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It’s time to wine and dine! So, fire up the grill and toss on your favorite meat or tuna steak. I have two delicious reds to pair with your feast! A few months ago, I reviewed a delectable Sauvignon Blanc from Oberon Wines, part of the Michael Mondavi Family portfolio based in Napa Valley, CA. The head winemaker for Oberon Wines is Tony Coltrin, a lifelong resident of Napa. With over a half-century of winemaking experience, Tony knows every expression of the valley and, specifically, which sub-zones produce exceptional classic Bordeaux grapes, including the Paso Robles wine region.  Tony Coltrin Photo courtesy of Oberon Wines Tony’s enduring relationships with growers throughout Napa Valley are the very essence of Oberon’s quality and consistency. Tony selects top-quality fruit year after year from the finest wine-growing regions throughout Napa Valley and Paso Robles.  Photo courtesy of Oberon Wines A short time ago, I received samples of Oberon’s Napa Valley Merlot and Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, two noteworthy wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Oberon Napa Valley Merlot 2021 The grapes for this Merlot were sourced from Napa’s renowned Oakville district. Oakville lies on the valley floor in the heart of Napa. The deeper, well-drained alluvial soils in the vineyards, along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons, make this the ideal location for growing Bordeaux varietals. In addition, Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they merge well with the Merlot and bring out the rich character of this expressive Oakville fruit. It is aged 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Ripe berries, plum, and baking spice. Palate: Dark cherry, strawberry, and red plum, with a hint of cocoa and mild tannins. It is a vibrant and nicely layered wine. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $28 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, seared tuna, porcini risotto, and grilled veggies. Oberon Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Tony created this Cabernet Sauvignon by sourcing grapes from a few distinct vineyards in Paso Robles, including Santa Margherita Ranch, originally planted by the Mondavis, and the San Juan Creek Ranch. The blend for this wine is 85.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, and 5.3% proprietary red field blends. Tony said, “Layering fruit from these distinct Paso Robles ranches provides for a wine with greater complexity and a more dynamic flavor profile.” This wine was aged for 12 months in 45% new French oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red berries, plum, herbs, and baking spice. Palate: Ripe dark berries, bing cherry, and a touch of thyme. Vanilla, dark chocolate, and candied fruit linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.7% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Just about anything charred, seared or grilled will work! This wine is also a great sipper before or after a meal. Happy grilling and happy sipping!  Photo credit: Paul Hermann Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Honig Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned and operated winery situated in the picturesque town of Rutherford in Napa Valley, CA.  Honig Vineyard courtesy of Honig In 1964, Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre vineyard in Rutherford from the Wagners’, who are owners of the nearby Caymus vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc were the two varieties planted in the vineyard that they bought. The Honig family grew and sold these grapes to nearby wineries until 1980 when they decided to try producing their own Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It was a great success! Realizing the potential of the grapes growing in their vineyards, they built a winery that was completed in 1982. Even though the wine they produced was good, they still struggled with sales and marketing. Michael Honig, grandson of Louis, saw great possibilities and stepped up to the plate in 1984 at the age of 22. Michael and his family slowly transformed their marketing approach. Sales grew, and today, their wines are sold in all 50 states and internationally.  Michael Honig Photo courtesy of Honig winery. Michael and his team are committed to the environment, practice sustainable wine growing, and use solar energy. They have California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Fish Friendly Farming certifications.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery In addition to hawks and owls that keep the rodent population down, they use sheep (aka Wooly Weeders) as natural lawnmowers, eliminating chemical weed killers.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery By only focusing on the production of two varietals, they have achieved the “true expression of the vineyard.” Michael recently sent me a bottle of each varietal to taste. He said, “We specialize and only make Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. These two wines are the bottlings that we sell all over the world.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Honig 2023 Sauvignon This bottle is very eye-catching, with a beautiful view of the vineyard. It’s like looking through a window! The wine is 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Semillon, and 1% Muscat. The grapes are sourced from Honig’s sustainably farmed vineyard in Rutherford (58%) and Lake County vineyards (42%.) Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, white stone fruit, citrus, and a hint of tropical notes. Palate: Pear, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and a touch of key lime make for a lively whirl and a juicy finish. It is fresh and bright! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $23.