Eve's Wine 101

California Wine Country And National, State Parks Make Perfect Summer Pairing

by

SAN FRANCISCO — California wine lovers don’t have to choose between visiting the Golden State’s majestic parks and touring its diverse wine regions. That’s because many of California’s national and state parks are located within or near some of the world’s most famous winegrowing areas. What could be better after a morning hike in the woods than a relaxing afternoon among the vineyards with a delicious glass of California wine?

To help with summer travel planning, Wine Institute has curated pairings of California wine regions with nearby national and state parks. With 143 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) across the state, travelers won’t have to go out of their way to find incredible wine tasting opportunities close to their park-touring adventures. Along with inviting visitors to recharge while sipping the latest vintages, many wineries offer activities like vineyard hikes and cycling. In California wine country, it’s all about a balanced lifestyle.

To find California wineries near a park destination, and get information on summer events at wineries, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWine.com. 

Travelers can get information about visiting California’s parks, including current COVID-19 guidelines, at the National Park Service and California Department of Parks and Recreation websites. Some of the most popular parks require visitors to book ahead for day passes and/or camping during the busy summer season. Multi-day events such as the inaugural California State Parks Week June 14 to 18 offers a variety of events from which to choose.


NORTH COAST
Sonoma County & Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Ancient Coast Redwoods — the world’s tallest trees — are the main attraction at this 800-acre park and natural preserve. Located just a few miles north of the town of Guerneville, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve lies within the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County. After hiking and picnicking among the preserve’s towering trees, take time to explore the local wineries. Home to more than 90 producers, the region is famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The charmingly rustic town of Guerneville, with its riverfront cabins and lodges, is the perfect place to spend the night and enjoy river activities like canoeing and swimming. On June 25, the Taste of Sonoma is a showcase for Sonoma County wine and food. 


Napa Valley/Lake County & Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
This 5,000-acre park offers stunning views of Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties from the summit of Mount St. Helena, California wine country’s highest peak. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park’s location near Calistoga, at the northern end of the Napa Valley, also provides the perfect opportunity to visit the region’s wineries — world-renowned for their impressive and affordable Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The town of Calistoga, with its famous mud baths, boutique hotels and restaurants, is an ideal home base for a visit to the park and local wineries. On July 26, Napa Valley hosts Taste of Napa, a celebration of the region’s wine, food and music. On Sept. 17, travelers can taste and bid on Lake County wines at the Lake County Wine Auction. 


SIERRA FOOTHILLS/CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Sierra Foothills & Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Gold Country presents a host of natural wonders, from groves of giant sequoias to ancient volcanic formations to the Stanislaus River. The park is just north of Arnold, in the scenic Calaveras County wine region — a haven for Spanish, Italian and French varieties. Also within the larger Sierra Foothills AVA are Zinfandel specialists Amador County and El Dorado County, which produce everything from Bordeaux varieties to wines made from Rhône, German, Italian and Spanish grape varieties. Camping is popular at Big Trees, so summer reservations book up quickly. Not to worry, though; the park is less than an hour from the old mining town of Murphys, which features hotels, inns, restaurants and more than 25 winery tasting rooms along Main Street. 


Madera Wine Country & Yosemite National Park
Rock-climbing Mecca Yosemite National Park is world renowned for its soaring granite walls and cascading waterfalls. Just south of the park is Madera County, one of California’s oldest appellations. The region is known for its dessert wines and port-style wines, and there is plenty to sample along the Madera Wine Trail. Summer camping reservations at Yosemite are quickly selling out and visitors should also book ahead for day passes, but there are a variety of alternative accommodations in nearby Mariposa, from bed and breakfasts to campgrounds to cabin rentals. 


CENTRAL COAST 
Monterey Wine Country & Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park in Soledad wows thousands of visitors each year with its unique volcanic landscape of monoliths, canyons, oak woodlands and towering rock spires frequented by golden eagles and California condors. Within an hour’s drive is the Cienega Valley Loop in San Benito County, as well as the River Road Wine Trail, which winds its way through the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County, celebrated for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Because summer temperatures at Pinnacles tend to run high — ideal for early morning hikes — the park is most popular during the cooler months. That means reservations for the Pinnacles campground are fairly easy to find for summer visits. There are also lots of lodging and tasting room options in Monterey wine country, in the quaint, storybook town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.  


Ventura/Santa Barbara Wine Country & Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands chain is known as “North America’s Galapagos” due to its natural beauty and wealth of rare plant and animal species. Boats to Channel Islands National Park depart from Ventura and Oxnard. From there, it’s an easy drive to the Ventura County Wine Trail, which features about a dozen wineries in a relaxed, coastal setting. In Santa Barbara wine country, the nearby Sta. Rita Hills AVA is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Trail excel at Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. If short on time, many of these wineries offer tasting rooms in Santa Barbara’s urban Funk Zone. The National Park Service operates primitive-yet-stunning campgrounds on each of the five Channel Islands, but if that’s too much camping, book a stay in Ventura or Santa Barbara. 


SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 
San Diego Wine Country & Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is home to the country’s rarest pine tree, the Torrey pine, along with one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. After exploring the reserve’s 1,500 acres of maritime chaparral and miles of beautiful beaches, pay a visit to the wineries of San Diego County. The region boasts more than 100 wineries, best known for Merlot and Chardonnay, and grows 60 different grape varieties. Torrey Pines is located within the San Diego city limits, so lodging, restaurant and other travel amenities abound.

