Deksia Social 2/13/24 Deksia Social 2/13/24

Belle Glos: The wine everybody is talking about on Tiktok

Introduction

In the world of wine, few brands have captured the attention of the younger generation quite like Belle Glos. With its signature wax dip and pull tab for easy opening, this wine has become a sensation on TikTok. But what's all the fuss about? Is it just a passing trend, or is there something truly special about Belle Glos? Let's dive in.

The Signature Wax Dip

One of the first things you'll notice about a bottle of Belle Glos is the signature wax dip. It's not just for aesthetics; it's a nod to tradition and quality. The wax seal preserves the wine's integrity, ensuring that each sip is as the winemaker intended.

Pull Tab for Easy Opening

Gone are the days of wrestling with a corkscrew. Belle Glos features a pull tab for easy opening, making it accessible for wine enthusiasts of all levels. It's a small but thoughtful touch that adds to the overall experience.

Joe's TikTok Revolution

The brand's presence on TikTok, led by Joe, is nothing short of revolutionary. With over 530+ million views, Joe's account is the top account on #winetok and in Napa. He's doing what nobody in the category is doing: engaging with a younger audience in a way that's both educational and entertaining.

The Hype is Real

The engagement and comments on TikTok are overwhelmingly positive, with users raving about how much they enjoy the wine. But it's not just the TikTok crowd; critics and wine professionals are also singing its praises with consistent 90+ scores from publications like Tasting Panel and Wine Enthusiast.

Is it Worth the Hype?

We wanted to find out for ourselves if Belle Glos lived up to its reputation. After tasting it, it's easy to understand why it's so talked about. The wine is rich, complex, and incredibly well-balanced. It's a wine that appeals to both the novice and the connoisseur, making it a universal crowd-pleaser.

How to Get Your Hands on a Bottle

If you're now itching to try Belle Glos, you're in luck. Shop Now on our website - given its popularity, it's best to act fast.

Conclusion

Belle Glos is more than just a TikTok trend; it's a high-quality wine that has found a unique way to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Whether you're a wine expert or new to the scene, this is one bottle you'll want to add to your collection.

For more insights, check out this detailed review on page 36.

Deksia Social 9/21/23 Deksia Social 9/21/23

One Jump Ahead with Frog’s Leap Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon

Frog’s Leap Winery is a Napa Valley A-Lister leading organically grown grapes and dry-farmed vineyards. Vintner Files wine writer Gosia Young shares everything you need to know about the release of the very first (and very exclusive) reserve-style Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon.

In 1981, Frog’s Leap Winery was bonded, with founder John Williams at the helm. With over 40 years of experience farming Rutherford vineyards, John has rightly become a Rutherford specialist in Napa Valley. Today, his son Rory Williams continues the tradition, walking diligently in his father's purple-stained footsteps. Together, the duo has elevated the winery to a veritable vinous icon. Frog’s Leap is celebrated for observing regenerative organic farming principles and sustainable practices, resulting in an impressive collection of wines that get top ratings and recognition vintage after vintage. So when word got out that a new, very limited, and very special Cabernet was on the way, I didn’t just stand up and listen. I hopped right to it.

What’s In A Name?

Hand-selected.

Micro-fermented.

Patiently aged.

This 2018 Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon speaks to the heart of Frog’s Leap's core purpose: to make wines of terroir, responsibly farmed, sustainably produced, and joyfully shared.

In 1995, John was introduced to siblings Louise and Ray Rossi and their historic Rossi ranch. Situated at the northern end of the famed western bench in Rutherford, the ranch had immense viticultural potential.

“Ever since I could remember, visitors would come by and ask whether Louise might sell. She would politely listen, take their names, and then call her attorney to ensure they would never be offered the property,” recalls Rory. That was lucky for the Williams family, who visited Rossi often. "Instead of going to church, we'd visit Louise," he says.

After ten years of helping the Rossi’s farm the ranch, Frog’s Leap had the opportunity to acquire the ranch in 2007. John began to plant vines in areas that had long lain fallow and replant diseased blocks. It was time-consuming, expensive, and hard work.

Yet, here we have it! Introducing the first vintage of the Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon.: two decades of effort bottled and potential realized.

Only 20 Barrels Produced

The term 'reserve' often gets misused in the US, given the lack of strict regulation. However, it finds its true essence in the 2018 Williams Rossi vintage. This generous, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon originates from three distinct vineyard blocks within the Rossi ranch. But here's the special part - it hails from Rutherford, an appellation defined by a mere 10-mile stretch of unique terroir. With just 20 barrels made, each sip transports you to this extraordinary corner of the world, where the Rutherford dust imparts an unmistakable character to its wines:

“When making a reserve-style wine, a winemaker will usually look to select his or her “best” barrels in the blend. The basis for that selection is for my dad and me in the vineyard. Each year, our eyes are focused on how the vines planted in each soil type are adapting to the conditions posed by the vintage, and we head into harvest with that knowledge. When sampling, we select areas of the ranch—largely defined by specific areas of soil—that are exceptionally delicious that year and ferment them separately,” shares Rory.

These mini-fermentations, usually so small that they are done in individual barrels, are then selected for the best barrels after the wines are complete. That’s why so few bottles were created for the very first vintage.

The 2018 Willams Rossi consists of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon from the South Creek block, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the North Creek block, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hilltop vineyard. South Creek is defined by high gravel content, resulting in intensely flavored fruit. Meanwhile, Hilltop’s profile is less tannic than South Creek's but more high-toned and balanced. According to Rory, the surprise element in 2018 was North Creek. The long growing season gave this section extra depth and character, and it was a standout that demanded inclusion when John and Rory were selecting barrels for the final wine.

One for the Books

“2018 was one of the most picture-perfect vintages we’ve ever experienced in Napa: plenty of winter rain, a gentle, moderate growing season, and a long, bountiful harvest period with a lot of morning fog and afternoon sunshine,” explains Rory.

With no extreme flooding or wildfires, the moderate conditions of 2018 meant that the prized small berries could get extended time on the vine to provide exceptional intensity. One-quarter of the fruit was fermented in new oak barrels, with the remainder in steel and concrete. The wine shows rich, generous black fruit and great balance—both characteristic of the vintage.

The 2018 Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon was released in May 2023. That’s five years after harvest! But as any die-hard Napa Cab lover will know, the extended aging in both barrel and bottle has given the wine time to develop its complexity and even exhibit that famed Rutherford dust (drool!).

Since May, the critic reviews have come in steadily, with The Wine Independent rating it 93 points:

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Williams Rossi bursts with notes of plum preserves, creme de cassis, sauteed herbs, and licorice, plus wafts of fertile loam and charcuterie. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and chewy, with compelling energy and a mineral-laced finish.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate gave theWilliams Rossi a solid 92+ points, writing: “It's medium-bodied, streamlined and silky in feel, finishing long and gently dusty yet mouthwatering and fresh. It should age magnificently…”.

In his review, wine critic James Suckling called it “a rare, succulent Napa Cab, though with a fresh crunch of acidity and some sharpness. I like the brightness. There is a fresh Cabernet character here, with blackberries, wild herbs, cassis, and violets extending to the medium-bodied palate, showing tart fruit, dried herbs, and chewy tannins.” Needless to say, we agree!

The Williams Rossi Cabernet Sauvignon is exclusively available for purchase directly from Frog’s Leap. Click here to learn more and place an order.

Highway 29 Creative 6/27/23 Highway 29 Creative 6/27/23

Star Lane Vineyard: Redefining Cabernet Sauvignon in Santa Barbara

Now is your exclusive chance to experience Star Lane. Whether you taste their wines at home or visit their vineyard, Star Lane offers an exciting and pioneering journey into the future of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit their website www.starlanevineyard.com to purchase their Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon or request a private tasting.

In the grand narrative of American viticulture, Napa Valley has long been celebrated as the nation's Cabernet Sauvignon king. But this story is evolving, and nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County is a vineyard that's challenging the status quo. Welcome to Star Lane Vineyard, a gem in the Happy Canyon AVA, which is fast gaining recognition for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

A Star Is Born

Star Lane Vineyard is more than just a winery – it’s a testament to innovation and ambition. The Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon redefines the potential for Cabernet Sauvignon in Santa Barbara, a region often overlooked in favor of its more northerly neighbors. But as the Wine Enthusiast notes, "The reds [from Santa Barbara] are rich, yet often with much more nuance than many other Cab-producing regions." Star Lane Vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly embodies this unique richness and nuance.

Changing Climates, Shifting Perspectives

As the effects of climate change become increasingly prominent, regions such as Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara benefit from their naturally cooler positions on the California coast. Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is at the easternmost edge of Santa Barbara wine country, where abundant sunshine leads to optimal ripeness and a generally cooler microclimate helps to maintain acidity in the grapes. In fact, though just two hours north of Los Angeles, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is another world with rolling hills, cool evenings, soils, and sun that are perfect for growing excellent California Cabernet.