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, salads or sushi. Honig 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The first vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon was in 1987. The grapes for this wine are 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2.4% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, and 1.2% Petit Syrah. Grapes are sourced from the Rutherford vineyard and local Napa Valley vineyards. The wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels (25% new American oak, 20% new French oak.)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, a hint of cranberry, and baking spice. Palate: Lush notes of dark cherry covered in mocha, dark berries, sweet spice, and minerality. It is a sweet and savory dance on the palate with a silky, long finish. Nicely balanced. Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $46.95 - $56.00 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, hearty stews, seared tuna, and mushroom risotto. As the song says… A bottle of red, a bottle of whites Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight… Billy Joel’s “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”  Photo courtesy of Honig winery Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com The shortest day of the year is finally behind us, but winter has officially begun. Although I enjoy the beauty of a winter wonderland, I’m not a fan of the slush, ice, and frigid weather accompanying it.  So, let’s chase the winter blues away with some white wines and dream of tropical beaches and warmer weather! Trenel Mâcon Villages AOP 2021 Maison Trenel was founded in 1928 by Henri Claudius Trénel and is in the heart of the South Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions. The grapes for this 100% Chardonnay are sourced from vineyards in Mâcon and 26 villages in the area. The Mâcon Villages Trénel is produced on parcels facing south and southeast in Charnay-lès-Mâcon and Viré. This blend of different clayey soils with variable limestone ratio bestows the right balance on the wine, rich and subtle at the same time.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, and apple. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with a rich mouthfeel, crisp acidity, and a refreshing finish of lingering citrus notes. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $28.99 Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo, DOCG 2020 Feudi di San Gregorio was established in 1986 by the Capaldo family and is one of Campania’s premier wine estates, located in southern Italy, near Mount Vesuvius in the tiny village of Sorbo Serpico within the Irpinia DOC. This wine is made with 100% Greco, a white grape variety grown mainly in Campania. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the chalky soils of Tufo, contributing to the wine’s minerality, freshness, and persistence.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful floral notes, melon, citrus, and herbs. Palate: Lush notes of pink grapefruit, juicy pear, and lively acidity, with a touch of mint and balsamic mingling with the fruit on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $28 Oberon Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Oberon Wines is part of the Michael Mondavi Family portfolio. Tony Coltrin is the winemaker for Oberon Wines and is celebrating 50-plus harvests. Having the advantage of being a lifelong resident of Napa, Tony knows every expression of the valley and, specifically, which sub-zones produce Bordeaux grapes that are exceptional. His lifelong relationships with growers throughout Napa Valley are the very essence of Oberon’s quality and consistency. Tony selects top-quality fruit year after year from the finest wine-growing regions throughout Napa. This wine is a blend of 81% Sauvignon Blanc and 19% Sauvignon Musqué. The grapes are sourced from the warm Pope Valley and cool Carneros appellations. Both cold tank fermentation and 14% barrel fermentation are used to maximize the overall fruit expression. “The cold-fermentation in-tank helps us maintain the pureness of fruit and aromatics, and barrel fermentation adds a subtle creaminess and length.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Notes of tropical fruit, apple, minerality, and herbs. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with white stone fruit, honeydew, and nice acidity. Minerality and citrus linger on the finish. Alcohol: 13.7% SRP: $20 Mandrarossa Urra Di Mare, DOC 2021 Mandrarossa is a brand created by Cantine Settesoli, located in Menfi, Sicily, on the island’s southwestern side. Cantine Settesoli was founded in 1958, and it is the largest winery in Sicily and a source of ongoing research and innovative ideas. Mandrarossa is Settesoli’s top brand, which emerged in 1999. This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from vineyards that stretch along south and southwest-facing hills with clay and limestone soils, “a wine created from sea breezes.” 2010 was the first vintage for this wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, citrus, white stone fruit, and a hint of herbs. Palate: This refreshing wine is layered with citrus, apricot, peach, herbal notes, crisp acidity, sapidity, and minerality. Apricots linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $19.99 Pairing Suggestions Enjoy the above wines as an aperitif or serve with raw fish, grilled fish, salads, sushi, white meats, light pasta dishes, and cheese platters. These white wines will drink beautifully all year long. And, if you’re missing warmer weather during the winter months, a glass of white wine and a little imagination can transport you anywhere!  Photo credit: Nataliya Melnych Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Whether at the beach, poolside, or inside with the air conditioner blasting during the sweltering and relentless heat of August, I have a few wines to entertain your palate and cool you off a bit. However, I must stress how important it is to stay hydrated with WATER during these hot days, especially if you are consuming alcohol. It’s all about balance!  