tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71299049075112622362024-03-13T10:14:50.036-07:00Have Wine Will Travel RadioWine is a very important part of the meal for many. I enjoy living in northern California and consider Sonoma and Napa Valleys to be ground zero for some of the greatest vineyards on the planet! when adding local produce and great chefs...it doesn't get any better!Please check out my features and click on the links at the bottom of most.You can join us for an audio feature with some of the greatest winemakers,chefs and resorts.All music on the features is my original playing and writing!ENJOY!Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.comBlogger622125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-53825652572891822222024-02-21T12:36:00.000-08:002024-02-21T12:36:00.586-08:00Daryl Groom/One of The Best Winemakers on The Planet/Zinfandel featureWehave another great audio feature for you all today!daryl Groom Will join me as we open his great Zinfandel.First we look at his website and fill you in on his great career in the winemaking industry.
Daryl Groom has been involved in the wine industry in both the USA and Australia for more than 30 years. Currently he is engaged in a number of wine- related projects in both countries. He is the Owner/ Winemaker for Groom Wines in Australia, a very successful ultra premium brand focusing on Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.
His other great joy is his newest brand Colby Red Wine, a wine initiated and inspired by his son Colby Groom who underwent back to back open heart surgeries. Proceeds from this wine go to charities across the USA that promote heart health (www.colbyred.com). The Groom Family has raised over $900,000 for heart charities including the American Heart Association and The Children's Heart Foundation.
Prior to his current ventures, Daryl was Senior Winemaker for Penfolds in Australia where he oversaw the making of Penfolds famed red wine, Grange. He was the Executive Winemaker for Peak Wines International that owned both Geyser Peak and Wildhorse Wineries (1990-2005) and then Senior VP of Operations and Winemaking for Beam Wine Estates (2006/2007).
Daryl's passion for wine sees him judging at 8 international wine shows annually. He has also been a repeat guest on E television and also appeared on the NBC Today Show. He also partners and is Chief Judge at the North Coast Wine Challenge Wine Competetion and is partner with well known Chef Charlie Palmer in the prestigious and highly successful Charlie Palmers Pigs and Pinot. Pigs and Pinot is an annual 2 day event that raises over $150,000 for local and national charities.
Zinfandel is a grape variety whose origins are believed to be from Europe, possibly Croatia, where it was traded to Italy and referred to as Primativo. Zinfandel’s success is primarily related to California where it has been grown for 150 years. It is produced by many wineries and receives cult status among wine lovers. Many believe this variety is to California what shiraz is to Australia.
Zinfandel is a hearty variety. It produces its best wines in areas where the grapevine needs to work hard. Our Kalimna shiraz vineyard has just the micro-climate to experiment with this variety to endeavour to produce wines that match California’s best.
It is no secret that the best California Zinfandels are from old vines, grown head-trained (aka bush vines). With this principle in mind we decided to plant and train our vines to this method. More time consuming, less yield but hopefully high quality. Our 8 acres of bush vines have been designated the “Bush Block”.
This first release is a solid wine displaying very typical zinfandel hallmarks. Brick red in colour, a very spicy, raisiny aroma and a rich medium weighted palate with some apparent sweetness, although the wine is dry. This sweetness in taste comes from the higher alcohol and raisining of some of the grapes.
This wine can be very much enjoyed with pasta or red meat, and will be fantastic with cheese to end a meal. Please join us by clicking on the link below,and enjoy our great audio feature with Daryl Groom1 Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/ra5.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great wines and food.</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-43333531778204067922024-02-20T15:23:00.000-08:002024-02-20T15:23:10.535-08:00Groom Wines.com/Daryl Groom/ Winemaker/Rock Star/LocalwinemakerWe have a treat for you! I recently sat down with Daryl Groom,and opened three of his wines.Truly a Pleasure to talk with this world class winemaker. First we will look at his recent press and a little from his website)(groomwines.com) and on the wines to be featured. Prior to his current ventures, Daryl was Senior Winemaker for Penfolds in Australia where he oversaw the making of Penfolds famed red wine, Grange. He was the Executive Winemaker for Peak Wines International that owned both Geyser Peak and Wildhorse Wineries (1990-2005) and then Senior VP of Operations and Winemaking for Beam Wine Estates (2006/2007).
Daryl's passion for wine sees him judging at 8 international wine shows annually. He has also been a repeat guest on E television and also appeared on the NBC Today Show. He also partners and is Chief Judge at the North Coast Wine Challenge Wine Competetion and is partner with well known Chef Charlie Palmer in the prestigious and highly successful Charlie Palmers Pigs and Pinot. Pigs and Pinot is an annual 2 day event that raises over $150,000 for local and national charities. We have three amazing wines starting with a beautiful Sav Blanc.
Lenswood, in the Adelaide Hills appellation of South Australia, is where our Sauvignon Blanc is grown. It is a very cool climate with relatively high winter rainfall. Our Lenswood vineyard is dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc and is producing stunning Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Daryl says that the vineyard conditions are so perfect that all he has to do is harvest at the right moment and then get out of the way and not muck things up!
What emerges from this clean, uncomplicated winemaking approach is a wine with brilliant acidity and flavors that balance citrus with floral. Brighter than California Sauvignon Blanc, and a little less pungent than New Zealand, this wine exemplifies the Adelaide Hills appellation as a world class Sauvignon Blanc producing region. Our wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc fruit, 100% stainless steel fermented with no oak contact and 0% malolactic fermentation. Daryl’s aim is to get the incredible, intense fruit flavors from the vine into the glass. This wine showcases pure Sauvignon fruit at its very best. Links to vintage specific technical information for each vintage. This wine is all a Sav Blanc wants to be,purely perfect and in fact a food and wine pairing in your very near future. Our next wine has become an instant favorite of mine!
The Barossa Valley is the source of our Shiraz. With it’s hot, dry conditions and fairly level valley floor and undulating hills, this appellation is generally recognized as the best red wine district in Australia. Our Kalimna property is located next door to the traditional Penfolds Grange “mother source” vineyard. The unforgiving soils of this area are well known to produce very low yields, loose clusters and extremely small berries. Classic, ultra premium Shiraz territory!