Santa Barbara's unique climate, with its east-west valleys funneling cool ocean air into the vineyards, offers an enticing alternative to Napa and Paso. The temperate conditions provide a longer growing season, ensuring that Cabernet Sauvignon grapes reach optimal maturity while maintaining their crucial acidity. This balance results in wines with rich fruit character, well-structured tannins, and a complexity that’s both engaging and unique.

Why Santa Barbara and Why Star Lane

As a wine enthusiast, you may wonder why Santa Barbara, often acclaimed for its Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, makes such compelling Cabernet Sauvignon. While Cabernet is often associated with warmer climates, it thrives in Happy Canyon, the sunniest of Santa Barbara's sub-AVAs, where Star Lane Vineyard is located.

Why is Happy Canyon so well-suited to this king of grapes? One of the keys lies in its diurnal temperature swings. The warm, sunny days ripen the Cabernet Sauvignon to perfection, while the cool nights, courtesy of the breeze and coastal influence, help the grapes retain their acidity. This unique balance of warmth and coolness is instrumental in producing Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, complexity, and that essential freshness that sets Star Lane apart.

The unique microclimate is not the only factor that elevates Star Lane's Cabernet Sauvignon. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures the vines are healthy, the soil fertile, and the ecosystem preserved. All these elements, when combined with the winemaking genius of Tyler Thomas, create a Cabernet Sauvignon that's a true expression of the vineyard's terroir and a testament to the potential of Santa Barbara.

The Star Lane Experience

Star Lane Vineyard's success can't be discussed without acknowledging the extraordinary work of winemaker Tyler Thomas. His philosophy of minimal intervention allows the land's voice to resonate in every bottle. Under his guidance, the Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon has flourished, displaying deep fruit flavors, an elegantly structured palate, and a delightful freshness that sets it apart.

This stellar Cabernet Sauvignon showcases Tyler's belief that exceptional wine is crafted in the vineyard. Every decision, from vineyard layout to pruning to harvest times, is meticulously made to ensure the highest quality fruit, which subsequently leads to the highest quality wine.

Becoming Part of Star Lane's Story

Star Lane Vineyard invites you to become part of their unfolding story. You can explore their unique terroir and pioneering spirit from the comfort of your home by ordering their 2018 Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon online. Alternatively, their vineyard’s doors are open for tastings on an exclusive, reservation-only basis. As you walk through the subterranean caves, taste the wine, and soak in the ambiance, you'll be able to experience firsthand the passion and innovation that fuel this exceptional winery.

Redefining Expectations

As climate change alters the landscape of wine-growing regions globally, innovative wineries like Star Lane Vineyard are exploring and succeeding in new frontiers. By pushing boundaries and challenging traditional perceptions, they are reshaping the narrative of Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you taste their wines at home or visit their vineyard, Star Lane offers an exciting and pioneering journey into the future of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit their website www.starlanevineyard.com to purchase their 2018 Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon or request a private tasting.

Highway 29 Creative 6/26/23 Highway 29 Creative 6/26/23

Dierberg Vineyard: A Beacon of Excellence in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA

We invite you to experience the journey that is Dierberg Vineyard. Whether you choose to visit their picturesque estate or invite the magic of their vineyards into your home with a bottle of their wine, Dierberg Vineyard offers a glimpse into the potential of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Taste the Dierberg family's dedication and Tyler Thomas's mastery of craft in every bottle.

Visit www.dierbergvineyard.com to explore their exceptional portfolio of wines. Become part of the Dierberg story and experience firsthand why Dierberg Vineyard stands as a beacon of excellence in the world-class Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

In the diverse tapestry of the wine world, certain names resonate more deeply than others, becoming synonymous with quality, dedication, and mastery of craft. Dierberg Vineyard, nestled within the heart of Santa Barbara County, is one such luminary. This family-owned estate has quickly emerged as a beacon of excellence within the prestigious Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA).

The Dierberg Family: A Vision Rooted in Passion

The Dierberg family's journey from the Midwest to the sun-drenched vineyards of the Sta. Rita Hills is one born from passion. Entranced by the region's ideal conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the family planted their roots in the area in 1997. Recognizing the potential to contribute to California’s blossoming wine culture, they made a commitment to honor the land, dedicating themselves to creating wines that truly encapsulate the region's unique character.

Their pursuit of perfection is a multi-generational effort, involving every family member in their relentless quest to produce outstanding wines. The family's devotion to their craft is evident in every aspect of the vineyard's operation, from vine planting and cultivation to the detailed processes of fermentation and bottling.

Tyler Thomas: A Winemaker’s Artistry

Key to Dierberg Vineyard's success is the masterful work of winemaker Tyler Thomas. Tyler's philosophy of minimal intervention allows the vineyard's unique terroir to shine through in every bottle. His approach emphasizes careful stewardship of the land and respect for the fruit, ensuring the vines are nurtured to reach their full potential.

Tyler’s skill is evident in the elegant complexity of Dierberg's wines. The Pinot Noir, boasting rich ripe fruits delicately interlaced with earthy undertones, and the Chardonnay, with its dynamic balance of vibrant citrus notes and creamy undertones, are remarkable examples of his masterful winemaking.

Embracing Sustainability: Stewards of the Land

Dierberg Vineyard's commitment extends beyond just producing exceptional wines. They take their role as caretakers of the land seriously, incorporating sustainable practices throughout their operations. They strive to maintain harmony with the land, recognizing that the health of the environment directly impacts the quality of their wines. From water conservation efforts to natural pest management, the Dierberg family's ethos of respect for the land infuses every aspect of their vineyard management.

The Sta. Rita Hills AVA: An Ideal Terroir

The Sta. Rita Hills AVA, home to Dierberg Vineyard, is uniquely positioned to create extraordinary wines. Its east to west maritime orientation, a rarity in California, channels cooling Pacific Ocean breezes into the valley. These conditions foster a longer growing season, allowing the grapes to develop vibrant acidity and nuanced flavors.

Stanford University research underscores the importance of such conditions, showing that regions producing high-quality Pinot Noir share similar characteristics, including a long growing season and cool, stable temperatures. This substantiates the claim that the Sta. Rita Hills AVA offers the ideal terroir for crafting world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Dierberg Wines: A Taste of Excellence

The end result of Dierberg's commitment to the land, passion for winemaking, and sustainable practices is a range of wines that truly embody the Sta. Rita Hills. Each offering from the vineyard, whether it's the sophisticated Pinot Noir, the vivacious Chardonnay, or the robust Syrah, represents a piece of the Dierberg story, encapsulating the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

Highway 29 Creative 5/9/23 Highway 29 Creative 5/9/23

Discover the Magic of Biodynamic Wines at Beckmen Vineyards

To plan your visit and learn more about Beckmen Vineyards, be sure to check out their website here. There, you'll find all the information you need to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Beckmen Vineyards stands as a beacon of old-world winemaking charm and unwavering family values. Established in 1994, this family-owned winery has stayed true to its roots while creating exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. In this post, we invite you to take a journey through the rich history of Beckmen Vineyards and discover the enduring appeal of this enchanting winery.

A Family's Passion for Wine

The story of Beckmen Vineyards is one of love and dedication, as Tom and Judy Beckmen, along with their son Steve, embarked on a journey to create world-class wines. The Beckmens' entrepreneurial spirit and deep appreciation for the art of winemaking led them to invest in the winery, with the vision of crafting extraordinary wines that embody the rustic charm and sense of place unique to Santa Barbara County.

Biodynamic Farming: A Sustainable Approach to Exceptional Wines

At the heart of Beckmen Vineyards' philosophy lies a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable farming practices. The winery is proudly Demeter-certified, which is a testament to their dedication to biodynamic farming methods.

Biodynamic farming, an agricultural practice rooted in the principles of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, takes a holistic approach to viticulture. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living organisms, from the vines and the soil to the surrounding ecosystem. By nurturing the land with natural preparations and respecting the lunar and cosmic cycles, biodynamic farmers aim to create a harmonious and self-sustaining environment in which the vines can thrive.

But what does this mean for the quality of the wines? Proponents of biodynamic farming believe that this method leads to healthier and more resilient vines, which in turn yield grapes with more intense flavors and a stronger sense of terroir. The result is wines that are more expressive, complex, and true to their origin.

At Beckmen Vineyards, the proof is in the bottle. Their wines have garnered widespread acclaim for their depth of flavor, balance, and elegance. Among their most celebrated offerings are their Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah and their Cuvee Le Bec, a Rhône-style blend that showcases the best of Santa Barbara County.

Wholesome Family Values

The rustic charm of Beckmen Vineyards extends beyond the winemaking process, as the winery remains grounded in the wholesome family values that have defined it since its inception. The Beckmen family's dedication to their craft and to one another is a driving force behind the winery's success.

Visitors to the winery are warmly welcomed as an extension of the family, and the Beckmens take great pride in sharing their love for wine and their passion for the land with their guests. A visit to Beckmen Vineyards offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of the family behind these remarkable wines.

