rudy-zuidema
2020 Middle Oak Wines Cabernet Franc -Smooth and Delicious
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Enjoyed this wine the other evening. This is Christina’s favorite wine that she produces. Her “Middle C” Cab Franc on the eyes is a lush dark ruby and purple coloring and is medium-full bodied viscosity. On the nose, black cherry is the predominate aroma that wafts into the senses followed by raspberry and herbal notes. On the palate, flavors of black cherry reign with hints of dark chocolate and a skosh of vanilla with a minimal number of pyrazines on the palate. The finish is simply remarkable, smooth with structured velvety tannins, yet soft and rounded to be noticed but not overwhelm your mouth. This wine sells for $115. They used only French oak, with 100% being new for 12 months then transferring it to neutral barrels for another 12 months. It is comprised of 92% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Winery and Background
Christina Skinner is the owner of a small, woman-owned and family operated winery in Friendswood, Texas. Friendswood is located 23 miles southeast of Houston. Christina being a devoted artist (music and painting), had a dream to be involved with wine and the wine industry. After much studying, her dream came to life in the fall of 2021 with the introduction of her 2018 vintage “The Middle C”.
Her personal belief is that the arts and wines are intertwined disciplines. She sources her fruit from hand selected vineyards in Napa Valley, using organic, biodynamic and sustainable farming techniques producing beautiful fruit. Today, besides their Cabernet Franc, she produces Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Merlot, Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Christina keeps production small focusing on the high quality producing 200-300 cases a year.
Christina launched a wine club recently with a great reception. Her near-term goal is going to gradually increase her production and move to a larger more functional and versatile space for her tasting room. One of the things she is most grateful for is that every single wine produced has won at least one medal/award, every year!
Christina was fortunate to meet and work with Rudy Zuidema, a winemaking star in Napa Valley. You can read a previous story on Rudy at:
Rudy, a UC Davis graduate in viticultural, has worked as a head winemaker, vineyard manager and general manager in Napa. His experiences in winemaking include time at Cuvaison, Honig, Robert Craig, Ehlers Estate and other projects include Napa De Oro Winery, Red Cap Vineyards and his own label Zuidema Wines. Rudy is the winemaker for Middle Oak Wines.
Previously at the International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition Middle Oak Wines won various awards. For the 2023 Competition Category 5 ($101 and up) for California (based grapes), they won a Gold Medal and Best of Class from the People’s Choice Judges.
Sláinte,
Michael
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