One Bottle Post: The 2015 Phifer Pavitt X Roads Cabernet Sauvignon

by

First time we were introduced to the 2015 Phifer Pavitt X Roads Cabernet Sauvignon was over dinner with their white winemaker Gary Warburton and his wife Terry back in September 2019. Back then I didn’t have a chance to take tasting notes and later wrote this for SCV Elite Magazine:

…Shout out to Phifer Pavitt and their 2015 XROADS Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.

We had a glorious multi-course dinner with our friends Gary and Terry Warburton in the Solbar at Solage Resort where Gary brought the wine – he happens to be their white winemaker – and I was smitten. As soon as we got home I ordered some! — EVE BUSHMAN, Elite Magazine, November 2019 (Read it on the Phifer Pavitt website here.)

Note: There are four articles in Elite where I mention Phifer Pavitt. You can see them listed here. There are also over a half dozen times I’ve covered them here in Eve’s Wine 101. Wrote about their dog Mongo years ago for one of the Wine Dogs books too. Phifer Pavitt may actually have been one of the first wineries – or the first winery – I first wrote about over 12 years ago when I started my journey as a wine columnist. We have been overnight guests on their property and have spent many hours over the years with owner Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, of course, over many bottles of their wine. Suzanne is originally from Georgia, and has an unmistakable accent and exquisite Southern charm. She is the perfect pairing for their wines, IMHO. Now, back to X Roads.

Pronounced Cross Roads – not X Roads as it reads on the label – this is not their only Cabernet Sauvignon; it comes on the heels of their popular “DateNight” Cab and a Reserve. I was betting that another year in bottle, we wouldn’t need to decant, and the wine would have done nothing but improved over time. If that’s possible. At least I could rectify my earlier review with some tasting notes.

2015 Phifer Pavitt X Roads

14.9% alcohol

Crushed dark cherry, wet forest floor, grilled steak and mushrooms, dark chocolate, black licorice, pipe tobacco, toasted oak, a hint of sweet cream and more all on the nose. Flavors included that same black cherry as well as blackberry, blueberry, a gamut of spices, velvety and firm drying tannins that of course require that you got back in for another sip…and another. We had it with a sous vide rib eye, it was delicious before, during and after.

The label says, among other things, that “X marks the spot” and it certainly marked a very sweet (as in good!) spot for me. 99 Eve points. 

From the Winery

OUR STORY: 

CITY BOY MEETS COUNTRY GIRL

This is the story of city boy meets country girl.  What you may not know is that every country girl that has ever successfully worked her way out of the country life has worked exponentially harder than any city boy could imagine. What you probably already know is that every idealistic city boy has absolutely no clue just how challenging country life can be.

Sounded like a great idea to Shane, who grew up in the town of postage stamp lots, Manhattan Beach, CA. Move to the country, breathe some fresh air and sloooow down. Scared the H-E-double-hockey-sticks out of Suzanne. Move away from the city (you gotta be kidding me!), hour plus drive from any reasonable shopping, holy smokes she was closer than that growing up in rural Ringgold, Georgia.

DATE NIGHT

Every big decision we ever made together was on our once a week “Date Night”. The should-I-take-that-job decision happened on Date Night. The let’s-make-babies decision happened on Date Night. And the decision to put an offer on what would become the Phifer Pavitt property happened on Date Night. From our perspective, every decision we made together on Date Night gave us results that exceeded our expectations. So it should come as no surprise that the decision to make Phifer Pavitt Date Night Wine happened on Date Night. We fully believe that the enjoyment of the night led us to making the best decision. So this is our offer to you…cherish those moments together, because life doesn’t come with a pause button. Date Night is not just our wine, it’s a way of life.

https://www.phiferpavittwine.com

https://www.instagram.com/phiferpavittwine/

https://twitter.com/DateNightWine

https://napagreen.org

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Whitehall Lane Winery Released the First-Ever Camminare Noir and Paseante Noir Wines Made from California’s Newest Sustainable Grape Varieties Developed at UC Davis

by

SAINT HELENA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — These red wines were 20 years in the making; or rather, the grape vines took two decades to develop. Whitehall Lane joined forces with Dr. Andrew Walker of UC Davis and Dr. Paul Skinner of Vineyard Investigations in Napa Valley and planted these experimental grape varieties because they are highly resistant to Pierce’s disease. Pierce’s disease is caused by a bacterium spread by leafhopper insects called sharpshooters. It infects grape vines across the US and costs California grape growers more than $100 million per year.

“These varieties will hopefully make viticulture much more sustainable and provide a high-quality wine that the industry will welcome,” said Walker. Whitehall Lane owner Katie Leonardini agrees with Walker adding, “Rather than trying to manage the sharpshooter with insecticides and potentially harming other beneficial insects, these new rootstocks dovetail into our sustainable and green practices. And the wine is outstanding too!”

Whitehall Lane bottled the 2019 Camminare Noir and 2019 Paseante Noir wines as single, distinct varietals. These grapes from the winery’s Oak Glen Vineyard were harvested on October 15, 2019. Winemaker Jason Moulton kept the two small lots separate saying, “It was amazing how distinct these two wines were from color to flavor to texture.” He continued, “As they developed in our custom American oak barrels, it was evident that these were excellent stand-alone wines.”  The special American oak barrels were designed by Nadalie Cooperage in Calistoga, CA to specifically suit the characteristics of these new American wines.