A Memorable Visit to Beckmen Vineyards

A visit to Beckmen Vineyards is an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the wine itself. As you step onto the estate, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the surrounding rolling hills, adorned with meticulously tended vines.

The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences that cater to every palate, from their Classic Tasting, featuring a selection of their current releases, to a Private Tasting and Tour, which is customized to each guest's tastes.

As you savor the fruits of the Beckmen family's labor, you can't help but feel a sense of connection to the land, the vines, and the people who have poured their hearts into crafting these extraordinary wines.

In a world where modernity often takes precedence, Beckmen Vineyards stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of time-honored winemaking techniques and wholesome family values. Their unwavering dedication to their craft, the land, and each other has resulted in exceptional wines that truly capture the essence of Santa Barbara County.

A visit to Beckmen Vineyards is more than just an opportunity to sample some of the region's finest wines; it's a chance to step back in time and experience the warmth and charm of a family-owned winery rooted in tradition. Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature and the human touch, a trip to Beckmen Vineyards is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the timeless art of winemaking.

To plan your visit and learn more about Beckmen Vineyards, be sure to check out their website here. There, you'll find all the information you need to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Guest User 8/2/22 Guest User 8/2/22

Visit the Home of Two Californian Icons

Sequoia Grove Winery

It's a hot, hot summer, and wine expert Gosia Young is looking for the perfect spot to unwind and sip on something refreshing. What better place to start than the official winner of ‘Best Tasting Room in Napa Valley’ for 2020 and 2021? Check out her file on why Sequoia Grove Winery should be your first stop in Wine Country.

Sequoia Grove Winery

It’s a whirlwind time in the world, and wine expert Gosia Young is looking for the perfect spot to unwind and sip on something refreshing. What better place to start than the official winner of ‘Best Tasting Room in Napa Valley’ for 2020 and 2021? Check out her file on why Sequoia Grove Winery should be your first stop in Wine Country.

Visit Sequoia Grove Winery:

Taste of Cabernet Reservations are essential and available Wednesday – Sunday at the following times:10:30 am, 10:45 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 2:15 pm, 2:30 pm.Non-Member: $125 Per Person | Club Member: $100 Per Person BOOK NOW

Patio Tastings Reservations required. Limit 6 per party. Tastings offered Wednesday - Monday (closed Tuesdays) at the following times:10:00 AM-5:00 PM (last tasting appointment of the day starting at 3:30 PM) Note: The Patio Bites Menu is only offered Wednesday – Sunday.Current Tasting: $40 Per Person | Single Vineyard Tasting: $50 Per Person BOOK NOW

Not nearby? Get a taste for Sequoia Grove. Shop now.

With over 400 wineries situated in a 30-mile-long region, let’s be honest: it’s hard to stand out in Napa Valley. So as a fellow wine lover, I’m sure your ears will perk up when you hear that Sequoia Grove Winery has been titled ‘The Best Tasting Room in Napa Valley’ for not just one but TWO consecutive years (2020 + 2021). Clearly, they’re doing something right, so I went on a hunt to discover more, and let me start by saying this: if you’re planning an upcoming trip to wine country, here’s why Sequoia Grove should be high on your list.

Home to Two Californian Icons

Escape the city and head into the heart of Napa Valley to experience another world. Rutherford is about an hour from major cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. As you turn off the busy St. Helena Highway into a quiet driveway framed by arched branches and sun-speckled vineyard slopes, you will soon come upon a unique confluence of two Californian icons: Sequoia coastal redwood trees towering above a historic winery. Welcome to Sequoia Grove.

For first-time visitors, the sight of a 200-feet high coastal redwood tree is a sight to behold, especially as Sequoia Sempervirens only grow in a very narrow corridor parallel to the Pacific coast. First planted in 1910, a circular grove (or ‘fairy ring’) of Sequoia trees has become an emblem of the winery, symbolizing how the team is always reaching for new heights. The endangered Sequoia tree is proudly featured on every bottle label, and all the wines have an equally commanding presence, require patience, and are crafted to stand the test of time.

Nestled under the dappled lights of these behemoth trees is the second Napa icon: the winery. Today a bustling tasting room, the winery was once a humble barn, built by Louis Kuebeler over a century ago in 1908. Over the decades, the barn has undergone several transformations. At first, it was home to livestock, including some 700 egg-producing White Leghorn hens. Then in 1979, the barn’s vinous destiny was fulfilled when it was renovated into a fully-functioning winery and barrel storage. By 1988, as operations outgrew the space, the barn was reimagined yet again into a tasting room. In 2018, the tasting room enjoyed its second remodeling in a decade. Today, the Sequoia Grove tasting room continues to balance the barn’s architectural heritage with an upscale hospitality venue for visitors from near and far to enjoy.

Championing Cabernet Sauvignon

For over 40 years, Sequoia Grove Winery has been producing top-quality wine in Rutherford. Celebrated for its warm days and cool nights, the Rutherford AVA is ideal for growing the best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Undoubtedly, the secret to the region lies in the superior soils. Known as the elusive ‘Rutherford dust effect,’ experts explain that Rutherford’s deep soils and unique microclimates help soften tannins. The end result is an iconic cocoa powder finish on wines - particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon.

In celebration of this distinct terroir, Sequoia Grove champions Bordeaux-style varietals, producing eight elevated expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you’re a wine newcomer or expert on Cabernet Sauvignon (or wine!), you can take your pick from the selection of curated tastings offered under the shade of the Sequoias or in the elegant Cambium room.

From Patio to Premium Tastings

As the name suggests, the Patio Tastings are laid-back and take place on the outdoor patio. Here, you can sink into the comfy sofas as you take in the scenery. Take your pick from two tastings: Current Release and Single Vineyard. The best part is that from Wednesday to Sunday, the patio tastings are offered alongside mouth-watering seasonal pairings freshly prepared by Winery Chef Britny Maureze.

According to her, each item is designed “to make you feel like you’re instantly on vacation.” While you can expect to see wine pairing classics such as gourmet cheese and mouth-watering charcuterie boards, there is a considerable menu to peruse. Look out for favorites like fried olives with roasted garlic aioli, warm bread with house-made butter, mushroom arancini, and Chef Britny’s chocolatey brownies. On weekends, the team fires up the ovens for some artisanal homemade sourdough pizzas to pair with your favorite wine selection. Yum!

For those seeking a more elevated experience, Sequoia Grove delivers in spades with their unequaled wine and food program called ‘A Taste for Cabernet.’ Seasonal and food-focused, this exceptional tasting is driven by a ‘wine-first’ pairing approach. This means that one starts with the wine and creates a meal to optimize both. Instead of reinforcing restrictive ‘rules’ such as “red wine, red meat,” Winery Chef Britny breaks convention to encourage a more holistic and heightened epicurean experience. This maxim begins with reimagining a Napa Valley stalwart, Cabernet Sauvignon. By adjusting the levels of salt, sweet, acid, and savory notes in a variety of dishes, Sequoia Grove provides a panoramic perspective of top-tier Single Vineyard and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon wines paired with four culinary delights. The goal is to encourage mindful pairing and help you to feel confident to explore and experiment with wine and food pairing when you return home.

Is it Worth the Experience?

100% yes! The Sequoia Grove Tasting Room space is the perfect blend between nostalgic whimsy and modern furnishings and encourages you to relax and unwind in a welcoming, zero-snob environment. Each host is well-trained and friendly, ready to offer you a tasting according to your knowledge and needs. There are no ‘silly’ questions, and it is a judgment-free environment where pretense is left at the door.

Besides this, after your tasting, you are welcome to take a stroll on the estate to experience the grandeur of the 100-year-old Sequoias, which inspire the winery’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. Sequoia Grove is certified as a Napa Green Vineyard and Winery and for Fish Friendly Farming. A portion of sales is also donated to 1% For the Planet to preserve local habitat for the endangered coastal redwood trees. It’s an all-around feel-good experience and definitely one for the bucket list.

Bookings are essential, and you can make your reservation via the website: BOOK NOW

Visit Sequoia Grove:

Guest User 4/25/22 Guest User 4/25/22

Move Along At Your Own Taste

Morgan Winery

Wine expert Gosia Young is thirsty! After spending the last two years buying wine mostly online, she’s eager to get back into some real-life tasting rooms. Based in the beach town of Carmel in California's Monterey Peninsula, Morgan Winery’s tasting room is her first stop.

Morgan Winery

Shop Morgan:

Get a taste for Morgan and save $20 with the exclusive Vintner Files offer of the Santa Lucia Highlands 6-pack consisting of Morgan’s 2019 Highland Chardonnay, 2019 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, and 2019 G17 Syrah. Shop now before this offer ends.

