winery
2022 Ehret Family Winery Zinfandel
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Admittedly not being a big fan of Zinfandel, I was turned around after enjoying this delicious wine when I first tasted it in 2023. My earlier experiences of Zinfandel were of the “fruit-bomb” characteristics and since then have shied away when given a chance to taste Zinfandels.
First on the eyes, a dark and enticing purple coloring greeted you in the glass. On the nose, blueberries and freshly picked raspberries exuded from the wine glass to the olfactory senses. At this point my a priori knowledge of Zinfandel was shattered, and I was about to experience something wonderful. On the palate, blackberry preserves and blueberries were dominant. Secondary soft tones of licorice and Christmas spices were present (nutmeg, cinnamon). On the finish one of the gentler landings in the mouth with a meaty fruit but non-sweet and light oak taste providing a fine waltz begging for another sip.
The 2022 vintage only a limited number of cases were produced, and it comes in at 16% alcohol. The wine was aged 18 months in 40% new French oak barrels. It received an awarded of 93 points and a Gold Medal at the American Fine Wine Competition. The current release vintage is 2023 and is listed at $60/bottle and worth every penny!
I just can’t imagine a better Zinfandel for my taste buds.
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 a break in the weather, we wanted to start up the BBQ. Marinated a tri tip steak in Chaka sauce for 12 hours. Seared it on the outside at 1500 degrees and then slowly BBQ’ed it. Over cooked it just a bit. Accompanied with sauteed snap peas, long and short brown rice and a Cesar salad. The Zinfandel wine with its dark fruits encapsulated the BBQ meat beautifully.
This is both an excellent wine for food pairings as well as drinking without food. Unfortunately, it was my last bottle of 2022 Ehret Family Winery Zinfandel.
This wine will make my annual report for Best Wines tasted in 2025 that comes out in December. I am now a converted Zinfandel fan especially for Ehret’s Zinfandel!
The Winery
Photo from Ehret Family website
The Ehret Family Winery owners are Pierre and Susan Ehret with their three children Alex, Christian and Isabella. They established the vineyard and started producing grapes in 1996 at the Bavarian Lion Vineyards. It is one of the largest estates in Knights Valley consisting of 1800 acres of both hillside and valley floor terrain. Currently 500 acres are planted in vineyards allowing the balance to provide an ecosystem for plants and birdlife to dwell. From 1996 they sold their fruit to some of the more well-known wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. In 2005, they selected the highest quality grapes and started their family brand, Ehret Family Winery. Today they produce various Cabernet Sauvignon’s, Red Blends, Zinfandel, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Their tasting room is in Healdsburg at 422 Healdsburg Ave and appointments are required.
Map courtesy from Vintroux https://vineyardandwinerysales.com/
Knights Valley is in Northern Sonoma County between Alexander Valley and over the Napa Valley border next to Calistoga.
The winemaker is Erin Green who has been there since 2015. Previously Erin had experience at Sonoma-Cutrer, Vinewood Cellars and Napa Wine Company. She has also blended wines for various premium projects such as Bryant Family, Colgin Cellars, Martinelli Winery and Pahlmeyer. From 2000-2012 Erin was the winemaker and Director of Winegrowing at Pahlmeyer.
Sláinte,
Michael
2015 Crocker & Starr Casali 8 – A Marriage of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
A question was poised on a wine chat room, if you could only drink one wine the rest of your life, what would you choose? While not answering the question, as I believe variety is the spice of life, last evening drinking this 2015, it was extremely close to being the answer. I met Pam almost twenty years ago and liked every one of her wines. I have also seen the winery grow exponentially in size, without wavering from their exquisite quality and warm hospitality. Not an easy feat in today’s environment!
The Winery
Photo from 2 years ago ©Michael Kelly
Pam Starr is simply a Rock Star. I believe she is one of the elite top 10 winemakers in Napa, but she is also much more than this. Knowing Pam Starr and following her exquisite wines for years, just about all would agree! Her technical pedigree comes from UC Davis in Fermentation Science. She started as an intern at Sonoma Cutrer, Edna Valley Vineyard, then six years at Carmenet Winery and then winemaker for Spottswoode Vineyard. In 1997 she and Charlie Crocker established Crocker & Starr.
Photo from Crocker & Starr website
Charlie Crocker comes from one of California’s oldest families, with his grandfather who was involved in the Central Pacific railroad in the mid 1800’s. His family heritage was a force in California’s development. Charlie also was involved in high tech and ran several companies very successfully. He has always had a keen interest in wine. Charlie in 1971 purchased the Dowdell property in St Helena. Today 85 of the 100 acres are planted in the classical Bordeaux grapes. On their website a detailed chronology is provided and makes a very good read.
The blending of these two personalities as a partnership is as smooth as their wine — seamless and magnificent.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
What I enjoy most in getting to know Pam, is her genuineness and friendliness. You can stop by and see her in the vineyards, driving a forklift, punching down tubs of grapes, just about anything and everything. She is immersed in the business of “perfection”. Yet she has time, to sit down and talk, provide a bowl of water for your dogs, and even converse about mundane “non-wine issues”. She is above all else, extremely real and kind. Why wouldn’t you like her wine?
