wine-tasting
2023 Hindsight Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County – Mysterious & Intriguing
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the first things I noticed is this wine is unique and mysterious in its taste. It is comprised of 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon grapes. While generally not a “big fan” of Semillon, with this modicum of grapes, it provided a beautiful balance with mellow citrus, honey, nuts and vanilla influences. Combined with the Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc with a blend of European traits blended with zesty New Zealand characteristics to provide an intriguing and mouth filling Sauvignon without the “puckering quality”. An enjoyable wine offering the best of many facets of Sauvignon Blanc.
On the eyes a soft light straw coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose grapefruit counterbalanced by guava and mango fruits swirl to entice you to take the first sip. On the palate the depth of the experience takes on layers of enjoyment bouncing from mellow citrus flavors lime and lemon to tropical fruits of guava and passion fruit. Secondary flavors again awaken one of these blends with honeydew and vanilla. The finish provides complete fullness with a brioche touch, for a beautiful conclusion. The balance of pure Sauvignon Blanc and a small amount of Semillon was in my experience, flat out perfect!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine made my annual Best Wines Tasted in 2025 (mid-Dec 2024 to mid-Dec 2025) both for the quality of taste and price point! The current price for 2021 & 2023 is $29.99 which is about sold out and then the 2023 is about to be released. Currently they have the 2023 on sale at $17.99/bottle per case (12) until January 3rd, 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
Pulled this wine specifically for this tuna steak this evening. In between rain was able to fire up the grill and sear this tuna at 550 degrees for a couple of minutes on each side. Added spices included minced garlic, minced scallion, chopped parsley, soy sauce, sliced green onions, sea salt and pepper. Accompanied by sugar snap peas and brown rice. An excellent food and wine pairing with contrasting flavors of the fish and wine providing a great yin/yang tasting experience.
The Winery
Left to right, Michael Weiss, William Boykin, Alisa Gean and Seth Gersh – Photo from Hindsight Wines
The winery is in Calistoga, at the northern end of the Napa Valley. The owners of the winery are Seth Gersh, Managing Director, Alisa Gean MD, Sommelier and William S. Boykin, National Sales Manager. Seth’s background has been as an executive of various leading financial companies as well as being involved in philanthropic endeavors. Alisa is Professor Emeritus of Neuroradiology and Adjunct Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of California in San Francisco. Alisa received her Sommelier certification from Napa Valley College and the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is currently a WSET 4 Diploma candidate. Her resume in the medical and wine industry would be an article by itself! The third member of the ownership team, William Boykin has 46 years experience in the Wine and Spirits industry, starting back in 1977 with Inglenook Vineyards, then Seagram and importing Italian wines. Bill is involved in setting up and supporting their distribution channel. Bill along with Seth & Alisa have been involved in the San Francisco 49’er Football Foundation for over a decade. These three professionals are very synchronized in business planning and bringing forth superb wines to the market. Seth believes that the driving force of Hindsight’s business is to offer wines that over-deliver on quality.
Photo from Hindsight Winery
Michael Weiss is their winemaker steeped in years of making award winning wines. Michael spent 26 years helping build Groth Vineyards and Winery in Napa Valley. Prior to that he held winemaker positions at both Robert Mondavi Winery and Vichon Winery. Today they are producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah from various designated vineyards.
The wines can be tasted at The Vault in downtown Calistoga. Here Hindsight Wines, along with others, are offered in an environment of warmth and hospitality. Their wines can also be purchased online through the Hindsight website.
Photo from Hindsight Winery
With 100% confidence, this wine absolutely over-delivers!
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Wood Family Vineyards Woody’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateaubriand Steak
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
“Woody’s Cabernet” was originally named “Woody’s Red”. Originally named for Michael Wood’s father which was a fun blend of various red varieties of grapes. Wood Family Vineyards started to produce more Cabernet Sauvignon and needed another Cabernet wine tasting room and one for the retail space. Locally in and around the Livermore & Pleasanton areas this wine can be found at Total Wine, Safeway, Luckys and even Costco.
The Winery
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/
and
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and comes from three different vineyards: 62% from their estate vineyard, 19% from Smith Ranch and 19% from Dale Vineyard using clone 4 grapes. Only 390 cases were produced and aged in 100% French oak barrels for 18 months.