A Winery By The Sea

Celebrated for its charming, laid-back village vibes, Carmel has more to offer than just sandcastles and good surf. Located on California's Monterey Peninsula, the town is a stone’s throw from the burgeoning region of the Santa Lucia Highlands. If you fancy a change of pace from the classic Napa Valley and Sonoma wine weekend, here is one exceptional gem to discover: Morgan Winery.

Morgan is a family-run winery based in the Santa Lucia Highlands of California’s central coast. For over 40 years, the team (headed up by founder and winemaker Dan Morgan Lee) has successfully crafted organically grown, classic cool-climate wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Dan, a long time Californian local, tells it like it is and is driven by his maxim to make honest, fair value wine for the people. His daughter Jackie helps to run the winery and I caught up with her to learn more.

“I know there is a sea of wine choices out there, and that’s why I think Morgan Winery offers a safe harbor so many people are looking for. Maybe it’s no coincidence that we’re located by the ocean!” she laughs.

According to Jackie, the Santa Lucia Highlands is a special place. The vineyard conditions include a unique combination of abundant sunshine and a perfectly cool climate. Unlike its very famous wine country counterparts, the Highland’s growing potential only began to be discovered in the 1970s, making it one of California’s newest and most exciting wine regions. This means that there are still plenty of great value alternatives to discover. Enter Morgan Winery!

Visit Morgan

When creating the Morgan tasting room, the Lee family was strategic in selecting their location. The tasting room, simply called ‘Taste Morgan,’ is conveniently situated off Rio Road at Highway One in Carmel.

“Rather than bring the people to our wine, we thought we’d bring our wine to the people,” opens Jackie.
“We have three satellite areas that encompass Morgan. The first one is the Double L vineyard, located in the Santa Lucia Highlands of the Salinas Valley. That’s the focus of our winemaking and growing. In the city of Salinas, we have our winery and offices. Then about 15 years ago, we opened our tasting room at the Crossroads Center in Carmel. Here, we welcome all our visitors, offer wine tastings, and host events.”

Morgan brings together the best wine-tasting experience possible outside a winery. Easy to reach, with plenty of parking (a must, especially during the busy summer season!), the tasting room invites visitors to enjoy a flight of four Morgan wines from the tasting menu for only $25 (bonus: the one fee is waived with a $50 purchase). Upon walking into Morgan, you’ll be presented with a barrel wall on one side and a welcoming bar with informed tasting hosts ready to guide you through the selection. Depending on the weather, you can sit in the indoor lounge area or the pet-friendly, heated outdoor patio. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended.

“We serve the flight of wines in carafes to encourage visitors to drink at their leisure. Our knowledgeable tasting room hosts will of course present the wines, check in regularly, and are available if you have any questions, but the idea is to relax and unwind,” adds Jackie.

Hot tip: If you’re looking for a one-on-one experience where you can learn something new or simply chill out after a long day, Morgan is the upscale clubhouse you didn’t know you needed.

Level Up with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

“At Morgan Winery, we focus primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and have multiple different options within these varieties. The Highland Chardonnay and Twelve Clones Pinot Noir are our most widely distributed, however, our Single Vineyard and Clonal Selection offerings provide fantastic depth within these varieties to ensure you can explore them in as much detail as you like,” explains Jackie.

Fun, approachable, and offering a wide range of delicious wines, this is one winery where you can move along at your own taste and truly relax.

Shop Morgan:

Nearby? Conveniently located off Rio Road at Highway One in the Crossroads Shopping Center of Carmel, Morgan brings the family's history and craft to life through a relaxed tasting experience. Visit Morgan today.

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The “Reserve” Cabernet That Lives Up To The Title

Groth

Vintner File wine expert Gosia Young is hunting for a unicorn. Her search takes her straight to the source at Groth Winery in Oakville, Napa Valley. Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is an Oakville winery legend that continues to impress wine judges and receive top scores.

Groth Vineyards & Winery

Shop The 2018 Reserve:

The Groth 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville is now available online. Exclusively for our readers, ground shipping is included when you use the code VintnerShip. Visit grothwines.com/2018-reserve to make your purchase. Offer expires this Friday.

One of the most misunderstood terms you may find on a bottle of wine is the word 'reserve.' That’s because the word’s use has no real regulation in the US. It can mean different things for different wineries. Traditionally, the term ‘reserve’ was employed when a winemaker would hold back or ‘reserve’ some of their best wine to release it later or age it a little longer. It’s not always due to vintage, either. A winemaker might reserve wine from a specific block of vines or wine aged in a particular kind of barrel. Typically, due to the time and effort required in crafting a wine of this caliber, a ‘reserve’ wine is more expensive. Unfortunately, today the term is bandied about by marketers who use it somewhat controversially. Yet, if you look carefully, there are still wineries that honor the practice of a true ‘reserve’ wine.

Groth Vineyards & Winery is one such example. Ever since Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate gave the Groth 1985 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon the distinction of being the first 100-point wine from the United States, the winery’s reputation has been centered around the concept of crafting excellence. For Groth, this takes shape in the form of a reserve wine that reflects Oakville’s remarkable terroir: the Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Introducing the Groth 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The new year marks the release of the Groth 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. A true ‘Reserve’ wine in every meaning of the word, the newly released flagship Groth 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon wine spent 22 months in barrel and a further 14 months in bottle before release. Having already received 96 points from James Molesworth of Wine Spectator and Antonio Galloni of Vinous, this wine quickly proves worthy of its title.

What makes the Groth Reserve so special is that it comes from a very specific 28-acre band on the Groth family’s Oakville Estate, aptly titled the Reserve Vineyard. Here the soil is disproportionately high in chert - a hard and compact sedimentary rock comprising quartz crystals and fossils. The site’s unique soil profile and ideal climate combine to produce an elegant and age-worthy wine from one of the world’s top Cabernet appellations.

All About Oakville

When it comes to wine, it is all about location, location, location. Oakville is a breathtakingly beautiful place set among centuries-old oak trees and a patchwork of meticulously planted vineyards stretching between the majestic mountain bookends of the Mayacamas to the West and the Vaca Range to the East. The soils are primarily alluvial, allowing for excellent drainage and ample nutrition. The resulting Cabernet Sauvignons are Bordeaux-like in profile. Opulent, plush, and dense. This explains why the Oakville AVA is home to the largest concentration of the best Napa Valley Cabernet producers.

The winery’s President and CEO, Suzanne Groth, shares:

“Oakville is the perfect region for growing Cabernet Sauvignon — Groth’s passion and what lured our founders, my parents, to this place.”

When the Groth family first stumbled across Oakville in 1981, the region stole their hearts. In pursuit of their love for wine, the family took a gamble and purchased a 121-acre vineyard parcel. For 40 years, they nurtured the property and their vision. With a focus on sustainable farming, each vintage marks an opportunity to improve. Groth achieved its Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming Certification in 2014. From the owl boxes to the cover crop in the vineyards, it’s clear that the winery has developed an intimate knowledge of its vineyards and the wines they produce.

Suzanne adds:

“Our Cabernet Sauvignon is polished and elegant. Our vineyard produces wine of power but with a graceful and plush texture. In 2014, we made a move to integrate vineyard management and winemaking when we empowered our Director of Winegrowing with responsibility for every step from growing grapes in the vineyards to putting the wine in the bottle.”

2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the Groth family’s purchase of their Oakville property. With this milestone came new changes, including the introduction of Ted Henry, Groth’s new Director of Winegrowing, and new wines, including the Groth Estate White, Oakcross Proprietary Red and the Oakville Neighbors Series of single-vineyard Cabernets. Even four decades on, it’s clear that Groth continues to look forward.

The Legend Continues

Described as the ultimate expression of Oakville; the Groth 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon represents the finest lots from the Reserve Vineyard on the Groth family’s Oakville Estate. Purple-ruby in color, this wine is dark and rich even to the eye. A plethora of aromatics greet you from the glass, beginning with blueberry and black currant, and leading to cinnamon, mocha, lavender, and clove. The final aromatics to reveal themselves are cigar box and wet gravel. When tasting the wine, the first impression is the fine tannin and balanced acid, leading to boysenberry, blackberry, and ripe plum skin. The finish is seamless and smooth — the hallmark of a Groth Reserve Cabernet. It will be delicious with well-marbled rib-eye simply seasoned and grilled over a wood fire or a rich wild mushroom risotto.

Today, the current vintage Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon retails for $160 and is available to purchase from the winery. Compared to the price of wines of similar stature, this is an absolute steal. This wine will age for decades for collectors looking to stock their cellar with a sure-bet.

In his Wine Spectator report, James Molesworth wrote that 2018 is a vintage that will be “a new benchmark for Napa Cabernet.” If you ask me, the Groth 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the new benchmark for the 2018 vintage.

Shop The 2018 Reserve:

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How To Stand Apart As A Winery

Seven Apart Wines

Wine expert Gosia Young chats with Napa Valley icon and Seven Apart winemaker Andy Erikson to get the low-down on extreme mountain-grown Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Check out her latest file on why Seven Apart’s Cabernet Sauvignon is making waves (that is - if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some.)

