porch-wines
2023 Dave’s Porch Wine Sauvignon Blanc
Background
Dave Yewell from Napa Valley has been producing wines under his Porch Wine label for thirteen years. His stated goal was to produce “an everyday table wine” simply to be savored and enjoyed by friends and those of aware of his endeavor! He has closed his wine business at the end of 2024, but it was absolutely an exceptional wine and bargain for his 270 customers who followed him year to year!
It has been an endeavor of love and wanting to bring solid wines to a limited public (only California residents) for years. His Sauvignon Blanc started out at $10/bottle including tax and shipping and more recently went to $11/bottle including tax and shipping. Prices were based on case purchases.
Up until the end of December, they offer two wines Sauvignon Blanc from the Lake County region and a Rose of Pinot from Sonoma Valley at the same price point. His goal was truly to produce an everyday wine that was quality and affordable. Unheard of from most wineries! I personally have been buying it for the last five to six years!
The winemaker is the renowned Rudy Zuidema who made the 2023 a standout Sauvignon Blanc! He is also the winemaker for various other wineries including Rapp Ranch, Shadybrook Estate, Red Cap Wines, Southern Roots, Phamus, Napa de Oro and several others including his Zuidema Wine Company. All of which are excellent wines with a full range of varietals produced.
Dave and his wife Nancy are moving on to their next chapter of traveling and spending more time with their family. We wish him safe travels and appreciated his efforts and dedication to his business.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was the first time to taste the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. From the initial pour this caught my attention as being a shade darker than previous vintages, yet still a soft golden yellow. On the nose, it is aromatic with dried herbs and white peach. On the palate is where this wine showed its pedigree and phenomenal taste. Not a typical New Zealand (with strong citrus flavors & super crisp) but one of restrained character of brioche, silky and smooth, with a touch of apricot and a mild lemongrass. Secondary flavors of papaya and lime were also present. The finish is all mouth consuming with an intense full body and was long lasting, especially for Sauvignon Blanc. Immediately this will make my Best Tasted Wines for 2025 in the under $50 bracket. This list comes out annually around mid-December.
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
A bit unusual this evening as I ended up with two different fresh fish and decided to prepare both. The first was Orange Roughy. Orange Roughy is a sweet white fish that is moist, flaky and is very mild and not “fishy tasting.” Since it is mild it assimilates the spices and compliments them well. This was prepared in a skillet with papaya, pineapple, basil, parsley, lemon juice and Italian seasoning. The fruit and seasoning were perfectly aligned with the Sauvignon Blanc to make a mouth watering meal. Accompanied by brown long and short grain rice. And garnished with fresh lemon slices. This was my favorite pairing of the evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The next fish was an Alaskan Halibut. Wanting to do something different than above, decided on a Mexican version of this fish. This included preparing and cooking it in minced purple onion, fresh salsa, lemon juice, green onion slices, cilantro flakes, thyme, and halved cherry tomatoes. Accompanied by brown long and short rice. A particularly good pairing not so much in complimentary flavors, but rather contrasting sweet fruit and citrus of the wine with the spice of the fish and sauce.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Now for those who wish they were aware of this extraordinary value both for price and quality and think you may have missed a fantastic opportunity, don’t despair! Dave is concluding conversations for an individual to take over the production. Stay tuned and I will be updating this story once the transaction is completed.
Sláinte,
Michael