wine-tasting
2021 Cellar13 Cabernet Franc – Gold Medal Winner at SF Chronicle Competition
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First time tasting this 2021 Cabernet Franc and was extremely impressed! The wine is 100% Cabernet Franc from the White Cat vineyard in Livermore. The barrel treatment was 50% new being with 60% being Hungarian and 40% French barrels. The balance was neutral barrels. It was aged 18 months in the barrels and another 18 months in bottle before being released. It has already won the Gold Medal at SF Chronicle and at East Meets West another Gold Medal with 92 points. It will be released mid-April and will go for $63/bottle for wine club members only.
First on the eyes a unique purple coloring in the glass and maroon edges with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, blackberries and plums waft into the senses creating an anticipatory excitement. Once on the palate, raspberries and both minerality with earthy notes swirled in harmony in the mouth. On the finish, initially strong tannins but quickly settled down to provide a smooth and velvety conclusion. Best served between 65 and 68 degrees.
This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted list for 2025. Once it is released, I will be standing in line to purchase a few bottles for the cellar!
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 marinaded Carne Asada Tri Tip steak. The marinade includes garlic, onion, tomato, bell pepper, salt, cumin, smoked paprika and citrus juice. First seared for a few minutes at 1500 degrees and then BBQ’ed to medium rare. Served with fresh cilantro and limes to be squeezed onto the meat. Accompanied by Mexican rice and a fresh salad. The wine had sufficient tannins to engulf the meat, and the fruit of the wine was paired beautifully. The lime juice was a bit much for the wine, so had some of the meat without the lime juice.
The Winery
Darin Winton came from the public water services at a local municipality and while not necessarily turning water into wine he is now producing many award-winning wines! Even before retiring, Darin got his start doing volunteer work at 3 Steves Winery on his vacation, since he enjoyed their wines in Livermore and even volunteered for two weeks in Chile during harvest. There he learned “old world” techniques in winemaking, especially for Carménère. The fascination of harvesting by hand and using gravity to move wine around aroused his curiosity. In 2017, the winery where he was doing his training, allowed him to make a few small batches of wine with Livermore Valley fruit. He is indebted to 3 Steves Winery for allowing him to experience winemaking from the ground up and their subtle oversight and tutelage. Pictured below is Darin and Gail Henderson, his fiancée who assist in the marketing and sales for Cellar 13.
Photo from Cellar13
His vast number of awards are listed on his website and in a previous story at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/11/17/2019-cellar-13-cabernet-sauvignon-with-filet-mignon-steak/
Sláinte,
Michael
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 Girasole Vineyards Rosé – Fresh, Crisp and Flavorful
Photo from Girasole Vineyards
The Winery
I have written a couple of stories on BARRA of Mendocino and their wines. The winery also has another label, being Girasole Vineyards. All their wines are California Certified Organically Farmed (CCOF) and have been for 20 years. Even before certification, Charlie Barra had been doing this twenty plus years before “being certified”. You can read the history, the vision, the family and vineyards at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/03/30/barra-of-mendocino-winery-2019-petite-sirah/
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Admittedly not being a big fan of Rosé, I did try this wine on a solid recommendation. As it turns out it was a “delightful and airy wine” and very enjoyable. The grapes were a combination of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Zinfandel from the family’s home ranch in Redwood Valley, Calif. The winery sits at 820 feet in elevation. The grapes were gently pressed and extracted for their juice and color. After being clarified, the lees separated, a slow fermentation was done to secure the fresh aromatic fruit flavors.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine greets one on the eyes with a color of richness being copper with hints of gold and peach all in one unique tone. On the nose this wine held court demanding attention and respect with garden fragrances of strawberries and plum aromas. On the palate, it was crisp and clean with the two varietals presenting themselves individually and together. From the Pinot Noir, the elegant presence of strawberries and from the Zinfandel the forwardness of blackberry and plums. Secondary flavors of just a tinge of cinnamon and clove spice provide another layer of the wine. On the finish, balanced acidity and a modicum of citrus made for a savory conclusion.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This is a wine for the summer while on the lake or simply as a refreshing “patio pounder” on a warm day! At $16/bottle and 13% alcohol this is a wine to be added to your summer shopping. I know it will be for me.
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 salsa chicken breast. Accompanied by a Yukon Gold potato and a fresh garden salad. The honey slices of almonds made the salad and wine strikingly tasteful. The Pinot Noir contribution did well with the chicken and the Zinfandel portion was sufficient to handle the tomato from the salsa. The overall taste of the Rosé contributed a refreshing comfort to the spiciness of the meal.