The Camminare Noir profile is a cross between Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine has aromas and flavors of blackberries, raspberries, cherries and a dense tannin profile.

The Paseante Noir is a combination of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon and delivers flavors of cassis, coffee, and berry.  Fewer than 25 cases of each were made and are available at the winery.

Whitehall Lane planted the two rootstocks in 2016 in their Oak Glen Vineyard. Dr. Walker, professor of viticulture and enology at UC Davis, developed the rootstock, creating grape varieties that provide high-quality wine while elevating the level of sustainable grape growing. “Whitehall Lane was constantly replanting dead vines infected by Pierce’s disease,” said Dr. Skinner. “I knew the Oak Glen vineyard was a perfect location for Walker’s experimental varieties.”

Whitehall Lane Winery is a family-owned and operated winery in Napa Valley’s historic Rutherford Appellation. They are dedicated to growing and making premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from their eight estate vineyards.  They provide friendly hospitality at their Napa Valley winery and are Napa Green winery and vineyard certified with sustainable practices.

Dr. Walker is a faculty member of the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis.

His lab is actively involved in breeding wine grapes for resistance to Pierce’s disease.

Switchback Ridge, Grand Reserves Reward, Grassl Glass and More!

by

What do you know about Calistoga’s Switchback Ridge Winery? How about the new Mastercard, the “Grand Reserves Reward” card, that’s just for wine enthusiasts? Have you handled any Grassl glassware? Visited Liquid Assets Cellars? Let me give you a taste of each, with a special focus on the wine of course!

It started like this: Grand Reserve members were “invited by our partner winery Switchback Ridge to a special private tasting event. They will be pouring their 2015/2016 Merlot, 2015/2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Petite Sirah…and one new, not yet released wine for something extra fun! The event will take place at Liquid Assets Cellars in North Hollywood…Pierson Ryan from Switchback Ridge” will lead the tasting.

Learning About Switchback Ridge

Ryan explained that the winery is run by a mother/daughter team Kelly and Ashley Peterson. Ryan said, “This is fantastic wine but the people are better.” The family has owned the land for 106 years, 1999 was their first vintage, they only make about 3 thousand cases per year, they hold all reds four years in bottle after barrel aging and have 21 acres under vine. Winemaker Bob Foley is known as the “Mount Rushmore winemaker’, aka Mr. Merlot, and a very iconic winemaker (not related to Bill Foley).

About 80 percent of their wine is allocated to club members and the remaining 20 percent to wine bars and restaurants. Liquid Assets owner Kevin Jones chimed in, basically saying this is a perfect time to get in on winery allocation lists as due to Covid some members have had to drop off.

Tasting (my notes are in italics)

2015 SWITCHBACK RIDGE MERLOT 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

This is what Merlot should be! Ripe aromas and flavors of red cherry and cassis coat the palate with a rich, round middle. A framework of soft tannin delivers a beautiful finish with hints of mocha. 1008 CASES | $58/750ML (This was the first wine I tasted and stayed my favorite throughout. I found more dark cherry over red, the cassis and a finish that just wouldn’t quit! The 16 months it spent in French oak was perfect for my palate.)

 

2016 SWITCHBACK RIDGE MERLOT 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Enticing red fruit bowl aromas of raspberry, red cherry and cassis are graced with just a hint of savory spice. These flavors flood the palate with a rich mouthful of deliciousness that brings on espresso-like nuances. The structure and balance resolve in a mouth-coating finish that seems to go on forever. 1144 CASES | $60/750ML (Had to agree with the “flood the palate” and the length of the finish noted by the winery above. Jeb Dunnuck gave this one 94 points. This one was a bit tighter than the 2015 for me, I would decant or lay it down for a bit.)

 

2015 SWITCHBACK RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Intoxicating aromas of Bing Cherry and black currant. Delicious mid-palate sweetness, gently gripping tannin, finishing with hints of espresso and vanilla bean. A thoroughly ripe vintage with great aging potential. 829 CASES | $95/750ML (Purely Domestic Wine Report awarded this wine 95 points. Ryan said they had a very low yield. I thought it fine to drink now, with dark black cherry, balsamic as well as the espresso and vanilla noted above. My second favorite wine in the tasting.)

 

2016 SWITCHBACK RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Intense dark fruit aromas of black cherry and black currant indicate the ripeness and purity of this beautiful Cabernet. The structural framework is sturdy, while tannin grips very gently, carrying the fruit flavors with a trace of vanilla into a long, graceful finish. 1071 CASES | $96/750ML (Jeb Dunnuck really liked this one, giving it a whopping 96+. Beautiful fruit and tannin structure.)

 

2014 SWITCHBACK RIDGE PETITE SIRAH 100% Petite Sirah (33% Old Vine Block)

You might have to tap on the bottom of the bottle a few times to get this wine out! Incredibly dark and impenetrable with wild berry and boysenberry fruit. The wine coats your palate from beginning to end. Chewy tannins are well integrated and nicely balanced by ripe, jammy fruit and lifted by ample natural juicy acidity. 717 CASES | $62/750ML (I had to use one of my favorite lines, “There’s a lot going on in this glass” to describe this Petite Sirah. Lots of thick jam and strong tannins; Ryan mentioned a great age ability and that it only needed a ribeye steak!)