Daryl looks for a little less wood in his Shiraz than is typical of Australian Shiraz. He wants a wine that is rich, but not overly jammy, tannic, or oaky in flavor so that it can show off the spicy, anise, berry flavors - true varietal characters in the grape. He is looking for a firm, fleshy structure and a fine texture. Daryl achieves his results by traditional and gentle winemaking methods: fermentation is small batches, punched down in open-top vessels; a skin maceration of only 6 days; minimal handling throughout and aging in American oak (half new, half 1 year old). Careful barrel selection increases the quality and consistency of our Shiraz. In the very near future we will discuss and feature his Zinfandel. for now please click on the links be low,and join me as we introduce you to one of the great winemakers of our current times... Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/ra3.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great wines and food.</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/ra4.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great wines and food.</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-77373304390030479952024-02-20T13:43:00.000-08:002024-02-20T13:43:59.804-08:00karamariewines.com/Ra Ra Wine Co./Kara Groom/Sonoma County Wine country Excursion Today we will try three new wines from Ra Ra Wine Co. Healdsburg California is trulu a wine hub now,offering great wines from many different wine regions surounding this great little town. I met this amazing lady at Valette Healdsburg,and now will enjoy this great story and adventure with her great wines. We will look at the webiste,and tasting notes,but first,a little back ground. Kara Marie Wines began in 2018 with a passion for great wine made in a lively, fruit forward style. 100 cases of rosé later, and so began an unexpectedly epic journey! Trained and mentored (not to mention raised!) by a winemaker whose philosophy is to let the fruit do the talking, I’ve done exactly that…with my own spin of course! Fast forward to 2023, and I am proud to offer a full line up of wines I am passionate about making and drinking! Kara Marie Wines has now evolved into two brands, Ra Ra Wine Co. and Little Ra Ra Ferments. Both platforms allow me to craft limited production wines of excellent quality and top-notch drinkability. Kara Groom
Six harvests across three continents and it was time to come home to Sonoma County. Now following my passion for food & wine (aka eating and drinking), I’m crafting beautiful wines and delicious dishes to accompany them." We have two great audio features and three wines. 1. 2023 DRY RIESLING 2.2023 MELON DE BOURGOGNE 3. 2023 ROSÉ OF GRENACHE Please go to Karamariewines.com to learn more! We will also get together with Kara and pair some great dishes from local chefs...in the very near future. So please clickon the links below,and join us as we discuss these great wines. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/ra22.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great wines and food.</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-30292005681055593922024-02-20T13:08:00.000-08:002024-02-20T13:41:27.867-08:00Karamariewines.com/ Kara Groom/ Sonoma Wine Country Excursion/ Ra Ra Wine Co. Today we will try three new wines from Ra Ra Wine Co. Healdsburg California is trulu a wine hub now,offering great wines from many different wine regions surounding this great little town. I met this amazing lady at Valette Healdsburg,and now will enjoy this great story and adventure with her great wines. We will look at the webiste,and tasting notes,but first,a little back ground. Kara Marie Wines began in 2018 with a passion for great wine made in a lively, fruit forward style. 100 cases of rosé later, and so began an unexpectedly epic journey! Trained and mentored (not to mention raised!) by a winemaker whose philosophy is to let the fruit do the talking, I’ve done exactly that…with my own spin of course! Fast forward to 2023, and I am proud to offer a full line up of wines I am passionate about making and drinking! Kara Marie Wines has now evolved into two brands, Ra Ra Wine Co. and Little Ra Ra Ferments. Both platforms allow me to craft limited production wines of excellent quality and top-notch drinkability. Kara Groom
Six harvests across three continents and it was time to come home to Sonoma County. Now following my passion for food & wine (aka eating and drinking), I’m crafting beautiful wines and delicious dishes to accompany them." We have two great audio features and three wines. 1. 2023 DRY RIESLING 2.2023 MELON DE BOURGOGNE 3. 2023 ROSÉ OF GRENACHE Please go to Karamariewines.com to learn more! We will also get together with Kara and pair some great dishes from local chefs...in the very near future. So please clickon the links below,and join us as we discuss these great wines. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/ra1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-14820481546970889512023-12-18T09:42:00.000-08:002023-12-18T09:48:36.059-08:00Dry Creek Vineyard/Don Wallace/All I want for Christmas is my 3 front Zins From Dry Creek VineyardYes it's that time of year!I love it! Today we have a great new feature with Don Wallace and plenty of single vineyard Zinfandels really and opened.First let's look at their website,and the tasting notes on our featured Zinfandels from Dry Creek Vineyard. 2020 Wallace Ranch Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
Our Wallace Ranch Zinfandel is a shining example of the preservation of iconic old vine Zinfandel. This incredible vineyard is on the home property of Proprietors Kim and Don Wallace, and it was the first to be planted using the Heritage Clone in 1994. To develop this clone, we grafted budwood from a pre-Prohibition vineyard onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock in our estate Wallace Ranch vineyard, forever preserving the heritage of the old vines and crafting a "young vine" wine with "old vine" characteristics. Initially, the aromas express fruit-forward tones of black cherry, blackberry and raspberry. In the background, subtle notes of coriander, white pepper and cumin emerge after several minutes of airing. On the palate, flavors of cranberry and boysenberry pie mix with soft undertones of cardamom, nutmeg and mocha. The wine is supple with tremendous complexity and symmetry between fruit, alcohol, tannin and acid. yes I did say three.....our second wine today is
2020 Vogensen Ranch Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
Rising more than 800 feet off the valley floor, Vogensen Ranch is located on the back of Bradford Mountain and is one of the more extreme growing sites in all of Dry Creek Valley. We have isolated a steeply sloped, well-draining area of the vineyard called “Barn Block” to create this bottling for our single vineyard series. The undulating nature of the terrain and east-facing sun exposure provide grapes that are beautifully ripened and lead to a wine that is silky, textured and well-balanced. Aromas of blueberry, blackberry and black cherry jump from the glass and intermix with spicy nuances of nutmeg, cinnamon and white pepper. Juicy, rich dark flavors of brambleberries and plum come forward, combined with deeper notes of black pepper and marzipan. The silky, seamless tannins flesh out the vibrant finish of black and white pepper, all framed by refreshing acidity and superb roundness. Tasting these wines reminds me ...I like to eat!!... Our third wine today is 2020 Farmhouse Vineyard Zinfandel
Russian River Valley
Winemaker Notes:
This delicious bottling is the sixth vintage of Zinfandel produced from our Farmhouse Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The vines in our Farmhouse Vineyard were among the first to be planted using the Heritage budwood concept to preserve the heritage of iconic old vine Zinfandel vineyards! Cuttings from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock to create a “young vine” wine with “old vine” Zinfandel characteristics. Initially, the aromas show fruit-forward tones of black and red cherries, cranberry and blackberry. Subtle notes of mocha, rose and earthy nuances come forward after several minutes of airing. On the palate, flavors of plum and strawberry mix with soft undertones of coriander, toffee, toasty cedar and roasted almonds. The wine is supple with tremendous complexity and silky tannins. The finish is pure with a slight spiciness and refined elegance. The stage is set! Please click on the link,at the bottom of this feature.please enjoy this great new audio feature with Don Wallace.all music is my original music...performed by...Yours truly.Enjoy.Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dred04.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-66986054831868895932023-12-15T12:17:00.000-08:002023-12-15T12:17:40.048-08:00Dry Creek Vineyard /Don Wallace/ Holiday Wines/2020 Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah/ANd The Historic Blocks ZinfandelWe have two perfect wines for your holiday feast!Are you ready. First the 2020 Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
The Petite Sirah varietal has traditionally played an important role in producing our world-class Zinfandel wines. In certain vintages, we decide to bottle a small amount of Petite Sirah to more fully express this incredible variety. From the first moments of airing, this Petite Sirah exudes aromas of blackberry and ripe plum with nuances of nutmeg, coriander and fine leather. The palate is defined by flavors of black cherry, white pepper. cinnamon and mocha. The tannins are firm, but well integrated with a long and lingering finish. Notes of pie crust and dried herbs emerge along a deep and rich mouthfeel filled with supple tannins and a smooth texture. This wine is a huge and beautiful wine,and moved straight to the top of my favorite wines! Until we opened the 2020 Historic Blocks Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
