Category Archives: Chardonnay

Sparkling Wines for the New Year – Vertuze & Louis Bouillot Sparkling Rosé

Posted on December 28, 2012 | Leave a comment

With all the celebrating that goes on at this time of year, I find myself enjoying a lot more sparkling wine and champagne than I usually do.

Since I have less time to travel to wine country over the holidays, I’ve been exploring the world of sparkling wine at home with friends and family.  I recently tried a couple of bottles of sparkling Rosé that I thought were excellent and deserving of attention right before we ring in the New Year.

Vertuze Brut Sparkling Rose

Vertuze Brut Sparkling Rosé

The first bottle I tried was a brut sparkling Rosé by Vertuze.  It is produced in the Arroyo Grande Valley in California’s Central Coast from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.  Made in the traditional French méthode champenoise, the Vertuze Rosé had a very pale pink hue and a nice touch of sweetness.

Vertuze Brut Sparkling Rosé

Vertuze Brut Sparkling Rosé

For those who are unfamiliar, the méthode champenoise is the oldest and most traditional way of making sparkling wine.  It involves a long, detailed process which includes blending wine (typically some combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir) followed by a fermentation period that requires a secondary in-bottle fermentation that can last up to 6 years.

True Champagne comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France while bubbly from anywhere else in the world is referred to as sparkling wine.

Vertuze Brut Sparkling Rosé

Vertuze Brut Sparkling Rosé

Back to Vertuze.  Though I typically enjoy a drier sparkling wine, the Vertuze sparkling Rosé was nicely balanced, very easy to drink, and easy on the wallet at about $19 per bottle.  I could see this being a hit for sparkling wine drinkers with a wide variety of palates.

The second bottle I tried was a brut Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling Rosé called “Perle d’Aurore” by Louis Bouillot.  Cremant de Bourgogne is the appellation (or defined geographical area) for the Rosé and white sparkling wines of Burgundy in France.

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling Rosé "Perle d'Aurore"

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling Rosé “Perle d’Aurore”

The Louis Bouillot “Perle d’Aurore” Rosé is a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Gamay.  On the palate, it started with lots of strawberry, but finished drier than the Vertuze with a slightly finer effervescence and a nice minerality.  I could see this appealing to sparkling wine drinkers who prefer less sweetness.  Also crafted in the méthode champenoise, the Louis Bouillot Cremant du Bourgone “Perle d’Aurore” Rosé was a steal at $14.

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling Rosé "Perle d'Aurore"

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling Rosé “Perle d’Aurore”

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling Rosé "Perle d'Aurore"

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Sparkling Rosé “Perle d’Aurore”

Grab a bottle (or several bottles) of Vertuze Brut Sparkling Rosé and Louis Bouillot “Perle d’Aurore” Sparkling Rosé for your next holiday party.  I guarantee either sparkler will be a hit.  Cheers & Happy New Year!

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Posted in Burgundy, CALIFORNIA, Central Coast / Monterey, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling Wine & Champagne, WINERY/VINEYARD

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2nd Annual Garagiste Festival – Paso Robles

Posted on November 27, 2012 | 1 Comment

By definition, the term “garagistes” refers to a group of innovative, renegade wine makers from the Bordeaux region who refuse to follow the strict French rules and instead, produce “Vins de garage” or “Garage wine”.

For the second year in a row, Paso Robles has celebrated the spirit of the garagiste movement by holding a festival focused solely on small production wines.   Local artisan wine makers – some familiar and some unknown – gather together for a long weekend, giving wine lovers from all over an opportunity to taste the fruits of their labor.

The Creekside Room at Creekside Bed & Breakfast – Per Cazo Cellars

This year was my first experience at the Paso Robles Garagiste Festival and I was thrilled to be part of it.  On this particular trip, we stayed at the Creekside Bed & Breakfast at Per Cazo Cellars.  I honestly can’t recommend Creekside B&B enough.  From the comfy bed to host Lynn Teckman’s delicious gourmet breakfasts that were delivered to our room each morning, the entire stay was perfect.  Creekside B&B was also very dog-friendly which made it extra convenient and comfortable.

The cozy Creekside Room at Creekside Bed & Breakfast

The cozy Creekside Room at Creekside Bed & Breakfast

The Creekside Room at Creekside Bed & Breakfast

Amazing breakfast #1: Egg & sausage scramble with fresh mixed fruit, fresh squeezed juice, and warm muffin

Amazing breakfast #2: French toast, thick bacon, and fresh berries

The Garagiste Festival opened on Thursday with a dinner at Thomas Hill Organics featuring the cuisine of celeb chef Ludo Lefevbre.  Unfortunately I did not attend the dinner, but having experienced Ludo’s pop-up restaurant LudoBites in Los Angeles, I’m sure diners had an unforgettable experience.

Windfall Farms – Paso Robles

We attended the Garagiste Festival on Saturday, which was the day of the big Grand Tasting.  We walked into the beautiful Stallion Barn at Windfall Farms where 48 independent and passionate wine makers were set up for tastings in the horse stalls.