Seven Apart Wines

Wine expert Gosia Young chats with Seven Apart founder Don Dady to get the low-down on extreme mountain-grown Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Check out her latest file on why Seven Apart’s Cabernet Sauvignon is making waves (that is - if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some).

Learn more about Seven Apart’s Allocation and purchase the introductory offer of their 2019 Seven Apart Expedition here: https://sevenapart.com/

You say Napa; I say Cabernet Sauvignon. While Cabernet Sauvignon is easy to spot in a line-up, Napa Valley’s remarkable combination of climate, soil, and terrain makes the unique expressions of this grape endless. From the warmer temperatures of the Valley Floor, which set the scene for iconic wines such as Mondavi’s Napa’s Grand Cru, to those cooled by the Pacific breezes like Chappellet, there’s always a Napa Cabernet to suit your style (but maybe not your budget, yikes!). At the moment, my sight is set a little higher - mountain height, to be exact.

Extreme Mountain-Grown Cabernet

Like most, what I look for in a Cabernet is that it is beautifully structured and can last beyond the decade. Some of my all-time favorite Napa Cabernets originate from mountain AVAs such as Diamond Mountain, Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, and most recently, Atlas Peak.

It was one fresh fall day when I came across a burgeoning winery called ‘Seven Apart.’ Located where Soda Canyon Road meets Silverado Trail, a quick Google search revealed a flurry of facts:

1,475 ft. in elevation!
Volcanic rocky soils!
Extreme mountain-grown Cabernet!

While all exciting, it was particularly the winery name that caught my attention. True, there is a story behind every name. Yet, Seven Apart feels like more than just a generational familial surname or critter-inspired moniker. With my interest piqued, I dug into my Vintner Files and touched base with Seven Apart founder Don Dady to get the whole story.

A Fruitful Investment

Don Dady is an investor. An investor in good ideas, good people, and good land.

“I love my day job in financial services,” opens Don. “I’ve been doing this for about 25 years now, and my team and I are constantly figuring out how to ensure the best possible return on investments. I aim to do that with wine as well. That’s where Seven Apart comes in.”

After driving up to the top of Atlas Peak to visit Stags Ridge for the first time in 2017, Don saw potential. Seven Apart was established soon after that in 2018. With Stags Ridge located at an impressive 1,475 feet above the valley floor, the boutique winery focuses on making extreme mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon on an allocation-only basis.

But as far as I understand, most vineyards in these AVAs are planted at extremely high elevations, above the fog that rolls into the valley from the San Francisco Bay. They all have superb water drainage, as the slope promotes density in the wine while maintaining firm tannins and refreshing acidity. So what I wanted to hear is exactly what Don was so ‘impressed’ by.

Seven Points of Difference

According to Don, the answer takes me right to the crux of my investigation - the winery name:

“To create the finest wine possible, I followed the sage advice of my treasured college professor, Professor Nye. He always used to say that ‘there is nothing worth doing in life if you cannot find seven things to set it apart.’”

The concept of finding these seven advantages that set something apart, which Don later shortened to seven apart, became a guidepost for him from that moment on.

“At Seven Apart, we found so much more than seven reasons, so we knew it was the perfect location for a worthy investment,” he shares.

Now that I’ve seen the list, I can concur. It’s pretty impressive. Here are the seven elements that set Seven Apart apart:

Incredible complexity and elegance: The vines are grown in dense, volcanic rock soils providing exceptional terroir.
Nuanced flavors: At 1,475 feet above the valley floor, the vineyard sits above the fog line and enjoys the morning sun to produce perfectly ripe fruit.
Higher quality grapes: The vineyards face the Pritchard Gap, which captures a breeze directly off the San Francisco Bay every afternoon. This cooling effect results in higher-quality fruit.
Increased ageability: The vineyard is perfectly positioned to channel the afternoon breeze to help lower sugar and acidity to desired levels.
Meticulous attention to detail: The cellar team has complete control over every step of the winemaking process. From hand-harvesting in the vineyard to selecting barrels for aging, no stone is left unturned.
State-of-the-art equipment: The team has all the tools to select and delicately nurture the fruit throughout the fermentation process to achieve the best possible results. Trust me, Don has seen to this.
World-class winemaking: With no attention to detail spared, the winemaker is the artist who combines the science of fermentation with the magic of blending.

“I’ve found a team of perfectionists,” explains Don. “It hasn’t always been an easy journey, but when you taste the sublime final product and see how the vineyard runs so seamlessly, it’s all worth it”.

There are more than 375 wineries (give or take) in Napa Valley at present. It’s hard to stand out. Yet, here comes a hot new small-lot winery that is taking Napa Cabernet to the next level. And that’s not just because of their dedication to their craft, but because of what’s in the bottle.

A No-Lose Bet

I’ve had a chance to try the Seven Apart Expedition. I’ll admit, I was swooned by its dark, brooding fruit characteristics, smoky minerality, earthy savoriness, and elegant tannins. It’s precisely what I’ve come to expect of a solid Napa mountain Cabernet. Atlas Peak is Napa Valley’s underdog. Give it a few years, and you’ll be glad you made a bet.

For those on the hunt for the next great Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that will age beyond the decade, Seven Apart’s Expedition is a great place to start. But you don’t need to take my word for it. Somm Review recently scored the wine 98 points, saying that “this wine is certainly on another level.”

As with all good things, Seven Apart’s Expedition is very limited. The Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with grapes from the Base Camp Vineyard and a touch of mountaintop fruit from Stags Ridge Vineyard. According to Don, while it is already drinking beautifully, the Seven Apart Expedition will truly showcase its full potential over the next five to ten years.

Learn more about Seven Apart’s Allocation and purchase the introductory offer of their 2019 Seven Apart Expedition here: https://sevenapart.com/

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The Best Value Sparkling Wine You’ve Never Heard Of

Graham Beck

Wine expert Gosia Young is feeling bubbly. So she reached out to the team behind the leading sparkling wine in South Africa, Graham Beck. Here’s the latest file on why Cap Classique is worthy of your attention.

Graham Beck

SPECIAL OFFER:

Exclusively for our readers, we partnered with Graham Beck to offer you 25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on their best-sellers 3-pack! Offer expires Friday at midnight.

Link to order: https://grahambeckusa.com/vintner-files/

Think you’ve tried it all? Sure, you may have had Prosecco from Italy, Champagne from France, and even Cava from Spain. But allow me to introduce you to the next greatest sparkling wine worthy of your upcoming celebration: Cap Classique from South Africa! So perhaps now is as good a time as any to spruce up on your sparkling savviness and enjoy a sparkling wine that fits your style and doesn’t burn a whole in your pocket.

What’s in a name?

Technically speaking, Champagne and Cap Classique are the same. GASP! Both bottles are made using traditional méthode champenoise, meaning a second fermentation happens in the bottle. But that’s the theory. In reality, it’s a whole other ball game due to sought-after cultural property and location branding. You can’t – and shouldn’t – think of Champagne and Cap Classique as the same thing. Why?
Champagne can only be called so if it is produced within the Champagne region of France. That exclusivity factor is what makes it so unique. The original method of making sparkling wine – the méthode champenoise – was pioneered by the French and has been upheld for centuries as the gold standard. So much so that France has ensured that there are serious legal consequences for anyone outside of the Champagne region who dares to use its hallowed name onto their bottle of bubbly.

As a direct result, anything produced outside the area needs to don a different name, be it Cava in Spain or Cap Classique in South Africa. While I love a glass of Champagne as much as the next person (and trust me, I do!), it often comes with a price tag twice as high (at a minimum) as other bottles of bubbly! So if you’re a price-conscious and adventurous wine drinker like me, then it’s time to delve into the sparkling world of Cap Classique.

A bubbly worthy of the moment

I recently attended an International Cap Classique Day celebration (FYI, Cap Classique Day is 1 September!) and was blown away by the impressive cohort of Cap Classique to choose from. There were all kinds of styles, from dry to sweet. My stand-out wine of the day was the Graham Beck Brut. Dry and refreshing, it went beautifully with just about anything I ate.

When I found out the Brut only costs $22 a bottle, I was blown away. Not only does this bubbly offer incredible value-for-money, but you can enjoy it guilt-free! At the event, there were Bellinis (bubbly and peach juice) and other sparkling wine-inspired cocktails. Not only were they delicious, but the value Cap Classique offers means there is room to enjoy it any way you like. After sipping on a glass (or two) of the Brut, I wanted to know more about Cap Classique and the producer behind the bubbly in my glass.

Does South Africa make good bubbly?

In short: yes! South Africa is the world’s seventh-largest wine-producing country and home to over 300 stunningly beautiful vineyards. South African Wine Country (also known as the Winelands) is primarily located in the province of the Western Cape. There are five main wine-growing regions, encompassing 29 diverse districts and some 95 smaller wards.