A note on the not yet released wine – stay tuned to Switchback Ridge as though we were one of the few that have sampled it, we can’t share anything about it publicly until it’s released, possibly by November!

##

Grassl Glass (Excerpted From Brochure)

Every Grassl Glass is handmade by artisans with over 30 years of glass blowing experience. The result of their skill is a glass with remarkable precision, highest quality materials and unbelievable thinness that feels weightless in your hand. All shapes were developed with the feedback of world renowned winemakers to establish a clear benchmark for how their wines should unfold and be enjoyed by everyone.

Final Words

So, become a card holder, earn some bonus points and you will be invited to tastings with wineries like Switchback Ridge, and other “experiences”. Visit Liquid Assets Cellars, in nearby North Hollywood about 20 minutes from Santa Clarita, for your chance to handle the delicately made GrassL glassware – I swear the decanter weighed a mere ounce – and see the custom cellars where you can also store your wine!  Make friends with the owner Kevin Jones and he’ll walk you over to his sister shop, Epicurus Gourmet (I felt like we were in a French grocery!) and maybe also sample his new Kindred Rose wine.

Links

https://switchbackridge.com

https://www.instagram.com/switchbackridge/

##

 

https://www.instagram.com/grandreserverewards/

https://linktr.ee/GrandReserveRewards

##

 

https://grasslglass.com/

https://www.facebook.com/grasslglass/

Watch 20 seconds or so of how the glassware is made here:

https://grasslglass.com/assets/video/manufacture_low.mp4

##

 

https://www.lacellars.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Liquid-Assets-Cellars-103946499846

##

 

Epicurus Gourmet

https://epicurusgourmet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EpicurusGourmet

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Dario Sattui donates $1 million to Calistoga schools

by

CALISTOGA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Prominent Napa Valley vintner, Dario Sattui, owner of Castello di Amorosa and V. Sattui Winery, has donated $1 million dollars to the Napa County Board of Education to fund the expansion of Calistoga School District’s pre-school program. It is the largest donation ever made to a Napa Valley school by a Napa Valley vintner. Mr. Sattui presented a check to the Board during a meeting in Calistoga on July 1.

Photo caption: From Left to Right: Chuck McMinn, Founder of Napa Valley Vine Trail Terence Mulligan, Napa Valley Community Foundation Rick Jones Dario Sattui Chris Canning, Mayor, City of Calistoga Allen Rossi, Napa County Office of Education, Director of Finance Barbara Nemko, NCOE Superintendent Steve Orndorf, Napa County office of Education, Trustee Erin Smith-Hagberg, Superintendent, Calistoga School District

This donation will fund the creation of the two new classrooms, a playground and an all-day after school program and a new parking lot.

“An educated society is perhaps the single most important factor in perpetuating a great democracy such as ours. Everyone should have an educational opportunity. And education should begin at a very young age. Therefore, I am delighted to be instrumental in funding this very worthwhile project,” said Dario Sattui.

Sattui founded Castello di Amorosa, an authentically built Tuscan castle and winery in Calistoga in 2007; which today is one of the most popular landmarks in California. A native of San Francisco, in 1975 Sattui re-established with $8,000 his great-grandfather’s winery in St. Helena, which is also a Napa Valley icon.

“This is an overwhelming act of generosity and enlightened philanthropy by Dario Sattui,” said Barbara Nemko, Napa County’s Superintendent of Education.

Over the years Sattui has donated several million dollars to local charitable organizations, contributing $1,600,000 to build the Calistoga Boys & Girls Club alone. In addition to his various donations he is underwriting programs which assist employees by subsidizing housing and paying employees to share rides or take the bus.

The donation will be presented at a Napa County Board of Education meeting in Calistoga on July 1. The new classrooms, playground and the extended childcare program are anticipated to be open by September 2020.

Sattui’s donation will be complemented by other donations and a grant from the State of California.

Larkmead Vineyard Celebrates 125th Anniversary in Napa Valley

by

CALISTOGA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Larkmead Vineyards (https://larkmead.com) is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, a milestone rivaled by few wineries in the United States. Founded as a wine estate in the late 1800s, Larkmead is now under the stewardship of proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker, who have overseen Larkmead’s elevation to a world-class estate winery over the last two decades. Larkmead produces some of the Napa Valley’s top rated Cabernet Sauvignon under the guidance of celebrated winemaker Dan Petroski.

Photo credit: Jimmy Hayes Photography

“As we reflect on 125 years of history, we are also thinking about the future. Our family has had the great fortune to act as stewards of this great estate since it was purchased by Kate’s parents, Larry and Polly Solari, in 1948 and we have a responsibility to protect and preserve it for posterity,” said Cam Baker. “That means honoring the estate’s remarkable history and achieving the highest quality wines for its future.”

As a longstanding bastion of research and supporter of the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, Larkmead is at the forefront of viticulture and climate research. In August 2019, Larkmead announced the establishment of a research block, dedicating three acres of the estate to be planted to several different grape varieties, clones, and rootstocks for trial purposes as Napa Valley’s climate changes. The three-acre plot will be planted to California heritage varieties including Chenin Blanc, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel, alongside Mediterranean varieties such as Aglianico, Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional.