Inside the Stallion Barn at Windfall Farms

It was difficult to decide where to begin, but I decided to head over to Liquid Farm.  On a rare occasion, I’ve seen Liquid Farm Chardonnay and Rose on menus at some of the finer restaurants in LA, but I had yet to actually try the wine.  Owners Nikki and Jeff Nelson took us through a tasting of two Chardonnays – both of which were unique and wonderfully balanced – as well as one Rose.  If you can get your hands on a bottle of Liquid Farm, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Nikki & Jeff Nelson of Liquid Farm

After Liquid Farm, we headed to Nicora Wine where winemaker Nick Elliot took us through some outstanding Rhones.  Right now, Nicora wines can be tasted by appointment only, but I highly recommend trying them next time you’re in Paso Robles.  I can’t wait to see what else Nick comes up with in the future.

Nick Elliott of Nicora Wine

From Nicora, we headed over to Cloak & Dagger where Ray Schofield walked us through his portfolio of exceptional wines – all of which are “handcrafted in secret”.  We were unsuccessful at uncovering any of the secrets of Cloak & Dagger wines, but we were very impressed with what we tasted.  We tried two Pinot Noirs, as well as a delicious 2010 Illuminatus Sangiovese and a 2010 Skull & Bones Zinfandel.

Ray Schofield of Cloak & Dagger Wines

After Cloak & Dagger, we headed to Red Zeppelin Winery where the eccentric Stillman Brown introduced us to a couple really good Central Coast red wine blends.  Finally, we ended our tasting with the latest offerings from our friends Lynn and Dave Teckman at Per Cazo Cellars.  The 2010 Epi Telos and 2010 Zing were so good that I had to take home a couple of bottles when we checked out of the Creekside B&B.

Stillman Brown of Red Zeppelin Winery

Overall, I loved being part of the 2nd Annual Paso Robles’ Garagiste Festival and feel like there were so many more amazing wines to try.  The wine makers who I met continue to inspire me and deepen my love for wine.  It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to taste new wines with the passionate people who are hand-crafting them.   I look forward to next year…

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Posted in Bordeaux, Burgundy, CALIFORNIA, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Petit Sirah, Pinot Noir, Rhone, Rosé, Syrah, WINERY/VINEYARD, Zinfandel

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Presqu’ile Winery – Los Olivos, CA

Posted on September 12, 2012 | 1 Comment

Presqu’ile Wine – Los Olivos, CA

Every time I head up to Los Olivos, CA, I feel like the town just gets better and better.  With every trip, I seem to uncover an incredible new wine or a fun, new place to grab a bite.  This past weekend was certainly no exception.

Presqu’ile Wine – Los Olivos, CA

Presqu’ile Wine – Los Olivos, CA

I decided to try the wines of Presqu’ile and instantly fell in love.  The Presqu’ile Wine tasting room is located a couple of doors down from the recently opened Sides Hardware & Shoes restaurant.  The restaurant had a 45 minute wait, so we put down our names and headed to Presqu’ile.

Anna Murphy in the Presqu’ile Wine Tasting Room

We walked in the front door and I couldn’t help notice the incredibly cool decor.  The room was painted in a deep charcoal that was warmed with splashes of color, interesting art, and great lighting.  It was refreshing to see a tasting room with such a unique and contemporary design.

Proper pronunciation of Presqu’ile cleverly written on the tasting room wall

Colorful art on the wall at Presqu’ile

Presqu’ile Wine Tasting Room

I was also thrilled to see a doggy water bowl on the front porch when we arrived.  Our dog Booker was welcomed inside and instantly made friends with the tasting room dog, Hazel.

Booker and his new friend Hazel having a blast

While the dogs played, we sat at the bar and started our tasting.  They offer a Presqu’ile Flight for $10 which includes a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, a Rose and a Pinot Noir.  They also offer a tasting flight of 3 Pinot Noirs for $15, or you can taste all 6 wines for $20.

Wine wall at Presqu’ile

Presqu’ile Wine Tasting Menu

We opted for the “taste them all” option, and tasting room manager Anna Murphy took us through the line up while she told us about the history of the winery.

We learned that the Murphy Family owns Presqu’ile and that the name means “almost an island” – an homage to a very special piece of land in the Gulf Coast that belonged to her family and was lost during Hurricane Katrina.  The family is working on a permanent Santa Maria winery/tasting room that will open Summer 2013.

Chandelier in the Presqu’ile tasting room

Back to the wine.  I thought the entire line up was pretty incredible and had a difficult time picking favorites.  Winemaker Dieter Cronje handcrafts the wines in a perfectly balanced, elegant, food friendly style which I really enjoyed – especially in an area with so many super-juicy Pinot Noirs and buttery Chardonnays.

Photo of winemaker Dieter Cronje

Presqu’ile Wine Tasting Room

Presqu’ile Wine Tasting Room

The hot day helped me narrow down my purchases to a 2010 Presqu’ile Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley ($35) and a 2011 Presqu’ile Rose of Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley ($18).  I will definitely be back for several bottles of Pinot Noir on my next visit.