While ringing in the new year with lots going on, here is a wine worth putting on your list for 2025. An intensive, big & bold wine like some other regions and yet is a smooth and enjoyable Cabernet Sauvignon. First on the eyes a very dark and royal purple coloring with a medium viscosity. On the nose, dark black cherry aromas waft into the senses. On the palate you find caressing black & red cherries and secondary flavor of raspberry. It is a medium dry red wine. On the finish, tannins catapult to the roof of the mouth, with acknowledgement of its pedigree without sharp edges yet grippy and an appropriate amount of oak. Relatively lower in alcohol at 13.8% but still packs a hearty wallop. The wine goes for $36/bottle and the 2022 will be released in January 2025. This will make my annual Best Wines Tasted in 2025 (starts 12/15/24 to 12/15/2025) as it is hard to find a Cabernet Sauvignon at this price point with such robustness.
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
The food pairing this evening was rather unique. Knowing the quality of this wine, a special meal was prepared. It consisted of a Chateaubriand steak cut into small pieces to use in a Tuscan slow cooked braised beef in wine. Substituting the called for Chuck roast with Chateaubriand (less fat) was absolutely the right call to enhance the dining experience. Ingredients included flour, salt, black pepper, olive oil, yellow onion chopped, chopped carrot, sliced fresh garlic cloves, chopped Italian parsley, dry red wine, beef broth and tomato sauce. The cut meat, having first been browned on the stove, was then placed in the slow cooker on low heat for 10 hours. Will add noodles next time and serve on top of them. Accompanied by roasted and sliced Yukon Gold potatoes and a fresh garden salad with northern Italian dressing.
A solid food and wine paring this evening with both the food and wine complimenting each other.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Domaine Jomain Bourgogne Côte-d’Or White Burgundy
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Photo from Encyclopedia Britannica
Bourgogne Côte-d’Or (meaning slope of gold or golden slope) is a department created during the French Revolution in 1790. It was originally part of the old province of Burgundy. Its history includes reassignment of arrondissements (land) and after the battle of Waterloo (1815) the area was controlled by the Austrian army until 1818. The area was once again rearranged in 1926 and finally Bourgogne Côte d’Or classification was created in 2017 in the Burgundy region. This area can produce red and white wines in the 40 villages of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. This area is allowed only to make Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
This wine was recommended by a trusted friend, Jim Denham of the Wine Steward in Pleasanton, California. I was looking for a “less expensive Puligny-Montrachet” Chardonnay wine and his recommendation was correct.
Winery & Vineyard
Photo from Domaine Jomain
The Jomain family vineyard consists of only 22 acres with portions in and around the famous Puligny-Montrachet region. The winemakers are Philippe and Christophe Jomain. Domaine Jomain makes a variety of Chardonnay wines with various price points.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While having a full out unbashful love affair with Puligny-Montrachet wines, this wine fell a bit short of classical poetry, but still had an e.e. cummings sense about it. This wine on the eyes was a light-yellow straw color. On the nose, mild floral notes with a hint of vanilla. This is a crisp and clean wine on the palate with minerality coming from the calcareous soil in the area. The finish is a bit abbreviated length and very dry, showing a typical French Chardonnay of noble statue.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A solid and tight wine, but it simply fell short of my expectations of the quality of Puligny-Montrachet. However, to its merit, the price is typically in the $30-40 range. A very good comparison and contrast to our typical California Chardonnay wines.
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
Chosen this evening to compliment the food pairing of Bok Choy chicken stir fry. Ingredients were cut chicken breasts, bok choy, cornstarch, canola oil, dark sesame oil, cut white onion, ginger root, minced garlic, water and low sodium soy sauce. Served with both white sesame and roasted sesame seeds. Accompanied by Jasmine rice. A very delightful and good food pairing.
Slainte,
Michael
2012 Lineage Wine and a Christmas Holiday Dinner With Friends
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Aristotle in his writings 2,372 years ago in his book on Metaphysics stated, “in the case of all things which have several parts and in which the totality is not, as it were, a mere heap, but the whole is something besides the parts”. Then Euclid with his mathematics approach from his book Elements, Common Notion, stated “The whole is greater than the part(s)”. So, it is the same with the 2012 Lineage Wine. I will explain in detail below.