Slainte,
Michael
2014 YoungInglewood Right Bank Blend – Funambulism Perfected
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I have been an admirer of this winery since their inception and have always stated their label of the tightrope walker represents one of the best labels – the parallelism between showing how the tightrope walker reaching a their destination and the winemaker balancing so many facets of the production to arrive at the other side safely with a grand product.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This includes vineyard management, canopy trimming, dropping fruit, harvesting at the precise moment to extract the perfect juice, formulating the right blend, keeping tannins and fruit in check, etc. I seldom talk about wine labels but theirs is the exception. The label is one of the simplest yet says so much about their wine with the balancing of the tightrope walker. This is a paradigm for balance in the fruit, tannins, acidity and color. A little too much of any one item, and a misstep happens. Even deeper is their aspiring sense of balance in life, starting in the vineyards with organic and sustainable practices. All of this requires a firm grasp of balance and finesse summed up by a tightrope walker! Funambulism is the art of tightrope walking.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It is a small family winery located in the southern edge of Saint Helena up against the western mountains in Napa Valley. Jim Young handling the administration, finances and the winemaking team is Jacky and Scott Young, a mother/son teaming up to make many exquisite wines. Currently they produce Aligoté, Chardonnay (Burgundian style), Vin Clair Rosé (lighter side of Malbec and Merlot), Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Right Bank Blend.
This boutique winery, which has consistently produced deep and concentrated red wines was voted one of the must visit wineries in California by the SF Chronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Young-Inglewood-an-organic-family-vineyard-with-15576338.php
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Opened last night a 2014 YoungInglewood Right Bank Blend. This wine is 39% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec. It is 14.5% alcohol and only 167 cases were produced. The percentages change yearly, and their current vintage is the 2020 at 130/bottle.
On the eyes an alluring and dark purple concentration of color with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose aromatics of ripe raspberries and dark fruits. The blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot were harmonized to make a mellow presentation, yet still able to pick up the nuances of Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon played its part to allow sufficient tannins to be presented as velvety and smooth. On the palate the Malbec provided a tinge of smokiness that was noted while sipping. A beautiful wine to enjoy alone or with a nice ribeye steak, tri tip or ribs.
This wine made my Best Wines Tasted in 2025 for sure. Only 5% of the 1500-1800 wines tasted during the year make my annual list. Treat yourself to a visit to YoungInglewood Winery as each wine is purposed and handcrafted by artisan winemakers.
Sláinte,
Michael
2016 Prospect 772 Wine Company Black Tie Charlie – A Big, Bold and Jammy Blend
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled our last bottle of a 2016 Black Tie Charlie the other night. It was time as you could see the wicking of the wine on the cork. Caught it just before cresting at top! The Black Tie Charlie is a 50/50 blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah. The wine was perfectly preserved and represented a beautiful blend of these two strong grapes. First, on the eyes a deep cavernous black coloring, a foreboding of what is to spring forth of dark fruit. On the nose floral notes of violets and soft black licorice waft gently with aromatic nuances. On the palate, it is where these two varietals comingling produce layers upon layers of enjoyment. A synchronized orchestra of blackberries, blueberries, dark cherry and plum swirl about the mouth. Secondary muted notes of black pepper, vanilla and an earthiness ricochet from side to side. The finish is long with flavors of herbs, soft pipe tobacco, counterbalanced with a big, bold and jammy conclusion. This has been one of my favorite blends for 10 years now!
Today’s vintage is 2021 and sells for $33/bottle which is a bargain for such a bold and expressive wine.