Overall, I was so happy we visited Presqu’ile.  Anna was such a pleasure to chat with, the vibe of the tasting room was so welcoming and fresh, Booker got a great workout playing with Hazel, and the wines were fantastic.  I can’t wait for my next visit.

Click here to visit the Presqu’ile Winery website.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY – TASTING ROOM
2369 Alamo Pintado Avenue
Los Olivos, CA  93441
Phone: (805) 688-2022
Email: info@presquilewine.com
Tasting room hours: 11AM – 5PM Thursday through Monday

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Posted in Burgundy, CALIFORNIA, Chardonnay, Los Olivos, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc, WINERY/VINEYARD

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Wrath Wines – Monterey County

Posted on September 2, 2012 | 2 Comments

Wrath Wines

Wrath Wines

The Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County was yet-to-be-explored wine country for me until a couple of weekends ago.  After spending two perfect days soaking up as much of the area as I could, I found it to be a unique and very special place.

The SLH AVA sits in the Salinas Valley between the Santa Lucia and Gabilan Mountain Ranges, and enjoys a true cool climate thanks to fog and breezes blowing in from the Monterey Bay.  This makes it absolutely ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah – varieties that dominate in the area.  As a serious fan of Pinot Noir, I couldn’t wait to taste some new wines.

Wrath Wines

We spent most of our time on the River Road Wine Trail, which is essentially the main artery through the Valley and home to approximately 13 tasting rooms. The area is covered by over 50 vineyards, but most of them are private and solely grow grapes to sell to wine makers. We stopped at many of the tasting rooms along the wine trail, but I absolutely fell in love with Wrath Wines.

Exterior of the Wrath Wines tasting room

Exterior of the Wrath Wines tasting room

Aside from the fact that it’s surrounded by gorgeous vineyards, the Wrath Wines tasting room was not an immediate stunner. That is, until we stepped inside. Once I walked through the front door, I felt like I had entered a hidden oasis.

A view of the outdoors from inside the Wrath Wines tasting room

Wrath Wines tasting room

Wrath Wines

Inside, the tasting room was modern, simple & bright. We had our dog, Booker, with us and he was immediately welcomed to join us indoors. He quickly became friends with a winery dog named Penny and the two of them chased each other through the vines the entire time we tasted.  We decided to grab our first taste and join the doggies outside.

Sip Certified Wrath Wines

Wrath Wines

Wrath tasting menu

We enjoyed an outstanding line up of Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Syrahs while relaxing by the pond. We also ordered a plate of crackers with local, hand crafted Monterey Jack cheese from Schoch Family Farmstead.

The cheese is hand-made just down the road from the winery by the Schoch family who have owned and operated their small dairy since 1944.  It was so yummy and paired so nicely with the wine that I hunted it down at The Cheese Shop in Carmel – right next to Wrath’s smaller Carmel tasting room.

Stunning views at Wrath Wines

Penny showing our dog Booker around the property…

Wrath Wines

Pond at the Wrath Wines tasting room

Outdoor seating at Wrath Wines

Outdoor seating at Wrath Wines

Wrath Wine & Schoch Family Farmstead Cheese

Wrath’s adorable winery dog, Penny

An incredible old building that sits next to the vineyards and can be seen on the label of every bottle of Wrath wine.

Even after spending a couple of hours at Wrath Wines, I didn’t want to leave.  The stunning scenery, amazing wine, and friendly people made the whole experience unforgettable.  I can’t think of a better place to lose track of an afternoon.  Wrath is not to be missed.

Click here to visit the Wrath Wines website.

WRATH WINES
35801 Foothill Road
Soledad, CA 93960
Phone: (831) 678-2212
Email: info@wrathwines.com
Tasting room hours: 11AM – 5PM Friday through Monday

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Posted in CALIFORNIA, Central Coast / Monterey, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, WINERY/VINEYARD

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Foxen Vineyard & Winery…Again.

Posted on March 7, 2012 | 3 Comments

I realize this is the third time (at least) I’ve written about Foxen Vineyard & Winery, but as I sit here opening up my latest wine club shipment, I feel like a quick post is definitely in order.

Foxen Wine Club Open House

I patiently waited for three long years to be accepted into Foxen’s Anchor Wine Club.  Due to the relatively small production at Foxen, wine club membership is limited and waiting lists are often long.  But now that I’m a member, I can say without hesitation that the wait was 100% worth it.

As a member of the Foxen Anchor Club, I’ve been enjoying great discounts at the winery and feel like a kid on Christmas every time I receive one of my regular quarterly wine shipments (many of which are wine club exclusives).  However, one of my best club experiences thus far happened on February 25th at Foxen’s first ever Wine Club Open House.

Heading into the barrel room at Foxen's Wine Club Open House

We started our day of tasting at the Foxen shack where we tried a few wines before heading up to the newer, larger winery for the private event.  When we arrived, we were led directly into the barrel room – a place that I’ve been dying to see ever since it was built.