Photo credit: Sabri Tuzcu Masciarelli Rosato IGT Colline Teatine 2022 Masciarelli Tenute Agricole is a family-owned winery founded in 1981. They have 350 hectares of vineyards located in all four provinces of Abruzzo, Italy, and are committed to sustainability in the vineyards and the winery. Masciarelli has 22 labels and seven product lines. This rosé is part of their Classic line (Line Classica). It is made with 100% Montepulciano grapes, and fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral and fruity. Palate: Delicate notes of fresh red berries, cherry, and nicely balanced. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with appetizers, light pasta, salads, pizza, and seafood. Carpineto Dogajolo Toscano Bianco IGT 2022 Carpineto, a Tuscan winery founded in 1967, is the producer of Carpineto and Dogajolo wines. This year marks a 30-year milestone for the production of Dogajolo Super Tuscans, specifically Toscano Rosso, launched in 1993. In 2009, Toscano Bianco was added to the Dogajolo line, followed by Toscano Rosato in 2011. They have 1,200 acres of sustainably farmed land spread amongst five carbon-neutral estates in the appellations of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Maremma, and Alto Valdarno. The grapes for this wine are a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 30% Grechetto. It is produced from estate-grown fruit from the Montepulciano estate, with each varietal vinified separately in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely white floral, citrus, notes of tropical fruit. Palate: Pear, sweet apple, lively acidity, honeysuckle, and green melon. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14.99 Pairing suggestions: Perfect for an aperitif or with salads, pasta, seafood, grilled white meat, or Asian cuisine. Emmolo Sauvignon Banc 2022 Jenny Wagner is the owner and winemaker of Emmolo, located in Napa Valley, CA. Emmolo is named for her maternal grandmother, who came to Napa from Sicily in 1923 and founded a rootstock nursery, supplying many local growers. On her paternal side, roots can be traced back to 1857 when her great, great, great grandfather made his way to Napa, kicking off a long history of farming and winemaking. And Jenny’s father, Chuck Wagner, and his parents founded Caymus Vineyards! This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Napa and Solano counties.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Citrus, melon, and white flowers Palate: Crisp, clean, and refreshing wine that is minerality-driven with white stone fruit, grapefruit, and green apple. Alcohol: 12.8% SRP: $22 Pairing suggestions: A great aperitif sipper or serve with grilled fish, seafood, salads, mushroom risotto, or sushi. Mer Soleil Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2021 Established in 1988, Mer Soleil is a California wine estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County. It was founded by the Wagner family, owner of Caymus Vineyards. This wine is 100% Chardonnay sourced from hillside vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The intense sunlight ripens the grapes, and the cooling breezes from Monterey Bay lead to a longer growing season, both contributing complexity to the wines. This wine is fermented and aged in new and used French oak barrels for approximately 11 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Honeysuckle, citrus, stone fruit, and toast. Palate: Fresh notes of lemon/lime, green apple, pear, and vibrant acidity. Creamy mouthfeel with a long citrusy finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with baked cod, creamy pasta, grilled white meat, or salads. Ettore Pure Chardonnay 2019 Ettore Winery is a certified organic winery in Mendocino, CA. Ettore Biraghi, founder and noted European winemaker, realized a dream of producing world-class fine wines in the Sanel Valley. He released his first organic and terroir-driven range of Chardonnay and Merlot wines from Mendocino. This wine is 100% Chardonnay organic grapes, estate grown in their Sanel Valley Vineyards in Hopland, the southernmost town in Mendocino County. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, tropical fruit, white stone fruit, and citrus. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with grapefruit and honeydew. It is unoaked, but there is a trace of butteriness…a complex and delicious wine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $28 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with salads, seafood, grilled fish, chicken, mushroom risotto, or crab cakes. Stay cool and enjoy these wines, chilled, of course!  Photo credit: Anna Demianenko Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Clif Family Winery, owned by husband and wife team Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, is located in Napa Valley, California. It is a small-production estate committed to paying its respects to the land and environment and honoring the planet.  Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery All their 90 acres of estate vineyards and farms are certified organic and certified Napa Green, a “soil-to-bottle” sustainability program.  Gary and Kit Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery Clif Family Winery recently sent me three wines to taste, and I must say, they are good!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Rosé of Cabernet Franc 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Franc are hand harvested from their new CCOF-certified Valle Di Sotto vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. 25% of the wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels and 75% in stainless steel for four months. Nose: Beautiful floral notes, white stone fruit, and strawberries. Palate: Delicious notes of berries, a hint of nectarine, citrus, and pear. A touch of creaminess with crisp acidity adds character to this refreshing wine. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $34 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with light appetizers, seafood, shellfish, salads, and light pasta dishes. Oak Knoll District Sauvignon Blanc 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Sauvignon Blanc are also hand harvested and sourced from the Clif Family’s new CCOF-certified Valle Di Sotto vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. 88% of the wine is aged for four months in neutral French oak barrels and 12% in new French oak. Nose: Aromas of floral, citrus, white stone fruit, and a slight hint of baking spice and pineapple. Palate: Complex, fresh, juicy, and balanced with lively acidity. Aromas come together on the palate with notes of lemon zest and a long fruit finish. Alcohol: 13.6% SRP: $38 Pairing suggestions: A great aperitif, or serve with salads, fish, white meat, and savory dishes. Estate Zinfandel 2019  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is 100% Zinfandel. Grapes are hand harvested and sourced from the estate’s Home Vineyard at the Clif Family Farm. The elevation is 1170 ft on the north side of Howell Mountain. They named the site “Le Colline,” which means “the hills” in Italian. The wine is aged 15 months in 20% new French oak barrels.
Nose: Cherry, berries, earthy, and a hint of cedar. Palate: Well-balanced wine with juicy notes of cherry, red berries, smooth tannins, and a shot of pepper. Subtle baking spice and fennel linger on a long finish. Lip-smacking good! Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $65 Pairing suggestions: Smoked cheese, barbecue, white meat, grilled game, seared tuna, or mushroom risotto. Enjoy these wines all year round! No special occasion is needed! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com The art of writing letters seems to have vanished since the arrival of more sophisticated and faster ways to communicate. Sadly, emails and texts have replaced the more intimate and expressive pen to paper. When I was very young, writing and receiving letters was exciting. I remember the first box of stationery given to me, the feel of the onion skin paper in my hands, and the thrill that it would capture my thoughts and possibly immortalize me. And I loved the idea that someone might keep my letters and reread them every so often. Yes, at the age of eight, I was a true romantic and a bit dramatic, and I suppose I still am! So, when I received two beautiful bottles of Pinot Noir along with an elegant box of custom stationery from Belle Glos Wines, I was over the moon! The prospect of pouring a glass of opulent wine, writing a letter again, and mailing it to someone made me giddy!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker Joe Wagner created Belle Glos Wines in 2001, inspired by his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, co-founder of Caymus Vineyards. No stranger to wine, Joe knew by the age of 19 while working alongside his father at Caymus Vineyards that he would carry on his family’s winemaking legacy. Motivated by his grandmother, an avid Pinot Noir lover, Joe decided to focus on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from California’s best coastal regions. He has five vineyard sites that produce wines expressing the uniqueness of each vineyard.  Joe Wagner – Photo courtesy of Quilt & Co Recently, Joe and I chatted by way of a virtual meeting, and I asked him to elaborate on his grandmother’s influence in his life. Joe: “As you may know, my grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, was a very important person in my life. When I crafted my first wines, naming the brand Belle Glos became the obvious way to pay tribute to her. She was a strong family matriarch, worked hard, was always positive, and loved Pinot Noir. She has always been at the heart of my family, so it only felt right to do something in return to show our appreciation and gratitude towards her. Like the brand itself, Belle Glos Love Letters is an ode to my grandmother and what she embodied; elegance, love, strength, and purity. I am proud that we can still celebrate her legacy eternally with every glass of Belle Glos poured or love letter sent in the mail.” Belle Glos Love Letters is a collaboration with luxury stationer Dempsey & Carroll founded in 1878 in New York City by engraver John Dempsey and businessman George D. Carroll. This limited-edition kit features custom Belle Glos stationery, custom pen, wax, and wax stamper. Hand-engraved steel dies and copper plates made to specification, along with the finest inks and the most luxurious cotton-fiber papers, are used to create this stationery. The stationery kit is a “Limited Edition” available for $90.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Joe spoke about his “aha” moment that gave him the idea for this “Love Letters” collaboration. Joe: “Like so many people over these last two years, I went an extended period without seeing the people that I cared for the most, and so I wanted to do something that would show my appreciation for them. I’ve always shared the highs and lows of my day, special occasions, precious moments, great conversations, etc., over a bottle of wine. It only seemed natural to combine these elements, along with my love of letter writing – so, Belle Glos Love Letters was born.” The wax-covered wine bottles are unusual and very captivating. Joe described why he did this. Joe: “A characteristic of Belle Glos has always been the eye-catching, hand-dipped red wax seal which reflects the relevance and distinctive characteristics of each vineyard-designated wine we produce. We first started using our signature burgundy wax dip with the release of the 2002 vintage of Belle Glos. It was our second vintage and our first release of vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs. The initial thought