To make a good bubbly like Champagne, you need a similar setup. Think cool-climate, limestone soils, and hot daytime temperatures followed by cool nights. The wine district of Robertson in the Western Cape, about an hour and a half from Cape Town, offers just that. That’s precisely why founder Graham Beck picked Robertson to plant his vines in 1991.

Some 30 years later, the brand of Graham Beck is a leading and established household name in South Africa, continually lauded by critics and consumers alike. It has even made auspicious appearances at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and Barack Obama’s presidential win over the years. Having discovered the Brut, I touched base with Cellar Master Pieter Ferreira to find out what else I’ve been missing:

“Cap Classique is the wine world’s best-kept secret. But it shouldn’t be a secret anymore! With its varying levels of acidity and rich layers of flavor, Cap Classique is incredibly versatile. I suggest you remove it from the ‘only-for-celebratory-toasts’ wine category and start to think of it as a food-friendly, approachable drink that will enhance any moment - be it big or small, simple or sublime!” he shares.

Bubbly at its Best

While I’ll always be a fangirl of real Champagne, I can’t help but also appreciate a good deal when I see one. To me, Graham Beck bubbly hits the rare trifecta of value, quality, and consistency. After accustoming myself a little more with the full Graham Beck range, my findings are that there is a diverse yet focused range to suit your style and price point. You’ll find two main collections available in the US: the Non-Vintage and Vintage Collections. The Non-Vintage collection is the value-for-money range at $22 a bottle! It’s where you'll find a deal-seeker like me enjoying the likes of the Graham Beck Brut, Bliss Demi-Sec, and Brut Rosé.
The Vintage Collection costs a little more at $35. But remember that this is a VINTAGE bubbly, meaning the wines are made from the harvest of a single year and are an expression of the very best selection of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The price is remarkable when you think about how a bottle of vintage Champagne will set you back a cool $100 (at best!).

So here’s my take on Cap Classique: If you’re buying bubbly, it’s probably because you want to treat yourself or spoil someone. While there is a place and time for Champagne, and I have nothing against it, it’s just not financially feasible (well, at least for me!) to enjoy it regularly.

Cap Classique is a wonderful alternative: it has the hallmark tastes of a classic bottle-fermented sparkling wine and it’s half the price! The only snag is that it’s not readily available on most wine shelves. But the good news is that Graham Beck has just started selling their Cap Classique online, meaning you can order some for yourself right here in the US.

Be it sushi on a Friday night with friends, a picnic on the beach, or an elegant soiree held at a beach bungalow, my two cents is that Cap Classique is the next best thing. Think of it as a value bubbly just like Prosecco, but at the same quality as a Champagne. Trust me; you’ll soon be looking for reasons to celebrate!

SPECIAL OFFER:

Exclusively for our readers, we partnered with Graham Beck to offer you 25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on their best sellers 3-pack. Offer expires Friday at midnight.

Link to order: https://grahambeckusa.com/vintner-files/

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The Gateway To Napa Valley

Trefethen Family Vineyards

Wine expert Gosia Young explores Napa's Trefethen Family Vineyards by catching up with the vintners and getting full access to the story of how the family is now in their third generation.

Trefethen Family Vineyards

Wine expert Gosia Young explores Napa's Trefethen Family Vineyards by catching up with the vintners and getting full access to the story of how the family is now in their third generation. Check out her file on why the Signature Chardonnay is a must-sip wine to add to your bucket list.

SPECIAL OFFER:

Exclusively for our readers, we partnered with Trefethen to offer you 15% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on their unbelievable 2019 Chardonnay! Use coupon code VINTNER15 at checkout to claim this offer. Offer expires Friday at midnight.

Link to order: https://www.trefethen.com/vintner-files-special-offer/

I’ll just lay it out here: Chardonnay is one of my favorite wine varieties. As a young (and broke) scholarship student studying my Masters in Wine Business in Burgundy, my first foray into the world of wine was with Chardonnay. To a wine novice like me, I had found wine heaven on earth. Little did I know, I quite literally had. Upon completing my studies, I returned home and the hunt to find a Burgundian-style Chardonnay in Napa began. My search was somewhat in vain until I heard about Trefethen Family Vineyards. This third-generation, family-run vineyard caught not only my attention, but also the world’s for their renowned Chardonnay. Here’s why it will capture your attention too.

A CAN-DO-CHARD

While the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma are celebrated for their veritable cornucopia of Chardonnays to select from, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be searching for a wine that you can return to again and again. No one wants to spend $30 or more on a bottle of wine and not be able to drink more than one glass because it’s too overwhelming, or even worse because it’s just not that good. In addition, with the current state of the world, value-for-money is integral to our buying decisions. Student Gosia (and I’ll be honest, present-day Gosia) would want a wine that ticks the boxes of affordability, a good story, and most importantly, a wine with aromas and flavors that will wow both you and your friends at your next gathering (physical or virtual). After all, if we’re honest with ourselves, we are all social creatures that want a gold star for doing good.

With all this front of mind, the Trefethen Signature Chardonnay 2019 is your gal. It’s been described as

“…the yardstick by which all other Chardonnays must be measured” by Robert Drouhin himself.

And at only $38 a bottle, I consider this bottle the gateway to the Napa Valley and the best Chardonnay outside of Burgundy. One sip and you’re hooked.

A GENERATION OF GOODNESS

So what makes Trefethen so great you ask? Besides the fact that Tenaya Trefethen, the adorable family Golden Retriever, graces the cover of ‘Wine Dogs California Book’, Trefethen has a lot of other fantastic things going for it. With estate vineyards in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Trefethen Family Vineyards is a perfect combination of real family values, care for the community, and honest-to-goodness hard work.

Their story begins in 1968. Back then, fewer than 30 wineries existed in Napa when Eugene Trefethen and his wife Catherine bought a dilapidated old ghost winery and a pretty rough looking vineyard. In fact, a lot of the Estate’s charm comes in the form of the only surviving 19th-century wooden three-level gravity-flow winery in the valley, which today is painted a beautiful pumpkin color - a true embodiment of Napa’s first golden age.

Taking a substantial leap of faith, Eugene and Catherine Trefethen began planting vines on the gravelly soils of their main ranch. Not too long thereafter, their son John and his wife Janet released the first commercial Trefethen wine, a Chardonnay, in 1973.

Inspired to build onto his father’s legacy, John saw the potential for something bigger. One of his first tasks was restoring the historic winery to its former glory. Then came a moment that changed everything. In 1979, Trefethen shot to oenophile popularity when their 1976 Trefethen Chardonnay was declared the “The Best Chardonnay in the World” at the Wine Olympics in Paris. This was a big deal. At the time, France was singularly dominant in producing the world’s greatest wines, and wine connoisseurs the world over believed French wines, particularly those from Burgundy and Bordeaux, to be superior to wines produced by any other nation. The idea of fine wine to rival the best of Burgundy and Bordeaux coming from a country like the United States, where there was a limited wine culture, seemed absurd.

As news of the results from the Wine Olympics began to make its way across the Atlantic, no one was more surprised by the results than Janet and John Trefethen, as they did not even know their wine had been entered in the tasting. Happily, this early success brought new attention to Napa Valley, and in particular, to the little winery that could. Fast forward to 2021 where today the entire estate is in the hands of 3rd generation Trefethens - Hailey and Lorenzo - who are following in their parents John and Janet’s footsteps to secure the estate’s future success.

I caught up with Lorenzo Trefethen, whose current focus is supporting sales and working closely with the Trefethen team, over Zoom.

“It’s a real team effort,” he explains. “We don’t shine the spotlight on any one person, because everyone plays a hand in creating. That’s why there’s so much power in our estate-grown philosophy,” expands Lorenzo. “We can achieve incredible things and make incredible wines only through our collective work, and I am so appreciative to be a part of this special company. That feeling is always reinforced when I encounter one of our crews working the vineyard. You can literally hear them, singing and laughing, before you can see them.”

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

One can’t argue the close ties Trefethen has to Chardonnay. After their triumphant win at the 1979 Wine Olympics, John and Janet did not rest on their laurels. In terms of regionality, Chardonnay is still a relative newcomer to the area, and one could say that the Trefethen’s were the grape’s chaperone.

Napa’s Oak Knoll District creates the perfect canvas for growing Chardonnay, and John and Janet had a deep understanding of this from an early stage. In fact, in 2004, Janet co-founded the Oak Knoll District AVA after a decade of effort, which today encompasses the area north of the city of Napa at the southern end of the valley. Here, there is a confluence of fog and cooling marine winds that help ensure the grapes ripen perfectly. The Trefethen’s commitment to isolating the ideal terroir for their Chardonnay has undoubtedly led to their continued and consistent top spot on the awards podium.

“Our loamy soil lends a wonderful savoriness to the wine,” Hailey says. “In their youth, the flavor and aroma are fresh and fruity; as the wine evolves, the nose becomes more pronounced with a mineral character. We have always believed our wines should reflect their natural heritage.”