Inside the Foxen Vineyard & Winery barrel room...

We signed in, were given name tags and wine glasses, and started our tasting on the east side of the barrel room.  As we walked past neatly stacked barrels towards the folding table where a small crowd was gathered, I realized the man pouring was winemaker Bill Wathen.

Foxen's winemaker Bill "Billy" Wathen

Bill “Billy” Wathen has been lovingly hand-crafting the wines at Foxen from day one.  As I walked up to Billy, I have to admit I felt a bit starstruck.  I’ve been hearing about the “Foxen Boys” Bill and Dick for years, but I had never met them in the flesh.

I introduced myself to Billy and he poured us tastes of his latest offerings, including a 2010 Sauvignon Blanc – Vogelzang Vineyard, a 2010 Chardonnay – Tinaquaic Vineyard, a 2010 Pinot Noir – Santa Maria Valley, and a 2010 Pinot Noir – John Sebastiano Vineyard.

More views from inside the Foxen barrel room

I truly have never tried a wine at Foxen that I didn’t like and I feel like the Pinot Noir’s that come out of Foxen are unparalleled.  Such was the case during this visit.  It was such a wonderful opportunity to have the winemaker walk us through his creations.  I’m sure I drove Billy a bit crazy with my questions, but I loved every moment of the experience.

After we tried the first four wines, we headed to the snack table where we grabbed a selection of cheeses, almonds, olives, meats and chocolates – all of which were a nice complement to the wine.   Then we moved on to the west side of the barrel room to finish our tasting.

More views from inside the Foxen barrel room...

On the way to the west end of the room, we bumped into Dick Dore – Bill Wathen’s partner at Foxen and the man behind the slogan “if you don’t know Foxen, you don’t know Dick”.  We got a chance to speak to Dick about some of the dinners and events Foxen has coming up – some of which were happening in my hometown just outside of Chicago.  Yes, yet another starstruck moment.

We found that Billy had moved to the west side tasting table, so we were fortunate enough to have him pour our last three tastes – a 2009 Pinot Noir – La Encantada Vineyard, a 2008 Volpino – Santa Ynez Valley, and a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon – Vogelzang Vineyard.

The wine list from the Foxen Wine Club Open House

We chatted a bit more and enjoyed our last tastes on a picture-perfect Santa Maria afternoon.  I walked away with a couple extra bottles of the 2010 John Sebastiano Vineyard and the 2009 La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir’s – both of which were too good for words.  If you can get your hands on either bottle, you’ll be very pleased you did.  They’re heavenly.

Dick Dore outside the Foxen Vineyard & Winery barrel room

I absolutely loved being part of this wine club event and hope it’s something Foxen does more regularly.  I’ve been to several other wine club events, but I’ve never been to one that felt quite so relaxed and personal.  It was so nice to meet Billy, Dick, Allyson, Lee and the rest of the crew.

As I open my wine club shipment, I feel like I have an even deeper connection to what is inside and know a bit more about how each wine came to be.  I look forward to the next one…

Click here to visit the Foxen Vineyard website.

FOXEN WINERY & VINEYARD
(business address & tasting room)
7600 Foxen Canyon Road
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone: (805) 937-4251
Fax: (805) 937-0415
Tasting room hours: 11AM – 4PM Daily

(foxen 7200 “the shack”)
7200 Foxen Canyon Road
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone: (805) 937-4251
Fax: (805) 937-0415

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Posted in Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, CALIFORNIA, Chardonnay, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, WINERY/VINEYARD

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Alta Maria Vineyards

Posted on February 5, 2012 | 2 Comments

Alta Maria Vineyards

It seems like every time I visit the Santa Maria Valley north of Santa Barbara, I discover an incredible wine that I’ve never tried before.  On a recent visit, I not only found some new wines, but I discovered one of my new favorite wineries in the area.

Alta Maria Vineyards Tasting Room

Alta Maria Vineyards Tasting Room

Tucked away in the charming town of Los Olivos sits the new Alta Maria Vineyards tasting room.  Although the tasting room is less than one year old, wine makers Paul Wilkins and James Ontiveros have been making wine for years.  In fact, the Ontiveros family has a long ranching and farming history in the area.  They drove thousands of heads of cattle into the Santa Maria Valley in the early 1800′s, finally settling there on the Rancho Tepusquet Land Grant of 1837.

With a rich farming history, a shared love of the land in the Santa Maria Valley, and a mutual passion for wine running through their blood, college friends Paul and James decided to turn their passions into careers.  James’ expertise lies in viticulture while Paul serves as winemaker.

Pinot Noir label from Alta Maria Vineyards

Before stopping in the tasting room, I had heard about Alta Maria Vineyards and had seen their unmistakable bottles at specialty wine stores around CA.

The artwork on Alta Maria’s wines features hand-hewn iron nails used by homesteaders in Santa Maria before the Industrial Revolution.  Each nail was essentially a one-of-a-kind based on the conditions in which it was made along with the expertise of the craftsman.  This same idea of uniqueness and authentic, artisan craftsmanship carries seamlessly through to the wines of Alta Maria Vineyards.