of using wax was to differentiate our higher-end Vineyard Designate Pinots from our entry-level Pinot (sealed with a cork and foil). So, I went out and got a crockpot, a bunch of different colors of wax, and began to blend colors to find the perfect deep burgundy that characterized the elegance and depth of the Pinot inside. Then came the dip— I started shallow and went deeper with each sample until that deep angled dip captured my eye. I recall consulting my father at the time, who I asked a million questions for advice, and he said, “You know, if you go with wax, you’re gonna be stuck having to use it the rest of your life. It becomes part of the brand.” That said, he agreed the deep dip looked amazing, so I went ahead and committed to it. Little did I know it would become such a strong visual component to the package, and yes, my father was right, a part of the brand. The wax dip has helped our bottle be more recognizable and memorable to the people that love fine wine, and for that, I am happy to work with wax for the rest of my life.” With an impressive wine portfolio, Joe explained why he selected these particular wines to “pair” with the stationery he sent to me.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Joe: “Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions. Each Vineyard Designate is crafted to embrace the purest essence of the locale into elegant expressions of coastal California Pinot Noir. While each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean and might seem very similar at first glance, the climatic differences are significant, varying with the amount of fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type at each site. Due to the varying soil types, if I were to plant the same rootstock and clone at every location, the wines would still vary greatly. So, to take advantage of each vineyard’s character, we matched rootstock, clone, trellis, row orientation, and cultural practices that we thought would bring out the best of each site. I wanted you to experience the Clark & Telephone vineyard and Dairyman vineyard to taste the differences between the locations. There are roughly 300 miles between them, and they sit in very different soils and climate conditions.” Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir 2020 The grapes for this wine are sourced from Clark & Telephone Vineyard located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, 13 miles from the ocean and situated on a west-facing slope. This vineyard experiences weather patterns that pull from west to east to bring cool fog and coastal breezes inland until August, when Santa Ana winds begin. The climate makes for later-ripening and longer-hanging grapes with fruitiness, great acidity, and underlying flavor nuances that contribute additional complexity. It is aged in 100% French oak, 60% new, for up to nine months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Ripe fruit with cherry, baking spice, and a hint of floral. Palate: Strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of dark fruit that emerges mid-palate. The finish is a long and sumptuous dessert of cherry, blueberry, vanilla, and a pinch of oak. It is beautifully structured with smooth tannins and lively acidity. Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $54.99 Pairing: Roasted meat, chicken, seared tuna, casseroles, or cheese and charcuterie. Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir 2020 Once a dairy farm and pastureland, Dairyman Vineyard sits in the southern alluvial plains of the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County near the ocean, a region where the cooling fog comes in through the Petaluma Gap in the morning and once again in the evening. Afternoon breezes help to soften the effects of the warm sun. In Dairyman, each vine is trained on a vertical shoot position (VSP) trellis, limiting growth and opening up the typically congested fruit zone. The combination of low-vigor rootstock and alluvial soil stress the vines, while the cool, coastal climate creates a long growing season that brings about small, concentrated, and flavorful berries. It is aged in 100% French oak, 60% new, for up to nine months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Cherry, cranberry, rose petals, and spice. Palate: Rich, dark berries flavors with raspberry, cherry, cranberry, anise, and a hint of fig. Spice and vanilla linger on a long finish with silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Alcohol: 14.7% SRP: $54.99 Pairing: Venison, lamb, fowl, stews, fatty fish, or risotto. These wines are rich and elegant, and each bottle is “sealed with a kiss.” So pour yourself a glass and compose a love letter to someone special!  Photo credit: Belle Glos Until next time...
Cheers! Penina This article originally appeared in Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com October is a beautiful time of year filled with fall festivals, hayrides, and dazzling mum displays. The trees are bursting with color, and the crisp smell of autumn is in the air. It is also Halloween month, a holiday that is enjoyed and celebrated by both young and old. There are pumpkins to carve, costumes to make, parties to plan, and of course, let’s not forget scary haunted houses, spooky trails, and ghost tours!  Photo credit: Cseungiu Lee Halloween is also a time for lots of fun creativity in the kitchen and making many delectable treats for children. Of course, adults enjoy holiday treats as well, especially beverages. If pumpkin lattes and hot apple cider aren’t your thing, there are more “spirited” Halloween-themed drinks such as Poison Apple Cocktail, Boozy Witch’s Brew. Black Devil Martini and Zombie Slime Shooters!  Photo credit: Tastemade.com But if you prefer sipping wine, please step into my "Hallowine" cellar, if you dare, and I’ll tell you a few tales!