Her enthusiasm spills over into her craft of winemaking skills. I am speaking as a customer and wine club member from this perspective. Since meeting Pam, some twenty years ago, her wines started out at a 10 (scale of 1-10) and have remained at this quality the entire time! No easy feat with droughts, fire and wild temperature swings.
Let’s talk about the wines she produces. First, and why I sought Crocker & Starr initially years ago, was her Cabernet Franc. Each year they produce one of the most consistently solid and best Cabernet Franc’s in the Valley. The wine always shows a deep purple, with concentrates of black raspberries and tobacco. As some Cab Francs can be “strong”, Crocker & Starr‘s are strong in texture, but surprisingly soft and velvety to drink. They have enough balance of structure, tannin and acid to last 10-15 years without fail.
Today they produce a few Cabernet Sauvignon (RLC, Stone Place, One Post), Cabernet Franc and Casali (blend of Cabernet Franc & Malbec). Also, their white Sauvignon Blanc is superb. One newer addition is Brut Rose. All her red wines and white wines have consistently made my annual list of “Best Wines Tasted” during the year for the last 15 years! See the links to these reviews:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/28/2011-crocker-starr-stone-place-cabernet-sauvignon/
One of their taglines is “Touch the Vines, Taste the Wines”. When visiting the winery, immersion into the vineyard is a prerequisite. In 2021 Cyrus Hazzard joined the Crocker & Starr team as a Partner & President to continue their esteemed tradition.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Casali designated wine is a mix of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon with the percentages changing year by year. 2015 Casali 8 is 55% Malbec and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is Pam’s ode to a Bordeaux blend and comes in at 14.4% alcohol.
First on the eyes a dark inky coloring with a magenta and purple rim. When popping the cork, the fragrances of black plum waft into the senses beckoning one to take a sip. Once on the palate, black cherries and blueberries swirl about in merriment. Secondary flavors of sweet pipe tobacco along with blackberries complete the tasting. The finish, dark chocolate counterbalanced by vanilla and surrounded by silky and embracing tannins leaves one almost speechless. Like a piece of art, you are mesmerized and totally elated with the momentary and existential experience.
Their current release is 2022 will be available to Casali members for $110/bottle (Casali 15) in spring of 2025. The 2015 will definitely make my “Best Wines Tasted This Year” again (comes out each December) 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
Dinner with this wine was a special Carne Asada. The flank steak was put through a tenderizing machine at the meat market. It was marinated 24 hours with the following ingredients: olive oil, soy sauce, fresh squeezed orange and lime juice, fresh chopped cilantro leaves, pickled Jalapeño peppers, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin, Kosher salt, ground black pepper. The steak was seared on the BBQ with an infrared ceramic burner at 1500 degrees for about 3-4 minutes a side and then BBQ’ed. Served with minced cilantro, fresh extra marinade sauce and a modicum of fresh squeezed lime juice. Accompanying the meal were roasted quartered Mexican potatoes consisting of baby yellow halved potatoes, olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, oregano and fresh finely grated Parmesan Reggiano. A fresh Southwest Garden salad comprised of iceberg and green leaf lettuce, chili lime seasoned white chicken meat, tortilla strips, four cheese blend, roasted yellow corn and salsa ranch dressing. The Carne Asada was flavorful and spicy. This is now one of our “go to” BBQ food pairings!
This Malbec blend with its fruit surrounded the spicy meat and cooled it off to be absolutely a wonderful pairing with the Cabernet Sauvignon component matched beautifully with the meat protein.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Not All Meals Are Gourmet – But All Deserve A Good Wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I generally write about wines that can be purchased commercially, whether at a winery or wine shop. This wine we were given by a friend, Steve Alaimo in Paso Robles a week ago while staying at “The Guest House”. He is the proprietor of the Via Paloma “The Guest House” that we frequent when in Paso Robles. He provides a bottle of either his Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon in the room when staying there. It is not a commercial wine, but one that is from his small vineyard on his property. He is an amateur winemaker and has been making wine since 1991 in the Los Angeles area as an enthusiastic hobby. When he moved to Paso Robles in 2009, he sought advice from various wine consultants on how to improve his winemaking skills. He subsequently joined a home winemaking group in Paso Robles called “Wines & Steins” a social and educational club.
The previous year he provided us with two different bottles of his 2018 with one being very good. Steve the winemaker, calls his wine Via Paloma, with Paloma translating to “dove”.