The Wine Maker
Steven Kent Mirassou, as a 6th generation family winemaker has set high goals. He set as his pinnacle development to produce the best “Bordeaux style” wine California could produce. A lofty and perhaps extreme goal for one man in Livermore Valley. After many years as a successful winemaker at Steven Kent Winery, he decided to make 3 to 5 barrels a year of the absolute premier “Bordeaux style” wine. We just opened his 2012 vintage, which is the sixth of the Lineage releases. The blend which changes year to year based on flavor profiles, consisted of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 30 & 7); 14% Cabernet Franc; 10% Merlot; 4% Petit Verdot.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While blending is an “artistic” endeavor, Steven also is analytical in his pursuit of the perfect Bordeaux blend. Here is Steven’s write-up on why these varietals and clones were chosen. It is like an artist mixing paint colors for the right shading and expression of a painting.
“Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 30: Dark cherry and cassis flavors, fine-grained tannins and acidity. Less opulent but more age worthy than Clone 4.
Cabernet Franc: Not as “big” as CS but with more finesse and an aromatic palate of sandalwood and chocolate. Acidity is the watchword of this variety. Its acid-based red fruit flavors marry well with the darker more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon to enliven and length Lineage’s finish.
Petit Verdot: Contributes tannin, color, and grapey aromas and flavors of violet and black fruit. This variety helps to build density in the mid-palate of the wine.
Merlot: Noble variety of Bordeaux’s Right Bank; as counterpoint to CS’s austere structure, Merlot is fleshy and opulent; ripe red/dark cherry flavor, a touch of herbal complexity which adds to Lineage’s rich mid-palate.”
The key take way on blending is that it is extremely selective and requires rigorous decision making of not only varietals, but the correct Clones of the varietals to get the flavor profile. Add another step of both winemaking and personal craftsmanship and abracadabra you have a gorgeous and refined Bordeaux blend called Lineage. I am sure Steven wished it was that simple, but this is the shortened version.
Two of many other detailed undertakings are his hand selection of French oak barrels (Taransaud, Le Grand and Francois Freres) and his constant monitoring of the development of the wine in the barrel.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
2012 was marked by nearly perfect weather throughout the growing season, and the temperate year produced perfectly ripe and balanced fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon contribution had a significantly larger role by percentage than it did in the previous releases and shows in Lineage and generous structure. Again, Cabernet Franc beautifully serves its role as the contributor of verve, style, and vitality. Merlot provides a great mid-palate roundness while Petit Verdot adds tannin and exotic fruit. The overall feel of Lineage is one of beauty and elegance with a fairly low alcohol level of 13.9%. The suggested maturity of this wine is recommended from 2018 to 2030. The wine was harvested from the Ghielmetti Estate and Home Ranch Vineyards in Livermore Valley. This library wine today from Lineage goes for $245. The current release is 2018 and available for $195. The 2018 was given 97 points immediately by Wine Enthusiast and the 2017 received 100 points from Steve Heimoff.
The flavor profile and experience of this wine is truly remarkable. First on the eye you see a medium to medium-dark red tint and medium viscosity wine. Very different than some of the bolder Cabernet Sauvignon’s coming out of Napa Valley. Your first impression is perhaps this may be a bit light. But hold on until you get your first whiff which reveals “black fruits, exotic woods and spice aromatics”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine was double filtered and decanted for two hours before tasting.
On the palate, you get all the above characteristics that Steven proposed in his selection of varietals and clones to produce a crescendo of semi-sweet mocha, dark cherry, dark roasted coffee, sweet tobacco, violets, black fruit, etc. You are a bit mesmerized in trying to dissect each essential trait in this wine drinking experience. But it is a wine to simply enjoy and savor the existential engagement and relationship of such a rare and eloquent treat.
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
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening dinner with a dry rubbed seasoned prime rib, mashed potato casserole with bacon, cheddar cheese and topped with parsley, meatballs, mesquite chicken breasts, roasted Brussel sprouts with reduced balsamic vinegar, a scrumptious holiday honey crisp salad with thinly sliced apples, Romaine lettuce, candied pecans, dried cranberries and blue cheese with a fresh apple cider vinaigrette dressing and for dessert a freshly baked carrot cake topped with crushed candied pecans.
