wines. 20% discount on 2 bottles or more with no limit, on the following wines below:

• 2013 IW Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Napa Valley — Gold Medal Winner for 2016 Winemaker Challenge and Critics Challenge
• 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Napa Valley – Silver Medal Winner for 2016 SF Chronicle, Winemaker and Critics Challenge
• 2014 Chardonnay Carneros – Oaked – Silver Medal Winner 2016 SF Chronicle and Sonoma Grand Harvest
• Other specifics:

o   You must use the coupon when ordering

o   Any other discounts for number of bottles purchased or club membership will not apply

o   Starts 4/7/2016 and ends 5/1/2016

o   Minimum of 2 bottles purchased

o   Shipping charges will apply

• Place your order at: http://www.incendiumwines.com and apply code at checkout.

Kent Price Wines   https://californiawinesandwineries.com/?s=kent+price+wines

Owner Kent Price and winemaker Rudy Zuidema have made exceptional wines for years now. Rudy is a winemaker who is one of the top winemakers in Napa. Above is the link to the article I wrote about Kent Price Wines.  Kent Price Wines are offering an exclusive opportunity only to our Readers to purchase their “pre-release” of 2012 Kent Price Venant du Coeur and 2014 Venant du Coeur Blanc. Both wines are limited in quantity and have a dedicated following among the Kent Price Wines Friends and Family followers.  Complimentary shipping on 6 bottles or more with no limit (you can mix):

• Other specifics:

o   You must use the coupon when ordering

o   Starts 4/7/2016 and ends 5/7/2016

o   Minimum of 6 bottles purchased

o   Shipping charges are complementary

• Place your order at: http://www.kentpricewines.com/ and apply code at checkout.

McKahn Family Cellars   https://californiawinesandwineries.com/?s=mckahn+family+cellars

Winemaker/owner Charles McKahn and his family team just won Silver & Gold Medals at the SF Chronicle tasting. What is surprising, this was his first production release! His future as a winemaker is extremely bright. Above is the link to the article I wrote about McKahn Family Cellars.  10% discount on any of their award winning wines, but you must purchase at the tasting room in Livermore in person which is open Saturday and Sunday.

• 2014 Chardonnay – Sonoma – 2016 Gold Medal Winner SF Chronicle Competition
• 2014 Zinfandel – Mendocino  
• 2014 Syrah – Napa Valley – 2016 Silver Medal Winner SF Chronicle Competition
• Other specifics:

o   You must use the coupon when ordering at the winery

o   Any other discounts for number of bottles purchased or club membership will not apply

o   Starts 4/7/2016 and ends 5/7/2016

o   No minimum

• Get address and directions at:  http://mckahnfamilycellars.com/

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Shadybrook Estate purchases Chateau Lane Winery

Posted on April 5, 2016

Shadybrook Estate owners Alice and David Alkosser, just took a new bold step purchasing Chateau Lane Winery in Coombsville. Today they have some exciting and large plans/ideas how to move forward with this choice location and vineyard. The winery has a full modernized winery production plant including optical sorting, large presses with built in bladders and pump over capabilities, etc.

First, the vineyard which is planted in 12 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon is as tranquil as one could imagine. The estate is on 25 acres in total. The planted clones are 337, 338, 191 and 15 on property. Rudy Zuidema of Shadybrook Estates will again be the winemaker, vineyard manager and even forklift driver (saw him doing this while there). Karen McFarland also from Shadybrook Estates will be the General Manager of this property.

While not going too deep into the details (which are under wraps today), they will use the full service kitchen and private outdoor tasting areas in the future. This new facility will augment a tasting venue for Shadybrook Estate. Opening date for production and tasting under the Shadybrook Estate brands is targeted for October 2016.

More to come as the soft opening happens later this month and the grand re-opening in October. Besides taxes, put April 15^th on your calendar to see firsthand this lovely facility and hear about their plans from Karen and/or Rudy! 

http://www.chateaulanewinery.com/

http://www.shadybrookestate.com/

Slainte

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Wine Ratings & Award for Q1 2016

Posted on March 30, 2016

Wine Ratings & Awards for Q1 2016

I wanted share with you some of the wineries that I have wrote about or recommended, on their updated wine ratings or awards received in Q1 2016. This shows that many of those wineries and winemakers who I published an article on in the last twelve weeks have done extremely well. Personally, I am pleased that they have achieved or received these accolades.  