This year Steve provided us with a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and last evening the weather was nice before the next atmospheric river forecasted for the next nine days, so at the last minute decided to BBQ hamburgers. Grabbed the wine out of the cellar and it was significantly better and a step up from his previous vintages. When I called and asked what had changed besides the “terroir” his explanation was basically a new American oak barrel was used in fermentation. He normally makes one barrel of Zinfandel and one barrel of Cabernet Sauvignon. If I were rating this wine it would be 90 or 91 points.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine had a nice deep red coloring on the eyes and medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose a tad reserved but still dark fruit was evident. On the palate a mixture of blackberry and plum were the dominant flavors. Secondary flavors of vanilla pipe tobacco sprang forth. On the finish it was bold and structured with velvety tannins. Steve’s crafting of his Cabernet Sauvignon took a significant leap in quality from my perspective. Nice going Steve!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Had the wine with a BBQ’ed burger and steak fries. It was a wonderful match “on the fly” and very complimentary to each other. I don’t know what I enjoyed more, his wine or conversations with him when visiting or over the phone.
It is a great bonus staying at his guest house with his wine and would recommend “The Guest House” on a Paso Robles visit.
Slainte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
s_alaimo@yahoo.com “The Guest House”
2021 Donati Family Vineyard Petit Verdot
Photo from Donati Family Vineyards webpage
Background
This story unfolded from Donati’s participation in the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition on March 5th. They won Best of Category in the $56-$70 California Category and Double Gold Medals from the Professional Judges. They also received a Silver Medal from the People’s Choice Judges. This price category included wines from Lodi, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, Alexander Valley, Napa Valley and Temecula and perhaps one of the toughest categories in the California portion of the competition. This was their second year participating.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While attending the #CabFrancMasters in Paso I contacted Donati Wines to arrange a visit as I did not know the winery. We agreed to meet on Monday after the event and what a fun, delightful and engaging visit pursued with winemaker Briana Heywood. Her background prior to joining the Donati Family was at J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery for almost 10 years as an enologist and previous experience with a variety of wineries.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
During the visit with Brianna we sampled various wines from their award winning lineup. We left with two of their wines, one being Petit Verdot. Petit Verdot is best know as a blending wine for Bordeaux style wines. It was used consistently in Bordeaux as it was a late ripening grape varietal. It struggled to reach full maturity and when used in moderation (1-2%) for blending produced generally produced wines that were overly tannic and caused the vineyards to decline. More recently however Petit Verdot has had a resurgence due to plantings in warmer climates like California, Australia and Spain. The warmer climates allowing the fruit to fully ripen and provide a distinct character for the varietal. Providing a very drinkable wine full of body, tannins and structure.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Donati Family Vineyard Petit Verdot displays all the key components of this beautiful and often misunderstood varietal. First on the eyes, this wine is a lavish and royal purple in coloring contrasting from other varieties. In the glass, it has a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, aromas of violets and lavender along with plum and blackberry rise up to beckon your first sip. Once on the palate the essence of dark fruits, strong tannins and firm acidity greet the imbiber. Blueberry notes soften the impact of the tannins with a silky smoothness and flavor. On the finish, black pepper and spices and dried herbal notes and rustic smoky tastes linger. After the finish, you are struck with its full body, structural characteristics and tannins. Aging in oak barrels tends to soften the wine with a slight vanilla taste. Only 68 cases were produced and the wine lists for $56/bottle. The wine is 13.9% alcohol.
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
This wine was chosen this evening to be paired with slow cooked beef short ribs. Many wines could be selected, especially for how the ribs are prepared and cooked be it braised or BBQ for example. Petit Verdot with its acidity and tannins complement the richness of beef. While the beef was cooked in red wine, the strong Petit Verdot continued to break down the proteins in the meat to enhance a more tender texture.
The recipe called for seasoned short ribs braised first and then transferred to the slow cooker. A sauce was prepared with onions, mushrooms, garlic, beef broth, oregano, thyme, rosemary and marjoram. Then in the slow cooker, red wine and the sauce were added with the meat along with bay leaves. It was cooked for 9 hours. When the meat was served it was so tender it fell apart with a fork. Accompanied by twice baked Russet potato. The food and wine pairing hit the target with the tannins from the wine standing up to the meat and the flavorful meat enjoying the dark fruit from the wine. Extremely simpatico!
The Winery
Photo of a small portion of the winery ©Michael Kelly
The winery produces both a larger scale commercial wine offering and very small artisan & boutique wines for direct to customer purchase and their wine club. They are located at 2720 Oak View Road in Templeton, California. Their tasting room is quaint and inviting and more like a family room atmosphere.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Here is the lineup of some of their commercial and mass-produced wines. They are moderately priced for the consumer and Donati Family produces approximately 11,000 cases of these brands.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They also have a fair number of varieties of wines for their club members and are sold only in the tasting room. These small artisan and boutique wines comprise a limited production totally roughly 700 cases. The tasting room is quaint and inviting to enjoy sipping some or perhaps all of their wines!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A great visit meeting Brianna with her enthusiastic energy, bright smile and her knowledge of both the vines and making wine. While not one of the “major names” in Paso Robles AVA, they are getting noticed by wine aficionados and discerning wine drinkers. I will look forward to a return visit on the next trip to Paso Robles AVA. In the interim I have both a Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc to be tasted and enjoyed in the coming weeks.