Inside the Alta Maria Vineyards tasting room

Inside the Alta Maria Vineyards tasting room

When we walked into the gorgeous tasting room, we had our dog with us and assumed we would be sitting outside with him.  On the contrary, he was welcomed inside with open arms and sat by us at the bar while we did our tasting.

Inside the Alta Maria Vineyards tasting room

Inside, the tasting room was warm and comfortable with natural stone floors, aged leather chairs, and a great cowhide rug.  Our tasting consisted of four Alta Maria Vineyards wines: a 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, a 2009 Chardonnay, a 2009 Pinot Noir, and a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Our dog Booker napping on the nice, cool floor

We also tried a 2008 and 2009 Native9 Pinot Noir, and a 2008 Autonom Rhone Cuvee.  Native9 (strictly Pinot Noir) and Autonom (focused on Rhone varietals) are labels Paul and James produce in limited quantities along with the Alta Maria wines.

The wines of Alta Maria Vineyards

I truly loved all the wines we tried and could taste the attention to detail in each glass.  I took home a few bottles of the crisp Alta Maria Sauvignon Blanc, the Alta Maria Pinot Noir, and the lush Autonom Rhone Cuvee – all of which I thought were really exceptional.

Alta Maria Vineyards

I’m so glad to have found Alta Maria Vineyards and recommend it to anyone visiting Los Olivos.  It is officially on my list of regular go-to spots in the area.

Click here to visit the Alta Maria Vineyards website.

ALTA MARIA VINEYARDS
2933 Grand Avenue
Suite A
Los Olivos, CA  93441
Phone:   (805) 686-1144
Email: aminfo@altamaria.com
Tasting room hours:  11AM – 5PM Daily

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Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, CALIFORNIA, Chardonnay, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Los Olivos, Pinot Noir, Rhone, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc, WINERY/VINEYARD

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Truett-Hurst & VML Wineries

Posted on December 24, 2011 | 2 Comments

Sometimes wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma can be daunting.  With so many wineries to choose from in a relatively small area, I often feel like I don’t know where to begin.  However, during my last visit, I felt like I found a couple perfect spots.

Truett-Hurst Winery

Tucked away on a gorgeous piece of land in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley in Northern Sonoma County sits Truett-Hurst Winery.  Truett-Hurst encompasses 26 picture-perfect acres, complete with an eco-friendly tasting room, an organic garden, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah vineyards, and several outdoor seating areas.

Truett-Hurst Winery

Truett-Hurst Winery

We made our way into the tasting room where we began our tasting and learned a bit about the winery.  Truett-Hurst was purchased fairly recently by bio-dynamic/organic farming guru, Paul Dolan, and the former winemaker of Fetzer Winery, Phil Hurst.  Virginia Lambrix was brought on as winemaker and completed the winery’s vision of “creating world-class wines using bio-dynamic principles.”

Truett-Hurst Winery Tasting Room

Truett-Hurst Winery - Outdoor Tasting Area

Truett-Hurst Winery - Outdoor Tasting Area

With our second glass of wine in hand – a delicious and juicy 2010 White Sheep Pinot Noir – we decided to stroll down to the banks of Dry Creek. We were given pairs of “fish finder” glasses that we thought were just a clever little touch until we discovered they magically allowed us to have a crystal clear underwater view.  We watched a few salmon making their way up-stream and headed back to the tasting room.

Truett-Hurst Winery - Organic gardens leading to Dry Creek

Truett-Hurst - Vibrant red chairs next to Dry Creek

Modelling my amazing "fish finder" glasses while enjoying a glass of wine

We finished our tasting with a 2010 Black Sheep Pinot Noir, 2009 Rattler Rock and Red Rooster Zinfandels, and a 2009 Burning Man Petite Sirah. The entire line up was expertly crafted and really tasty, but I absolutely loved the ’09 Black Sheep Pinot Noir and the ’09 Red Rooster Zinfandel (both of which I took home with me).

VML Winery - Russian River Valley

After a really great experience at Truett-Hurst, we asked our tasting room host for a recommendation on where to go next. He suggested we head down the road to VML - Truett-Hurst’s sister winery.  VML is winemaker Virginia Marie Lambrix’s  brand new winery that specializes in hand-crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley.

Beautiful gardens at VML Winery

Beautiful gardens at VML Winery

Beautiful gardens at VML Winery

Beautiful gardens at VML Winery

We pulled up to the winery and were blown away by the beautiful, Alice in Wonderland type gardens and vegetation that lead us up to the tasting room.  We walked inside and were immediately greeted and offered some crackers, cheese and chocolate to accompany our tasting.

Tasting room at VML Winery

Tasting room at VML Winery

One of the first things I noticed about VML wines were the incredibly cool wine bottle labels.  Apparently Virginia Lambrix hired a company to come up with a brand image that truly reflected her personality and passion.  The branding company felt like she was like a witch or a sorceress - mainly because of her dedication to organic/bio dynamic wine making practices – and created labels that I felt communicated this perfectly.