One or more will be featured shortly providing a “promotional incentive” to celebrate their good fortune with the viewers of “California Wines & Wineries” via Facebook, website or Instagram. Be on the lookout for the announcement and code CAWINEQ2 to save on those wineries offering special deals (discounts and/or complimentary shipping) on their award winning wines!

Slainte

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Incendium Wines

Posted on March 29, 2016

When is having HEAT good for wine? Actually never, but for Incendium Wines it is FINE. Incendium is the Latin noun for “fire, wildfire, (heat of) passion”. This is true of Vincent Kalny’s wines as the owner and winemaker. Where did the name come from? Simple —Vincent has worked for Cal Fire out of the Napa Unit for 10 years. When you are on the front lines, feeling the heat, he turned that energy into his passion, winemaking. Through a unique opportunity in 2011, Vince ended up back in college educating himself in this captivating art form.

I met Vince some number of years ago and while his first release was good out of the gate, he tipped the scales drastically this year with major ratings and awards. Here are a few of them over the last quarter:

2014 Chardonnay-Carneros Napa Silver Medal, Jan 2016 SF Chronicle Wine Competition

2013 IW Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Gold Medal, Jan 2016 Winemaker Challenge Int’l Wine Comp.

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, Silver Medal, Jan 2016 SF Chronicle Wine Competition

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, Silver Medal, Jan 2016 Winemaker Challenge Int’l Comp.

Those awards for a winery putting out 50-100 cases of each varietal is SMOKING HOT!

They use a “custom crush” facility in Napa and Vince is there providing his direction diligently.  His wife Deanna (one in the middle), handles the marketing and social media perspectives of the business.

One of the key items and why I personally was drawn to Incendium Wines, is with Vince’s support and concern for his “band of brothers” in that he provides a portion of the profit’s to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and contributes to local fund raising events. With last year’s recent fall fires in the Northern California portion of wine country, Vince has also contributed to those firefighters (some who are friends and co-workers of his) who were injured and lost their homes.

My favorite wine is his 2013 IW Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. This is their flagship wine even from a small lot artisan producer! The color is a dark ruby and the aroma provides a balance between a powerful cherry and leather. The alcohol content is 14.4% and pH of 3.79, both combine to provide a very drinkable wine.

Bring a little heat and passion out next time you want a distinctive wine – Incendium Wines!

http://incendiumwines.com

Slainte

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Dutton-Goldfield Winery

Posted on March 24, 2016 Updated on March 24, 2016

Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield have teamed up to deliver some of the best Pinot Noir’s in Sonoma County. Perhaps the key to their success is sourcing grapes from 17+ unique and diverse vineyards scattered around Sonoma County and Sonoma Coast line. Most are located in the Green Valley (Russian River), with one also in Mendocino County. No wonder why in 2014, they were named as one of the “Top 100 Wineries” by Wine & Spirit Magazine.

There is however other varietals that they offer like their award winning Chardonnay, Sarah and Zinfandel. Also small lots of Riesling (300 cases), Gewürztraminer (262 cases) and Pinot Blanc (367 cases) are offered. Their tasting room is located in Sebastopol which has both inside and outside seating available.

On the day that I was there, we focused primarily on the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals.  Perhaps one of their flagship wines is their Rued Vineyard Chardonnay. It is a bright, citrus-primarily lemon, with a hint of butterscotch taste. It is aged 17 months in 50% new French oak and presented unfiltered. For the 2013 vintage, they produced 800 cases. They received a deserving 93 points for this refreshing Chardonnay. I purchased a few bottles for my cellar!

We tasted three of their Pinot Noir’s from varying vineyards: Fox Den, Emerald Ridge and Freestone Hill. Fox Den and Emerald Ridge received 93 and 92 points respectively. My favorite was the Freestone Hill with its dark cherry color, featuring ripe blueberries and blackberries on the palate. This wine is aged 17 months in 55% new French barrels. They use Clone is 667 and has become one of my favorites. Only 478 cases were produced.

My suggestion would be to visit them early in your tasting day with a fresh palate to taste their diversified portfolio, especially the Pinot Noirs.

https://www.duttongoldfield.com

Slainte

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Reuling Vineyard

Posted on March 22, 2016

On a recent visit to Sonoma County, I had an appointment at Reuling Vineyard in Forestville. This tranquil and idyllic setting is on 16 acres.  The property was purchased in 1998 and for years produced grapes used in some of the best Pinot’s and Chardonnay’s coming out of Sonoma. Aubert and Peter Michael are just two of the highly acclaimed produces who bought Reuling Vineyard grapes.

