Perlises Pick: What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 4

May 8, 2021 by Michael Perlis

It is finally time to move our focus to Northern California, so now we can write about the Big Three.

Ahhh, the Big Three. These are the three winemakers that have had the biggest influence on our wine drinking over the last 2+ decades. Not only do they make great Zinfandel [kind of a requirement for this Zinfan] along with other wonderful reds that are in our wheelhouse [think Syrah, Petite Sirah, etc.] but they also make wonderful lighter style wines.

In addition, they are all founding members of the Historic Vineyard Society [insert website], an organization dedicated to preserving California’s old vineyards.

Photo provided by Mike Officer of Carlisle

The Big Three are:

Mike Officer of Carlisle Winery and Vineyards

Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars and Sandlands

Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock

Mike and Kendall Officer’s first vintage from their Carlisle Winery www.carlislewinery.com was 1998. They both kept their day jobs for the next few years, but given the immediate accolades they received out of the starting gate for their wines produced from old-vine vineyards, focusing on Zinfandels and Rhones, demand for them to increase production was high. They eventually were able to devote themselves full-time to the winery and their family – both of their children now work at the winery. While we immediately became huge fans of their red wines, they also make three whites that are definitely on our go-to list:

Sonoma Mountain “Steiner Vineyard” Grüner Veltliner: Not too many wineries use this varietal in California.

Sonoma Valley “Compagni Portis” White Wine: a field blend of primarily Gewurztraminer, Trousseau Gris and Riesling from the Compagni Portis Vineyard. Sonoma County “The Derivative” White Wine: The 2018 is a blend of Semillon, Muscadelle, Columbard and Palomino.

While many people consider Turley Wine Cellars www.turleywinecellars.com to be a Paso Robles winery since they purchased the old Pesenti winery in 2000, they also have a facility in Amador County, having acquired the Karly property in 2012. More to the Northern California point, Turley’s headquarters is in St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Under the auspices of Director of Winemaking Tegan Passalacqua, Turley produces an amazing number of delicious Zinfandels from some of California’s best vineyards, along with some Petite Syrahs, Cinsaults and even some Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are looking for lighter wines, they make some great ones as well. For whites, the Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite of ours and The White Coat blend is always outstanding. And yes, Turley also makes a White Zinfandel; but please don’t expect it to be that silly sweet stuff.

Tegan and his wife Olivia also own Sandlands www.sandlandsvineyards.com , where they focus mainly on “forgotten classic California varieties, primarily grown in decomposed granite (sand), from regions and vineyards that have been farmed for many generations but have remained the outliers of California viticulture.” Sure, they do make some outstanding Chardonnay, but don’t miss their Lodi Chenin Blanc or Cinsault, Mataro and Carigane from Contra Costa County, even a Mission from Amador County, among others. The wines have an old-fashioned flair to them, including lower alcohol by modern California standards and are lip-smackingly delicious. Prices are really reasonable too, but you need to try to get on the mailing list!

Last but not least, Morgan Twain-Peterson founded Bedrock www.bedrockwineco.com

in 2007, but winemaking would seem to have always been in his blood. As the son of Joel Peterson who created Ravenswood and now owns Once And Future Wine, Morgan made his first wine when he was 5 years old – I think he made Pinot Noir just to annoy his Zinfandel-loving father. We were first drawn to the Bedrock Syrahs, Zinfandels and Heritage field blends, but we have found the whites to be equally as compelling. Morgan and his now partner-in-wine Chris Cottrell are doing amazing things with Sauvignon Blanc. And if you or anyone you know thinks that Rieslings are not for them, please give Bedrock’s a try; you will change your mind. Finally, the Ode to Lulu is one of our favorite pink wines every year.

Be aware that all of the Big Three reserve the bulk of their production for their mailing lists, so I highly recommend you sign up – or get on their waitlists.

As the weather starts heating up and Karen and I get to being fully vaccinated, we are looking forward to traveling to our favorite wine regions and tasting new varietals and vintages and reporting back. But in the meantime, you’ll probably see another article or two in this series.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Perlis Picks: Portalupi

December 26, 2020 by Michael Perlis

“Grandma was a bootlegger.”