Sláinte,
Michael
Cabernet Franc Masters 2025: Wine Tasting Seminar on the World of Franc!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I attended one of my favorite events of the year called Cabernet Franc Masters in Paso Robles (#CabFrancMasters) on March 16th. This is the third year that Kunal & Neeta Mittal have spearheaded this outstanding conference. It was held at the Cass Event Center starting at 10 am starting off with a Wine Tasting Seminar: World of Cabernet Franc led by Wes Hagen.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This focused on global expressions of Cabernet Franc wines from around the world both seminar and tasting.
The overview of the session started out with Wes tracing the origins & history of Cabernet Franc, viticulture, geography where Cab Franc is produced, the wine profile characteristics and concluding with tasting Cabernet Franc wines from around the world.
A lot of details and ad hoc comments by the “professor Wes Hagen” on so many subjects regarding this exquisite grape varietal. I believe three are relatively important in comprehending this grape varietal by Wes.
The first is how Cabernet Franc genealogy can be traced via DNA studies. Below this chart shows just how prolific this grape is and its “off springs”.
Slide ©Wes Hagen
The second important factor is the versality and resilience of Cabernet Franc to adapt to various climates around the world. Very few grapes can withstand these temperature, wind and humidity variables.
Slide ©Wes Hagen
The third is a comparison between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in their key characteristics and differences.
Slide ©Wes Hagen
Once the above factors and others were discussed it was time to make the session empirical with wine tasting. Five wines were featured running the gauntlet of pricing from $25 to $90. The wines in order were the following:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
#1 – 2022 Domaine Brunet Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire Valley, France
#2 – 2021 Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
#3 – 2022 Lieu Dit Cabernet Franc from Santa Ynez Valley, California
#4 – 2019 Chateau Haut Ferrand Cabernet Franc from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
#5 – 2019 Zaha Cabernet Franc from Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina
Each wine was dissected in understanding its “terroir”, age-worthy status, key characteristics, it’s place in the market and based on location the ability to adapt to climate change. A lot of key and important facts on each wine were discussed. At the conclusion of the tasting a show of hands as to the preferred style by the attendees. While all the wines received votes the out right winner was the 2022 Lieu Dit Cabernet Franc from Santa Ynez Valley, California which goes for around $40 to $45.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The concluding comments about Cabernet Franc were enlightening and timely. They were summed up in this slide:
Slide ©Wes Hagen
This was the third time I have had the privilege of listening to Wes and he covers this broad subject in detail, with humor and amazing side stories from his experience. He truly is a “professor” and provides a quick pace opportunity to learn about this varietal.
Slainte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
#CabFrancMasters
2021 Wood Family Vineyards Grenache – With Cornish Game Hens
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes, a mesmerizing radiant purple hue that was semi-translucent. On the nose, aromas of bright Bing cherries and exotic tropical spicy notes wafted into the senses. On the palate, is where this “lightly colored” wine packs a world-class punch. Besides the cherries, strawberries coated in powdered sugar, wake up the mouth. Secondary flavors of cinnamon and vanilla rounded out the tasting experience. On the finish, a surprisingly welcomed number of tannins resided on the back of the throat with a hint of herbal sage. A complete and fulfilling Grenache was presented sip after sip. 167 cases were produced. It was aged 18 months in neutral French barrels.
Today’s vintage is 2023 and is even a bit spicier and the current price is $37.
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
Having roasted Cornish game hens for dinner at a friend’s house for dinner. Not a typical wine pairing, at least for me. Options included Pinot Noir, Rhone varieties, Chardonnay and even Rosé wines. Went with the Grenache based on memory. The Cornish hens were roasted and delicious. Accompanied by roasted potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts with caramelized onions and a fresh garden salad. The Cornish game hens were moist and tender with the Grenache providing definition but without overpowering the meat. A wonderful food and wine pairing.
The Winery and Background
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.
We also enjoyed a few other wines with dinner that were all solid.
Photo by Peter Singh
Sláinte,
Michael
6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition Awards by the Professional Judges
Pictures of Awards from 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition from the Professional Judges. People’s Choice Judges awards will be published tomorrow.
Grand Sweepstakes Overall Winner, Yates Family Vineyard – Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
Eastern Division, Best of Show – Boundary Breaks Vineyard – Finger Lakes, NY
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
Central Division, Best of Show – Heineman Winery – Lake Erie, Ohio
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Bronze Medal
People’s Choice – Gold Medal
Northwest Division, Best of Show – Spangler Vineyards – Southern Oregon
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Southwest Division, Best of Show – Vivac Winery – New Mexico
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Silver Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Gold Medal
California Division, Best of Show – Overall for all California Price Categories, Yates Family Vineyard
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – less than $40 – Darcie Kent, Lemmons Vineyard, Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
California – Best of Category – $41 to $55 – Mitchell Katz, Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $56 to $70 – Donati Family, Paso Robles
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $71 to $85 – Yates Family Vineyard
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal, Best of California
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $86 to $105 – Middle Oak Wines – Napa Valley
Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
California – Best of Category – $106 and up – L ‘Autre Cote – Livermore
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Best of Category, Double Gold Medals
People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medals
International Division – Best of Show – Pillitteri Estates Winery – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice Judges – Silver Medal
Specialty Division – Best of Show -Chateau Niagara Winery – Appassimento – Newfane, NY
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice – Silver Medal
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Blend Division – Best of Show – Philip Carter Winery – Hume, Virginia
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Professional Judges – Gold Medal
People’s Choice – Bronze Medal
I was very impressed that the judges were able to discern the top picks from a variety of regions!
