Friday, November 30, 2012
An amazing view of the Napa Valley - Artesa Vineyards and Winery
Every Fall, I find myself drawn to Artesa Winery in South Napa. They have one of the most expansive views, with almost 360 degrees of sweeping vistas that stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge, through Carneros in Sonoma, and up the Napa Valley. Part of what makes it such a great spot is it's location. Perched atop a large hill, with plenty of area to walk around and find good shots such as the one below. Oh, and the wines are pretty good too - be sure to check out the Pinots and the single-vineyards Cabs. If they have the Tempranillo, you'll want to scoop a bottle of that as well.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The secret sauce in Rodgers Creek Vineyard
Rodgers Creek vineyard, in Sonoma CA, is well known for its ability to grow stellar Pinot Noir grapes. Yet it remains one of the most underrated and overlooked vineyards. Some of the most respected winemakers get their grapes from this lesser known vineyard, and it's one that has received praise from top wine critics.
Jon Bonne writes, "Here a perfect mix of factors seems evident. Constant wind and fog come from the east, some humidity and temperate weather from the bay (though the bay's influence is up for debate). The steep, terraced block gets ample afternoon sun with a bit of a wind break from trees above and below. It is, says winemaker David Ramey, "kind of an ideally situated site in a cool climate." (http://www.sfgate.com/food/article/California-s-best-lesser-known-v...)
Notable producers who source grapes from the Rodgers Creek vineyard include Sojourn Cellars and Garnet Vineyards. Both produce high-scoring (91-93 points) Pinots for around $30-40.
Here's what Landmark Vineyards has to say on the subject:
My two recommendations for Rodgers Creek Pinots:
- Garnet Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - $29 (!!) 91 Points WE. and available through Vintage Point. This is a steal for this wine, which they produced only about 400 cases of. Garnet has been making excellent Pinots for decades, and their winemaker, Alison Crowe really knows what she's doing with the variety.
- Sojourn Cellars Rodgers Creek Pinot - $48, 92 points Pinot Report. Available at Sojourn's website
Images from Rodgers Creek:
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
It's that time of year...
When wine shipments begin again!!
Are you as excited as I am? I can tell you are. With temperatures dropping in most parts of the country - though not here in CA, where it's a blistering 95 degrees today - the routes are opening up for wine shipments. It's usually too hot to ship most places in the summer, and the next few months most wineries and online retail stores typically see a big rise in consumer direct sales.
For those of you anxious to ship now, take into consideration a few things. First, if it's still fairly warm where you are, opt for overnight or two day air. Nothing longer. The worst thing is receiving your wine that you've been craving, and having it spoil in a matter of hours as it's heated to 190 degrees in the back of a truck. Second, make sure you can be home when the package comes so you can sign for it, or else it might sit somewhere you don't want it to be as it waits for the second try.
If you're willing to run the risk of shipping during warmer periods, you might want to read this article where they ran a test. They sent thermometers in a bunch of shipments of wine, to see the max temps they recorded, and overall the results were pretty reassuring. But ultimately, if you're sending it via ground to somewhere in Texas, you should probably hold off for November.
Are you as excited as I am? I can tell you are. With temperatures dropping in most parts of the country - though not here in CA, where it's a blistering 95 degrees today - the routes are opening up for wine shipments. It's usually too hot to ship most places in the summer, and the next few months most wineries and online retail stores typically see a big rise in consumer direct sales.
For those of you anxious to ship now, take into consideration a few things. First, if it's still fairly warm where you are, opt for overnight or two day air. Nothing longer. The worst thing is receiving your wine that you've been craving, and having it spoil in a matter of hours as it's heated to 190 degrees in the back of a truck. Second, make sure you can be home when the package comes so you can sign for it, or else it might sit somewhere you don't want it to be as it waits for the second try.
If you're willing to run the risk of shipping during warmer periods, you might want to read this article where they ran a test. They sent thermometers in a bunch of shipments of wine, to see the max temps they recorded, and overall the results were pretty reassuring. But ultimately, if you're sending it via ground to somewhere in Texas, you should probably hold off for November.