An excellent food and wine pairing shared with friends this evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We also enjoyed a few other very good and fun wines with the meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
Annual List of Best Wines Tasted In 2024
Photo ©Michael Kelly
2024 continued to be a busy year tasting, judging and evaluating wines. Typically, most years I taste or enjoy between 1400 to 1800 wines. This list roughly represents just less than 10% of those wines. I have broken it out by price point, those $50 and under and those $51 and up—-something for everyone! They are listed by winery name with the varietal and year. The picks come from almost all the California AVA’s and sub-AVA’s, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico, Virginia and a few other states and various countries. 2024 was a year in which many wines in the cellar hit their maturity so you will notice a higher percentage of older wines. I believe whole heartily and stand by these picks. There were many other very good and solid wines, but these “stood out” in the crowd with my highest ratings. Most of these wines have been written up and you can do a search for the story on the right-hand side on a PC or laptop on my website.
| UP to $50 | ||
| Vintage | Winery | Varietal |
| 2020 | Acquiesce | Roussanne |
| 2020 | Ancient Peaks | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Aridus | Graciano |
| 2021 | Barra of Mendocino | Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve |
| 2022 | Barra of Mendocino | Pinot Noir |
| 2019 | Barra of Mendocino | Zinfandel |
| 2023 | Cellar 13 | Albariño |
| 2019 | Charbonnaire | Châteauneuf du Pape |
| 2019 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Carmenere |
| 2020 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Carmenere |
| 2022 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Carmenere |
| 2023 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2021 | Darcie Kent Winery | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | Daou Vineyards | “Pessimist” |
| 2023 | Girasole | Pinot Blanc |
| 2019 | Gossamer Cellars | Nebbiolo |
| 2018 | Hindsight Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon 20/20 |
| 2020 | Hindsight Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley |
| 2023 | Hindsight Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley |
| 2019 | Hindsight Wines | Chardonnay Napa Valley |
| 2022 | Hindsight Wines | Chardonnay Monterey County |
| 2018 | Hoopes Vineyard | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2020 | Iron Hub | Chardonnay |
| 2020 | Iron Hub | Zinfandel “Old Vine” |
| 2019 | Iron Hub | Zinfandel Clockspring |
| 2015 | Jazz Cellars | Pinot Noir |
| 2019 | Kenefick Ranch | Cabernet Franc Caitlin’s Select |
| 2018 | Lavender Ridge Vineyard | Roussanne |
| 2017 | Narmada | Cabernet Franc Reserve |
| 2021 | Prospect 772 | Black Tie Charlie – Blend |
| 2019 | Quady North | Cabernet Franc Sprakling Blanc |
| 2016 | Shale Canyon | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Smith-Madrone | Riesling |
| 2019 | Spangler Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2020 | Spangler Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2020 | Spangler Vineyards | Carmenere “Griffin Creek” |
| 2021 | Stolpman Vineyards | White Blend “Uni” |
| 2020 | Vermilion Valley | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Vermilion Valley | Cabernet Sauvigon |
| 2019 | Villa Vallecito | “El Rey” red blend |
| 2021 | Vina Moda | Syrah |
| 2021 | Vivac | Cabernet Franc Abbott Vineyard |
| 2018 | VJB | Aglianico |
| 2019 | VJB | Aglianico |
| 2021 | Wellington | Merlot |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Albarino – Sparkling |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Bourbon Barrel Red Wine |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2020 | Wood Family Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon “VIVA” |
| 2022 | Wood Family Vineyards | Chardonnay |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Malbec |
| 2021 | Wood Family Vineyards | Merlot “One Oak” |
| 2022 | Wood Family Vineyards | Petit Verdot |
| 2023 | Wood Family Vineyards | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2022 | Wood Family Vineyards | Syrah |
| 2022 | Wood Family Vineyards | Zinfandel “Big Wood” |
| ********************************** | ********************************** | ********************************** |
| $51 and UP | ||
| Vintage | Winery | Varietal |
| 2021 | Ancient Peaks | Cabernet Sauvignon “Pearl” |
| 2014 | Arkenstone | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2021 | Austin Hope | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2022 | Austin Hope | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2014 | Blackbird Vineyards | Paramount Cabernet Franc blend |
| 2020 | Brecon Estate | Cabernet Franc Reserve |
| 2019 | Brick Barn Estate | Cabernet Franc “Fatalist” |
| 2021 | Cellar 13 | Cabernet Franc |
| 2014 | Crocker & Starr Wines | Cabernet Franc |
| 2015 | Crocker & Starr Wines | Casali 8th red blend |
| 2013 | Crocker & Starr Wines | Casali Red blend |
| 2016 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Petit Verdot |
| 2019 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Petit Verdot |
| 2022 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Carmenere Insel |
| 2019 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Melange d’ Amis |
| 2018 | Cuda Ridge Wines | Petit Verdot |
| 2022 | CULMINATION | Cabernet Franc |
| 2021 | CULMINATION | Red Wine – Bordeaux style |
| 2021 | Daou Wines | Cabernet Franc |
| 2020 | Daou Wines | Cabernet Franc Patrimony |