VML 2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Our tasting consisted of a 2010 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, a 2010 Chardonnay, and two 2010 Pinot Noirs – one from the Russian River Valley and one from Ivywood Vineyard.  All the wines we tasted were fantastic.  You could taste the impeccable care and craftsmanship in each glass.  I took home a bottle of  Chardonnay and one of each of the Pinots (and ordered another bottle of each when I got back to Los Angeles).

The rocky coastline just a short, scenic drive from VML Winery

The rocky coastline just a short, scenic drive from VML Winery

We left VML and headed on a quick, scenic drive towards the rocky coast before heading back to our hotel.  I feel like we were so lucky to find both Truett-Hurst and VML Wineries and highly recommend both to anyone visiting the area.  Virginia Lambrix is an incredibly talented winemaker and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Click here to visit the Truett-Hurst Winery website.

Click here to visit the VML Winery website.

TRUETT-HURST WINERY
5610 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA  95448
Phone:   (707) 433-9545
Email: info@truetthurst.com
Tasting room hours:  11AM – 5PM Daily

VML WINERY
4035 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA  95448
Phone:   (707) 431-4404
Email: info@vmlwine.com
Tasting room hours:  11AM – 5PM Daily

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Posted in CALIFORNIA, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Petit Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sonoma, WINERY/VINEYARD, Zinfandel

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Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Posted on May 1, 2011 | 2 Comments

When people ask for winery recommendations in the Santa Maria area, I never hesitate to recommend Rancho Sisquoc Winery.

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Located at the north end of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Rancho Sisquoc is not only in a gorgeous setting, but it seems to have a wine for just about every palate.

Entrance to Rancho Sisquoc Winery

One of the first things visitors see as they approach Rancho Sisquoc is the old chapel perched on top of a hill overlooking the entrance.  The San Ramon Chapel as its called was built in 1875 by Frederick Wickenden, at the request of his wife, Ramona Foxen Wickenden.  Frederick drove 5,000 sheep up north to Redwood City, which he sold to purchase redwood boards to build his home and the chapel you see today.

San Ramon Chapel

San Ramon Chapel

The San Ramon Chapel was officially dedicated in 1879 and services were held once a month.  The chapel’s structure was built on stilts, which often resulted in service being disrupted by cold temperatures and wind.  When attendance dropped, the chapel was used for special services only.

History of the San Ramon Chapel

Another weathered plaque outside of San Ramon Chapel

Fortunately, the San Ramon chapel began a period of rebirth in July 1966 when it became the first official landmark in Santa Barbara County.  On August 31, 1975 the chapel was dedicated as State Historical Landmark #877 and in November 1976, Father Anthony Runtz agreed to restore regular services.  Finally, in 1979 the San Ramon Preservation Committee was formed.  Their job is to maintain the beautiful chapel and to preserve its historical integrity.  

The chapel with its storied past appears as the logo on every bottle of Rancho Sisquoc wine.

San Ramon Chapel

After a trip down the long driveway – barely wide enough for two cars – visitors approach the cozy little tasting room.  Every time I visit, I’m taken aback by the charming surroundings at Rancho Sisquoc.  It feels as if you’re miles away from Foxen Canyon Road and surrounded by a lush landscape with a perfectly placed, wood shingled wine cottage and an inviting, secluded little picnic area.

The Rancho Sisquoc Winery tasting room

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

I come to Rancho Sisquoc Winery on a regular basis for three main reasons: the beautiful setting, consistently good wines, and prices that are surprisingly affordable.  I love that I can walk away with several bottles of great wine without feeling like I broke the bank.

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Picnic area at Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Rancho Sisquoc has a portfolio of 12 beautifully crafted and reasonably priced wines from which to choose.  From a sweet Riesling with hints of citrus to a dark velvety Malbec full of black fruit, tasters get to choose 6 wines from the list for an $8.00 fee (logo glass included).  The least expensive wine is priced around $12.00 and the top end is $30.00 per bottle.

The wide variety of wines at Rancho Sisquoc

I always walk away with a few bottles of Tre Vini and Sylvaner – both of which are unique to Rancho Sisquoc.  Tre Vini ($20/bottle) is an Italian blend that seems to change slightly with each vintage and pairs perfectly with Italian food.  The latest vintage (2008) is a unique blend of 52% Sangiovese, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon & 22% Syrah, and is absolutely delicious.

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

The ’09 Sylvaner ($14/bottle) on the other hand is a white blend of the Sylvaner grape with 16% Riesling.  Rancho Sisquoc is the only producer of this varietal in California.  It’s perfect for summer with hints of light lime, apricot, sweet pear and roasted peanuts on the nose and a crisp, slightly sweet finish.  It’s very unique and loved by many – including those who don’t typically enjoy drinking white wine.  I’ve also purchased Rancho Sisquoc’s Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Pinot Noir, and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every bottle.