This research endeavor is not the first to occur at Larkmead. In 1939, UC Davis professor and eminent grape geneticist, Dr. Harold P. Olmo, planted a clonal station at Larkmead with the purpose of understanding Cabernet Sauvignon and its place in Napa Valley’s terroir. In honor of the remarkable contributions Dr. Olmo made through his work at Larkmead and internationally, the Bakers made a recent gift to the UC Davis Library to fund the processing, cataloging, and digitization of the significant Dr. Harold Olmo Archival Collection at the UC Davis Library.

Through the spring of 2020, Larkmead will be launching a number of initiatives celebrating the anniversary, both at the winery and in markets across the US. At the winery, Larkmead will showcase the estate’s history through an exhibit of images and objects from significant milestones, open to guests with tasting appointments. Larkmead will also host a series of tasting events in several national markets and at the winery, by invitation.

A History Spanning Across Three Centuries

Larkmead was named by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, whose father, Dr. Charles M. Hitchcock, purchased 1,000 acres in Napa Valley in 1873 and subsequently gave a portion of the property to Lillie. Having spent the Civil War years in Paris, Lillie developed a bohemian lifestyle, and her home at Larkmead soon became a haven for famous artists, poets, and writers of her day.

A winery at Larkmead was leased by F. Salmina & Co. in 1895, now considered the year of Larkmead’s founding as a wine estate. In 1906, the Salmina family built a new winery and by 1915, Larkmead was winning awards at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, also known as the World’s Fair in San Francisco.

Prohibition brought Larkmead’s winemaking to a halt in 1920, but the Salmina family sustained their business by obtaining a license to produce sacramental wine, allowing production to continue. Following repeal in 1933, Larkmead was ready to sell wine by January 1934. In 1939, just after the start of World War II, Larkmead debuted their 1937 vintage wine – the first Larkmead wine to be sold under a vintage date. That same year, Larkmead wines were featured at a lunch with President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Treasure Island in San Francisco. More importantly for the future of Napa Valley and the American wine industry, Dr. Olmo – one of the 20th century’s most influential viticulturists – planted a clonal station at the Larkmead estate. In the 1940s, he developed the widely-planted Cabernet Sauvignon clone FPS 02. Commonly known as the “Oakville selection,” this clone was fundamental in establishing Cabernet Sauvignon as Napa Valley and California’s signature grape variety.

In 1948, Larry Solari, Manager of the Wine Grower’s Guild marketing collective, and his wife, Polly, purchased the Larkmead estate, marking the beginning of the Solari family stewardship. The Solari’s began a long tenure selling estate fruit to Napa Valley’s top wine producers and later wine under the name “Larkmead Vineyards.” During this period, Larry also served as President of United Vintners, which owned Italian Swiss Colony, Inglenook, and Beaulieu Vineyard.

Larkmead transitioned to the ownership of Cam and Kate in 1993, and they began the significant replanting of the entire vineyard property to the highest quality Bordeaux varietals that continues today.

“We knew that our vineyard produced some of the best fruit in Napa Valley, and we wanted Larkmead to be the great Napa Valley estate that it was destined to be,” said Kate Solari Baker. “Our first release in the new era was the 1995 vintage, and Larkmead is now producing the highest quality wines in the Napa Valley which will continue to get even better.”

Committed to Larkmead being a world-renowned wine estate, in 2005 Cam and Kate built the first phase of a new state-of-the-art winery on the property so that each vineyard block could have its own dedicated vinification tank. The production facility and a farmhouse-style hospitality building were designed by renowned architect and family friend, Howard Backen. In April 2006, a new tasting room opened to the public, and in 2013, the facility was expanded to enhance micro-lot fermentation and barrel aging. Under the direction of winemaker Dan Petroski, named 2017 Winemaker of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle, Larkmead’s wines have achieved numerous accolades, fulfilling the promise of this historic estate, and the best is yet to come.

For more information about Larkmead Vineyards, please visit https://larkmead.com/.
Follow Larkmead on Instagram via @larkmead_vineyards, Facebook via @larkmeadvineyards, or Twitter via @Larkmead.

Single Bottle Post: Knights Bridge 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

by

In my recent trip to Napa Valley, while visiting Calistoga and one winery in particular, Knights Bridge, we were gifted a bottle of Cab at the end of our visit. I tucked it into our suitcase, with a few others, and felt that since it was a gift I should do one of my one-bottle posts in return.

Below are my tasting notes, and below that is the blurb I wrote about their tasting room, the only tasting room housed in a former bank with the only bank vault turned wine vault. 

Knights Bridge 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

320 cases

14.3% alcohol

Color: Opaque, the blackest of black cherries.

Aroma: Sweet plum, black cherry, mellowed balance of spice and tannin, milk chocolate, cigar and oak.

Flavor: Balanced and lingering flavors of ripe blue and black fruit, spice rack, with a slightly sweet finish.

Note on the bottle: I’m a sucker for a weighted bottle with a deep punt. It makes it nicer to pour from, and to me, it heightens awareness to the quality of the wine.

Conclusion: At about $100 a bottle, which is the standard rate for a Napa Valley Cab, I’d definitely pay for it to have it again. The balance and length, along with the dark fruit and spice, were exceptional.