Our Historic Blocks Zinfandel is a tribute to the legacy vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and our family winery’s enduring commitment to preserve the extraordinary heritage of Zinfandel. Located primarily along the eastern bench of the valley, specific blocks of old vine Zinfandel were selected as the backbone of this robust and luxurious wine. These century-old, gnarled vines are still tended to by hand, preserving this beloved tradition and living testament to the remarkable history of our home appellation. This vintage presents inviting aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry and plum with notes of orange peel, baking spice and toasty cedar. On the palate, layers of black cherry, cranberry and raspberry come forward with nuances of coriander, whit pepper, mocha and rose petal. The wine is full-bodied, with deep richness and impeccable balance. Its tannins are slightly firm and lend a plush mouthfeel. Both wines will be on the table for my next birthday the day after Christmas! Don wallace will tell us more about these wines,and we have agreat audio feature which you can access by clicking on the link below. Please join us!AND Happy holidays! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dred03.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-17199080947092535282023-12-14T11:45:00.000-08:002023-12-14T11:52:32.804-08:00Dry Creek Vineyard/Don Wallace/2020 Vintage/Red WinesI recently traveled into the Dry Creek Valley and sat down with Don Wallace,at Dry Creek Vineyard. We did new features on some of the amazing red wines. Today we have three wines .We will start with the Pinot Noir. Winemaker Notes:
The Russian River Valley is perhaps the finest region for growing world-class Pinot Noir in all of California. The coastal climate is ideal with daily heating and cooling cycles that create the perfect conditions to cultivate this delicate grape. We produce just a small amount of Pinot Noir, hand selecting the most optimal fruit from our vineyard. Aged in small French oak barrels, this beautiful wine displays pure varietal characteristics and earthy nuances, true to the terroir of the Russian River Valley appellation. This 2021 vintage displays wonderful aromatics of black cherry, blueberry and rhubarb. Several more minutes of airing reveal notes of black tea, rose and cocoa. On the palate, flavors of raspberry and cranberry integrate with hints of baking spices, orange peel and toasty cedar. The tannins are fine with a delicate mouthfeel and beautiful complexity. This delicious Pinot Noir is flavorful and balanced with naturally high acidity and a long lingering finish. We also opened the beautiful Merlot. Winemaker Notes:
We have crafted this classic Bordeaux varietal since 1974. Our first vintage of Merlot was released in 1974, and we have produced this classic Bordeaux varietal ever since. In fact, the Dry Creek Vineyard 1991 Reserve Merlot won the prestigious “Grand Prix d’Honneur” at the 1995 Challenge International Du Vin in Bordeaux, France — much to the surprise of the French! This delicious varietal adds bright aromatics and a velvety mouthfeel as a blending component for our Bordeaux program, but it is outstanding as the dominant varietal as well. In our 2019 vintage, aromas of black cherry, plum and black currant immediately fill the senses. A few more moments reveal notes of nutmeg, cocoa and black and white pepper. The palate is full of wonderful complexity, combining flavors of blackberry and boysenberry. This wine features deep undertones of coriander, bay leaf and mocha with a bright finish and silky tannins. This beautiful wine has excellent structure and balance with a lush, round quality that lingers. these are the tasting notes from their great website. today we will feature a third wine. 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon "Iron Slopes"
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
This high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon was inspired by our decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards within Dry Creek Valley. This exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of the more extreme growing sites that lie on the western hillsides of Dry Creek Valley. The undulating nature of the terrain provides grapes that are beautifully ripened and lead to a wine that is silky, textured and complex. Juicy aromas of plum and blueberry come forward initially. Additional airing reveals notes of cedar, cinnamon, thyme and coriander. The palate is bold and luxurious with luscious yet earthy flavors of black cherry, fine leather, mocha and white truffle. The finish lingers with notes of white pepper, caramel and oregano. Chewy tannins frame this full-bodied and rich expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. We have two new audio features.Please click on the link at the bottom of this feature,and join Don Wallace and i as we discuss these incredible wines. In the up coming weeks we will have many new audio features with this world class winery and Don Wallace. Cheers!! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dred01.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dred02.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-41618746728074470742023-10-11T09:42:00.002-07:002023-10-11T09:42:37.404-07:00Dinner at The Matheson/Dry Creek Vineyard/ Don Wallacerecently Don Wallace and I enjoyed four courses at the Matheson in Healdsburg. It's always a great time when Don Wallace and I get together. We have 4 wines and 4 courses to share with you today. First let's look at the tasting notes and the great websites of Dry Creek Vineyard and The Matheson. Open Tuesday through Sunday at 5:00 PM.
Bar Open at 4pm.
A Love Letter to Sonoma County
Our menu is a modern ode to Healdsburg’s micro-seasonal ingredients,
exploring the possibilities of a locally foraged fungi from a secret stand on the slopes of rolling forest, or the range of a Purple Heart tomato cultivated from a farm within walking distance to the restaurant. For Chef Nate Davis and team, finding the limitlessness in the specific moment is a play of craft and passion. The downstairs bar menu is a culmination of both classic cocktails and their modern twists. The back bar is made of suspended cold steel and is stocked with sought-after brown spirits and other rarities. The Matheson’s sake cellar, includes a range of the major styles of sake, listed on our digital wine list. The Wine Wall features 88 wines on tap, allowing curious drinkers splashes of multiple selections without over-commitment, or those who know what they like a half or full glass. “We are able to share pours of the most extraordinary wines, often hard to find and when found, only by the bottle,” said Beverage Director Jon McCarthy. Design your own flight of fancy, exploring a region, a varietal, a vintage, or a hunch. No reservations necessary, stop by before or after your dining experience - or on your exploration of the Healdsburg Square. We have opened four great wines from Dry Creek Vineyard . Winemaker Notes:
For over 50 years, Dry Creek Vineyard has been a leader in Sauvignon Blanc in California. Winery founder David S. Stare was the first person to plant the Sauvignon Blanc varietal in the Dry Creek Valley in our DCV3 Vineyard, against the advice of many viticultural experts. Many years later, Sauvignon Blanc is now the most widely planted white variety in the Dry Creek Valley! With 16 acres under vine, our DCV3 Vineyard is the backbone of our Sauvignon Blanc program. Our 2022 vintage of DCV3 Sauvignon Blanc displays intense aromas of lemon, lime, grapefruit and passion fruit. After a few more minutes of airing, softer herbal nuances of jasmine, thyme and chamomile come forward. The palate is bursting with vibrant flavors of Meyer lemon and nectarine with striking hints of cucumber, jalapeño and white pepper. The bright acidity of this crisp and refreshing wine is preserved by stainless steel fermentation. Enjoy this lively wine now in its youth, or age for a few years if desired. 2020 Farmhouse Vineyard Zinfandel
Russian River Valley
Winemaker Notes:
This delicious bottling is the sixth vintage of Zinfandel produced from our Farmhouse Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The vines in our Farmhouse Vineyard were among the first to be planted using the Heritage budwood concept to preserve the heritage of iconic old vine Zinfandel vineyards! Cuttings from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock to create a “young vine” wine with “old vine” Zinfandel characteristics. Initially, the aromas show fruit-forward tones of black and red cherries, cranberry and blackberry. Subtle notes of mocha, rose and earthy nuances come forward after several minutes of airing. On the palate, flavors of plum and strawberry mix with soft undertones of coriander, toffee, toasty cedar and roasted almonds. The wine is supple with tremendous complexity and silky tannins. The finish is pure with a slight spiciness and refined elegance.
2019 Merlot
Dry Creek Valley
90 Points – Wine & Spirits
92 Points – Wine & Spirits
Winemaker Notes:
We have crafted this classic Bordeaux varietal since 1974. Our first vintage of Merlot was released in 1974, and we have produced this classic Bordeaux varietal ever since. In fact, the Dry Creek Vineyard 1991 Reserve Merlot won the prestigious “Grand Prix d’Honneur” at the 1995 Challenge International Du Vin in Bordeaux, France — much to the surprise of the French! This delicious varietal adds bright aromatics and a velvety mouthfeel as a blending component for our Bordeaux program, but it is outstanding as the dominant varietal as well. In our 2019 vintage, aromas of black cherry, plum and black currant immediately fill the senses. A few more moments reveal notes of nutmeg, cocoa and black and white pepper. The palate is full of wonderful complexity, combining flavors of blackberry and boysenberry. This wine features deep undertones of coriander, bay leaf and mocha with a bright finish and silky tannins. This beautiful wine has excellent structure and balance with a lush, round quality that lingers.