| 2019 | Dunning Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Ehret Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon Bella’s |
| 2020 | Ehret Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select |
| 2019 | Ehret Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley |
| 2020 | Ehret Winery | Merlot |
| 2019 | Ehret Winery | Red Wine – Bordeaux style |
| 2022 | Ehret Winery | Zinfandel |
| 2010 | Hewitt | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2008 | Hewitt | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2015 | Hindsight Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn |
| 2018 | Hoopes Vineyard | Syrah |
| 2021 | J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines | Cabernet Franc |
| 2017 | Justin Vineyards & Winery | Isoceles blend |
| 2019 | Kenefick Ranch | Cabernet Franc |
| 2014 | La Jota | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2010 | Lail Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2014 | Lail Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint |
| 2013 | Lail Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint |
| 2008 | Larkmead Vineyards | LMV Red Blend |
| 2010 | Larkmead Vineyards | Solari |
| 2017 | Laura Michael Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga |
| 2019 | L’Autre Cote | Cabernet Franc |
| 2017 | L’Autre Cote | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Ledson Winery & Vineyards | Cabernet Franc “Moon Mtn” |
| 2014 | Ledson Winery & Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn |
| 2007 | Lineage Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2021 | LXV Wines | Cabernet Franc Reserve |
| 2021 | LXV Wines | The Tempo red blend? |
| 2022 | Nickel & Nickel | Chardonnay Truchard Vineyard |
| 2018 | Oakville East | Cabernet Franc – Franc n’ Stern |
| 2020 | Optio | Grenache |
| 2021 | Orfila Vineyards | Lagrein |
| 2014 | O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2009 | O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn |
| 2012 | O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder |
| 2013 | Outpost Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2011 | Outpost Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon “True Vineyards” |
| 2014 | Outpost Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon “True Vineyards” |
| 2011 | Outpost Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn |
| 2016 | Palazzo Wine | Cabernet Franc |
| 2013 | Long Shadows / Pedestal | Merlot |
| 2014 | Peter Michael Winery | Chardonnay La Carriere |
| 2013 | Peter Michael Winery | Chardonnay La Carriere |
| 2019 | pureCru Wines | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | pureCru Wines | CFM – blend |
| 2013 | Rapp Ranch | Cabernet Sauvignon Cutter’s Reserve |
| 2007 | Robert Mondavi | Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve |
| 2021 | Secret Door Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2021 | Selin Cellars | Cabernet Franc |
| 2022 | Selin Cellars | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Shadybrook Estate | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2014 | Shadybrook Estate | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2004 | Silver Oak Cellars | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley |
| 2019 | Silver Trident Winery | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2022 | Silver Trident Winery | Pinot Noir |
| 2019 | Smith-Madrone Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2021 | Smith-Madrone Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2014 | Tate Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder |
| 2015 | Tate Wines | Merlot Spring Street |
| 2021 | Terminim Wines | White Blend Cépages D’ Or |
| 2014 | The Grade Cellars | Cabernet Sauvignon “Winfield Vineyard” |
| 2021 | Titus Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2010 | Trespass Vineyard | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2013 | Trespass Vineyard | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2016 | Bodegas Vatan | Tinto de Toro |
| 2017 | Bodegas Vatan | Tinto de Toro |
| 2010 | Vineyard 29 | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2021 | Vinoce Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2020 | Vivas Family | Jumillo Clio |
| 2013 | YoungInglewood Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
Sláinte,
Michael
Stolpman Vineyards “Uni” and Shimogamo Restaurant – Two Great Finds
Background
While in Arizona last week and after a quick round of golf with my daughter, we ventured to Gilbert to Shimogamo, featuring fine Japanese cuisine for lunch. Here we met Mathew Noriega who provided some excellent insights on the restaurant, cuisine and wine suggestions. They have two locations, their original one in Chandler and less than a year ago, opened the one in Gilbert.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
I ordered various sashimi pieces and Mathew recommended a glass of Stolpman Uni, a blend of Roussanne and Chardonnay. He was spot on with the wine coming from Ballard Canyon in Los Olivos, California. Here the delicate richness and mouth filling Roussanne combined with crisp and bright Chardonnay with apple and pear tastes, provided a great accompaniment to the fresh sashimi.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
Ordered four pieces each of tuna, yellowtail, salmon and a special “fatty tuna” selection. The presentation on ice was perfectly presented. Each piece of sashimi was delicious and extremely fresh. The wine complimented each morsel of fish consumed. An excellent recommendation by Mathew. Can’t wait to enjoy a dinner meal there upon my next visit.