Hope you (and I) get a chance to taste some of these wines in the near future!
Slainte,
Michael Kelly
2022 J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines Cabernet Franc – Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover!
Background
Never were truer words stated by George Eliot in the 1860 novel “The Mill on the Floss”. So it can be said of judging wines often seen in grocery stores by the company they keep! Admittedly I had relegated J. Lohr wines as “grocery store” wines. That was without a doubt a total misgiving and corrected by the knowledgeable VP of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Steve Peck a couple of years ago. I am forever grateful for “getting the straight story” about the winery.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Here is an image of one of their “mass-produced” bottles that can be seen in grocery and liquor stores. Thinking that was the extent of the quality portfolio, I often walked by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines offering in stores much to my embarrassment.
They do have eight 145,000-gallon tanks on their property called Bottle Ready Tank Farm (BRTF) which is the equivalent of 60,000 cases in each tank! While they produce roughly 1.5 million cases (number from over 1 year ago) they do produce an array of other smaller lots of wines.
Having picked up a bottle of the 2022 J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines Cabernet Franc drove home Steve Peck’s point that while J. Lohr has many good quality mass-produced wines, they also have many artisan and hand crafted wines. This is just one of many. Others include the 2019 POM Cuvee which was a blend of 74% Merlot, 18% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. The POM comes from the Grand Cru wines of Pomerol in Bordeaux on the Right Bank. Beautiful cherry and blueberries were dominant on the taste buds along with a soft finish.
The second wine is the 2019 J.Lohr St.E! It is now one of my favorites consisting of 66% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot. The inspiration behind the St E label is for St. Emilion on the Right Bank. Black fruit with velvety tannins provided a long-lasting finish and stated to age up to 13 years.
Another was for 2020 J.Lohr PAU with inspiration from the Grand Cru wines of Pauillac district in Bordeaux. Mainly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions of other Bordeaux varietal wines to provide structure and layering, resulting in texture and complexity.
Two other noteworthy wines are the 2021 J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that was rated 95 points and comes from their vineyard in Napa Valley. It spent 18 months in 54% new French oak barrels. It is listed to age for 12 years. A donation is made by J. Lohr Winery of $3 for every bottle sold to the National Breast Cancer Foundation program.
The last wine I will mention to give a fuller understanding of their exquisite line up is really about is their 2015 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This is considered Jerry Lohr’s embodiment reflecting his decades providing his best wine to be enjoyed. It has received 98 points and is comprised of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Malbec.
There are many more……
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Opened this up the evening on the eve of the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition. It had been sitting in the cellar for over one year. I was pleased, startled and in awe of this wonderful wine. On the eyes, a dark and brooding brick and purple coloring. On the nose, fragrant aromas of dark berries and violets sprung forth like a young teenager heading to the Prom. On the palate layers upon layers of pure enjoyment and inspiration. Flavors of black cherries, blackberries, caressing oak, soft leather and smoky oak nuances. On the finish, strong and pronounced tannins, more reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but all so welcomed. Finishing with minerality, a touch of Pyrazines (bell pepper) and a long finish.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
It is listed at $60/bottle and was aged 16 months in French oak barrels. It comes in at 15.2% alcohol with only 367 cases produced. This Home Ranch Cabernet Franc not only made my annual Best Wines Tasted for 2025, but also is now on my personal best Cabernet Franc wines ever tasted!
History
Fifty years ago Jerry Lohr with little viticulture background ventured to California and found two areas that he thought could produce good wines: Monterey coast and Paso Robles. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco had the cool windy climate and rocky soils necessary to produce excellent Chardonnay. Ten years later in the 1980’s, he also realized Paso Robles was well suited for producing Bordeaux varietals with rich soils and large diurnal temperature swings between the warm summer days and the cooling breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fast forward, the growth of vineyards and planting was steadfastly adhered to with incremental acquisitions of property. Today over 1,400 acres are planted in Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County with a focus on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié, and Pinot Noir. Now add the 2,700 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles planted and producing Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines winery also owns 30 acres in Napa Valley producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Jerry’s vision has become a reality, producing many solid and award-winning wines with it now still being run as a family business.
One of many distinctions separating J. Lohr winery is their conscientious “farming for the future”. 2023 marks thirteen years since and continuously, J. Lohr became the first vineyard and winery in California to earn the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing from California Sustainable winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). Detailed information can be found on their website.