Not something you hear every day, but this is what Jane Portalupi told Karen and me when we visited.

The tag hanging on the one-liter milk bottles of their Vaso di Marina red and white wines tells the story like this:

“This wine is inspired by my grandmother, Marina Portalupi, who immigrated to Northern California from Piemonte, Italy. She believed wine was a staple, like milk and bread, and kept a barrel of her vino di tavola in her small grocery store. Every day, customers would fill their empty milk bottles to take home and pass around the dinner table. Vaso di Marina is a rustic yet refined wine in that same tradition and we hope you’ll enjoy it the same way.”

The above was how this article was supposed to begin after our visit in 2019. For various reasons, it got delayed. My apologies to the Portalupis for that. Then, 2020 came and the pandemic happened, the world changed, and I think it would be more important for you to know what is going on now with the winery.

But first, a little backstory…

I first tasted Portalupi’s wines at WineLA’s 2019 Elevating Zinfandel event. Of course, I only got to taste their Zins that day, but they were excellent versions from the Russian River Valley Dolinsek Ranch. I knew we needed to taste the rest of their offerings the next time we visited Sonoma County, which we ended up doing later in the year.

The winery was founded in 2002 by Jane Portalupi and Tim Borges to showcase their Italian heritage and its connection to California wine in a true Cal-Italia celebration. Jane and Tim knew each other as children and when they reconnected as adults, they married and combined Tim’s winemaking experience with Jane’s fashion marketing background into Portalupi Winery. Founded in 2002, Jane and Tim wanted Portalupi to honor their own Italian heritage along with the deep roots that Italian immigrants have in California’s wine industry.

Karen and I met up with Jane at the winery’s charming tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. Starting out, we were surprised to find they had a sparkling Barbera. What a delicious and fun wine to get our palates ready to taste some serious stuff.

We then tried a couple of whites, the 2016 Vermentino and the 2018 Arneis, both classic Italian varietals that were couldn’t wait to bring home and enjoy.

Enough playing around though, we were ready for the big boys.

Portalupi makes two Barberas, one from Shake Ridge Ranch in Amador County and one from Pauli Ranch in Mendocino. We tried the 2016 versions. I was very slightly partial to the Shake Ridge bottling, but I might have been a little prejudiced since I love Amador Barberas.

We also tasted through a selection of Charbono, two Zinfandels and a Petite Sirah. It’s hard to find much Charbono these days. Portalupi gets their Charbono grapes from the Venturi Vineyard in Ukiah, certified organic and vines over 100 years old, which is also where they get their Petite Sirah. I mentioned above that the Zin comes from Dolinsek in the RRV. As I said, these are “big boy wines”, delicious and able to stand up to whatever food you might throw at them.

I did check in with Jane on how things are going and this is what she told me:

“It has been a crazy year for sure. In Sonoma County we have been only able to serve outside. So our beautiful interior space is not being used although we have found out that our temporary outdoor seating has worked very well, especially on weekends. We are still not getting many tourists except from the bay area. People are loving the outdoors and everyone hopes this will go beyond Covid. We are approved by the city to go through December 2021 and I hope beyond, especially since we plan to build a beautiful outdoor space soon…Just wonder what our new normal will be – I have learned to be light on my feet and can make a change on a dime. So, as hard as it has been, we all have grown. We are fortunate to have a loyal following and are grateful every day for the people who support us.”

Jane said that Portalupi is all about food and wine with friends and family and celebrating the moment. We appreciate her letting us in to share that.

Portalupi Wine

www.portalupiwine.com

107 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95448

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

November 19, 2020 by evebushman

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.

Lake County Wines Reach New a Pinnacle

November 14, 2020 by evebushman

KELSEYVILLE, Calif., PRNewswire — Lake County received the highest rating ever achieved by a wine from its region – receiving a 96 point rating for the 2016 Sol Rouge Petite Sirah from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Lake County, a small wine growing region directly north of Napa, used to be part of Napa County and was said to have grown as many grapes as Napa in the 1900s. However, the 1920 Prohibition brought an end to Lake County wine production as vines were removed and planted with other crops.