Monday, October 1, 2012
A new gem in Sonoma: Ram's Gate Winery
I don't get over to Sonoma as often as I should, which is a shame considering I live right next to the Carneros region. Some of my favorite spots tend to be over on the the Sonoma side of things, as they're a little more laid back, low-key, and tend to concentrate on producing one of my favorite varieties - Pinot Noir. On a recent trip to San Francisco however, I took a moment to pull off the road and visit a winery that just opened up last year.
Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma is not low-key, and you won't find yourself sitting at someone's kitchen table like you might at other places in Sonoma. It's a large, $30-million dollar structure, built to look like one of the old farmhouses you might see scattered along the road. But it's anything but an old farmhouse. Once you step into the courtyard, you realize there's something different here. The interior design was led by Howard Backen, and features ornate chandeliers of flowing glass, spacious seating areas, multiple fireplaces, an open kitchen, large granite covered tasting bar, and plenty of outdoor space as well.
This is quite an experience, and unlike any other winery I have been to. Usually at a place like this, you'll find a lot of pretentious visitors being parlayed by the staff; however on my visit there, we were treated as normal people and welcomed inside without any pretense. Of course, we tried some of the wines, which are certainly worth mentioning. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was stellar, and so was the Chardonnay. I didn't much care for the Cabernet, which seemed a bit hot but I assume they will be working on that variety, which isn't the most well-represented in the Carneros region. It's also worth mentioning that they provide a full menu of food with their wines, prepared by a professional chef in their open kitchen.
As an all-around experience, the visit to Ram's Gate proves second to none. Whether you're on a romantic outing with your loved one, or a family tour through Sonoma, I highly recommend taking a moment to visit them. From the scenery to the interior design, there are treats for all the senses.
More information:
Ram's Gate Winery
28700 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-721-8700
http://www.ramsgatewinery.com
Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma is not low-key, and you won't find yourself sitting at someone's kitchen table like you might at other places in Sonoma. It's a large, $30-million dollar structure, built to look like one of the old farmhouses you might see scattered along the road. But it's anything but an old farmhouse. Once you step into the courtyard, you realize there's something different here. The interior design was led by Howard Backen, and features ornate chandeliers of flowing glass, spacious seating areas, multiple fireplaces, an open kitchen, large granite covered tasting bar, and plenty of outdoor space as well.
This is quite an experience, and unlike any other winery I have been to. Usually at a place like this, you'll find a lot of pretentious visitors being parlayed by the staff; however on my visit there, we were treated as normal people and welcomed inside without any pretense. Of course, we tried some of the wines, which are certainly worth mentioning. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was stellar, and so was the Chardonnay. I didn't much care for the Cabernet, which seemed a bit hot but I assume they will be working on that variety, which isn't the most well-represented in the Carneros region. It's also worth mentioning that they provide a full menu of food with their wines, prepared by a professional chef in their open kitchen.
As an all-around experience, the visit to Ram's Gate proves second to none. Whether you're on a romantic outing with your loved one, or a family tour through Sonoma, I highly recommend taking a moment to visit them. From the scenery to the interior design, there are treats for all the senses.
More information:
Ram's Gate Winery
28700 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-721-8700
http://www.ramsgatewinery.com
Exploring Americas wine regions: North Carolina
Did you know that every state now hosts wineries, and produces wine? We have more than seven thousand wineries in the country now, and they extend from Oregon to Maine, all the way down to Florida and even Texas if you can believe it. In this new series of posts, we'll examine the wine scene at various regions, to learn what they're growing, selling, and how the general atmosphere of business is going for them.
On the East coast, one of the fastest-growing wine regions is the North Carolina one. Along with Virginia, they have seen a blossoming of new winery owners and tourism. In their most visited area, the Yadkin Valley, a growing number of wineries are opening, and they offer tastings and tours. This all started way back when the settlers arrived, and if you can believe it, NC was one of the first places that wine grapes were grown in the country. A variety known as Muscadine was first planted here. The Scuppernong grape, the most famous of the muscadine varietals was designated the North Carolina state fruit in 2001.
Today, North Carolina is home to more than 120 wineries and is the 9th largest in the country when it comes to number of operating wineries. You may have heard of some of these brands like Daveste, Treehouse, Raylen, and Laurel Gray to name a few. You can see a complete list of these locations, along with information about each at http://www.visitncwine.com/wineries.