With over 30 years of experience making estate grown wines and a claim of being one of the first wineries in the now famous Santa Barbara County wine region, Rancho Sisquoc Winery truly knows their craft.

Click here to visit the Rancho Sisquoc Winery website.

RANCHO SISQUOC WINERY
6600 Foxen Canyon Road
Santa Maria, CA  93454
Phone:  (805) 934-4332
Fax:  (805) 937-6601
Tasting room hours:  10AM – 4PM Monday through Thursday.  10AM – 5PM Friday through Sunday.

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Posted in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, CALIFORNIA, Chardonnay, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Los Olivos, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah, WINERY/VINEYARD

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Rubicon Estate | Napa Valley

Posted on January 26, 2011 | 3 Comments

I have to admit that while I was interested in trying the wines of Rubicon Estate in Napa Valley, it wasn’t exactly at the top of my list.

Rubicon Estate Winery in Napa Valley

Rubicon Estate Winery in Napa Valley

I assumed that a winery owned by 5 time Oscar winner Francis Ford Coppola and his family would likely be “Hollywood”.  I anticipated it would be a bit flashy, a bit pretentious, somewhat corporate, and probably quite grand in appearance.  And I expected the wines would be equally grand in price, but lacking in substance.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover my assumptions were not true at all.  Situated in Rutherford, the Rubicon Estate was absolutely gorgeous and really has nothing “Hollywood” about it.  The rich history of the Estate dates back to pre-1880 when a tenacious and wealthy young sea-captain named Gustave Niebaum decided to launch a wine business.  Fueled by a longing for missed European traditions, Niebaum pursued his goal “with a zeal that verged on obsession.”

Rubicon Estate Winery in Napa Valley

Rubicon Estate Winery in Napa Valley

In 1880, Niebaum founded Inglenook Estate with the intention of creating California wines that would be sought by wine connoisseurs and command prices similar to the most famous wines in Europe.  He spared no expense and procured some of the best vineyards in the area.  Within 10 years, the wines of Inglenook were receiving local and international acclaim.

Eventually, Niebaum’s wife’s grand-nephew John Daniel, Jr. took over and carried on the family tradition of creating impeccable, world-class wines.  John Daniel led with a “pride not profits” motto and would not bottle a wine unless it met his strict quality standards.  Unfortunately he died before he could usher in his successor.  Which brings us to Francis Ford Coppola.

Rubicon Estate Chateau in Napa Valley

In 1975, Coppola found the Inglenook property while searching for a quaint summer home for his family where he could also make wine in the basement, similar to what his grandparents had done.  The property was much larger than what he was initially looking for, but Coppola was both impressed with the beauty of the Estate as well as felt a deep connection to Gustave Niebaum.  Coppola decided to purchase the Estate with a focus on restoring Niebaum’s original dream by creating the Niebaum-Coppola Winery.

Coppola’s goal was - and continues to be - preservation of the traditions of his predecessors through the creation of high-quality, world-class wines.   It took over 20 years to “reunite all of the original vineyards and restore winemaking to the Chateau.”  Once that was completed, the Estate was renamed to the current Rubicon Estate in honor of their flagship wine.

Wine Tasting at the Rubicon Bar

During our visit, we opted to do the Daniel Tasting ($25) which includes 5 wines, including their non-distributed Captain’s Reserve wines, as well as CASK and Rubicon.  It also includes a tour of the Estate.  The Daniel Tasting is available at the Rubicon Bar, which was beautifully decorated for the holidays.

The warm and festive interior at the Rubicon Estate Chateau

Warm and festive interior at the Rubicon Estate Chateau

While I thought Rubicon was fantastic and CASK Cabernet Sauvignon was also delicious, my favorites were the non-distributed Captain’s Reserve wines.  The 2008 Captain’s Reserve Chardonnay ($30) had wonderful flavors of pear, apple and citrus balanced by the perfect amount of vanilla cream.

Rubicon Estate's 2008 Captain's Reserve Chardonnay featuring Captain Niebaum on the label

The 2006 Captain’s Reserve Syrah ($34) was full of dark fruit – blueberry, blackberry, and plum – which was complimented with just the right amount of spice and smoke.  Finally, the 2007 Captain’s Reserve Pinot Noir ($38) had concentrated flavors of red fruits like cherry, strawberry, and raspberry balanced by hints of spice and vanilla.

I thought the Captain’s Reserve wines were gorgeous and quite affordable considering the quality.  As an added bonus, Rubicon Estate was offering 40% off each bottle for the holidays.  I walked away with a bottle of each without hesitation and would have purchased more if I had room in my suitcase.

Vineyards at Rubicon Estate

Rubicon Estate was a very pleasant surprise with amazing wines, a beautiful estate, and a very rich history.  It is highly recommended for anyone in the Napa area.

Click here to visit the Rubicon Estate website.