Lake County’s re-emergence in the wine industry began in the 1960s and grew from less than 100 acres in 1965 to nearly 10,000 acres today. Although large premium Napa Valley grape growers like Beringer and Beckstoffer Vineyards established themselves in the county, few wineries included “Lake County” on their labels, as most wine was often blended into that of Napa Valley and Sonoma wines.

In 2007, a dozen wineries in Lake County including Sol Rouge Winery, established the Lake County Winery Association to promote awareness. At the time, Lake County wines were relatively unknown or reviewed by the top wine magazines with only a few wines receiving a 90+ point rating. Most of these wines were made by Napa winemakers like Thomas Rivers Brown, maker of the Schrader Cellars Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer’s Amber Knolls Vineyard.

Today, the Lake County Winery Association has over three dozen vintners like Shannon Ridge, Gregory Graham, Brassfield, Hawk & Horse, and Obsidian Ridge, who commonly make wines in the 90-95 point range. “We’ve seen a trend in higher ratings from all of our Lake County wineries and this rating is just another example of how wineries are producing world-class wines from Lake County,” said Helena Walsh, Director of Lake County Winery Association.

The 2016 Sol Rouge Petite Sirah put Lake County in a completely different league, scoring a 96 point rating by one of the top wine review magazines – the highest in the county’s 50+ year history of winemaking. “I actually never checked on how rare that rating was. I tasted the Sol Rouge Petite Sirah blind of course, along with a few other Petites from Lake and two other appellations, so when I scored it I didn’t know the AVA. It’s a magnificent wine and a great example of how good the Lake County terroir can be,” said Jim Gordon, Contributing Editor, Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

“When we planted the Sol Rouge Vineyard, we sought to grow the best possible grapes to make the finest wine we could,” said Bryan Kane, Co-Owner & Winemaker of Sol Rouge Vineyard & Winery. “When we came to Lake County, the highest rating from one of the Big 3 (Spectator, Enthusiast & Parker) was 92 points. So far, we’ve earned 90–94 points on 44 of our 51 Lake County wines, with the majority scoring 92-94 points.” Bryan attributes the higher scores amongst Lake County wines both improved winemaking and the excellent growing conditions.

“Lake County produces some of the most distinct winegrapes in the world, and over the years, we’ve seen a steady increase in recognition of the region’s wines,” said Debra Sommerfield, President of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. “This impressive rating further substantiates Lake County’s position as a top-tier winegrowing region.”

With all the recent devastation to the Napa and Sonoma wine growing regions caused by the Glass and LNU Lightning Complex fires, wineries have been looking to Lake County for grapes. Jim Smith of Case by Case Wine Brokers states, “We have been challenged as of late with the soaring demand of winegrapes from Lake County. I believe the work is out on what winemakers can expect from our wine growing region.”

“We are honored and excited to have received such a high rating on our 2016 Petite Sirah and expect that Sol Rouge and others will continue to aspire to make highly rated world class wines,” stated Jill Brothers, Sol Rouge Co-Owner and Winegrower.

ABOUT SOL ROUGE

Sol Rouge is a family estate located in the Mayacamas Mountains at elevations averaging over 1800 feet. North of Napa in the foothills of a dormant volcano which formed the North Coast wine country in the Red Hills Appellation of Lake County, this land contains rich, red volcanic soil and, from this unique profile, Sol Rouge derived its name – translating to “Red Soil” in French. This 70 acre estate is planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, Counoise, Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc in a “high vine density” configuration allowing each vine to focus on fewer clusters of fruit, leading to greater complexity. Nestled between Mt. Konocti and Benson Ridge, this aggressive sight is all hillside with slopes up to 60% and is said to be the most aggressive and tightly planted vineyard in the Red Hills, with nearly 6000 vines per hectare in some blocks. For more information, see http://www.solrouge.com

2016 Sol Rouge Petite Sirah Wine Enthusiast Magazine Review: https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/sol-rouge-2016-petite-sirah-lake-county/

CAINE THOMPSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ROBERT HALL WINERY, NOMINATED FOR WINE ENTHUSIAST’S “INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR” WINE STAR AWARD

November 12, 2020 by evebushman

Paso Robles, CA – Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, California, is pleased to announce new hire, Caine Thompson, has been nominated for Wine Enthusiast magazine’s “Innovator of the Year” Wine Star Award.