Other resources:
North Carolina Wine Gifts - Provides a wide range of wines from producers in North Carolina. From rare kinds like Muscadine to other White and Red varieties, you can find a broad assortment here.
On the East coast, one of the fastest-growing wine regions is the North Carolina one. Along with Virginia, they have seen a blossoming of new winery owners and tourism. In their most visited area, the Yadkin Valley, a growing number of wineries are opening, and they offer tastings and tours. This all started way back when the settlers arrived, and if you can believe it, NC was one of the first places that wine grapes were grown in the country. A variety known as Muscadine was first planted here. The Scuppernong grape, the most famous of the muscadine varietals was designated the North Carolina state fruit in 2001.
Today, North Carolina is home to more than 120 wineries and is the 9th largest in the country when it comes to number of operating wineries. You may have heard of some of these brands like Daveste, Treehouse, Raylen, and Laurel Gray to name a few. You can see a complete list of these locations, along with information about each at http://www.visitncwine.com/wineries.
Other resources:
North Carolina Wine Gifts - Provides a wide range of wines from producers in North Carolina. From rare kinds like Muscadine to other White and Red varieties, you can find a broad assortment here.
The newest Napa cult to worship
Napa set the stage for cult wines years ago, when Screaming Eagle first stepped onto the scene. Since then, a number of others have followed suit - from Harlan and Scarecrow to Dunn and Blankiet. These guys produce small lots of super exclusive wines - usually Cabernet Sauvignon - and distribute them to their highly allocated mailing list. If you're lucky enough, you can get on one of these lists and purchase a bottle for as much as $500.
So when the economy tanked in 2008, the wine market as a whole took a nose dive. People stopped buying expensive wines, and especially the upper echelon ones like these. But today, as the market shows improvement, it seems that people are returning to their previous habits and the cult wine scene continues to enjoy steady sales.
For Steve McPherson, making wine has been a life goal - a promise if you will, that he made to himself and his wife. In 2007, he released his first vintage of "Promise" Cabernet. Steve is the former President of ABC Entertainment, and produced such shows like Grey's Anatomy and Lost; but now he's turned his attention to crafting premium wine from Napa Valley. And it seems like he's succeeding.
His Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon scored a hefty 96 points from the Godfather of reviews, Robert Parker. With the help of winemaker Todd Graff, they have made a wine that's bold in flavor, broad in depth, and balanced in all of its complexities.
The Promise Cabernet is available only through their mailing list, and in limited quantities, so if you're interested, sign up today to find out more.
So when the economy tanked in 2008, the wine market as a whole took a nose dive. People stopped buying expensive wines, and especially the upper echelon ones like these. But today, as the market shows improvement, it seems that people are returning to their previous habits and the cult wine scene continues to enjoy steady sales.
His Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon scored a hefty 96 points from the Godfather of reviews, Robert Parker. With the help of winemaker Todd Graff, they have made a wine that's bold in flavor, broad in depth, and balanced in all of its complexities.
The Promise Cabernet is available only through their mailing list, and in limited quantities, so if you're interested, sign up today to find out more.
Discovering Chappellet Winery
I have lived in Napa for over three years, and have heard about Chappellet for a long time but had never been there until recently. For those of you who don't know, Chappellet is one of the oldest family-operated wineries in Napa (while most have been bought up by multibrands, or third-party investors) and they have been producing an array of wonderful wines for decades. Their location is among the best in the Valley, as they sit atop Pritchard Hill in St. Helena.
So on a random Thursday a few weeks ago, we decided to schedule a tasting there, and headed upvalley. The drive there is a bit mysterious, so do yourself a favor and look on the map before you venture too far. Once you're in the woods, off Silverado trail, the cell phone service diminishes, and you'll be without your trusty GPS guide if that's what you rely on. From Silverado Trail, you'll take a right on Sage Canyon Rd. and drive about three miles up there. Just before you hit Lake Hennessey, you'll find a small, barely noticeable road on your right called Long Ranch rd. - take it. You could easily drive right by this road and get lost if you don't.
Drive all the way up the long, winding road, to the top of the mountain, where you'll find the tasting room. While you're up there, make sure to take a walk around the property and get a good view of the valley floor beneath you; this is one of the best views you'll find in the area. I've seen similar ones at Viader and Burgess, and also at Waugh Cellars, but this is probably the best.