The Winery
While only open to the public Thursday to Sunday, this is one winery worthy of visiting in Calaveras County. Founders Ron Pieretti and Wendy Sanda recently sold the winery to Francis & Kristina Johnson, and they are continuing to produce some exceptional Rhone varietals.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the tasting room has a “down home comfortability” and welcoming factor. To find Prospect 772, it is just off Highway 4 a few miles before reaching Angels Camp. Signs show where to turn and approximately one mile down this private road leads to 25 acres which comprises both the vineyards and tasting room.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Prospect 772 has stayed true to their mission of producing exciting Rhone varietals. Each of their wines has a descriptive name so I will provide that and then the varietals used in the production. Currently the wine line up is:
Tatum’s Grace – 50% Roussanne, 50% Viogner
Sparkling GSM Brut Rose – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
Baby Doll – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
The Stray – 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah
The Truant – 71% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 7% Mourvedre
The Shadow – 41% Petite Sirah, 28% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre
The Brat – 84% Grenache and 16% Syrah
The Brawler – 94% Syrah and 6% Viognier
The Instigator – 100% Syrah
Big Nose Pete – 100% Petite Sirah
Black Tie Charlie – 50% Syrah and 50% Petite Sirah
Slainte,
Michael
2024 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Stainless Steel – Lively, Zesty and Bright!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards does makes two different Sauvignon Blanc wines. One is finished in wood barrels and the other is their stainless-steel version. This stainless-steel fermented version is like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, lemon grass, etc. However, this is just a bit “tamer and more subdued”, yet zesty, bright and lively. It is like a roller coaster ride with a sudden dip or turn! On the eyes there is a tantalizing light golden coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of lemon grass and tropical floral rise to meet the imbiber. On the palate, the strong flavors of grapefruit and lemon grass swirl about like a party in the mouth inviting one to partake in the activity. Layers of discerning flavors unfold to the imbiber. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit to soften the enjoyment. On the finish, a puckering and enjoyable lemon zest is present. This year the lees were stirred daily for the 6-7 weeks which helped in producing a more mouth filling feel. Only 259 cases were produced, and the wine will be released in mid-February 2025 and will be priced at $34/bottle with 13.6% alcohol.
This wine made my annual Best Wines tasted in 2024 and will again in 2025!
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
I normally pair Sauvignon Blanc with fresh fish and seafood dishes. However, this evening a very thick cut pork chop was the designated meal. A very thick cut was ordered at the market (almost 2”) and brined with water, salt, brown sugar, thyme, garlic and peppercorns for eight hours. The brining keeps the pork chop extremely moist and tender.
Accompanied by mashed potatoes infused with blue cheese, fresh chives and butter. Also a fresh garden salad with pepitas provided for a scrumptious meal. The food pairing was spot on with the crisp, tart and citrusy flavors complementing the richness of the meat. The acidity also cut through the fat on the pork chop.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Selin Cellars Cabernet Franc – Double Gold Winner at SF Chronicle Competition
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First when pouring the wine into the glass, I was caught off guard as to the depth and dark coloring of this Cabernet Franc. It also possessed a very heavy viscosity. That was just the beginning! On the nose, a soft violet fragrance and dark fruit waft upward into the olfactory senses. On the palate a delightful and surprisingly far reaching range of bold blackberry, almost jammy but not sweet, coupled with new soft leather and mild pipe tobacco greeted and coated the mouth. Absent was the pyrazine characteristic often found in Cabernet Franc wine. Another surprise then hit you and it was the tannins and acidity coating the mouth from tooth to tooth to the roof of the mouth. Not typical of a Cabernet Franc to have such griping tannins, but not offensive as they were kept in check with the beautiful caressing fruit. The finish was extremely long lasting with a minerality/earthiness beckoning yet another sip. This Cabernet Franc showed its pedigree as an award-winning wine from popping the cork, to the last sip.
The wine is aged 18 months in a combination of 100% new French and Hungarian barrels. The wine comes in at 14.8% alcohol and one to secure! It made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025
The Winery and Background
Pete Selin, owner and winemaker of Selin Cellars, had spent many years appreciating and tasting wines from various regions. After retiring from high tech in Silicon Valley he moved to Sonoma Valley. He felt right at home in Sonoma with the boutique, hands-on style of wines. A solid friendship developed with Chris Taddei of Taddei Family Wines and today they consider themselves “brothers”. Chris and Pete work together making wines for both wineries and share a tasting room at 7726 Bell Road in Windsor, California. It is here that Pete and Chris also produce their wines. Selin Cellars was established in 2019. Today Selin Cellars produces about 400 cases annually, Pete will cap out his production at no more than 1,000 cases in the future.
Pete sources his grapes from the following hand selected vineyards:
Cabernet Franc – Burnett Vineyards, Barrie Vineyard, Chalk Hill
Puccini Ranch – Alicante Bouschet, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel
Jenks Vineyard – Chardonnay (along the Russian River)
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc – A Very Smooth Enjoyable Wine
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
The Cabernet Franc is part of Larry Dino’s (winemaker/owner) Bordeaux Collection. This 2020 Cabernet Franc showed some “old world characteristics” as well as unique Livermore Valley traits.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The coloring of this wine was dark and alluring with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, blueberry, cherry, and a hint of plum and floral notes abounded. On the palate, this mellow Cabernet Franc tannins were subdued with roundness. In the mouth, the blueberries and dark cherry were prominent along with a modicum of black pepper and sage qualities. Soft leather, a dry rockiness and sweet pipe tobacco lingered to make the finish long lasting and inquisitive. A particularly good wine to drink with food or smooth enough to enjoy by itself. It originally sold for $41/bottle. This wine came in at 14.2% alcohol.