Thompson is being recognized for his achievements in virtual currency and augmented reality during his time as President of Paso Robles winery, Rabble Wine Company. Thompson led the winery to accept over 40 forms of virtual currency in 2019. In 2018 the winery launched an augmented reality app that brought to life the historic woodblock carving labels from the 1400th century Nuremberg Chronicles, being one of the first US owned wineries to do so.

Thompson joined Robert Hall Winery as Managing Director in October 2020, working with the hospitality, tasting room, wine club, and winemaking teams to evolve the winery’s direct-to-consumer sales, consumer experience, and community relations. Thompson will also work closely with the winemaking team on the winery’s tasting room only wine offerings. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, based in Larkspur, California, purchased Robert Hall Winery in 2016. Thompson joins the executive leadership team at O’Neill as the company looks to continue its rapid growth in the US.

“We are excited to have Caine join our O’Neill and Robert Hall family at such a pivotal point for the winery. Wine Enthusiast’s recognition of his innovative achievements at Rabble demonstrate what a strong choice Caine is for Robert Hall and for O’Neill,” comments Christine Moll, VP of Marketing at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers.

Each year, the Wine Enthusiast editorial team selects the wine and spirits industry’s top individuals and businesses. Thompson is honored to be nominated for “Innovator of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers CEO, Jeff O’Neill, is also honored this year with a Wine Star nomination for Person of the Year, making two 2020 Wine Star nominations for O’Neill Vintners & Distillers.

About Robert Hall Winery

Founded in 1999 by the late entrepreneur Robert Hall, Robert Hall Winery showcases the best Paso Robles has to offer. The winery has three estate vineyards in the Geneseo and Estrella Districts, totaling 136 planted acres of fruit. In addition to growing Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, the winery also sources grapes across the Paso Robles AVA. This provides Head Winemaker Don Brady with a broad range of soils and micro-climates that, together, create optimal fruit for the beautiful wines that capture the essence of Paso Robles.

Brady has been with the winery since its inaugural vintage. Under his winemaking expertise with Winemaker Amanda Gorter, Robert Hall continues to promote the Paso Robles wine region as one of the top winegrowing regions in California. Together, Brady and Gorter craft wines inspired by the pioneering spirit of the winery’s founder and the honest pursuit of The Good Life. Well-Earned. Visit Robert Hall Winery online at www.roberthallwinery.com.

About O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers was founded in 2004 by industry veteran and entrepreneur Jeff O’Neill. The vertically integrated winery has grown to become the seventh largest winery in California with a reputation for producing high quality wines from the North Coast, Central Coast and Central Valley. Through its extensive vineyards and modern production facilities, O’Neill provides premium winemaking services to the industry as well as its growing portfolio of national brands. The company’s national brands portfolio includes Line 39, Robert Hall, Harken, Exitus, Day Owl Rose, Allegro and Charles Woodson’s Intercept. For more information, please visit www.ONeillWine.com.

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

October 2, 2020 by evebushman

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.

Vintage Eve 6/2017: Ten To Try With Eve and the Wine-y Women, the Santa Clara Valley Wines

March 31, 2020 by evebushman

Did you know that a thriving wine country exists in Silicon Valley’s backyard? Santa Clara Valley is home to over two-dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long established (since the 18^th century) family operations to relatively small newcomers working out of their garages…Each of the wineries has a fascinating story. What makes the wines of Santa Clara Valley truly unique are the characters who have come to create these wines. Upon visiting the wineries, it is highly likely you’ll find yourself sitting across the table tasting wine and sharing stories with the winemaker or owner. The experience is truly unique.