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casillero del Diablo Once there was a winemaker named Don Melchor Concha y Toro who founded the Concha y Toro winery in Chile in 1883. He started his winery with grape varieties that he brought back to Chile from the Bordeaux region of France, with which he made exquisite wines. Don Melchor reserved an exclusive batch of these wines for himself that he kept under lock and key. According to legend, these wines continually disappeared from the cellar. So to stop the theft of these wines, Don Melchor spread a rumor that the devil himself lived in the cellar guarding the wines. Everyone became terrified, and some people claimed that they had seen the devil. The rumor worked, the thefts stopped, and Don Melchor continued to enjoy his wines. To this day, the cellar is known as the “The Devil’s Cellar” and remains protected…forever!  The Devil’s Cellar Photo courtesy of Casillero del Diablo Casillero del Diablo, which means “devil’s locker” in Spanish, is a legendary brand that is part of Concha y Toro’s portfolio with the “devil” logo on every bottle. The cellar is located in Pirque, close to Santiago, and is open for tours. Here are two wines from Casillero del Diablo to add some devilish fun to your Halloween.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casillero del Diablo Reserva Red Blend DO 2018 The grapes for this red wine are a mysterious blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Rapel Valley. The wine is shrouded in secrecy about its length of aging, but rumor has it that it spent about ten months in French oak. But there is no mystery as to this wine’s aromas and taste! Nose: Dark berries, black cherry, fig, spice, and vanilla Palate: Juicy plum, dark cherry, spice, dark chocolate, and soft tannins Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $11.99 Pair with grilled meat, game, seared tuna, hearty stews, and pasta.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casillero del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 The grapes for this wine are sourced from Central Valley D.O. Its aging remains a secret closely guarded by the devil in the cellar! Nose: Intense aromas of dark berries, cherries, plum, floral, and spice. Palate: Aromas spill onto the palate with a touch of anise. It is beautifully balanced with firm tannins and dark chocolate and plum lingering on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $11.99 Pair with hearty or spicy cuisine, grilled meat, aged cheese, or stews. Flora Springs Flora Springs is a family-run winery located in Napa Valley, CA, founded in 1978 by Jerry and Flora Komes. Today, their son John and daughter Julie are the proprietors of the estate, and Julie’s husband, Pat Garvey, is the vineyard director and proprietor. The property is situated among vineyards planted in the late 1800s, now part of the estate vineyards. When the Komes bought the estate, it came with a “Ghost Winery.” originally constructed in 1885. “Ghost Winery” is a term used to describe any winery between 1860 and 1900 that was non-functional and in disrepair in the early 20th century due to the Great Depression, phylloxera, and Prohibition. According to Flora Springs, “Before 1919, when Prohibition began, there were an estimated 713 winery businesses in California. Following its repeal 14 years later, only 40 wineries were left. This resulted in a wave of abandoned wineries throughout the next several decades. Many wineries of the time disappeared forever; others were left in ruins.” After his parents bought the property, John completely renovated the old stone winery into a home and lives there with his wife, Carrie.  Before and after photos of the Ghost Winery courtesy of Flora Springs In honor of Flora Springs history, every year around Halloween time, they bottle a small amount of estate-grown Malbec from the vines in front of the old winery as a tribute to the estate’s “ghostly history.” The label is a hand-drawn etching of the historic stone cellar. Ghost Winery Malbec 2019 This wine is 100% Malbec and aged 18 months in French (75%) and American (25%) oak barrels. Nose: Plum, cherry, berries, baking spice, and figs Palate: Lush dark berries, black plum, cocoa, fig, spice, silky tannins, and a long finish. Flora Springs says, “It’s hauntingly delicious.” Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $60 Pair with stews, hearty soups, grilled meat, seared tuna, or aged cheese.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In addition to the Ghost Winery Malbec, Flora Springs produces a one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed label and limited edition wine. Every year since 2008, consumers look forward to these whimsical Halloween wine bottles. This year, General manager and third-generation Nat Komes collaborated with New York-based artist Marc Sasso to create the All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc label. The result is an image of witches dancing in the moonlight while brewing a special potion. Hmm, I wonder what that could be! All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc 2019 The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Franc are sourced from a small block of the family’s estate vineyard in Rutherford. It is aged 18 months in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels. Nose: Red fruit, baking spice, cherry, and a hint of floral. Palate: Juicy notes of black raspberry, dark cherry, chocolate, spice, and a touch of sour cherry on a long finish. It is a balanced and well-structured wine. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $60 Pair with grilled meat, fowl, seared tuna, or a Halloween chocolate treat! And what would Halloween be without adding a little “magical” sparkle to the festivities? Bottega SpA Bottega SpA is headquartered in Bibano, Treviso, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It is here that the company produces Prosecco DOC and grappa. In addition, they have another winery in Conegliano for the production of Prosecco DOCG. Bottega also manages wineries in Valpolicella and Montalcino. Bottega’s motto is “Fatto A Mano,” which means ‘handmade.” Its mission is to work and achieve the highest levels of quality, design, and sustainability. All of the bottles are beautifully designed and made of hand-blown Venetian glass in Bottega’s glass factory. Academia Prosecco Rainbow Collection is a brand that celebrates the art of Venetian glassmaking and the city’s festive carnival atmosphere. Each colorful bottle of this collection contains Prosecco DOC. There are many colors to choose from, and the bottles can be combined to “create a rainbow of emotions.” In addition, one can mix and match the colors to celebrate specific holidays or events. Bottega SpA has no ghost stories to tell, but they have certainly gotten into the “spirit” of Halloween with their orange and black Halloween pack of Prosecco DOC.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Prosecco Spumante DOC Brut
Made with 100% Glera, these grapes are hand-harvested from manually maintained and sustainable vineyards in Treviso Plains. This wine is produced using the Martinotti (Charmat tank) method. Nose: Floral, apples, citrus Palate: Apple, pear, pink grapefruit, and a hint of floral with a creamy mouthfeel, fine bubbles, and apples lingering on the finish. This is a fresh and lively sparkling wine. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $42 (Halloween pack of two) Pair with a charcuterie board, light salads, fish, risotto, or enjoy as an aperitif. Although Halloween is a great time to let one’s imagination run wild and tap into one’s creative spirit, all of these wines need no special occasion to open and enjoy! Whatever you choose to sip on Halloween, I hope you have some juicy ghost stories to pair with it! Happy Hallowine! Cheers! Penina This article was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Sad to say, summer is coming to an end, and it seems to have gone by in a blur. With autumn just around the corner, it’s time to start exploring a few red wines. However, I can assure you that I will be writing about white, rosé, and sparkling wines all year long! Today, my virtual plane takes us to Flora Springs Napa Valley Estates to taste some delightful red wines.  Photo courtesy of Flora Springs Flora Springs is a family-run winery founded in 1978 by Jerry and Flora Komes. In 1977 they purchased 325 acres of land and 60 acres of vineyards which needed attention, including rebuilding the winery. The property is situated among vineyards planted in the late 1800s and is now part of the estate vineyards. Today, their son John is the president, and both he and his sister Julie, are the proprietors of the estate. In addition, Julie’s husband, Pat Garvey, is the vineyard director and proprietor.  Jerry & Flora Komes Photo credit: Flora Springs Since Jerry and Flora’s retirement and subsequent passing, (Jerry died in 2001 and Flora died in 2012), the Komes-Garvey family, including the third generation, have carried on the family legacy and expanded the estate to include over 500 acres of land, of which 350 acres are planted to vines. The estate properties extend from the cool, rolling hills of Carneros to the renowned sub-appellations of Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena. The family is all about sustainable practices in the vineyards that promote healthy vines and soil. In January of 2020, Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the owners of Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte in Bordeaux, purchased Flora Springs. However, the Komes-Garvey families will retain the brand name and tasting room in St. Helena. In addition, they still own 200 acres of other vineyards throughout Napa Valley including vineyards where grapes are sourced for their flagship wines, Trilogy and Soliloquy. Here are two elegant wines from the estate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Trilogy, Red Blend 2018 This is Flora Spring’s flagship wine. The first vintage was produced in 1984. Sourced from the best lots of the Komes Ranch Napa Valley vineyards, this Bordeaux-style wine is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, and 9% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 18 months in 80% French oak and 20% American oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss It opens with beautiful aromas of soft floral notes, dark berries, plum, and spice. The palate offers black and red fruit, emphasizing dark cherry, plum, and black raspberry. This is an elegant but lively wine with just the right amount of acidity. Spicy notes with vanilla and cocoa linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 14.2% SPR: $85 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced and hand-harvested from the Komes Vineyard in Rutherford and Crossroads Vineyard in Oakville. All lots were aged for 18 months in 70% French oak and 30% American oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Beautiful aromas of red and dark fruit, spice, and a hint of herbs spill onto the palate with layers of dark cherry, plum, anise, baking spice, and dark chocolate. The acidity keeps this wine on the lively side, but it always maintains its sophistication.
Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $50 You can tuck these wines away until 2035 or open now! Pair with grilled meat, seared tuna, stews, or hearty soups. Enjoy! Until next time…. Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com “It’s the friends we meet who help us appreciate the journey”. Mon Frère Winery  Photo courtesy of Mon Frère Winery Mon Frère means ‘my brother’ in French, and the Mon Frère Winery dedicates their three wines to special and rare friends who feel like family. Located in Napa, CA, the winery is a partnership between legendary winemaker, Tom Hinde and family-owned wine and spirits organization Palm Bay International. Tom Hinde, head winemaker, brings his 30+ years of knowledge and talent for California wines to the table.  Tom Hinde Photo courtesy of Palm Bay International The winery sources the best quality grapes throughout California’s wine regions, selecting different clones of the same grape. For their Chardonnay, grapes are chosen and blended from the coastal region’s Lodi, Mendocino and Monterey vineyards. Pinot Noir is a blend of grapes from the Sonoma Coast, Santa Rita Hills, and the highlands of Santa Barbara and Santa Lucia. Mon Frère wanted to focus on making the Cabernet Sauvignon as versatile as possible. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino (coast) and blended with grapes from vineyards in Lodi and Paso Robles. I received a sample of the Cabernet Sauvignon, and now I can't wait to try their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Mon Frère Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 As stated above, the grapes are sourced from different vineyards and locations. The climate is a mixture of warmer Mediterranean areas and cooler coastal areas giving this wine a nice balance between structure, freshness, and fruit. Grapes are pressed and undergo fermentation separately. After they are blended, the wine ages in a mix of French oak (90%) and American oak (10% new).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is a beautiful and inviting garnet color. Juicy aromas of dark cherry, dark berries, baking spice, and toasty notes segue onto the palate. Rich, ripe fruit with plum, spice, and oak notes dance on the palate. Silky tannins contribute to the fine structure and expression of this wine. Pair with grilled meat, seared tuna, hearty pasta, and stews.
Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $16.99 I will end this story with a quote from the back of the wine bottle. “At Mon Frère, French for “My Brother”, we think it’s important to hit the pause button occasionally to appreciate the cast of characters who brush you off, build you up and remind you to laugh! So whether you roll with rogues or saints, take a moment and raise a glass of Cabernet with the friends that make life’s crazy journey all worthwhile.” I’ll drink to that! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com A few years ago I reviewed Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Pinot Noir 2016. They were impressive wines with a lot of character at a very friendly price! So, I was delighted to receive new vintage releases of these memorable wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss For those of you who may have missed my story on Hess wines, here is a quick recap. Donald Hess is the founder of Hess Wines, a family-owned, fifth-generation company in Napa Valley, CA. In the 1970s, Donald made a business trip to Napa Valley and it was during this visit that he took an interest in mountain winegrowing. He learned that the Mount Veeder mountain vineyards were an ideal area for growing grapes, which produce unique character and flavor due to the microclimate and soils.  In 1978 Donald made his first land purchase on Mount Veeder, a property in which winemaking and farming go back as far as 1876. This property is now the site of the Hess Collection Winery. By 1982, Donald had acquired 900 acres and in 1986 he opened the Hess Collection Winery to the public. Dave Guffy became Director of Winemaking in 1999 and Donald formally retired in 2011, passing on the baton to son-in-law Timothy Persson as CEO and daughter Sabrina, the fifth generation of the Hess family.  Tim & Sabrina with their children. Photo courtesy of Hess Collection Hess Wines focuses on sustainable farming practices and state of the art winemaking. In addition to its mountain vineyards, Hess Wines has estate vineyards in areas such as Pope Valley and near the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. They also produce wine in Argentina and South Africa. Hess Select Central Coast Pinot Noir 2018 The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir are harvested from the Sarmento Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands region of the Central Coast. Sarmento Vineyard is located on the benchlands of the Gabilan Mountains in Monterey, where the Pacific breezes cross the range each afternoon to cool the vineyards, resulting in extended ripening over a long, moderate growing season. (Benchland is a thin stretch of level ground at the foot of slopes or mountains.)  Aging of this wine took place in French oak for up to 12 months. It opens with alluring aromas of berries, cherry, spice and vanilla. The palate offers lush layers of dark cherry, dark plum, raspberry and a lingering hint of baking spice and cherry. A beautiful marriage of silky tannins and acidity complete this irresistible Pinot Noir. Pair with grilled meat, fish, light pasta and appetizers. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $19  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 This is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 1% Syrah. The grapes are harvested from the North Coast, which is known for its mild Mediterranean climate and well-drained volcanic and gravelly soils. These prime vineyard sites produce flavorful fruit with layers of natural acidity and balanced tannins.  This wine is aged in 27% new French and American oak for 18 months. It has succulent aromas of dark berries, cherry, spice and earth. Mouthwatering flavors of rich dark fruit highlighted by plum and blackberry blend with spice, vanilla, clove and cocoa that linger on the palate. Pair this wine with grilled meat, BBQ fare, hearty fish, pasta and pizza. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $19  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Both wines are perfect for year-round pouring and will pair beautifully with a myriad of cuisine!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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