2018 Meritage "Alluvial Gap"
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
This exquisite Meritage was inspired by almost five decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards of Dry Creek Valley. This experience provided us with knowledge of which properties grow the best fruit our region can offer. This delicious blend features fruit from specific vineyard sites within the Lytton Springs district of Dry Creek Valley, including our iconic Endeavour Vineyard. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, with three additional Bordeaux varietals for complexity and depth. At first swirl, the wine displays powerful aromas of black currant, plum sauce and cranberry. Several more minutes reveal hints of clove, sage and chai. The palate is full and rich with flavors of black cherry, black currant and blueberry pie, with notes of fine leather, dried herbs de Provence and toasty oak. The tannins are firm yet supple, with a round, plush texture and a rich, lingering finish. We have four features to share. Please click on the links below and joinus as we play the audio for these great features. <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/son1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> Now onto our second feature. <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/son2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> please click on the next link and join us. <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/son3.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> We are still hungry,join us! cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/son4.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-60707179772298728142023-05-18T11:10:00.004-07:002023-05-18T11:17:22.379-07:00 Dry Creek Vineyard /Valette Healdsburg/ Dinner With Don WallaceRecently Don Wallace and I got together and recorded many great feature on the wines of Dry Creek Vineyard. We have decided to meet at the great local restaurant and pair up some of these incredible wines with the world class menu from Valette Healdsburg. Valette was born from two brothers’ lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in our hometown of Healdsburg. Our goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. The dream of Valette began nearly two decades ago between two brothers. While enjoying a glass of wine on their father's porch overlooking the beautiful Alexander Valley vineyards of Sonoma County, Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini envisioned opening a restaurant together which would provide a canvas for Sonoma County farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their craft. The restaurant would be located in Healdsburg, the heart of Sonoma County – and the location where their great-grandfather operated bakeries. They would serve high quality, yet honest food; offer warm and impeccable service; and house a collection of boutique, small production wines. At the time, Aaron was establishing himself as a dynamic server and sommelier in Sonoma County and Dustin was in New York learning the culinary craft that would be his lifelong passion. They never lost sight of their dream. In 2015, Valette Restaurant opened its doors to the public, showcasing the brothers’ combined forty-seven years of restaurant experience and a deep dedication to Sonoma County, its food, and its wine community. Please click on the three links below,and join us for all the amazing courses we enjoyed. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/don1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/don2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/don3.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-72879370046524943922023-05-11T09:09:00.002-07:002023-05-11T09:09:20.715-07:00 2019 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley /Don Wallace features/ finewinesproductions.com We have another amazing feature with Don Wallace and Dry Creek Vineyard! This wine is even older than I am...well, the vines are... A beautiful vineyard and indeed a world class Zinfandel. We always look at the tasting notes and other information from their great website. drycreekvineyard.com Winemaker Notes:
Planted in the late 1800s, Beeson Ranch is one of Dry Creek Valley’s oldest and most prized vineyards. The old gnarled vines, first planted by Italian immigrants, provide us with some of our most intriguing Zinfandel grapes. The initial aromatics of the wine are refined and elegant with underlying elements of raspberry, plum and black cherry. After several minutes of airing, hints of cinnamon and cedar waft from the glass. The full palate is supple and rich with notes of boysenberry, blackberry, black tea and wild sage. The wine’s earthy complexity and fine tannins help support a smooth and silky texture. BLEND:
91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah
FERMENTATION:
12–16 days in fermenters at 82–88˚F; pumped over twice daily
BARREL AGING:
17 months in French, Hungarian and American oak; 25% new oak
HARVEST DATE:
September 24–30, 2019
SOIL:
Iron-rich, reddish soils
VINE AGE:
100+ years The story of Dry Creek Vineyard and the Stare Wallace family isn’t one of fairy tales. There is no corporate mogul writing checks every month, or a day job in a lucrative industry to fund the winery. Our story is this: one dedicated family working day and night for five decades to turn what many considered an idealistic pipedream, into a reality that revolutionized the California wine industry.
Founder David S. Stare always had a dream to live overseas, so after he completed his degree in Civil Engineering at MIT and his MBA at Northwestern, he moved to Germany. While living there, he visited many of the wineries and started to develop an interest in wine. He returned to Boston in the spring of 1969 firmly bitten by the wine bug and enrolled in a wine appreciation class. In June of 1970, Dave and his family spent two weeks in France, where he fell in love with French wines, specifically the wines of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Shortly after returning from the trip, he read an article in the Wall Street Journal about what a great future California had for making world-class wines. After a trip to California, he packed up his wife and kids in a mint green station wagon to carve out his path in the wine industry. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, was literally raised among the vines in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. Throughout her childhood she watched as her father established the first new winery to be built in the region following Prohibition and champion Dry Creek Valley as a world-class winegrowing appellation. As a teen, Kim worked in the office, cellar and on the bottling line, as well as accompanying her parents on countless sales trips, business dinners and wine tastings. From the very beginning, she grew up with a passion and understanding of the wine industry.
Despite her upbringing, Kim always swore that she would never work for the winery and began a career in the fashion industry after college. Ultimately, the pull of the family business was too great and her father convinced her to come back to the winery as Director of Marketing in 1987. Kim’s husband, Don Wallace, joined the winery managing ranch operations in 1990. In the mid-nineties, Kim and Don took on increased responsibilities, becoming involved in all decisions affecting the quality of the Dry Creek Vineyard experience and winery operations . Please clcik on the link and join us for this great feature on this amazing Zinfandel. <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry1401.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-76125534994258406852023-05-10T11:38:00.002-07:002023-05-10T11:39:00.514-07:00 2019 Meritage Benchland/ Dry Creek Valley/ Dry Creek Vineyard/ Feature with Don Wallace Dry Creek Valley has been one of my favorite grape growing regions since my arrival in California. The wines are world class,and Dry Creek Vineyard has led the way over the course of many decades.Our feature today is the 2019 Benchland Meritage from Dry Creek Vineyard. We will look at the winemaker's tasting notes,and other great information on their website. drycreekvineyard.com Winemaker Notes:
This exquisite Meritage was inspired by our decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards within Dry Creek Valley. This delicious blend features fruit from specific vineyard sites in Dry Creek Valley that highlight the unique soils, microclimate and terroir of our home appellation. This 2019 vintage is a full and complex wine that’s an absolute pleasure to drink. Aromas of black currant, black cherry and plum waft from the glass. As the wine opens up, it reveals aromas of toasty cedar, fennel and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is plush with fine tannins and full of luxuriant flavors of blueberry, mocha, fine leather and thyme. The finish is seamless and well-integrated. This wine will age beautifully and develop in the bottle for years to come. BLEND:
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec
FERMENTATION:
10–17 days in fermenters at 82–88˚F; pumped over twice daily
BARREL AGING:
20 months in Hungarian and French oak; 35% new oak
HARVEST DATE:
October 9–22, 2019
SOIL:
Sandy and clay loam
VINE AGE:
1–2 tons per acre Explore Our Vineyards
Our family has been growing grapes in Dry Creek Valley for nearly five decades, driven by the desire to produce appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines. We believe in crafting our wines in the vineyard, with healthy soil and flourishing vines, so there is minimal intervention when the fruit is brought to the winery. Primarily known for Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, our home appellation has become an undiscovered gem for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals.