None of us, the Wine-y Women or myself, were familiar with wines from the Santa Clara Valley. We inspected the bottles and learned that most were produced and bottled in Gilroy, California. And though our collective experience with Gilroy was knowledge of their annual Garlic Festival (before you ask, no, no garlic flavor was imparted into our wines), that was about it.

Gilroy is a little south of San Jose and you may have driven through it on your way to San Francisco. If you kept your eyes peeled you may have noticed a winery on the side of the road. And now, after having the tasting, learning that most of these wineries do tastings, you have a reason to stop on your next road trip.

Tasting with The Wine-y Women Again

Collective Aromas and Flavors separated by ;

1. Lion Ranch Vineyards and Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open the 1st & 3rd weekends of every month: Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, or by appointment. 645 West San Martin Ave., San Martin, CA 95046. (408) 713-8501

*2014 Viognier

The color of pale straw with aromas that included honeysuckle, white peach, apricot and oak; the flavors were bright and crisp, lots of lemon, a “summery” feel and a long finish.

2. Sarah’s Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: Open Daily 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.sarahsvineyard.com 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 847-1947

2014 Pinot Noir

The nose was filled with plum, blackberry, red to black cherries, caramel, vanilla, rose petals, white pepper and toasted oak; on the palate we got some of the same notes as on the nose as well as body, lightness and tanginess with a medium finish.

3. Medeiros Family Wines

Hours Of Operation: Sat & Sun 12-5pm, www.medeirosfamilywines.com, 3200 Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408-779-8826

2014 Saudade (Bordeaux Blend)

Very opaque in color and then we noted aromas of Luxardo cherry, blueberry, blackberry, leather, coffee and dark chocolate; the same fruit carried through to the palate with the addition of pepper, tartness and a firm tannin structure that provided a long finish.

4. Morgan Hill Cellars

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.MorganHillCellars.com 1645 San Pedro Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037. (408) 779-7389

2013 Merlot

Lovely plum, blackberry, black pepper and wet bark on the nose; followed by a palate that was all black fruit, dry, peppery, tannic, big and robust.

5. Seeker Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: 12:00 to 5:00 on every Saturday and by appointment. www.seekervineyard.com www.facebook.com/seekervineyard 11755 Turlock Ave, San Martin, CA 95046. (949) 370-1040

*2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

“Yummy” was the first comment on the nose, followed by anise, raspberry, clove, fig, violet; on the mouth there were flavors of dried plums, tart, dry and a short finish.

6. Fortino Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.fortinowinery.com 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 842-3305

*2013 Charbono

Aromas of sweet berries, dried plums, vanilla, cream, milk chocolate; red berries, pine nuts, dry, low tannin and a short finish.

7. La Vie Dansante Wines

Hours Of Operation: Open every weekend noon to 5pm and other times by appointment. www.laviedansantewines.com 3200-A Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408.852.0779

Rehearsal (65% Syrah and 35% Carignane)

Strawberry, plum, coffee, cedar, oak and tobacco on the nose; with black cherry as well as tart strawberry, tannins, good balance with a medium finish in the mouth.

8. Jason-Stephens Winery

Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM- 6PM . www.jstephens.com 6500 Brem Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 846-VINE

2012 Syrah

Port-like to some of the guests, smoky and floral notes reminiscent of rose petals; then on the mouth we got both red and black fruit, dry and mineral qualities.

9. Stefania Wine

Hours Of Operation: Third weekend of each Month Saturday 11-4 Sunday 12-4 and by appointment. www.stefaniawine.com 1800 Day Road, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408 242 8598

*2014 Syrah

Aromas of fresh blueberry, blackberry, cinnamon, coffee; followed by blue to black fruit, peppery, jammy and nicely balanced.

10. Aver Family Vineyards

Hours Of Operation: Open every Friday – Saturday – Sunday Noon – 5 pm. www.averfamilyvineyards.com 2900 Soma Way, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 203-8575

*2013 Blessings (Petite Sirah)

Crushed black cherries stuck our collective noses, and then dark chocolate, tobacco, pepper; on the mouth we got bold black cherry, dark chocolate, tannins and a lingering finish.