Sláinte,
Michael
The 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition Results – Dedicated Exclusively to Cabernet Franc Wines
Not all the bottles of competition shown (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 6th Annual Cabernet Franc Wine Competition was held yesterday on March 5th at the Copperopolis Armory. It was constructed in 1864 and is now a California designated Historical Site. The format for the blind competition utilizes the Danish system, where the wines are “bagged and tagged and marked with coded numbers”. There were four tables of wine judges (2 tables of Professional Judges and 2 tables People’s Choice Judges each with 3 judges at each table) voting on medal designation, Best of Category, Best of Show and Grand Sweepstakes Winner. If all could not agree on the medal, which does happens, then a lively discussion going over the key characteristics of the specific wine is debated to reach a consensus award by each group of judges.
In total there were eight Divisions this year. They were the Eastern Division, Central Division, Northwest Division, Southwest Division, California Divsiion, International, Blend (must be 50% Cab Franc) and Specialty (Cab Franc Ice Wine, Rose, Appassimento, Blanc, etc.). In total 96 wines entered the competition. The event started at 8:30 am and went non-stop, concluding at 2:30 pm with a luncheon for the judges and volunteers.
One of the two tables of Professional Judges (L to R-Tom Bender, Debra Miller, Martha)
The Grand Sweepstakes winner from the Professional Judges was the 2021 Yates Family Vineyard in Mount Veeder AVA in Napa Valley, California. Here they have 35 acres of hillside estate vineyards. It is 100% Cabernet Franc from their estate. In addition, they won Double Gold Medals, Best of Category and Best of Show from the Professional Judges. The People’s Choice Judges awarded them a Silver Medal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Grand Sweepstakes winner from the People’s Choice Judges was 2020 Creekside Cellars from Evergreen, Colorado. They are located at 7200 feet elevation. The grapes came from the Grand Valley AVA ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 elevation. They won Best of Category, Double Gold, Best of Show from the People’s Choice Judges and the Professional Judges awarded them a Silver Medal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Detail stories on the Grand Sweepstakes winners will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Below are the listing for Best of Class and Medal Awards (just showing Gold & Silver) for the various Divisions.
PROFESSIONAL JUDGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Division:
Best of Show: Boundary Breaks Vineyard from the Finger Lakes AVA in New York. They were also awarded Double Gold
Medal Awards:
Sheldrake Point – Gold (2022)
Philip Carter Winery – Gold (2022)
Wolffer Estate – Silver (2022)
Roanoke Vineyard “Poet” – Silver (2022)
Narmada Winery – Silver (2020)
Roanoke Vineyard “Gabby” – Silver (2022)
Quartz Rock Vineyard – Silver (2023)
Ducard Vineyards – Silver (2022)
Roanoke Vineyard “Merlot” – Silver (2022)
Chateau Niagara – Silver (2023)
Central Division:
Best of Show: Heineman Winery located in the Lake Erie AVA.
Northwest Division:
Best of Show: Spangler Vineyards located in Roseburg, Oregon. They also received Best of Class and a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Quady North Winery – Gold (Applegate Vineyard) – 2020
Camaraderie – Silver (2021)
Terra Vina – Silver (2022)
Alexander Nicole (2021)
Southwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Vivac Winery located in Dixon, New Mexico from the New Mexico AVA with their 2022 vintage.
Creekside Cellars – Silver (2020)
California USA Division:
Best of California Division overall: Yates Family Vineyard
Best of Category 1 (up to $40):
Best of Category: Darcie Kent Vineyards (Lemmons Vineyard) – 2023
Medal Awards:
Eco Terreno – Silver (2022)
Quest – Silver (2022)
Lava Cap – Silver (2022)
Sierra Vista – Silver (2022)
Fenestra – Silver (2021)
Revolution Wines – Silver (2022)
Fenestra – Silver (2022)
Best of Category 2 ($41 to $55):
Best of Category: Mitchell Katz located in Livermore, California. They also won Double Gold for their 2020 vintage.
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge – Double Gold (2022)
3 Steves – Double Gold (2019)
Notre Vue – Double Gold (2021)
Kenefick Ranch – Double Gold (2022)
McGrail Vineyards – Gold (2021)
Shale Canyon – Gold (2019)
Rosa Fierro Cellars – Gold (2021)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver (2022)
McKenzie-Mueller – Silver (2020)
L & M Vineyard – Silver (2021)
Wood Family Vineyard – Silver (2022)
Dracaena Wines Reserve – Silver (2022)
Le Vigne Winery – Silver (2022)
Omega Road – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 3 ($56 to $70):
Best of Category: Donati Family Vineyard for their 2021 vintage and Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Eco Terreno – Double Gold (2018)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Double Gold (2022)
Sequoia Grove – Gold (2021)
Titus Vineyards – Gold (2022)
Selin Cellars – Silver (2022)
Mid-Point Winery – Silver (2021)
Foxen Vineyard & Winery – Silver (2021)
Peltzer Winery – Silver (2020)
Best of Category 4 ($71 to $85):
Best of Category: Yates Family Vineyard for their 2021 from Mount Veeder AVA.