We are proud that our 185 acres of estate vineyards are 100% certified sustainable. We walk the land, replenish the soil naturally, and make multiple pruning passes throughout the growing season to ensure that our grapes are balanced and delicious when they reach their peak ripeness. Using the sun as our guide and Mother Nature as our partner, we carefully manage our vineyards to ensure the highest standards of quality for each vintage. We have a great audio feature with Don Wallace! Please click on the link at the bottom of this page and join us. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry1202.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-37177209087784905612023-05-09T12:42:00.001-07:002023-05-09T12:42:21.792-07:00 2019 Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon/ Dry Creek Vineyard/Feature With Don Wallace/finewinesproductions.comWe have reached for the stars with this wine! The 2019 Endeavour is our feature today,and how lucky we are! We will look at the tasting notes and other pieces of the puzzle to give you a great insight into the making of this incredible wine.please go to their website....drycreekvineyard.com Winemaker Notes:
Located in the Lytton Springs district of Dry Creek Valley, our estate Endeavour Vineyard is the vision of the second generation to grow Cabernet Sauvignon that equals the finest of any in California. Strategically planted to take advantage of the diverse soil conditions on property, it contains its own sustainable ecosystem, complete with a natural pond to collect rainwater. This vineyard is a labor of love and continues to drive our family winery forward in producing world-class wines. At first swirl, notes of black currant, black cherry and cranberry come forward, followed by deeper aromatics of clove and orange zest. Additional airing reveals nuances of cardamom and mocha. On the palate, elegant flavors of boysenberry and plum mingle with complex notes of cinnamon, toasty cedar and bay leaf. The refined tannins are well-integrated, providing a rich and luxurious mouthfeel with a long, lingering finish. Tim Bell
Winemaker
Tim Bell, winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyard, has worked with a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Central Coast: still wine, sparkling, dessert, even Kosher. Tim’s creativity in blending and extensive experience shaping wine quality in the vineyard made him a great choice for the winemaking team at Dry Creek Vineyard starting in 2011. He graduated with honors in winemaking at UC Davis, learning the intricacies of wine chemistry and microbiology that inform his stylistic choices in creating delicious blends. With this education, and formative experiences in a previous career selling wine, Tim arrived at a balanced, complex winemaking style shaped by his precise palate and preference for wines that define their varietal character.
Early in his career, Tim worked at Freemark Abbey, helping to shape the wine style and vineyard program. Later, he became the Director of Winemaking at Kunde, gaining critical acclaim for his Sauvignon Blancs, Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons. All of this experience has prepared Tim for what he has called “his best winemaking job.”
Away from the winery, Tim spends time outdoors with his family as much as he can, usually somewhere involving bodies of water. His other interests include music of all kinds and good food (and wine!). Weekends often find him grilling the tastiest burgers on the west coast. A greatdeal fo work went into this beautiful wine,and we will be featuring this wine with local chefs in the very near future. Please click on the link at the bottom of this page ,and join us as Don wallace and I discuss this incredible wine! Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry1301.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-54869575153525220422023-05-08T15:32:00.000-07:002023-05-08T15:32:03.187-07:00The Mariner2019/ From Dry Creek Vineyard/Of Course! Don Wallace FeaturesThis is a very interesting feature with Don Wallace. We have covered many of the incredible wines from Dry Creek vineyard,and now movew into The Mariner 2019 from Dry Creek Valley. As we always do we will check out the tasting notes and idems of interst from the website of this world class winery. drycreekvineyard.com. Winemaker Notes:
The Mariner is a powerful, yet elegant Meritage made in the tradition of some of the world’s greatest Bordeaux blends. We call this proprietary blend “The Mariner” because just as a mariner navigates his ship, so too must our winemaker navigate his way through a vintage. The grapes for this delicious Bordeaux-inspired blend come from several of our most prized estate and hillside vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley. At first swirl, the wine displays aromas of black currant, black cherry and blackberry. Several more minutes reveal hints of cardamom, white pepper, cumin and dried herbs. The palate has dark berry flavors along with earthy complexity and savory tones. It finishes with notes of mocha, marzipan, fine leather and black tea. Good acidity will help this wine to age beautifully for years to come. BLEND:
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
FERMENTATION:
12–17 days in fermenters at 82–88˚F; pumped over twice daily
BARREL AGING:
20 months in French and Hungarian oak; 46% new oak
HARVEST DATE:
September 27–October 24, 2019
SOIL:
Hillside vineyard with gravelly soil, iron-rich
VINE AGE:
20+ years Each and every grape is grown on one of our estate vineyards or by one of our longtime growing partners. In our 100% certified-sustainable estate vineyards, we walk the land, replenish the soil naturally, and make multiple pruning passes throughout the growing season to ensure that our grapes are balanced and delicious when they reach their peak ripeness. We have cultivated relationships over the past five decades with small, local family farms and worked with them extensively for the best results possible. It is not an exaggeration to say that we know every hand that touches the grapes. Please visit their website,and also make plans to visit the great town of Healdsburg in the very near future,and plan to spend some time at this amazing winery in the heart of the Dry Creek Vineyard! please click on the link below,and you can listen to this great audio feature with Don Wallace and myself. <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry1101.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-9391555438925349422023-05-05T11:22:00.000-07:002023-05-05T11:22:25.865-07:002019 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/ Dry Creek Vineyard/ Discussion with Don WallaceToday we will enjoy a wine from the 2019 vintage. We are opening the Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dry Creek Valley
92 Points, Best Buy – Wine & Spirits
92 Points, Best Buy – Wine & Spirits
Winemaker Notes:
The Dry Creek Valley is an undiscovered gem, producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in California. Primarily known for Zinfandel, the valley has almost as muchfrom Dry Creek Vineyard. Don Wallace and I opened this win,following the Cabernet franc,and I really enjoy the blending done here. The winemaking team has done a great job on these blends,and took the time to really make each wine the best it can be.We will check out the tasting notes on their amazing website...drycreekvineyard.com and this wine will be a great match for many dishes as we later will pair these wines with local chefs. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
The Dry Creek Valley is an undiscovered gem, producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in California. Primarily known for Zinfandel, the valley has almost as much Cabernet Sauvignon planted. This lush and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon initially displays aromas of plum, cranberry, and black truffle, followed by nutmeg, black pepper and thyme. A first taste of the full-bodied wine reveals flavors of black cherry, black currant and espresso. Hints of florals and fine leather bolster its richness, while firm tannins provide structure. The broad palate and soft edges make this Cabernet approachable in its youth while also perfect for aging. Each and every grape is grown on one of our estate vineyards or by one of our longtime growing partners. In our 100% certified-sustainable estate vineyards, we walk the land, replenish the soil naturally, and make multiple pruning passes throughout the growing season to ensure that our grapes are balanced and delicious when they reach their peak ripeness. We have cultivated relationships over the past five decades with small, local family farms and worked with them extensively for the best results possible. It is not an exaggeration to say that we know every hand that touches the grapes. Are you ready? All right,please click on the link below and join Don Wallace and myself as we explore this great wine, in an audio feature. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry10.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-25989630747466628542023-05-04T12:21:00.004-07:002023-05-04T12:21:57.947-07:00Dry Creek Vineyard Cab Franc/Great Wines from The Dry Creek Valley/Don WallaceRecently I met with Don Wallace and we enjoyed a great tasting of many of Dry Creek Vineyard's best wines. Today we are opening and discussing a great favorite of mine...the 2019 Cabernet Franc Dry Crrek Valley. We will include first the tasting notes from their amazing website...drycreekvineyard.com. 2019 Cabernet Franc
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
Cabernet Franc may have origins entrenched in Bordeaux, but it has a home here in California's Dry Creek Valley as well. We find that this delicious varietal adds a layer of finesse and a peppery perfume as a blending component for our Bordeaux–inspired red wines, but is also outstanding all on its own. The Cabernet Franc we grow on our estate Bullock House vineyard stands out vintage after vintage, so we set aside a few barrels as a special wine available exclusively at our family winery. This voluptuous estate Cabernet Franc displays intriguing aromatics of plum, black cherry and raspberry. Additional airing reveals nuances of mocha, coriander and fine leather. The palate is medium-bodied and rich with luscious flavors of black currant and cranberry complimented by savory notes of black olive, cumin, cinnamon and white pepper. A finish of fine tannins rounds out each indulgent sip. Our family has been growing grapes in Dry Creek Valley for nearly five decades, driven by the desire to produce appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines. We believe in crafting our wines in the vineyard, with healthy soil and flourishing vines, so there is minimal intervention when the fruit is brought to the winery. Primarily known for Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, our home appellation has become an undiscovered gem for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals.