In 2013, the Tim & Jackie Reuling launched their own label, Reuling Vineyard. They hired Matt Taylor as winemaker, who had previously worked at Joseph Swan & Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. Matt was recently named by the SF Chronicle as one of the “top winemakers to watch”. Matt describes his winemaking as “weight without heaviness”. Their first release was a 2011 Pinot and followed by a 2012 Pinot Rose. They were met with instant approval and have never looked back. Today, their 2014 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast was rated 93 points from Vinous. Their 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was rated 92 points from Wine Spectator.  Both their 2013 and 2014 Chardonnay’s used pressed whole clusters, giving it a 3.59 pH level, which produced an excellent wine. During a two day tour throughout northern Sonoma County, their Chardonnay was tied as the best tasted by me.

The tasting included both the 2012 and 2013 Pinot’s. Our host mentioned they would age gracefully for 10 years. To that extend, while the 2013 Pinot is receiving great reviews, the 2012 was spot on to drink today!

We talked in the vineyard office, located in the middle of their organic vineyard which utilizes biodynamic farming practices. It provided great views of the vineyard and had an “earthiness feel” in the décor. A wonderful setting to discuss and sip tasty wines.

The owners Tim and Jackie Reuling were gone, but newly hired host/manager Kelli Willard (mostly of Napa Valley fame), filled in with great details, background and colorful description of the winery and wines. Below is picture of Kelli and Sture Linden, of Stu Linden Wine Experience www.stulindenwineexperience.com .

A unique historical vineyard with small limited production (250 cases Chardonnay and 500+ cases of Pinot Noir), do not hesitate as they will be sold out quickly.

http://reulingvineyard.com

Slainte

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St Rose Winery

Posted on March 17, 2016

St Rose Winery

On a recent visit to Russian River Valley, near Santa Rosa, I met with Fred and Wendy Nunes. If you ever wanted to know what “unbridled enthusiasm” would look like, you have to look no further than Fred Nunes! He walked into the small tasting room behind their house and it was a full on engaging conversation from helicopter firefighting to GPS systems to drones and finally growing of Pinot Noir grapes. Fred in his “second career” used some of his knowledge from his degree in systematic biology and ecology. He combined his intuition with science and hooked it up to his bigger than life presence to grape growing and winemaking.

Fred meticulously works each row and vine and has developed a detailed diagram for harvesting and cultivating his award winning Pinots. The 2012 Ten Block Pinot scored 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and the 2014 Ten Block scores are being determined at this writing by Robert Parker. Fred has consistently received 93 and 94 points. He also makes a unique 100% Clone 777 with limited production.   Now the kicker—for his 2012 he only produced 98 cases and for 2014 with the drought only produced 48 cases of the Ten Block. He is actually the smallest commercially bonded winery in Sonoma County which he takes pride in producing some of the best Pinot’s.

That said, they do sell grapes to approximately five other wineries which have a designated Nunes Vineyard Pinot. Fred is so well known and respected, the others wineries allow Fred to be the vineyard manager for their wines, certainly not a common occurrence. Fred has developed high tech sensors to monitor temperature and variations as well as manually walking the vineyard every day. He seems to be the Pinot Noir “vine whisperer”. Fred is the ultimate steward of this 43 acre parcel with Pinot Clones planted on 35 acres. This is his 16^th harvest.

During the tasting of St Rose Winery Pinot’s which was hosted by Wendy who was calmly quiet and so hospitable, they made a perfect “yin and yang” couple.  The Pinot’s possessed a spicy cherry aroma, and then on the palate, a light vanilla trace. As Fred stated he has perfected the balance in the vineyard for a delightful sipping Pinot. Now the real kicker—this small family winery, highly rated, sells their Ten Block for $38 (2012) and $44 (2014)! With so little production, order some of this great Pinot today.

http://www.saintrosewinery.com

Slainte

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Carlisle Winery & Vineyards

Posted on March 15, 2016

Carving a new path is easy for Mike Officer, owner of Carlisle Winery & Vineyards. Mike started out in software industry in Southern California and migrated to Northern California still in the software development business. He started experimenting with producing wines that he enjoyed.  His first vintage was 1998. Then this “hobby” (from the kitchen sink) became larger and in 2004 he left corporate America and pursued winemaking full time. In 2013, they purchased the property they are on today for today’s production and tomorrow’s growth.