 

From my article in SCV Elite Magazine:

Knights Bridge Vault

Also a winery I had learned about from WineLA.com, Knights Bridge was one I wanted to visit. Happy to find them in Calistoga, in the historic Calistoga National Bank building, where we enjoyed conversing with Kerry Andrews all about Calistoga and all they have to offer in a small-town feel. We viewed the only wine vault (former bank vault) in Napa, enjoyed cheese and charcuterie while tasting through their exceptional wines: 2018 Knights Bridge Sauvignon Blanc, Fairview; 2015 Pont de Chevalier Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard; 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Vineyard; 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dr. Crane Vineyard and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon Vineyard. We enjoyed them all, especially the Cabs.

Book online: https://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/Visit-Us-Events/Private-Tastings-in-The-Vault

##

About (Excerpted From Facebook)

Knights Bridge was founded by a close circle of friends who celebrate a shared passion for wine and food, a love of farming and respect for nature.

The wines of Knights Bridge offer an opportunity to taste not only our unique estate wines, but also wines from some of California’s most prestigious vineyards. Knights Bridge searches California for exceptional sources of fruit from properties with a strong sense of place and the potential for producing extraordinary wines. Many of these celebrated properties have a long history of incredible vintages to their credit.

Founding Date: 2006

Estate Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard Designate Wines: Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville), Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena), Berisini Vineyards Chardonnay (Carneros), Alder Springs Chardonnay (Mendocino)

https://www.instagram.com/knightsbridgewinery/

https://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/ 

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

STARS of Cabernet 2019? Yes! We did it again!

by

How many times have we covered STARS of Cabernet? A bunch. But why do we cover the same event year after year? Because year after year there are ALWAYS new wineries to discover, new vintages from old favorites and a bunch of wine-loving friends that we’ve made over the years that we get to see again. (If you want to cut to the chase just for photos go here.)

So what was new for us this year from the incredible wine list below? Well, Ian Blackburn of WineLA.com always does a tremendous job curating wineries for us, so it’s very hard to narrow it down! I have put the wineries in bold that we were able to visit – we can’t do it all – and have noted any special wines we want you to look for:

The 2019 STARS of Cabernet Tasting List

  • Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2015
  • Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Atlas Peak, USA, 2015
  • Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Skellenger Lane, Rutherford, USA, 2015
  • Alejandro Bulgheroni, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lithology Napa Valley, Napa Valley, USA, 2015 – we also had three 2016 single vineyard wines that were outstanding. This is a winery I will be looking for.
  • Allegretto Wines, Trio, Allegretto Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2017
  • Allegretto Wines, Malbec, Cira Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2015
  • Allegretto Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Allegretto Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2016
  • Allegretto Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek, Paso Robles, 2015 – and thanks to Quin Cody for taking such good care of us.
  • Almaviva 2016 – During our tasting they were notified that this 2016 was a Wine Spectator Top Ten Wine of the Year, and guess what? Ran out before we could taste it, betting it’s sold out now as well!
  • Almaviva 2017 – a Chilean blend.
  • AXR – TBA
  • Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain Cabernet, Spring Mountain District, USA, 2017
  • Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Cabernet, Spring Mountain District, USA, 2017
  • BV Tapestry Red Blend, Napa Valley, USA 2016
  • BV Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour, Rutherford, CA USA 2016
  • BV Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, Napa 2018
  • Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2010
  • Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2011
  • Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2013
  • Bernardus Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Carmel Valley, 2017
  • Chappellet Signature Cabernet, Napa 2017
  • Chappellet Mountain Cuvee, Bordeaux Blend, Napa/Sonoma 2017
  • Chappellet Grower Collection Chardonnay, Calesa Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, 2017
  • Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, 2015; Calistoga, USA – they also served a 2005 Cab that was amazing.
  • Chateau Montelena, Chardonnay, 2016 Napa Valley, USA
  • Clark Claudon – TBA
  • Crown Point, Estate Selection Bordeaux Blend, Happy Canyon, USA, 2014
  • Crown Point, Estate Selection Bordeaux Blend, Happy Canyon, USA, 2015
  • Crown Point, Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon, USA, 2016
  • Dana Estates – VIP 6 PM ONLY
  • Davis Estates – TBA
  • Dominus Estate – VIP 6 PM ONLY
  • Duhig Wine, 2016 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Napa Valley – this was a nice discovery for us. The Cab was slightly chilled and had a lovely mouthfeel, and the two sisters working the table were delightful.
  • Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
  • Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc, 2016
  • Ehlers Estate Portrait (Bordeaux Blend)
  • Ehlers Estate 1886, 2015
  • Napa Cabernet, 2016
  • Rutherford Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
  • Winston Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014
  • Carneros Chardonnay
  • Arrowood Wines, Sonoma Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
  • Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2016
  • Frank Family Vineyards 2016 Rutherford Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
  • Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016
  • Hawk & Horse Vineyards – 2014 Petit Verdot, Red Hills, Lake County – always nice to taste with Hawk & Horse.
  • Hertelendy Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2015
  • Hertelendy Vineyards Signature Mtn Blend, Napa Valley, 2015- we missed seeing Ralph Herterlendy at the event this year but his wines were still amazing without him.
  • Hertelendy Vineyards Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley, 2015
  • J. Bookwalter, Cabernet Sauvignon, Volume 6 Dionysus Vineyard, Columbia Valley Washington, USA 2016
  • J. Bookwalter, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chapter 9 Conner-Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley Washington, USA 2016 – new winery for us, good wines.
  • Jack Wines – TBA
  • Joseph Phelps Chardonnay, Freestone Vineyards, 2017
  • Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir, Freestone Vineyards, 2017
  • Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, 2016
  • Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016 – we’re club members, so it was so cool to see them at this event!
  • Gelson’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley
  • Marciano Estate – TBA
  • Michel Rolland – TBA
  • Moët Hennessey presents – all unfiltered wines, I enjoyed all the 2015 Newton Estate: Spring Mtn, Yountville, Mt. Veeder
  • Monteverro – TBA
  • Moraga White (SB) Bel Air, CA, 2017
  • Moraga Red (Bordeaux Blend) Bel Air, CA, 2015
  • Napanook – TBA
  • Palmaz Cabernet 2016
  • Palmaz Cabernet 2015
  • Palmaz Chardonnay “Amalia” 2017
  • Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2015
  • Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2014
  • Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2011
  • Prime Solum Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Brokenrock Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2018 – I had written about this winery for Napa Valley Life Magazine so it was a treat to see them and taste all of their yummy wines!
  • Relic Wines – TBA
  • Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot Blend, “Vespera” Grigsby/Collinetta, Yountville/Coombsville, USA, 2014
  • Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grigsby, Yountville, USA, 2014
  • Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Collinetta, Coombsville, USA, 2013 –so cool to find Rocca at this event! Had visited them a few years back, and just like then I loved all of their wines.
  • Sequoia Grove Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016
  • Seven Stones Winery – TBA
  • ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, 2016
  • Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, 2016
  • Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Manzanita Hill Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District, 2012
  • Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District, 2012
  • T. Berkley Wines, Cabernet Franc, Leaning Oak Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa, 2016 –This may have been my favorite wine at the tasting. I love Cab Franc and the winemaker told me that Cab Franc was the reason he became a winemaker. Same winemaker for both Teachworth and T.Berkley: Taylor Berkley Boydstun.
  • The Debate – TBA
  • The Unfiltered Collection, winemaker is Jean Hoefliger formerly of Alpha Omega, all native yeast: 2015 Clark Claudon “Eternity” Cabernet Sauvignon, V. Vineyards 2015 “Audace” Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 “The Debate” Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Trujillo Cabernet Napa Valley 2016
  • Trujillo Gary Morisoli Single Vineyard Designate Cabernet Rutherford 2016
  • Trujillo Henry Brothers Single Vineyard Designate Cabernet Howell Mtn. 2016
  • Two Old Dogs – TBA
  • V. Vineyards – TBA
  • Yount Ridge Cellars – TBA
  • ZD Wines, 59% Pinot Noir 41% Chardonnay, Anniversary Reserve Cuvee Sparkling, Napa Valley AVA, USA
  • ZD Wines, Chardonnay, California Chardonnay, California Appellation, USA, 2017
  • ZD Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley AVA, USA, 2016
  • ZD Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley AVA, USA, 2010