*Our favorites of the tasting were the Lion Ranch 2014 Viognier, Seeker 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Fortino 2013 Charbono, Aver Family 2013 Petite Sirah and Stefania 2014 Syrah.

http://www.santaclarawines.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, 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.

Larkmead Vineyard Celebrates 125th Anniversary in Napa Valley

March 21, 2020 by evebushman

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.

California Wine STARS 2020 – New Discoveries and Old Faves to Taste!

March 6, 2020 by evebushman

Just when I thought that I could possibly miss a WineLA.com event, founder and organizer Ian Blackburn creates another that sparks my interest – almost weekly! This time it was the California Wine STARS event that not only brought out some heavy hitter wineries that I knew, but also – as always – introduced me to producers that I didn’t know. We had less than 30 wineries, which is perfect for having the opportunity to chat with the winemakers. First I’ll share the teaser invite, and then the full wine list with notes in bold on which wines we liked best. If you just want photos go here. (And, as is my habit, if I don’t mention a winery or a particular wine it’s because I missed it, not due to any fault of the winery, just an outcome of palate fatigue.)

Invitation

A focus on superior winemaking efforts from smaller producers of merit. We want to introduce you to the best in the business! Meet the owners, winemakers and executives that are changing the wine landscape as we know it: Santa Barbara – Paso Robles – Monterey – Sonoma – Napa Valley and all regions in-between. All varietals will be poured.

WINE LIST

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate – This was not the first wine I tasted, but it was my first favorite Bordeaux blend of the tasting.
Lithology, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016

Aleksander Wine by S&G – both grand but I liked the 2014 a wee bit more.
Estate
Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles, CA, 2013
Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles, CA, 2014

Au Bon Climat
Clendenen Family Vineyards, Tocai Friulano Santa Maria Valley, 2016
Clendenen Family Vineyards, Nebbiolo, “Punta Exclamitiva”, Santa Maria Valley, 2011
White Wine Blend, Hildegard, Santa Maria Valley, 2017
Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander, Santa Maria Valley, 2015

Beekeeper Cellars – all great Zins but the Rockpile blew my socks off.
Zinfandel, Montecillo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 2016
Zinfandel, Secret Stones, Rockpile, Sonoma, 2016 Zinfandel, Hidden Hillside Reserve, Sonoma County, 2017

Bernardus Winery
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, 2017
Marinus Estate, Bordeaux Blend, 2014
Gary’s Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2017
Rosella’s Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2016

Bevela Wines
Grenache Blanc, White Lotus, Camp 4 Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, 2019 Chardonnay, Fractured Emergence, Santa Barbara County, 2018
Red Blend, Unforeseen Alchemy, Santa Barbara County, 2016
Teroldego, Matela, Le Bon Climat Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, 2013

Bodega de Edgar – So cool to see Edgar Torres at this event. Met him a few times over the years and adore his wines. This time they all were fab, with the Priorato and Tarragona especially hitting all the right notes.
Albariño, Shale Oak Vineyard, Paso Robles, CA, 2019
Tempranillo, Laetitia Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley, CA, 2016
Priorato, Paper Street Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, 2017
Tarragona, Paper Street Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, CA, 2017

Carpenter
Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2018
Pinot Noir, Pommard, Sonoma Coast, 2016
White Zinfandel, Sonoma County, 2019

En Garde Winery – It’s kind of a joke around town that I’m no big Pinot fan. Tasting for my wine pals I have to say that they need to look for this Pinot from En Garde. It was my pick of the Pinots at the tasting.
Pinot Noir, Starkey Hill, Russian River Valley, 2018

HALL Family Wines – Loved both the Kathryn HALL red label and their flagship Cab. HALL is a longtime favorite of ours. Kudos to Ian and his team for getting this heavy hitter.
HALL Wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2018
WALT Wines, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2017
HALL Wines, Cabernet Sauvigon, Napa Valley 2016 and Kathryn HALL, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016.