We are proud that our 185 acres of estate vineyards are 100% certified sustainable. We walk the land, replenish the soil naturally, and make multiple pruning passes throughout the growing season to ensure that our grapes are balanced and delicious when they reach their peak ripeness. Using the sun as our guide and Mother Nature as our partner, we carefully manage our vineyards to ensure the highest standards of quality for each vintage. This is one of the best wines I have had recently,and I look forward to pairing this wine with many local chefs.Please click on the link below,and enjoy our audio feature with Don Wallace.it doesn't get any better than this!! Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry09.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-45120997292376832242023-05-03T12:56:00.002-07:002023-05-03T12:57:07.522-07:00 Dry Creek Vineyard/ 2019 Historic Blocks Zinfandel/2020Old Vines Zinfandel/Dry Creek Valley /Features with Don Wallace Today we have opened two of my favorite wines from Dry Creek Vineyard. I'm very excited to share these new features with you! We will also explore the tasting notes on these wines, from drycreekvineyard.com. we will start with the 2019 Historic Blocks Zinfandel. This wine is a small lot, world class wine and truly is one of the best I have ever tasted. The Historic Blocks Zinfandel is a tribute to the legacy vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and our family winery’s enduring commitment to preserve the extraordinary heritage of Zinfandel. Located primarily along the eastern bench of the valley, specific blocks of old vine Zinfandel were selected as the backbone of this robust and luxurious wine. These century-old, gnarled vines are still tended to by hand, preserving this beloved tradition and living testament to the remarkable history of our home appellation. This inaugural vintage presents inviting aromatics of boysenberry and cranberry with notes of juniper, toasted oak and baking spice. On the palate, brambly layers of blackberry and raspberry come forward with nuances of black pepper, coriander and mocha. The wine is full-bodied, with deep richness and impeccable balance. Its tannins are slightly firm and lend a plush mouthfeel. 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
First coined by Dry Creek Vineyard in 1987, the term “Old Vine” has special meaning to our family winery. Its vineyards remain the most prized and historic of all plantings in the Dry Creek Valley. Although there is no legal definition, we define an old vine vineyard as having vines that average more than 50 years in age. For this bottling of our Old Vine Zinfandel, the vines average more than 100 years in age! This vintage presents alluring aromatics of blackberry, boysenberry and fresh raspberry with notes of cocoa powder, cardamom, toasty cedar and nutmeg. On the palate, layers of black cherry and plum come forward with nuances of coriander, mocha, allspice and violet. The wine is complex, with vibrancy and impeccable balance. The tannins are fine, lending to an elegant texture and mouthfeel. please join us as we discover great wines ,and discuss local chefs to share these wines with. <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry78.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-6359718312586222282023-05-03T12:33:00.003-07:002023-05-03T12:34:48.727-07:00Dry Creek Vineyard/ Don Wallace/2022 Petite Zin Rose /2021 Heritage Vines Zinfandel Recently I traveled into the Dry Creek Valley,and visited with Mr.Don Wallace. We opened and tasted many great wines from Dry Creek Vineyard.In this feature we will explore drycreekvineyard.com,and share the tasting notes of our two featured wines. The first wine is the 2022 Petite Zin Rosa/Dry Creek Valley. This delicious wine was crafted, first and foremost, from our love of Zinfandel, and is perfect for warm summer days. We allow the juice just enough time with the skins to gather some complexity and a healthy splash of color before fermenting it in stainless steel at cool temperatures. A small addition of Petite Sirah lends complexity and freshness to this limited-production Rosé. Our 2022 vintage of Petite Zin Rosé presents initial aromas of raspberry, cranberry and pomegranate. After a few minutes in the glass, notes of vanilla cream, orange and sweet basil are revealed. The palate is refreshing with flavors of strawberry, cherry and kiwi, with hints of watermelon, citrus and floral nuances of hibiscus, rose and lemon blossom. The addition of Petite Sirah lends a beautiful crimson color and layers of fresh fruit. This luxurious Rosé features a round and inviting mouthfeel combined with lively acidity. This wine is delicious and light with lovely intensity and a crisp finish. We have opened the 2021 Heritage Vines Zinfandel/ Sonoma County. To preserve the tradition and “heritage” of old Zinfandel vineyards, cuttings from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock. Then, for several years we worked diligently to screen and propagate virus-free vines that would ultimately produce a crop. The 2020 Heritage Vines Zinfandel is delicious and wonderfully balanced. This vintage presents alluring aromatics of boysenberry, black raspberry and plum with nuances of toasty cedar, warm spices and white pepper. On the palate, brambly flavors of dark berries come forward. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by deeper notes of nutmeg, cardamom and mocha. From start to finish, this remarkable wine offers refreshing acidity paired with excellent structure.We have great audio features of each wine. Today Dry Creek Vineyard is one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries consistently producing 90+ point wines. The second generation is firmly committed to a “no compromises” philosophy producing world class, appellation-focused, varietal-defining wines. They have shifted their winemaking practices and vineyard management to maximize flavors and reflect their home region. To sum it all up, in a world where things are getting bigger and faster, this legacy wine family is taking a smaller and slower approach. With a loyal following of wine club members and customers, the future of Dry Creek Vineyard has never been brighter! please clcik on each link below,and an audio feature with Don Wallace will pop up.Don and I will tell you more about these two great wines from Dry Creek vineyard. <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry05.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry06.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-26194693551723819732023-05-02T15:26:00.002-07:002023-05-02T15:26:59.084-07:00Balletto Vineyards And Winery/ Anthony Beckman/Wine of the Week/Sav BlancWe are now featuring a great wine from Balletto vineyards and Winery each week. This week we have opened the long awaited new vintage of their Sav Blanc. Recently Anthony Beckman and I enjoy some great dishes with these wines ,at valette Healdsburg. A dry, crisp and lovely expression of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is underestimated and elegant with a driving acidity that's quenched by a generous and surprisingly lush mid-palate that brings a tense, perfect balance to this wine.
The aromas are graceful with a combination of limy tropical fruit and a touch of classic Sauvignon Blanc earthiness. It's bright and savory, tart and lush all in the same package. The wine is completely dry with zero residual sugar to hide behind. It's a pure example of how good Sauvignon Blanc can be. Founder and owner John Balletto started the business after the untimely death of his father in 1977. At the age of 17, when the family needed him the most, he put their needs before his own and relinquished several college athletic scholarship offers so he could stay home and help his mother, Hazel, run the small five-acre farm.