Subsequent Cabernet Franc wines by Cuda Ridge Wines have won Gold and Double Gold awards. Today’s current vintage is 2022 and received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and sells for $45/bottle.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There is a lot to be said about Cuda Ridge Wines. A key point is that they produce a full range of Bordeaux style wines. The Cuda Ridge Wines tasting room is located at 2400 Arroyo Road in Livermore, California. Cuda Ridge Wines’ current production is approximately 2100 cases. They produce the following Bordeaux varietals: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and most recently their addition of Carménère. Always experimenting, Larry Dino owner & winemaker has produced non-Bordeaux style wines which are designated under their Black label, these wines include Sangiovese, New-World style Cabernet Sauvignon and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from one hundred to 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
Sláinte,
Michael
2009 O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The winery is located on Howell Mountain; however, they do source some fruit from their other estate located on Mount Veeder. So, they offer both Mt Veeder and Howell Mountain vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon.
First thing to notice how well the winery did in selecting the perfect cork that has lasted for over 15 years. Of course, it was stored at the correct temperature and humidity levels.
2009 O’Shaughnessy 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is from the west side of the Napa Valley, Mount Veeder. On the eyes, a dark ruby coloring with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, a woody but sweet briar, with blackberry and black cherry fruits wafting into the nose. On the palate, extremely concentrated fruits, licorice and black cherry exploded in the mouth with a background of sweet tobacco smoke and leather. Additionally, secondary flavors of dark chocolate were noticed. The finish had some strong tannins, but without any “edginess” which provided for a long velvety crescendo. Rated at 97 points by RP. This wine could easily go another 5 years but why wait?
This wine will make my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025. O’Shaughnessy Winery has made this list for 15+ years annually for their exquisite wines.
For more information on the winery read one of the previously written stories at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2015/12/23/oshaughnessy-estate-wines/
Sláinte,
Michael
2014 Keenan Winery – Irish Eyes Are Smiling on Spring Mountain!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
I have been a fan of Keenan wines for over twenty years. Keenan winery is located on Spring Mountain which is one of the unique areas for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot wines. Michael Keenan’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley is grown primarily from grapes on the Spring Mountain estate at 1700 foot elevation. I visited the winery and have been to wine pairing dinners with Keenan Winery and always enjoyed every sip.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the hallmarks of Keenan wines is his year-to-year consistency. This is due in part to the viticulture of the estate and the artistry of wine maker Nils Venge. I have enjoyed every wine he has made or acted as the consulting winemaker! Have not had any recent Cabernet Sauvignon’s but will be looking forward to trying some soon.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The last time I wrote about this wine was in 2021. Last evening, another bottle pulled to see and taste its progression. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon was comprised of 78% from Spring Mountain District and 22% from Pope Valley District, both in Napa Valley. This wine was barrel aged for twenty months in 33% new French oak barrels. It comes in at 14.3% alcohol and was purchased back in 2016 at the winery. It may have a couple of years still to go, but right now can’t imagine it getting much better.
Also notice in the picture how this cork was perfectly fitted by the winery and stored for nine years in optimal conditions.
The wine offered on the eyes an intensely deep red/maroon/purple coloring on the eyes appearing almost black and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, both beautiful aromatics and blend of flowers and old-world rustic dust and bramble filled the senses. Also raspberries provided sufficient fruit to entice one to take the first sip. On the palate, the layers of complexity from both the estate and Pope Valley intermix to provide a mouthful flavor of red stone fruits. On the finish, a long and enduring adventure. Initially some jagged tannins were present, however with the time, they did mellow out to become smooth and comforting. Truly a classic Napa Valley Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine will make my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025.
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
With the rain finally hitting California, we could not BBQ so we cooked a ribeye steak in a cast iron skillet last evening. Seasoned and topped with two dollops of blue cheese, chives and butter medley. Accompanied by mashed potatoes infused with blue cheese and chives. Always a great food/wine pairing with a steak and big bold Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sláinte,
Michael