Tastings are small, and done by appointment only, which is nice because it encourages a more intimate experience that you can enjoy. We were treated to a range of wines, from their crisp Chardonnay to the big, powerful, Pritchard Hill Cabernet. All of them were excellent, and our host was extremely accommodating and not at all snobby. They are also a member of the Pritchard Hill wine club known as GEMS, which includes five other wineries; so if you decide to become a member, you'll get great privileges at a number of exclusive wineries in the Valley.
For more information, or to plan a visit, check out the Chappellet Wine website
So on a random Thursday a few weeks ago, we decided to schedule a tasting there, and headed upvalley. The drive there is a bit mysterious, so do yourself a favor and look on the map before you venture too far. Once you're in the woods, off Silverado trail, the cell phone service diminishes, and you'll be without your trusty GPS guide if that's what you rely on. From Silverado Trail, you'll take a right on Sage Canyon Rd. and drive about three miles up there. Just before you hit Lake Hennessey, you'll find a small, barely noticeable road on your right called Long Ranch rd. - take it. You could easily drive right by this road and get lost if you don't.
Drive all the way up the long, winding road, to the top of the mountain, where you'll find the tasting room. While you're up there, make sure to take a walk around the property and get a good view of the valley floor beneath you; this is one of the best views you'll find in the area. I've seen similar ones at Viader and Burgess, and also at Waugh Cellars, but this is probably the best.
Tastings are small, and done by appointment only, which is nice because it encourages a more intimate experience that you can enjoy. We were treated to a range of wines, from their crisp Chardonnay to the big, powerful, Pritchard Hill Cabernet. All of them were excellent, and our host was extremely accommodating and not at all snobby. They are also a member of the Pritchard Hill wine club known as GEMS, which includes five other wineries; so if you decide to become a member, you'll get great privileges at a number of exclusive wineries in the Valley.
For more information, or to plan a visit, check out the Chappellet Wine website
Friday, September 28, 2012
Wine lifestyles - Lawer Family's "Hooker" wines
Take for example, the Hooker Cabernet Sauvignon by Lawer Family Wines. This wine is named after a rugby position, and comes in a hefty bottle that features a classy label that evokes images of family crests with the words "Rugby club" above it. Now, I wouldn't typically associate fine wine with rugby players, but sometimes first impressions aren't always the best ones. When I think of rugby, I might consider alcohol as closely aligned with the sport, but would probably pick a brand like Fosters beer to bring to a party of rugby players.
But this wine is surprisingly good, and has won a Platinum medal for the 2010 vintage. It's a big, full-bodied cab that rings in at 15.4% on the alcohol scale. There's surprisingly little heat, and for a relatively young Cab, it's very approachable, with ripe, round flavors and a lengthy mid-palate.
So, if you know any rugby players and are want to get them a great gift, this might be an option. Or if you just want a great Cabernet. At just $32, it's a great value too.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
2010 Rogers Creek Pinot Noir by Garnet Vineyards
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| Enjoyed the Rogers Creek Pinot Noir in Searsport, | ME Lobster pound | . |
For anyone who enjoys Pinot Noir, they know how tough it can be to find a good one for a fair price. With names like Siduri, Kosta-Browne, and William Selyem leading the forefront of premium, expensive versions of this variety, it's refreshing to see Garnet taking a different approach and yet not sacrificing quality.
The Rogers Creek is a special Pinot. It's sourced from a single vineyard, Rogers Creek, and brings a tightly woven mashup of flavors - cherry and plum mix with black earth and hints of oak. The wine could age another year or two easily, and will no doubt become better with a little age, but it's perfectly drinkable now. The alcohol comes in at a reasonable 14.5%, so for all those high-alcohol nuts out there, don't fret. It's nowhere near as big as tthe 15.8% one from Trahan that I recently had.
This is a big bodied, full flavor Pinot for sure. But it's also very smooth, round, and expansive on the palate with a medium finish, and low/med. acidity. Not quite as food friendly as their Carneros version, but delicious nonetheless, and worth every penny - especially considering what some other winemakers sell their single vineyard Roger's Creek pinots for.
This is a limited production wine compared to their other offerings. With just over 400 cases, you can be sure it will go fast. You can find the Rogers Creek Pinot Noir at her website.
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