The Balletto family was determined to make the business a success, and throughout the 1980s and 1990s they purchased parcels of land to gradually increase vegetable production. One of those properties is where the Balletto Vineyards winery stands today. By 1994, the Balletto family had grown the business into the largest vegetable farm in Northern California, growing more than 70 different vegetables on 700-plus acres. More than two million cases of mixed vegetables moved through the premises per year during its peak. Please now click on the link below,and join us as we feature a great interview with Anthony Beckman. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/balsb.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-38561300985167148732023-04-27T11:20:00.004-07:002023-11-20T11:06:12.772-08:00/ Sauvignon Blanc2022 Dry Creek Valley/2021 The Mariness/ New Vintages of these great Wines/Don Wallace/Dry Creek VineyardDon Wallace and I recently got together and tasted these two great wines from Dry Creek Vineyard. We opened the new vintages of these white wines,just in time for the holidays. My pick for Thanksgiving ,by the way! Please click on the links below to join Don Walalce and I as we discuss the last two vintages of these amazing wines. In this feature we will tell you about these two wines,and explore the tasting notes from Drycreekvineyard.com. 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek ValleyWinemaker Notes:
This delicious Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc reflects the vision of the second generation. Crafted from several distinct vineyard sites, this new blend incorporates Sauvignon Musqué and Sauvignon Gris clones for added complexity. The Sauvignon Musqué provides a vibrant and juicy weight to the palate. Just as some of the finest chateaux in Bordeaux use Sauvignon Gris, we also love the texture this varietal provides to the final blend. In expressing the Dry Creek Valley’s unique terroir, this beautiful wine displays bright, fruit-forward aromas and a full-bodied mouthfeel. At first swirl, this Sauvignon Blanc presents tropical aromas of passionfruit, guava, pineapple, ginger and white pepper. On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon, lime, nectarine and cucumber come through with a slightly creamy, but lively finish. Stainless steel fermentation was supplemented with small amounts of acacia, French oak and chestnut barrels, adding additional character and nuance to this delicious wine. We will also feature another amazing wine! 2021 The MarinessDry Creek Valley
Winemaker Notes:
The Mariness represents our vision to produce the finest Meritage wine from the Dry Creek Valley using the traditional, noble white Bordeaux varietals. Founder David S. Stare advocated artful blending of the Bordeaux varietals and introduced the practice to the California wine industry in the 1970s. The 2021 vintage of The Mariness displays aromas of passionfruit, guava and cucumber. After a few minutes, softer nuances of lemongrass come forward, mixed with hints of pineapple, key lime and geranium for added complexity. The palate is fresh and sophisticated with vibrant flavors of mango, peach and melon with notes of fresh herbs. The bright acidity of this refreshing wine is balanced by the creamy mouthfeel contributed by aging in acacia, French oak and chestnut barrels. With Don Wallace Agriculture is a natural way of life for Don Wallace, the product of four generations of a hard-working California farming family. Don’s interest in machinery took him away from the farm for fifteen years while he pursued a career in international construction. While he was on a project in Sonoma County in 1980, Don met Dry Creek Vineyard founder David Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare, whom he married in 1982. Don Wallace and I will be pairing these wines with dishes from local chefs ,in the very near future. When Don wasn’t frequenting the airways promoting Dry Creek Vineyard and regional sales programs around the country, he was an active industry advocate. Don was at the forefront of the sustainable farming movement in California. His work on sustainable issues has led him to take up a variety of important causes including salmon habitat restoration along the Dry Creek as well as water conservation issues in Sonoma County. He is a fellow of the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy. Please click on the link below and enjoy a great audio feature with Don Wallace and myself.Dry creek Vineyard at it's best! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a><a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dwhite1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dwhite2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>
Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-49769885242647493692023-04-26T11:42:00.002-07:002023-04-26T12:09:20.662-07:00Dry Creek Vineyard And Valette Healdsburg/ Tonight We enjoy the Best Of The Best/Last week Don Wallace and I joined forces at Valette Healdsburg. We matched many of his wines with the world class cuisine of Valette Healdsburg! In this feature we will have two features. First we will tell you of the great wines of Dry Creek Vineyard and also ad a second feature of the food and wine pairing of our first course. Our first two wines are the 2021 Dry Chenin Blanc and the 2022 Fume Blanc. Dry Creek Vineyard has been producing the Dry Chenin Clarksburg since 1972,and we matched this wine with a great dish from the Valette menu. The 2022 Fume Blanc also has been produced since 1972 by Dry Creek Vineyard.
Winemaker
Tim Bell, winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyard, has worked with a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Central Coast: still wine, sparkling, dessert, even Kosher. Tim’s creativity in blending and extensive experience shaping wine quality in the vineyard made him a great choice for the winemaking team at Dry Creek Vineyard starting in 2011. He graduated with honors in winemaking at UC Davis, learning the intricacies of wine chemistry and microbiology that inform his stylistic choices in creating delicious blends. With this education, and formative experiences in a previous career selling wine, Tim arrived at a balanced, complex winemaking style shaped by his precise palate and preference for wines that define their varietal character. Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli’s in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Valette was born from two brothers’ lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in our hometown of Healdsburg. Our goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. Please click on the links below and enjoy a great audio feature at Valette with Mr. Don Wallace and myself. I have also included a second link with the full feature on the two wines featured here. So first you can enjoy Don Wallace telling ud about these great wines,and then please join us as we pair these wines with great dishes from Valette Healdsburg. This is only the beginning ,as we have a number of great features from this world class winery and follow up features with Valette Healdsburg. Clcik on the links below and then click on the link at the bottom of the feature page. Enjoy! Cheers! We did save you a seat! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry12.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-65774278980779573562023-04-24T12:52:00.001-07:002023-11-20T10:52:29.841-08:00 Don Wallace/2021 Dry Chenin Blanc/2022 Fume Blanc/New Vintages and Perfect wines for Thanksgiving/Dry Creek Vineyard White WinesI traveled into the Dry Creek Valley recently,and visited with Mr. Don Wallace. Please click on the links below and listen to the new features on the new vintage of these great wines from dry Creek vineyard as we opened the new vintages of these wines. Just in time for the holidays.Don and I talked about many of his great wines that are produced by Dry Creek Vineyard. In this feature we will check out the tasting notes and history from their great website,and have completed an audio feature which you can listen to with the link below. We will start with a look at the great history of this Dry Creek Valley winery. The story of Dry Creek Vineyard and the Stare Wallace family isn’t one of fairy tales. There is no corporate mogul writing checks every month, or a day job in a lucrative industry to fund the winery. Our story is this: one dedicated family working day and night for five decades to turn what many considered an idealistic pipedream, into a reality that revolutionized the California wine industry. Agriculture is a natural way of life for Don Wallace, the product of four generations of a hard-working California farming family. Don’s interest in machinery took him away from the farm for fifteen years while he pursued a career in international construction. While he was on a project in Sonoma County in 1980, Don met Dry Creek Vineyard founder David Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare, whom he married in 1982.