Hawk and Horse Vineyards – Always great to see this winery and the aged wines they always bring to the table. Loved the Petit Verdot, it really hit my sweet spot.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, 2014
Petite Sirah, Red Hills, 2014, Petit Verdot, Red Hills, 2014 and Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, 2016

Heitz Cellar – another big one out of Napa for us lucky tasters!
Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, 2015
Cabernet Sauvignon, Trailside Vineyard, Rutherford, CA, 2014
Cabernet Sauvignon, Martha’s Vineyard, Oakville, CA, 2014

Knights Bridge Winery – I had just visited the winery about six months ago and was happy to taste their affordable every-day reds for the first time. Well done.
Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma, 2018
Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma 2018
Estate Red Blend, Knights Valley, Sonoma 2016
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley, Sonoma, 2015

Ledge Vineyards – New to me and well worth the tasting, may have to seek them out for a future Paso visit. In 2016 they went to strictly Rhone varietals, they began in 2005 with a first vintage in 2009. Really liked the James Berry red Rhone.
Red Rhône Blend, Adams Ranch Vineyard, Willow Creek District, 2017
Red Rhône Blend, James Berry Vineyard, Willow Creek District, 2017 Counoise/Cinsaut Rose, James Berry Vineyard, Willow Creek District, 2017
California Red Blend, MCA Cuvèe, Paso Robles, 2017

Nelle Winery – Another new Paso winery for me. Ed loved the Grenache, I leaned towards the Syrah,
Pinwheel, Paso Robles, 2018
Syrah, Central Coast, Paso Robles, 2017
Grenache, Central Coast, 2017
Coastview Syrah, Paso Robles, 2017

Obsidian Wine Co. – A Napa winery new to me, liked their use of Hungarian oak, and am hoping to find their Cabs again.
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County, 2017
“Half Mile” Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County, 2017
Estate Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley, 2017
Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley, 2018

Petrichor Vineyards – The perfumy aromatics on the Estate Syrah were outstanding. Also enjoyed the Syrah Grenache blend. Will be looking for these Sonoma-based wines again too.
Rosé of Grenache, Estate, Sonoma County, 2018
Grenache, Estate, Sonoma County, 2016
Syrah, Estate, Sonoma County, 2016
Syrah/Grenache Blend, Estate, Les Trois, Sonoma County, 2016

Pomar Junction Winery
Viognier, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2017
Reserve Tempranillo, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2015
Cab Forward, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2014
Train Wreck, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2015

Rideau Vineyard
Viognier, Estate, Los Olivos District, 2018
White Rhône Blend (The Brassman), Estate, Los Olivos District, 2016
Pinot Noir, La Encantada/Garey, Santa Barbara County, 2017
Red Rhône Blend (Enchevêtré Rouge), Santa Barbara County, 2016

Ridge Vineyards – Nice Zin blends from Sonoma, and another star winery at the event.
Estate Chardonnay, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, 2018
Zin Blend, Three Valleys, Sonoma County, 2017
Zinfandel, East Bench, Dry Creek Valley, 2017
Zin Blend, Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley, 2017

Scheid Family Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, 50/50 Estate, Monterey, 2014
Chardonnay, Estate, Monterey, 2014
Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, 2014
Petite Sirah, Stokes’ Ghost, Monterey, 2015

Somerston Estate – The last winery on this list, was again new to me! Enjoyed the two Napa Valley reds, with a special nod to the Coach Gun Bordeaux blend. Definitely want that one again.
Somerston Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Somerston Estate, Block XCVI, Napa Valley, 2014
Priest Ranch, Red Blend, Coach Gun, Somerston Estate, Napa Valley, 2014
Priest Ranch, Grenache Blanc, Somerston Estate, Napa Valley, 2017
Priest Ranch, Sauvignon Blanc, Somerston Estate, Napa Valley, 2018

PARTICIPATING PRODUCERS and their Facebook links: Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate,
Aleksander Wine by S&G Estate, Au Bon Climat Winery, Beekeeper Cellars, Bernardus Winery, Bevela Wines, Bodega de Edgar, Carpenter Wine, En Garde Winery , HALL Wines, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, Heitz Cellar, Knights Bridge Winery, Ledge Vineyards, Nelle Winery, Obsidian Wine Co., Petrichor Vineyards, Pomar Junction Winery, Rideau Vineyard, Ridge Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards, Somerston Wine.