The Winery
I have heard of Stolpman winery for years, but have never tasted their wines at restaurants, wine judging events or at friends’ houses. They are known for their Syrah and Roussanne grapes growing in limestone outcropping near on the Central Coast with the nearby Pacific Ocean breezes. They are committed to dry farming, native fermentation and with minimal manipulation bringing forth their wines. The wines come from Ballard Canyon AVA. I will be investigating and getting to know Stolpman Vineyards soon!
Sláinte,
Michael
Inaugural Cabernet Franc Guild of Livermore Valley Tasting For International Cabernet Franc Day
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Cabernet Franc Guild of Livermore Valley, a group of winemakers, grape growers and hospitality professionals have come together to create an identity for Livermore as a premier AVA for producing Cabernet Franc. Their motto is that Livermore Valley provides a “perfect terroir” to bring to market some of the best Cabernet Franc wines available.
On December 4th, International Cabernet Franc Day, twelve wineries banded together to pour their wines in the lobby of the Bankhead Theater. The event sold out within days of the announcement of the event with 200 attendees! Each wine was delicious and all worthy to qualify for the Guild’s criteria to be accepted.
Below are the participants pouring stations and some with previous written stories on their excellent Cabernet Franc:
Cuda Ridges Wines
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rosa Fierro Cellars
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/01/25/rosa-fierro-cellars-2016-big-daddy-cabernet-franc/
Cellar 13 Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
McGrail Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
L’ Autre Côte / Steven Kent Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Darcie Kent Estate Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Mitchell Katz at Shadow Hills
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Las Positas Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Occasio Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery & Vineyard
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Patty Powers from Livermore Wine Growers Association volunteered as hostess of the event with Larry Dino of Cuda Ridge Wines the Event Chairman.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A fun evening sipping incredible Cabernet Franc wines and can’t wait until the next event!
Sláinte,
Michael
International Cabernet Franc Day Celebration This Evening
Attending the inaugural Livermore Valley Cabernet Franc Guild’s tasting on December 4th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Bankhead Theater. A core set of Livermore Valley wineries that produce Cabernet Franc have formed the Livermore Valley Cab Franc Guild with the purpose to promote the quality of Cabernet Franc expressed by the terroir and world class winemaking of Livermore Valley. The Livermore Cab Franc Guild currently includes twelve wineries. Listed below are six which I have published stories on:
Cuda Ridge Wines
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Cellar 13 Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rosa Fierro Cellars
Photo ©Michael Kelly
L’ Autre Côte / Steven Kent Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Darcie Kent Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The other six wineries participating this evening are Almost Famous Wine Company, Las Positas Vineyards, McGrail Vineyards, Mitchell Katz Winery, Occasio Winery and Rodrique Molyneaux Winery. A few have participated in the Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition with very solid scores and a few I have not tasted but looking forward to trying.
Looking forward to tasting the best Cabernet Franc wines offered by Livermore Valley Cabernet Franc Guild.