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Larkmead Vineyards to Plant Viticultural Research Block in Napa Valley

by

CALISTOGA, CALIFORNIA (PRWEB) – Larkmead Vineyards, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020, announced today the planting of a Research Block in preparation for the next 125 years of Napa Valley viticulture. The Research Block will be located at the Larkmead estate in Calistoga and will host several different grape varieties, clones, and rootstocks for trial purposes as Napa Valley’s climate changes.

Founded in 1895, Larkmead has a long history of research and clonal trials. Dr. Harold Olmo of UC Davis, one of the most influential viticulturists of the 20th century, established a clonal station at the Larkmead estate in the 1940s, where he developed the widely-planted Cabernet Sauvignon clone FPS 02. Commonly known as the “Oakville selection,” this clone was fundamental in establishing Cabernet Sauvignon as California’s signature grape variety. However, with the reality of onset climate change, Larkmead is preparing for the future of viticulture by dedicating three acres of their 110-acre estate to plant grape varieties that could be better suited to increasing average temperatures.

“As stewards of this incredible estate, it is our responsibility to protect the land and preserve its ability to produce quality wines for future generations,” said proprietor Cam Baker. “Today we continue to grow some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, but we are also preparing for tomorrow by establishing a Research Block on the estate.” The Research Block is being spearheaded by lauded winemaker Dan Petroski and viticulturist Kelly Maher, and will be supervised by vineyard manager Nabor Camarena. The three-acre plot will be planted to multiple heritage varieties including Chenin Blanc, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, alongside new world, Mediterranean varieties such as Aglianico, Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional.

Winemaker Dan Petroski commented, “Climate change is very real and already affects vintners around the world. The fact is, Cabernet Sauvignon may no longer be well-suited to Napa Valley’s climate in twenty to thirty years. As one of the world’s top wine regions, we need to research and plan for inevitable warmer temperatures.
buy tadalista online https://calibudsman.com/wp-content/themes/shoptimizer/inc/core/functions/new/tadalista.html no prescription

Napa Valley will continue to lead the way in research and sustainability and we are carrying on the legacy of experimentation and trial here at Larkmead.”

With its long and rich history, Larkmead has played a fundamental role in the transformation of Napa Valley into one of the preeminent wine regions in the world. First established in 1895, Larkmead Vineyards has been in the hands of the same family since 1948. Current proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker have worked in recent years to fine-tune Larkmead’s viticultural and cellar techniques to most accurately express the vineyard’s voice. Winemaker Dan Petroski captures the nuance and complexity of the 110-acre site by vinifying small lots according to clonal selection and soil type. Petroski was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2017.