SILENT AUCTION: wineLA has raised over $500,000 for The T.J. Martell Foundation 501(c)(3) supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles funding children’s cancer research.

Partners: Los Angeles Magazine, Evian Water, Schott Zwiezel glassware, La Brea Bakery, The T.J. Martell Foundation

JEFF RUNQUIST WINS “WINERY OF THE YEAR” IN 2019 FOUR TIMES OVER

February 27, 2020 by evebushman

PLYMOUTH, CA – Jeff Runquist Wines has been awarded 2019 “Winery of the Year” at Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition, the California State Fair, Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition and by Robert Whitley’s “Wine Talk.”

This was Runquist’s third year in a row winning “Winery of the Year” at Berger’s competition and the fourth time in the last five years he has received this distinction. Runquist earned the David Stevens Memorial Trophy at the competition, awarded to him for the feat of earning 10 awards of gold or above from his 35 entries. Jeff Runquist Wines was also their Red Sweepstakes Winner, with the 2017 “R” Petite Sirah, Enver Salman Vineyard, Clarksburg garnering Best of Class Triple Gold.

“Jeff Runquist Wines has almost single-handedly added luster to the red wines of the Sierra Foothills and mid-eastern California,” states Berger.

Robert Whitley also recognized Jeff Runquist Wines as “Winery of the Year” in his syndicated “Wine Talk” column.

“Over the course of the past year, I have tasted thousands of wines, judged multiple wine competitions and traveled thousands of miles to evaluate wines from Bordeaux to the Napa Valley… [Jeff Runquist Wines] rose up and smacked me between the eyes in 2019,” said Whitley.

Jeff Runquist Wines was named “Winery of the Year—Domestic” at the Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition in San Diego. He entered 29 wines there and medaled with 28. That total included four platinum and 15 gold awards, with 19 of their 29 wines earning gold or better.

In addition, he was Winery of the Year for the second year in a row at the 2019 California State Fair, from this year’s field of 2,811 entrants.

Jeff Runquist is a small producer of single vineyard designated red table wines with the motto, “Come taste the diversity and drink the glass less traveled.” His winery and tasting room are located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley.

Runquist produces 25 different red varietals in small lots, each from a single vineyard. His wines are fruit forward with emphasis on the terroir of the vineyard of origin and smooth, elegant tannins. The four principle wines that his winery tries to have on hand year round are Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Petit Verdot. Beyond that, anything goes – as long as the grape comes from California and has the ideal match of soil climate to personality. Sometimes this leads Runquist to varietals many may not have heard of, such as Tannat, Carignane and Charbono.

This insatiable curiosity combined with his four decades of experience helps take Runquist’s wines to the next level, but he also attributes his success to his unique partnerships with his growers. Depending upon the varietal, Runquist teams with sixteen different growers from different parts of Northern and Central California, pairing the particular grape varietal with a specific vineyard site. The growers share his passion and know the value of harvesting grapes at their peak of flavor, color and character. All but four of his wines carry a vineyard designation and the name of the grower and a close relationship with growers and a respect for their fruit is revealed in every bottle of Runquist wine.

One great way to get to know Runquist’s wines is at his elegant Tasting Room in quaint Plymouth, California, open seven days a week from 11:00am to 5:00pm. No two (or three, or four) tasting room experiences are ever the same, as Jeff Runquist Wines produces more than two dozen exciting and different varietals. The staff is savvy about the geography and history of each grape, curating a voyage through Runquist’s universe of wines.

Oenophiles who stop by the Tasting Room on March 7 or 8 can enjoy the “Behind the Cellar Door” event, when 43 Amador County wineries, including Jeff Runquist Wines, will be opening their cellar doors for a weekend of education, food, and award-winning wine. For details about this event, visit BCDAmador.com.

Learn more about Jeff Runquist Wines at www.jeffrunquistwines.com.