Mike and his wife Kendall, have sought out to produce Zinfandels, but more awaited them. They went after the Rhone varietals, like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah. Mike was first to bring to Sonoma their first Grüner Veltliner, a unique white wine to the area. Today they are on their fourth vintage. Mike has a simple philosophy of “grow and source outstanding fruit…..and bottle outstanding, pleasurable wine at the fairest price possible”.  It is a labor of love, not a ROI motivation, driving his making of wines. You can appreciate it once you taste and experience the winery.

One of the absolutely outstanding things Mike has done, is on their website, a “Drinkability Chart” for every wine produced since 1998 and when it was last updated. This provides a tremendous service for his clients. Every winery should take note!

Currently they source from their vineyard they own off property and have vineyards which they source from the following: Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Paso Robles, Bennett Valley, Mendocino Ridge, Santa Lucia Highlands, Napa Valley, Lodi and Sonoma Valley. While their total production is less than 10,000 cases in Santa Rosa, they make small lots with many grapes and vineyards. For example one of their Zin’s is 316 cases, Syrah 107 cases, Mourvedre 214 and Alicante Bouschet 100 cases. Each wine is handcrafted to Mike’s specifications.

I just want to mention one of my favorites during the visit. It was their 2014 Dry Creek Zinfandel, which scored a 90+ rating. It was comprised of 89% Zinfandel and 11% Petite Sirah and came in at 15.1% alcohol. It produced a white pepper in the palate and a strong, but not too powerful finish.

Sarah Weese, recently hired, was a perfect spokesperson for Carlisle and Mike. She already had a keen insight into the direction and nuances of their business. I kidded Sarah a bit as to her “speed presentation” but she was just rampant excitement about the winery wines!

There is a lot going on at Carlisle and should you have an opportunity to visit, please allow sufficient time and enjoy a unique tasting experience with some of the “less known varietals” which Mike has painstakingly produced on his new path.

http://www.carlislewinery.com

Slainte

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Stuhlmuller Vineyards

Posted on March 11, 2016

Stuhlmuller Vineyards

Many wine aficionados know of Alexander Valley as a premier grape region, but do you know where the name comes from?  In the 1800’s, Cyrus Alexander, with a land grant from the Mexican government, acquired 9,000 acres for cattle grazing. Today it is called Alexander Valley home of some great Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfandels.

The Stuhlmuller family has their winery on the lower southwestern edge of Alexander Valley. The planted vineyards total 150 acres: 90 acres are planted in Chardonnay, 57 acres with Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Verdot and the remaining 3 acres with Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. In total they produce just under 12,000 cases a year, but do not confused them with a “larger production facility”. Many of their wines are artisan and handcrafted with quantities running 100 cases and less per release.

The winemaker is Leo Hansen who in January 2015, SF Chronicle wrote an article naming him one of “Winemakers to Watch in 2015”. Leo’s background is extensive after graduating from college in Denmark. Leo has traveled to great wine regions such as Loire, Alasace, Champagne, Burgundy, Spain, and Italy. Additionally, he worked as a certified European sommelier in Copenhagen, a one star Michelin restaurant. Leo also worked at Clos du Bois, Chateau Souverain and Bowen Estate (Coonawarra, Australia). After working as an assistant winemaker at Stuhlmuller, he became head winemaker in 2004.

The list of awards for Stuhlmuller wines in very impressive (suggest their website) and I will highlight only three of them. The first being their 2013 Pinot Cooper Block which has yet to be rated. It is a Russian River Pinot with 14.2%, 50% whole cluster and aged in 100% new French oak. Only 100 cases were produced. It was rated my personal highest of wines I tasted that day. The other one which was outstanding was their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 8 which with only 75 cases produced. It was deep ruby in color with a produced nose and balanced tannins. The last being their 2013 Reserve Chardonnay with 25% new French oak barrels and 100% malolactic fermentation. At $40 it is a solid wine to purchase.

So take a drive down a road less traveled to find some history and treat yourself to some great wines.

http://www.stuhlmullervineyards.com

Slainte

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