Medal Awards:
Smith-Madrone – Gold (2021)
Culmination – Gold (2022)
Brecon Estate – Silver (2022)
Bianchi Winery – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 5 ($85 to $105):
Best of Category: Middle Oak Wines for their 2021 vintage and Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Ledson Winery & Vineyards – Double Gold (2021)
Brecon Estate Reserve – Gold (2022)
Canard Vineyard – Silver (2021)
International Division
Best of Show: Pillitteri Estate Vineyard & Winery for their 2022 “Cellar” Cabernet Franc from Canada.
Medal Awards:
Le Monde – Silver (2020) from Italy
Pillitteri Estate Vineyard & Winery – Silver (2020 – paper label) from Canada
Specialty Division:
Best of Show: Chateau Niagara for their “Appassimento style” Cabernet Franc from Niagara County.
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Gold for their Ice Wine (2019)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver – Cab Franc Blanc (2024)
3 Steves Winery – Silver – Cab Franc Rose (2024)
Blend Division (must be 50% Cabernet Franc grapes):
Best of Show: 3 Steves Winery for their 2022 Blend receiving also a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Philip Carter (Ten Vines) – Gold (2023)
Foxen – Silver (2020)
Graveyard Vintage – Silver (2022)
Quady North – Silver (2022)
Toast Winery – Silver (2022)
Cuda Ridge – Silver (2022)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Silver (2022)
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE JUDGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Division:
Best of Show: Chateau Niagara for their 2023 from New York. Also Received Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Sheldrake Point – Gold (2022)
Wolffer Estate – Gold (2020)
Boundary Breaks – Silver (2023)
Wolffer Estate – Silver (2022)
Philip Carter Winery – Silver (2023)
Quartz Rock – Silver (2023)
Roanoke Vineyards – Silver (2022)
Glendale Ridge Vineyard – Silver (2020)
Central USA Division:
Best of Show: Heineman Winery located in the Lake Erie AVA and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Silver Crest – Silver (2019)
Northwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Alexander Nicole for their 2021 and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Spangler Vineyards – Silver (2021)
Quady North Winery – Silver (2020)
Camaraderie – Silver (2021)
Southwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Creekside Cellars for their 2020 and won Double Gold
Medal Awards:
Vivac Winery – Gold (2022)
California USA Division:
Best of California Division overall was L’Autre Cote from Livermore and won Double Gold.
Best of Show for Category 1 (up to $40
Del Valle – Double Gold (2021)
Medal Awards:
Darcie Kent Vineyards – Double Gold (Strong Silent, 2021)
Fenestra – Double Gold (2022)
Eco Terreno – Silver (2022)
Quest – Silver (2023)
Lava Cap – Silver (2022)
Sierra Vista – Silver (2022)
Revolution Wines – Silver (2022)
Best of Category 2 ($41 to $55):
Best of Category: Wood Family Vineyards – Double Gold (2022)
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge Wines – Double Gold (2022)
McGrail Vineyards – Double Gold (2021)
Le Vigne – Gold (2022)
McKenzie-Mueller – Gold (2020)
Darcie Kent Vineyards – Gold (2022, Stone Patch)
Mitchell Katz – Gold (2020)
Kennefick Ranch – Gold (2022)
Rosa Fierro Cellars – Silver (2021)
Notre Vue – Silver (2021)
Omega Road – Silver (2021)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver (2022)
Cinnabar Winery – Silver (2022)
Dracaena Wines – Silver (2022)
L & M Vineyards – Silver (2021)
Dracaena Wines, Reserve – Silver (2022)
3 Steves – Silver (2019)
Schema – Silver (2023)
Ancient Peaks – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 2 ($56 to $70):
Best of Category: J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines and won Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Peltzer Family – Double Gold (2020)
Titus Vineyards – Gold (2022)
Donati Family – Silver (2021)
Selin Cellars – Silver (2022)
Eco Terreno – Silver (2018)
Sequoia Grove – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 3 ($71 to $85):
Best of Category: Smith-Madrone Vineyards for their 2021 and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Yates Family Wine – Silver (2021)
Culmination – Silver (2022)
Brecon Estate – Silver (2022)
Bianchi Winery – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 4 ($86 to $105):
Best of Category: Ledson Winery for their Moon Mountain 2021. They also won Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Brecon Estate Reserve – Gold (2022)
Canard Vineyard – Silver (2021)
Middle Oak Wines – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 5 ($106 & up):
Best of Category: L’ Autre Cote for their 2022 from Livermore and winning Double Gold
Medal Awards:
LXV Wines – Double Gold (2022)
International Division:
Best of Show: Pillitteri (paper label) for their 2020 and a Silver Medal
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Silver “Cellar” (2020)
Specialty Category:
Best of Show: 3 Steves for their 2024 Rosé using one Cabernet Franc and 2 different Cabernet grapes. Also won a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Gold for Ice Wine (2019)
Quady North – Silver for sparkling (2021)
Chateau Niagara – Silver for Appassimento style (2023)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver for Blanc (2024)
Cabernet Franc Blends (being a minimum of 50% Cabernet Franc grapes)
Best of Show: 3 Steves for their 2022 and a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge Wines – Silver (2022)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Silver (2022)
Foxen – Silver (2020)
Graveyard Vineyards – Silver (2020)
Toast Winery – Silver (2023)
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A very special thank you to both sets of judges and volunteers without which this event could not have happened!