Michael
Sláinte,
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Clone 30 Cabernet Sauvignon
Background
Rhonda Wood makes several Cabernet Sauvignon wines either as 100% varietal or in a “Bordeaux style” blend. The “Clone 30” has been considered her esteemed and special Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from her estate vineyard. It will now be moved to their new CULMINATION offering starting with the release in December 2024.
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/
and
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article. Check out their website at the bottom of this article
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes a unique dark purple and red combination of coloring and medium heavy viscosity. This illuminating and full body wine immediately catches your attention. On the nose fragrant dark fruit rises to greet the senses. Once on the palate, blackberries dominate, and secondary flavor of crab apple and a modicum of rhubarb is also present. On the finish, a multi-layered textual feel and the tannins are present to provide an ample “teeth clinging” sensation with edgy tannins, but still smooth and enjoyable.
photo ©Michael Kelly
Only 95 cases produced, and it will be released December 11th with a price of $80/bottle. Her 2019 “Clone 30” Cabernet Sauvignon won Double Gold at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. This 2021 has 14.8% alcohol.
It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate vineyards. It was aged 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels and the balance being once used French oak barrels. Then combined and aged another 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Splitting the barrel fermentation provides, in Rhonda’s words, “a velvety finish with structure”.
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
The wine was paired with a seared (1500 degrees) and BBQ’ed ribeye steak this evening and served medium rare. Accompanied by cheesy potato casserole. Also, a fresh spinach salad with slices of purple onions, bacon, green onion, dried cranberries and candied pecans with a Northern Italian dressing.
This wine was specifically chosen to cut through a fattier cut of steak, and it did an excellent job. One of the better wines chosen to go with this delicious meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Hindsight Monterey County Chardonnay – Finding Gold
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The title finding gold refers to the shining color of the wine and the value. The winery is in Calistoga, at the northern end of the Napa Valley. The owners of the winery are Seth Gersh, Managing Director, Alisa Gean MD, Sommelier and William S. Boykin, National Sales Manager. Seth’s background has been as an executive of various leading financial companies as well as being involved in philanthropic endeavors. Alisa is Professor Emeritus of Neuroradiology and Adjunct Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of California in San Francisco. Alisa received her Sommelier certification from Napa Valley College and the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is currently a WSET 4 Diploma candidate. Her resume on the medical and wine industry would be an article by itself! The third member of the ownership team, William has 46 years’ experience in the Wine and Spirits industry, starting back in 1977 with Inglenook Vineyards, then Seagram and importing Italian wines. Bill is involved in setting up and supporting their distribution channel. Bill along with Seth & Alisa have been involved in the San Francisco 49’er Football Foundation for over a decade. These three professionals are very synchronized in business planning and bringing forth superb wines to the market. Seth believes that the driving force of Hindsight’s business is to offer wines that over-deliver on quality.
Photo from Hindsight Winery
Michael Weiss is their winemaker steeped in years of making award winning wines. Michael spent 26 years helping build Groth Vineyards and Winery in Napa Valley. Prior to that he held winemaker positions at both Robert Mondavi Winery and Vichon Winery. Today they are producing various designated vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah.
The wines can be tasted at The Vault in downtown Calistoga. Here Hindsight Wines, along with others, are offered in an environment of warmth and hospitality. Their wines can also be purchased online through the Hindsight website.
Photo from Hindsight Winery
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While having enjoyed past vintages of Hindsight Wines Chardonnay, this is the first review of their Chardonnay from Monterey County. As you can see on the eyes a glistening golden color with brightness and medium viscosity. On the nose are the aromatic of green apple and peach. On the palate, a fresh and mild citrus of lemon, passion fruit coupled with a mellow butterscotch flavor. On the finish minerality and brioche flavors complete this beautiful experience. The wine is 14.3% alcohol.
The wine is listed at $31.99/bottle and is perhaps one of the best values in the market today! This wine made my annual Best Wines tasted in 2024 for quality, taste and value for under $51/bottle. It now will be one of top five everyday Chardonnay wines in the cellar along with others from Suisun Valley, Livermore Valley, Sonoma Valley and Amador County.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
The meal this evening was a lemon chicken pan seared in oil and lemon juice. The sauce consisted of lemon juice, white wine, lemon zest and butter. Accompanied by cheesy potatoes. An excellent and enjoyable food and wine pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael