Laura Michael Wines
Laura Michael Wines in Calistoga, Napa Valley – A Long Overdue Visit
Photo from Laura Michael website
While I have consistently written about Laura Michael Wines over the years, texted with Laura, held phone conversations, etc., it had to be a good six or seven years since my last visit. The goal of this visit was to refresh some photos for future stories and taste the latest vintages. Recently wrote a story on their 2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon and a quick post on the blog of their 2009 high end Bentley Cabernet Sauvignon: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2026/05/30/2016-laura-michael-rutherford-cabernet-sauvignon/.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Was greeted by Michael and Laura with Laura having to run a quick errand. Michael provided a tasting of four wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first tasting was simply remarkable being a 2025 Chardonnay from Oak Knoll vineyards. It was not like any Chardonnay I have tasted from Napa with the strong presence of pineapple and no oak. The retail price of $40/bottle seems below market price for this well-crafted wine. What a great way to start the tasting.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was one of Michael’s favorites, being Michael Muse Rosé of Zinfandel. The 2024 Rosé of Zinfandel. Coming in a bit high at 13.4% alcohol, it was refreshing and provided a great amount of fruit on the nose. I might even consider buying a bottle even though I am generally not a Rosé imbiber.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Michael opened one of his “go to anytime wines” a 2019 “A Quiet Moment” being a red blend. This is a blend primarily made with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of dark fruit, plum and black cherry. The Touriga Nacional provided a caressing punch at the finish.
When Laura came back to the winery from her errand, we began catching up and she offered to taste anything in the cellar.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I chose to go with one of my favorite wines she has made over the years, her Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. This 2019 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon was like many stories I have done on this wine on previous vintages.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
That concluded with a great catch-up time with both Laura and Michael that was long overdue. It is always great to refresh old friendships, especially sharing some tasty wines.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2016 Laura Michael Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
My wife and I met Laura at over twenty years ago at her winery. She acquired the property in 1999. Laura has always been a one-woman show until her husband Michael who is now helping in the vineyard management and Laura continues as the winemaker. Laura has focused on small production artisan wines consistently year to year to year. When you visit Laura Michael Wines, it is not a “showy or upstaged” opulence, it is essentially their lifestyle and home. That said after spending some time with Laura, you immediately come away with the appreciation of her craft and pleasant personality. This quiet boutique winery is just outside downtown Calistoga heading east on Lake County Highway.
She currently produces Zinfandel’s, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, two Cabernet Sauvignons one each from Rutherford and Calistoga, a dessert wine made with 50% Zinfandel and 50% Petite Sirah, a Dry Rosé of Zinfandel and finally her flagship wine Bentley, a Cabernet Sauvignon. I still have a few bottles of her Bentley, and one comes up to drink in 2026.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Last evening pulled a Laura Michael 2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. A beautiful dark red on the eyes with a medium heavy viscosity. Aromas of red cherry, sweet pipe tobacco and a hint of mocha. On the palate, additional smooth French oak coat the mouth with a modicum of dark chocolate and peppercorns. The famous Rutherford dust was poking its head out during each sip.
Priced fairly for a classical Calistoga Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at $65. Currently this wine is listed on their website, offering it at $95/bottle and it is the 2017 Vintage.
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 personal DiGiorno pizza as my wife is out of state. This was too much of a contrast with the wine being excellent and pizza being good. Nonetheless, it was still an acceptable meal. Our daughter came over later and helped me enjoy the wine!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly