Gracianna Winery
2021 Gracianna Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley
Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It seemed only appropriated to start off Memorial weekend thinking of those who sacrificed so much for all of us. Gracianna meaning giving thanks and being grateful.
The Winery
Photo from Gracianna website
The name Gracianna is for Trini Amador III’s (owner) great grandmother (Gracianna) and they wanted to incorporate all they had to be grateful for and show their gratitude. Even on the back of the bottle, it reads “Gracianna is for those who have something to be grateful for”. The winery is set next to the Russian River on the well know “Miracle Mile” home of some of the best Pinots just outside of Healdsburg. The “Miracle Mile” is the confluence of a tectonic age, alluvial soils left by a wandering river, water flowing off the Sonoma Mountain range which carried with it eroded volcanic material–all of these factors created soil with large amounts of clay in the central portion of the Russian River Valley appellation.
Photo from Gracianna website
Gracianna produces several thousand cases per year of which 70% is for various Pinot’s. The balance of production is for Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Brut Rosé – Blush Cuvée. All their Pinot’s are produced in the Burgundian style with French barrels. They use clones 667 and 777 for their Pinot’s in the vineyard and then blend the two. The wine making is a “family affair” with all giving “gratitude” for the fruit of the vineyard.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Those familiar with Napa Valley are no stranger to Stagecoach Vineyards which ranges from 1,100 to 1,750 feet elevation. At this elevation the fog is typically lower providing the fruit a longer ripening season. More time on the vine results in bold, ripe fruit providing a robust experience.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with aging in 100% French oak barrels. Only 95 cases were produced and 15.2% alcohol. Priced at $128/bottle and currently as of this writing is on sale (check their website). This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2024 SF Chronicle Competition, a Gold Medal at the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards, Silver Medal at the Press Democrat North Coast Challenge and a Silver Medal at the 2024 Los Angeles Invitational Wine Challenge.
First on the eyes and deep dark hue of red, almost black hints of the lushness to follow. On the nose blackberries and blueberries waft gently into the senses. Once on the palate the bright and “bursting flavors” of the dark fruits of black cherries, blackberries and blueberries are dominant. Secondary flavors and mid-palate provide hints of dark roasted coffee and vanilla. On the finish, the tannins start off strong and bold but are tamed down with soft vanilla residual notes, making this a complex and delightful wine concluding each sip with finesse and grace.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I am thankful that this wine is now on my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025! Only 2-3% of the approximate 1800 wines tasted yearly make this list that is published at years end.
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 specifically for this seared filet mignon at 1500 degrees this evening and served medium rare. Accompanied by a Yukon Gold potato and sauteed asparagus. Also served for an unusual dessert was a salad of halved cherry tomatoes with fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, sea salt, pepper and extra virgin olive oil. Mixed in were a few semi-dried tomatoes from Italy that were mixed in sunflower oil, salt, sugar, parsley leaves, powered garlic and oregano leaves. This made for a perfect conclusion to the meal.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
An excellent food and wine pairing this evening leaving the dinner table completely full and appreciating fine food and wine.
Sláinte,
Michael