Today, Chardonnay has remained a constant, becoming Napa’s most widely planted white grape. At Trefethen, Chardonnay accounts for almost 30% of their crop and they farm 13 different clones and 28 different combinations of unique clones and rootstocks to achieve the perfect blend that’s representative of each vintage. With that level of attention to detail, the results have to be good, right? Right.

SPECIAL OFFER:

Link to order: https://www.trefethen.com/vintner-files-special-offer/

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A Class on Glass

Let’s be honest: Unless you’re a real wine geek, you’ve probably never given a second thought to a wine glass. A glass is a glass is a glass, right? Well, turns out - yes and no.

Let’s be honest: Unless you’re a real wine geek, you’ve probably never given a second thought to a wine glass. A glass is a glass is a glass, right?

Well, turns out - yes and no. On one hand, if you’re just looking for a reciprocal to hold your wine while you’re casually having a sundowner on a chilled evening out, then it doesn’t really matter. But if you’re looking to really appreciate the various aromas and flavor profiles in your glass (and the fact that you’re reading this blog makes us think you are), then you’d be surprised by how much your wine glass matters. In fact, it matters so much that glass manufacturers like Riedel and Spiegelau have crafted entire ranges dedicated to enhancing the characteristics of different varieties. While there are hundreds of styles of wine glasses designed for different purposes and types of wine, here are a few guidelines to help you choose:

White Wine Glasses

A general rule of thumb is to select smaller wine glasses for white wine and larger glasses for red wine. Why? Smaller glasses help preserve the more delicate, floral aromas, and the narrower glass helps channel these subtler aromas toward your nose as less of the wine’s surface area is exposed to air. Another important fact is that the smaller bowl helps maintain the white wines’ cooler temperature, allowing it to express more acidity which keeps that ‘fresh’ factor most of us enjoy in white wine.
Generally, fruitier wines can do well in smaller glasses, while more full-bodied white wines like a wooded Chardonnay work better in slightly larger glasses.

Red Wine Glasses

Always choose a glass with a wide bowl for your red, in order to best allow for the bolder aromas and flavors to emerge. Typically, red wine has something white wine doesn’t have - tannin, and thus your choice of a red wine glass has a lot to do with mitigating the bitterness of tannin by providing a larger surface area for the wine to aerate. The wider wine glass also encourages more aromas to waft up to your nose. A good rule of thumb is to match the size of your red wine glass to the ‘size’ of the wine - meaning, a bigger, bolder red wine such as a Bordeaux Cab Sav or spicy Shiraz is given more room to breathe and express its aromas.

Sparkling Wine Glasses

When it comes to sparkling wine glasses, there is some contention among wine experts. Some believe that a standard white wine glass is actually better, as it provides more surface area for the bubbles to aerate, encouraging the aromas to come through. However, there is something extra special about a celebratory flute of bubbles, and this glass has become iconic for a good reason. As the bubbles are made of carbon dioxide, the tall, narrow fluted bowl helps minimize the loss of carbonation, best preserving all those beautiful bubbles.

This shape helps keep the bubbles intact for longer and ensure the best flavor and aroma while drinking sparkling wine.

Also, as a fun fact, did you know there a difference between crystal and glass wine glasses?

Crystal contains minerals which strengthen it, making it thin but strong. But what mineral you ask? Well, it’s lead. Yup. Unless it’s a lead-free glass of course. But generally speaking, Crystal is a bit of a misleading term, it should actually be called lead glass (or mineral glass) because it does not have a crystalline structure. As far as quality is concerned, both types of crystal –lead and lead-free, –can be crafted into very fine glasses. However, in the past, while crystal glasses may have been the prized items in your grandma’s cabinet, today people are questioning their safety.

Many people argue that the amount of lead that makes its way into beverages depends on the amount of time the liquid has spent inside the vessel. While it’s true that the lead content in a liquid can increase over time, studies have shown that no amount of lead is safe for consumption. So, is it safe to drink out of lead crystal? Probably not. Maybe your gran’s crystal can stay in that prized cabinet for a little longer.

Meanwhile, glass glasses are generally more affordable and their primary benefit is that it’s non-porous and inert, meaning that it will not absorb chemical aromas or corrode if you wash it in your dishwasher.

If you have any fun facts to share with us, please share them below!

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All Hail The Queen

Chardonnay

The most famous vine variety of all. She can evoke a love/hate relationship. Some enjoy her softer, creamier side, while others adore her zest and character. In fact, few grape varieties elicit a knee-jerk reaction like Chardonnay. In many ways, Chardonnay is the "Big Daddy" or “Queen” of white wine grapes and one of the most widely planted in the world. It is a well-known fact that France’s Burgundy region is Chardonnay's spiritual home, famed for their bone dry Chablis or their beautifully wooded Côte D’Or. This week, we’re exploring the basics of Chardonnay. All hail the queen!

The Basics:

Grape Variety: Chardonnay (pronunciation: Chard-on-nay)
Origin: Burgundy, France
Style: Dry white wine
Colour Profile: Medium gold – straw yellow hue
Flavour Profile: Key identifiers include green apple, citrus aromas, wet flint rocks, and vanilla or buttery notes (if wooded)

Key Regions Planted: France, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, Italy, South Africa

The Winemaking:

In general, there are two different styles of Chardonnay wine. This difference comes in depending on how the winemaker chooses to make the wine.

Creamy & Rich:
This is the classic style. If you prefer your Chard to have buttery aromas, then you prefer an oak-aged Chardonnay.
An oak-aged Chardonnay means the wine has spent time in barrels and undergone a process called malolactic fermentation, whereby the tart malic acid in the wine is converted to softer, creamier lactic acid (the same acid found in milk).

Dry & Lean:
This is the modern style. If you prefer your Chard to have fruity, zesty notes, then you prefer an unwooded Chardonnay. This wine is not exposed to wood (or new barrels), and thus does not undergo the process of malolactic fermentation.

The Food Pairing:

Most wine drinkers find Chardonnay flatteringly easy to enjoy, with her broad, exuberant charms, relatively high alcohol and low acidity, and lack of powerful scent. She is also a match made in heaven with most foods. Depending on the style you opt for, the fresher, unwooded versions go perfectly well with light and delicate food such as raw and lightly cooked seafood, chicken or vegetable terrines, and pasta or risotto with spring vegetables.

A wooded Chardonnay has more body and thus can handle food with more texture and cream. Umami-rich (savory) dishes such as grilled seafood, creamy pasta, simple roast chicken, or dishes that include wild mushrooms are ideal.

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Aromatic White Wines

Many wine people believe that the greatest joy in wine tasting is the aroma – and they have a point. You can really gain so much information just from sticking your nose into a glass.

All You Need To Know

Many wine people believe that the greatest joy in wine tasting is the aroma – and they have a point. You can really gain so much information just from sticking your nose into a glass – the intensity of the wine, the development (i.e. how the aroma changes subtly over time) and maybe even the grape varietal (yup, with a bit of practice you’ll pick up that a Sauvignon Blanc can smell quite distinct from a Chardonnay).

When it comes to white wines, all white wines are equal, but some are more equal than others. Case in point: aromatic white wines. Aromatic white wines are loved by winemakers and drinkers alike, as they have dominant floral aromas (such as rose, jasmine and orange blossom) caused by a special aroma compound found naturally in grapes. Aromatic white wines range in taste, intensity, and sweetness. They also pair particularly well with food, especially when matched with similarly aromatic Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine. For this reason, aromatic white wines are highly desirable, especially to those with sensitive palates.

Once poured into your glass, they offer intense aromas in the glass, and can happily be appreciated for anywhere between a few minutes to several times over an hour. If you enjoy scented candles, rose gardens or wonderful smelling things, you will love aromatic white wines. Just like most white wines, aromatic white wines can be served chilled in a white wine glass.

While (unfortunately) many aromatic white wine varieties are less common (such as Albariño and Torrontés), if you’d like to try an aromatic white grape variety locally, keep a look out for the following:

Riesling:

The key to Riesling is its naturally high acidity, meaning the sweetness is beautifully balanced. If you drink it while it’s still relatively young, you’ll taste a beautifully fruity wine with aromas of lime, peach and honey.

Aromas of: Jasmine, Lime, Honey and Green Apple

Gewürztraminer:

A white wine born in the Alsace region of France, this wine can range from dry to sweet, and has an unmistakable lychee fruit aroma.

Aromas of: Lychee, Rose, Pink Grapefruit and Tangerine

Muscat d’Alexandria:

Wine made from Muscat of Alexandria has a distinctive taste of grapes - yup, like actual grapes (for once!). Muscat d’Alexandria is primarily used for dessert wines as it delivers slightly more mandarin orange, orange zest and sweet rose notes.

Aromas of: Orange Blossom, Rose, Tangerine and Peach

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Organic Wine - Is It Worth It?