Rubicon Estate
1991 St. Helena Highway
Rutherford, CA  94573
Toll Free Phone:  (800) RUBICON (782-4266)
Phone:  (707) 968-1100
Fax:  (707) 963-9084
Tasting room hours:  10AM – 5PM Daily

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Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, CALIFORNIA, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Rutherford, WINERY/VINEYARD

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Demetria Estate Winery

Posted on October 29, 2010 | 1 Comment

The gated entry to Demetria Estate Winery

When we arrived at the Demetria Estate Winery, I was convinced we were no longer in  California.  This gorgeous winery transported me to a villa in Tuscany with sweeping views of the vine-covered hills and an outdoor tasting area where visitors are encouraged to linger, sip wine, and soak up the beautiful scenery.

Demetria Estate Winery is a hidden gem tucked off the beaten path above Foxen Canyon.  A visit to the tasting room requires a reservation, 2 gate codes, and a 2 mile or so drive down a narrow, winding road with vineyards on both sides.  While some people may not want to go through the trouble, it is well worth a visit and reservations are fairly easy to come by unless the winery is extremely crowded (which hasn’t been an issue after 3 different visits).

A sign leading the way along the drive up to Demetria

Grapevines and amazing views along the way…

Grapes ready for picking…

When we finally reached the tasting room, I was amazed by the unsurpassed beauty of the place.  The building itself looks like it belongs in Italy or Greece with its terracota finish, huge weathered wooden doors, a fountain in front, and lush trees, shrubs and flowers everywhere you look.

The front of the Demetria Estate Winery & Tasting Room

Entering the outdoor seating area…

Visitors enjoying the outdoor tasting area…

When we arrived at the tasting room, we were warmly welcomed by the owner John Zahoudanis, his brother who was visiting from the bay area and the owner’s son who manages the tasting room.  While it was gorgeous outside, we decided to enjoy our current company and do a tasting indoors.

The one thing I noticed right away was the great family vibe.  John the owner was preoccupied because a big party had arrived in a tour bus who had not only failed to make reservations, but were also rearranging the perfectly set up outdoor area by moving tables around and generally making a mess of the place.

His brother kept us entertained by pouring wine and telling us about his job of developing smart energy grids in northern California which sounded like the environmental wave of the future.  John’s son did a great job of keeping the flow of the place going – selling wine, helping with tastings, and generally making sure everyone was happy and comfortable.  It was wonderful.  I felt like we were thrown into a big family gathering on a beautiful summer day.

One of the many lovely details in the outdoor tasting area…

Inside the Demetria tasting room

Owner John Zahoudanis talking to guests in the tasting room kitchen

Established in 2005, Demetria Estate is a family owned winery.  Their wines are artfully crafted to showcase the unique growing conditions of both the Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Rita Hills.  Demetria Estate is focused on low yields, sustainable and biodynamic farming practices, and gentle winemaking which enables them to produce wines of exceptional quality.

Demetria Estate grew out of the desire of owners John and Sandra Zahoudanis to continue a family legacy connecting his Greek heritage with their family’s future.  John grew up on a modest family farm at the base of Mount Olympus in Greece.  Sadly, his family was uprooted following the devastation of both World War II and the Greek Civil war.

The unparalleled beauty and Mediterranean feel of the Demetria Estate reminded John of his homeland and became the perfect location to carry on the family tradition of farming and careful stewardship of the land.  Demetria is named after John and Sandra’s daughter, Demetria.  The name is fitting as it means “goddess of harvest” in the ancient Greek language.

Me and the Zahoudanis family…

Demetria Estate produces two distinct portfolios of wines based upon two exceptional vineyard properties ideally situated in the finest growing regions of the Central Coast:  pinot noir and chardonnay from the Santa Rita Hills, and biodynamically grown Rhone-style wines from the Demetria Estate in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Winemaking at Demetria is lead by Michael Roth who brings over a decade of experience in Napa and Sonoma to the emerging region.  The process of biodynamic farming is guided by Philippe Armenier, formerly of Domaine Marcoux in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Visitors enjoying wine at the Demetria tasting room…

I was truly impressed by all the wines we tried at Demetria Estate.  One stand out was the 2007 Cuvée Papou – a biodynamic white Rhone blend with wild floral notes on the nose and a rich crispness of apple, orange blossom, passion fruit and subtle apricot flavors on the palate.  I walked away with 2 bottles.

I also loved the beautifully balanced 2008 Chardonnay with hints of citrus complemented by nuances of vanilla and lemon curd, and the wonderful 2007 Pinot Noir – Santa Rita Hills which was brimming with strawberries, cherries and blackberries married with just the right amount of spice and cedar.  The pinot noir is not to be missed.

Demetria Estate Winery is now a regular stop on our trips to the Santa Ynez Valley and is guaranteed to become a favorite for anyone who visits.

Click here to visit the Demetria Estate Winery website.

Demetria Estate Winery
6701 Foxen Canyon Road
Los Olivos, CA  93441
Phone:  (805) 686-2345
Fax:  (805) 686-2522
email:  inquires@demetriaestate.com
Tasting room hours:  Open daily by appointment only

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Posted in Chardonnay, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Pinot Noir, Rhone, Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, WINERY/VINEYARD

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