Professional Judges were Tom Bender, Debi Miller and Martha Dunne picture at beginning of story. Unfortunately the second table did not get their picture taken consisting of Mike Dunne, Tana Cole and Michelle Becker.
People’s Choice Judges, left to right: Scott Behiel, Gary Miller and Peter Singh.
People’s Choice Judges, left to right: Chris Cox, Greg Pelican and Candy Strubbe.
No pictures of the volunteers who literally were on their feet all day running wine! A big hearty thanks!!
Susan Kelly
Ansuiya Singh
Suzanne McElroy
Mary Goulart
Darlene Besst
Patty Powers
Two special shout outs: First to Joe Goulart & Peter Singh who helped with the 6:30 am set up unloaded all the wines from cars! And the second to Susan Kelly who took on gathering and securing all the food, non-alcoholic beverages and serving materials as she was acting for the group as CEO, Catering Executive in charge of Ordering.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2013 Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon – “lips drink water, hearts drink wine”- e.e. cummings
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Unwrapped the bottle as it was time to indulge in a treat. This is beyond your classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon! One of the best wines tasted in a while. First on the eyes, an inky purple and dark wine in the glass having a heavy viscosity that oozes richness. On the nose a bouquet of violets, cloves and blackberries greet the imbiber. On the palate the descriptors are numerous with espresso, plum, dark chocolate, soft leather, earthiness and raspberries. A wide-reaching broad flavor profile. Secondary flavors of black cherries and a hint of soft vanilla pipe tobacco enliven the sipping experience. On the finish finely sculptured tannins, velvety and yet present, along with dark chocolate complete the experience.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While waiting some 12 years in the bottle, the reward was breathtaking and worth the wait. This wine made my annual Best Wines Tasted for 2025 with an exclamation! Note the excellent condition of the cork.
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
Prepared one of our favorite dishes last evening, Mediterranean beef kebabs. The recipe called for sirloin beef, but substituted filet mignon. Cut the filet mignon meat and were marinated for almost two hours in the refrigerator. The ingredients for the marinade include fresh lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, Himalayan Sea salt, olive oil and fresh minced garlic.
Pieces of the filet mignon and vegetables were cut up to fit in the kabab grilling baskets preferred for grilling to capture all the ingredients rather than skewers. Besides the beef, two different colored bell peppers slices (yellow and orange ), and purple onion slices were loaded into the baskets. Placed on the BBQ between medium to medium-high for about 10-12 minutes rotating the baskets 90 degrees every 3 minutes. Emptied from the basket and served.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The meal was accompanied by roasted quarter potatoes in oil, garlic salt and pepper. Additionally, a fresh garden salad and old fashion Italian dressing was served made the salad delicious. The salad was comprised of Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, green onions and along with sliced black olives and sliced candied almonds.
This meal was extremely tasty, spicy and provided a real Mediterranean experience. It was like Spain, France, Italy and Greece combined to throw a party! Combined with the exquisite wine, one of the best food and wine pairing enjoyed last evening.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Their statement from e.e. cummings is a classic for this winery. Their other tag line is “in dogged pursuit of perfect wines”. Lindsay Hoopes is the second-generation owner of the vineyard. Her father Spencer founded the vineyard and worked at the small twelve-acre parcel in Oakville producing award winning wines for many years. Lindsay returned in 2012 needing to help with an illness in the family. Taking full charge, she made some unique changes including hooking up with famed vintners Anne Vawter and Jennifer Rue to produce new and bold Cabernets. Lindsay took up the challenge to develop bio-diverse farming practice initiatives for sustainability certification. Lindsay undertook the adventure to find new and unique vineyards throughout Napa Valley to augment their estate offering. She also founded a rescue sanctuary for animals. The quote in the title is one of Lindsay’s favorites. This wine was produced by Anne Vawter who learned her craft under Heidi Peterson Barrett at Paradigm. In 2020 the noted and heralded winemaker Aaron Pott joined Hoopes as the winemaker with his impressive and extensive resume from Napa Valley and beyond.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of the winery was where I did my first tasting in 2019, which was their home. Sipping and discussing various wines at the dining room table while looking out into the vineyard adds a “real touch” of genuineness to the experience without pretense.
Today they produce Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc (Atlas Peak), Chardonnay (Carneros), Syrah (Oak Knoll), Merlot (Howell Mountain) and various levels of distinct Cabernet Sauvignon’s (from $125 to $225/bottle).
Sláinte,
Michael