The Research Block is Larkmead’s next step in the estate’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.
buy cialis black online https://calibudsman.com/wp-content/themes/shoptimizer/inc/core/functions/new/cialis-black.html no prescription

“In order to determine the best path forward for the future and for our unique climate and terroir, we need to continue to experiment,” said Viticulturist Kelly Maher. We’re planning on testing different varieties, rootstocks, cover crops, and more. The goal is to have more biodiversity and climate resilient vineyards while continuing to produce better and better wines.”

Beyond the Research Block, Larkmead will continue to lead the conversation surrounding climate change and its effects on the global wine industry through a series of events at the estate. Hosted by winemaker Dan Petroski, these “Salons at Larkmead” are discussion-based forums for fellow winemakers, industry leaders, and journalists shaping the narrative on climate change and wine.

About Larkmead – https://www.larkmead.com/
The historic Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned establishments in Napa Valley. Originally founded in 1895, Larkmead is now under the stewardship of proprietors Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker. Kate’s parents, Larry and Polly Solari, purchased Larkmead in 1948. Kate spent her childhood in the valley, exploring a bygone Napa dominated by prune and walnut orchards, hayfields, cattle ranches, and acres of empty fields. Her parents were aware of Larkmead’s storied past, and sought to honor its legacy, a philosophy they passed down to Kate and her husband. The Bakers have been the dynamic force behind Larkmead’s transformation from a historic vineyard into a world-renowned wine estate. During the first 10 years of their ownership, they directed a complete replanting of the property, tailoring the selection of varieties, clones, and rootstock to suit the special characteristics of each individual block. In 2005, they built the first phase of a state-of-the-art winery on the property so that each vineyard block could have its own dedicated vinification tank. Designed by architect Howard Backen, an old family friend, the farmhouse and production facility are both classic and comfortable, providing a place for peaceful reflection away from a busy and demanding world. These days, Cam and Kate’s children and grandchildren are often found at the estate, continuing the family tradition at Larkmead into its fourth generation.

Napa 2017 After The Fires: Clos Pegase

by

Last time we visited the grand Clos Pegase was…before I started writing about wine! Over ten years! Eddie, the husband, looked for photos…and lo and behold we were there February 6, 2004! Definitely overdue for a visit! And gotta hump that thumb again!

clos pegaseVisiting Clos Pegase – Over A Decade Later

This “need for a re-visit” has happened to us before as there is so much to taste in Napa, wineries change hands, winemakers move and then there is a buzz about a new place that takes precedent sometimes. We were happy for the opportunity for a re-visit.

Arriving a wee bit early we took a look at the grounds. Things had been moved, new sculptures in and older ones, like the infamous thumb, had been removed. No worries, we got to taste in a brand new tasting room that was designed with both standing tasting bars, seated sections and outdoor tastings. New owners means new vineyards and one, now the namesake “Mitsuko’s Vineyard” in the Carneros/Napa appellation, joins Tenma Vineyard and Applebone Vineyard both in the Calistoga/Napa Valley appellation.

We chose a grouping of cozy of couches and settled in for our tasting with winery rep Diane Rubenfeld. Beginning with a 2016 Mitsuko’s Vineyard 100% Sauvignon Blanc fermented and aged in tanks and neutral oak I noted a very bright style reminiscent of a New Zealand Sauv Blanc with stone fruit, apricot, pear and a medium acid.

Next came the 2014 Hommage Chardonnay Mitsuko’s Vineyard that had been aged for 28 months in 78% French oak. Notes of oak, toast, green-skinned fruit like green apples came to mind, butter…with a long satisfying finish.

The 2014 Pegaso Red Blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot came from a single vineyard, 18 months oak aged. This was their first year they didn’t use Syrah in the Pegaso blend. I got notes of chocolate, spice, black fruit, drying tannins but a lovely balance as the blend may have made it not as spicy as I would have expected.

Now we had the 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in our glasses. A round bouquet of spice, fruit, dust and rose petals was followed by a juicy and tart taste, a bit of cigar, wet earth and incense.

A 2015 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Merlot was next up. With 90% Merlot and the remaining percentages included both Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Fresh ripe red berries, mushroom and some dust floated up in the nose, followed by flavors of bright red fruit, green peppercorn – it was another nicely balanced wine.

Our final wine was the 2014 Syrah Mitsuko’s Vineyard with 6% Petite Sirah. Yummy raspberry fruit, brambles, stems, earth and drying tannins, followed a nose of blue fruit, pepper, raspberry and pepper. Nice for only being three years old.

#NapaFire

A 10-day “cloud” hung over the valley floor during the fires. The cellar workers stayed until the evacuation orders came through. They returned when the order was lifted and resumed pump overs. Their grapes are still in the process of being smoke tested, however, 90% of their fruit had already been picked. No one in the Clos Pegase winery family lost a home.

About Clos Pegase

feb 2004 thumb clos pegase

Eve and Eddie Feb 2004 with the thumb!

RoBIN AKHURST’S ROAD TO THE NAPA VALLEY took him around the globe, through eight consecutive and exhausting harvests, picking up an impressive list of mentors along the way. In 2016, he took over winemaking for Clos Pegase, one of the Napa Valley’s landmark wineries….read more.

http://www.clospegase.com/

1060 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515. (707) 942-4981.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com