With the rise of thoughtful consumption and mindfulness burgeoning throughout the mainstream culture, it should come as no surprise that more sustainable farming practices are being utilized within the wine industry too. Yet, some of these practices are not new - in fact, since the advent of agricultural chemicals in the nineteenth century, a variety of people have warned of risks to public health and the environment, but these people largely struggled to attract an audience until the late 1960s, when organic farming and natural food stores started to gain traction

What is Organic Wine?

It didn’t take too long for the organic wine industry to join the bandwagon too, motivated by the prospect of creating a product that was environmentally-friendly and possessed clear terroir. So what exactly is organic wine?

Put simply, organic wine is made with organically grown grapes, grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals (the opposite of a standard, non-organic wine). In order to have organically grown grapes, a vineyard manager must implement an entirely different set of practices to maintain their vines. It’s a way of farming that views the vineyard as a living ecological system, rejecting the use of anything chemically-based in the vineyard, except for the use of preservatives such as sulfur dioxide. Importantly, organic wine does not mean the wine is vegan or biodynamic. Each category has its own stipulations, and an organic wine can have additives such as yeast, egg whites, and animal enzymes if needed.

Since the rise of organic wines in the 1960s, organic-certified wineries have sprung up around the US within the last decade, including names such as Hahn Winery, A to Z, Frog’s Leap and Bonterra Wines. It is also valuable to note that many boutique wineries can not afford the expense it takes to become organic -certified, and so adopt a new-age practice the French refer to as ‘la lutte raisonnée’ meaning ‘the reasoned struggle'. Growers who practice this kind of viticulture claim to use chemicals less often and less aggressively than conventional growers but that the only thing to stop a seasoned grower from farming conventionally is their conscience. In this era of mindfulness and self-awareness, the concept is really about being organic-mindful more than anything else.

Of course, the inevitable question of quality is always raised. Does organic wine taste better - or different? Our advice is that when it comes to supporting organic wineries, accept that it’s not so much about the taste of the wine, as the taste will be similar to other, non-organic wines. You drink organic, biodynamic, or vegan wine because it’s a philosophy or movement you support. Drinking organic, much like eating organic, comes down to the inherent belief of wanting to do less harm to the world, and your body. And that can only be a great thing!

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The Perfect Couple

Wine & Chocolate

There’s wine. And then there’s chocolate. Two entirely separate yet equally addictive (and delicious) treats, that when paired together create a widely-adored confectionary match.

Wine & Chocolate

There’s wine. And then there’s chocolate. Two entirely separate yet equally addictive (and delicious) treats, that when paired together create a widely-adored confectionary match. In recent years, as wine farms diversify their visitor offering, many have expanded into wine and chocolate pairings. Yet, is this a logical match, or is it just a passing fad? What’s the deal with wine and chocolate?

The Why?

Besides being a match made in heaven, wine and chocolate are often paired because the process of making chocolate is remarkably similar to wine. For example, just like wine, chocolate has tannins too. They’re also both considered aphrodisiacs if you’re into that kind of thing. But the key similarity is that both cocoa beans and wine are fermented with the very same type of yeast. Thanks to a similar process, and just as with wine, chocolate presents a complexity of flavors and textures, with the potential for subtle changes with each new batch of chocolate.

How are wine and chocolate paired?

The truth is that chocolate and wine both have very intense flavors! A wine’s acidity and tannin can easily clash with the creaminess and subtle flavor nuances of chocolate. As both wine and chocolate making are artisanal and artistic on their own, placing these powerhouse confectionaries side by side undoubtedly takes consideration and care.
Wine and chocolate pairing shouldn’t be daunting though – just remember the following: match sweetness with sweetness! It’s the best and simplest way to do it.

Our Top 3 Wine Pairings for 3 Classic Chocolates

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Dark Chocolate:

Dark chocolate is the easiest to pair and generally matches well with deep, dark, and slightly sweet reds – our top picks include Zinfandel, Malbec, or Petite Sirah. Any wine that has some weight to it can work. Port-style reds, Late Harvests, or even Muscadel wine are also excellent as they have ample intense sweetness to balance dark chocolate.

Milk Chocolate:

Milk chocolate equals half chocolate and half cream. This means that there is fat from the cream, making it one of the easier pairings as the fat removes some of the bitterness that can contrast with a wine.

If you want to try a delicious milk chocolate and wine combo, pair it with a wine that brings a natural sweetness to help keep up with the sweetness of the chocolate. Think dessert wines, like a Vintage Port, Madeira, or sweet sherry.

White Chocolate:

Let’s set the (chocolate) bar straight. White chocolate isn’t technically a “true” chocolate because it doesn’t contain cacao. The good news here is that it can match a dry red wine.

The ultimate white chocolate and wine pairing is Pinot Noir. This is a particularly perfect choice as the white chocolate acts as the fat that delivers sweet flavors of red cherries, strawberries, and raspberries found in the Pinot Noir.

While there may be some that are feverishly against lining your palate with any kind of sugar before tasting wine, when done well, there are few things as deliciously decadent. And don’t forget: when tasting, the general rule is wine first, then the chocolate. But we’re not judging!

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Getting Married?

Here's How To Pick Your Wedding Wine

Engaged? Or perhaps planning a special soiree? Chances are, you’ll be looking for a venue soon. Then it’s time to pick the outfits, book the caterers and send out the invitations. But something that is often overlooked is the importance of the wine for the evening

Here's How To Pick Your Wedding Wine

Engaged? Or perhaps planning a special soiree? Chances are, you’ll be looking for a venue soon. Then it’s time to pick the outfits, book the caterers and send out the invitations. But something that is often overlooked is the importance of the wine for the evening.

Arranging wine for your own wedding can be a daunting and somewhat frustrating item to tick off the list. Yet, you don’t need the aerobatic skills of a tightrope walker to strike the balance between pocket and palate-pleasing.

Here’s an easy go-to-guide on how and what to pick for pouring. Remember, this is a general rule of thumb, but ultimately wine is about personal preference, and as a wedding is a reflection of your personalities, use the following tips as you see fit:

The HOW:

Tip #1: What’s Your Budget?

If there’s no budget, please proceed to tip #2 (and yay for your lucky guests!). For everyone else, start by checking whether your venue allows you to bring in your own wine and whether they charge corkage, and how much. This needs to be taken into your costing calculations.

Then, the most important thing to consider is how much you can afford to spend. Remember that very few people will be analyzing the aromas and flavor profile of your wine on the evening, meaning you want to serve good wine, but it doesn’t have to burn a flute-shaped hole in your pocket.

A general rule of thumb is to aim to pay approximately 5% - 10% of your total budget for the alcohol.

Tip #2: How Much Wine Do We Need?

Is there enough wine? Yes. Yes, there is. Especially when you’re paying! Work on six glasses per bottle and generally allow for three glasses per person for dinner. If you want to get technical, to calculate how much wine you need, simply take the number of guests and divide by 2.15. If you’re hosting 120 guests, that amounts to 56 bottles of wine. If you’d like more, go for it, but this is a good estimate to work off, as people tend to over cater.

Bubbles are a little different, as they are generally poured for a toast. You can get away with about 8-10 servings per bottle. One glass per person for the toast should suffice and then it’s up to you whether you would like to offer guests a drink at reception on arrival. This generally works out at two glasses per person.

Tip #3: What Kind Of Wine Do We Need?

It might be obvious, but you might forget in the midst of all the other to do’s, so a mix of the following wines is ideal for your guests:

White wine
Red wine
Rosé wine
Sparkling wine

The kind of wine you need depends on what time of year your wedding takes place.

Spring or summer weddings equal hot days, during which time people prefer white wine, rosé and light reds. Consider a 30% white wine, 30% red wine, 30% rosé and 10% bubbly mix.

During autumn and winter, people tend to opt for red wine as the weather is cold and the venue is typically indoors. Here, consider a 50% red wine, 30% white wine, 10% rosé and 10% bubbly split. If you want to treat your guests, sweet wine can be served at dessert, but this depends on you.

Tip #4: How Do We Pair Our Wine To Our Food?

White: For salads, fish, and light meat, go for whites that are fresh and fruity. That’s it really. A winning choice is a Viognier, as it offers excellent value for money. Of course, old faithful Sauvignon Blanc is also a crowd pleaser. Unusual varieties are sometimes cheaper and pleasantly surprising like Verdelho. Avoid a wine with high acidity, as this can clash and enhance dishes with chili.

Red: For creamier dishes or red meat, keep it uncomplicated by going for a fruiter, lighter red like Merlot. Light red wines that can be chilled are particularly delightful when paired with red meat, so don’t rule out Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Cinsault. Avoid tannic and bold wines unless your dishes are equally big.

Sparkling Wine: Bubbles are best served at the start of a meal or in between dishes, to cleanse the palate.

We hope this quick guide to preparing a wine selection for your wedding has been informative. Here’s sending you sparkling wedding wishes!