With his father-in-law and wife in the wine business, Don’s next move was a stint among the vines at Murphy-Goode Estate Winery to “test drive” his new family’s industry. After one year, Don accepted his father-in-law’s offer to manage ranch operations at Dry Creek Vineyard in 1990. Don’s sphere of influence gradually grew to encompass every aspect of the business, including winery operations and sales, as well as vineyard development and acquisitions. Don took on the role of General Manager in 1999 and in April 2006, he was appointed President of Dry Creek Vineyard. In 2012, Don decided to take a well deserved sabbatical to pursue some outside interests as well as an extended list of honey do’s at home! more later but now our first wine feature!Tthe 2021 Dry Creek Chenin Blanc. We are proud to have produced Dry Chenin Blanc each and every year since our family winery was founded in 1972. Extremely versatile and food friendly, it is the perfect aperitif and one of our most beloved wines. Fermented in 100% stainless steel barrels, this beautiful wine is wonderfully bright and consistent vintage after vintage. At first swirl, aromatics of honeydew, watermelon and mango spring forward from the glass with floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. On the palate, the wine has refreshing flavors of peach, Meyer lemon and cucumber with hints of geranium, white tea and white pepper. The mouthfeel is soft but inviting, with a voluptuous texture. This classic, Loire Valley-style wine is excellent when paired with fresh oysters, seafood, or just about anything! We have two wines in this great feature. The second wine is The 2022 Fume Blanc Sonoma County. Since 1972, we have produced Fumé Blanc — a wine at the heart and soul of our family winery. Modeled after the classic wines from the Loire Valley in France, our stainless steel fermented Fumé Blanc is crisp, balanced and immediately drinkable. Our Fumé Blanc emanates the classic Dry Creek Vineyard “house” style of Sauvignon Blanc. Aromatics of lemon, lime and grapefruit leap forward from the glass with both fruit and floral nuances of nectarine, peach, jasmine and orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is intense and bright with passionfruit, tangerine and cucumber. Underlying minerality and hints of lemongrass, parsley and mango contribute to this wine’s refreshing, crisp finish. In the next few weeks we will be joined by local chefs and pair these wines with amazing dishes from great Sonoma County restaurants. Tonight Don Wallace and I will be meeting at Valette Healdsburg for the food and wine pairings of a lifetime, with chef Dustin Valette,and GM Harry Byran. We will add those features asap. now please join us by clicking on the link below,and we will pour you a glass of each of these great wines. WE saved you a seat! Cheers !! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dry1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dwhite1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/dwhite2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-54423187728987844322023-02-02T10:32:00.003-08:002023-02-02T10:32:33.018-08:00Davis Bynum and Rodney Strong Vineyards/ new Features/ Are You Hungry?We have three great new features. We will look at the great website and click on the links at the bottom of this page,and join us with these great new features. We have our first feature with the wines of Davis Bynum. These wines are incredible and the fruit sourcing is amazing. The first to produce single vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in 1973, Davis Bynum was instrumental in bringing the prestige to Russian River Valley vineyards, still acclaimed as one of California's finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir growing regions. Today, almost 50 years later, the heritage of Davis Bynum lives on through the hand-crafted creation of wines grown exclusively in Russian River Valley. We will also feature the wines of Rodney Strong Vineyards. Our story begins over 60 years ago, when a celebrated American dancer named Rod Strong settled in Sonoma County to pursue a second lifelong creative passion: winemaking. Rodney Strong Vineyards was the 13th winery bonded in the newly discovered Sonoma County wine industry. A trio of winemaking paths crossed when Rick Sayre joined the team as Winemaker in 1979, and again when the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers, purchased the winery in 1989 and initiated a renewed commitment of modern artisan winemaking. Through the years, Rodney Strong Vineyards has earned the reputation for critically acclaimed Single Vineyard and Reserve wines, stand out Estate releases and best-in-class Sonoma County varietal wine. Our third feature is on the wines of Upshot and Rodney Strong Vineyards. These wines are blends and very good. The end result of our winemaker's passion for blending flavorful, deeply nuanced and unique wines. Exclusively from vineyards in California's best wine growing regions, our blends offer a sumptuous, almost magical outcome of the growing season and winemaking process. Greg Morthole and I will save you a seat and expect you very soon. Cheers ! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/score1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/score2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/score3.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-85025806383104685002022-12-22T10:42:00.003-08:002022-12-22T10:43:51.306-08:00Joesph J. Wagner/ Great wines From Northern California/ Valette Healdsburg/the Best Of The BestWe have enjoyed these amazing wines from Copper Cane and winemaker Joesph J. Wagner. We have two more features with these wines and the cuisine of Valette Healdsburg. We will check out their website and tasting notes and then pair the wines with great dishes from the menu of Valette Healdsburg. With a focus on innovation and genuine craftsmanship, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions houses a collection of brands that are crafted to offer a touch of luxury for everyday indulgence. The current portfolio includes: Elouan Pinot Noir from Oregon, Belle Glos Pinot Noirs from prime California coastal vineyards, Beran Zinfandels of California, Carne Humana Red and White Blends from Napa Valley, and Steorra, a Brut Sparkling wine made of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in Sonoma County’s prestigious Russian River Valley. Our first wine will be the Napa Valley Cabernet from Quilt.
seamless blend of crème de cassis, hazelnut, cocoa, blackberry preserves, charred meat, and blackberry pie along with hints of dark licorice, stewed rhubarb, strawberry, spice and vanillin. Rich and satisfying flavors of dark chocolate, yogurt, molasses, brown sugar and rhubarb notes presented in perfect balance with higher-toned fruit emphasis. This wine is a perfect match with the menuy of Valette. "FOR NAPA VALLEY QUILT, I SOURCE FRUIT FROM A PATCHWORK OF PRIME NAPA VALLEY VINEYARDS TO CREATE A CLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON MADE IN THE STYLE MY FAMILY HAS ALWAYS LOVED." We have a second feature. This blend really made the day with this great blend of fruit. Expressive aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, and lightly toasted almonds with a hint of spices and vanilla. Complex flavors of ripe black cherry, cocoa, and hints of rosemary. Well balanced with a velvety mouthfeel, vibrant fruit, and soft tannins. The dream of Valette began nearly two decades ago between two brothers. While enjoying a glass of wine on their father's porch overlooking the beautiful Alexander Valley vineyards of Sonoma County, Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini envisioned opening a restaurant together which would provide a canvas for Sonoma County farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their craft. The restaurant would be located in Healdsburg, the heart of Sonoma County – and the location where their great-grandfather operated bakeries. They would serve high quality, yet honest food; offer warm and impeccable service; and house a collection of boutique, small production wines. At the time, Aaron was establishing himself as a dynamic server and sommelier in Sonoma County and Dustin was in New York learning the culinary craft that would be his lifelong passion. They never lost sight of their dream. In 2015, Valette Restaurant opened its doors to the public, showcasing the brothers’ combined forty-seven years of restaurant experience and a deep dedication to Sonoma County, its food, and its wine community. Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli’s in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Please join us and click on the links below,and enjoy two great audio features with these great pairings. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/wag3.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/wag4.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-30982276550422905072022-12-21T16:37:00.006-08:002022-12-21T20:53:56.048-08:00Copper Cane Wines and Provisions/Joesph J.Wagner/Winemaker/Valette Healdsburg/ Dream pairings from California Wine CountryRecently I was introduced to the wines of Copper Cane and Joesph J. Wagner. After visiting their warehouse, I have done features with Valette Healdsburg with these great California wines. In this feature we will open two of these wines and look at the websites to give you insight into the world class wines we have here. We have featured Valette Healdsburg, many times recently and feel this is a great match of world class wines and cuisine. first let's look at the tasting notes from the winemaker and then introduce our great friends at Valette. Our first wine is The Napa Valley Chardonnay from QuiltWines. Aromas of ripe pears, roasted almonds, buttered toast, honey, lychee, jasmine blossoms, freshly washed river gravel, lemon zest. Flavors of baked apple with vanilla drizzle, pineapple-mango cream, buttered toast, salty popcorn and lemon curd with notes of nectarine and cantaloupe. Joesph has his own approach to these wines. As you taste through our portfolio of wines, you will notice there is a common thread of character that each wine holds, while also showcasing the region and variety. When Joseph makes the decision to harvest, he looks at measures such as Brix, acidity and pH, but also takes in the physiology of the vines themselves. So though our wines exhibit differences due to growing region and grape variety, they all possess a shared character based on our method for determining the perfect moment to bring in the crop. This wine was a great pairing and we actaully got two dishes to go with this wine. We will have audio features and a link so that you can join us as we paired enjoyed the best of the best. today we will also feature a great Pinot Noir. BELLE GLOS 2020 LAS ALTURAS PINOT NOIR
Ruby red in color with fragrant aromas of blueberry pie, dried fig, kola nut and hints of coffee grounds. Dark berry fruit on the palate with flavors of blackberry pie, black cherry, creamy milk chocolate and subtle notes of nutmeg. Rich and structured, this wine has beautiful acidity that lingers through to a long, mouthwatering finish. the bottle is waxed and a beautiful package that would impress anyone on your holiday lists ! While each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant, varying with the amount of fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type at each site. Each Vineyard Designate is crafted to distill the purest essence of the locale into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir.
Owner/winemaker, Joe Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. As a fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker, Joe learned his way around a vineyard long before he was able to drink wine.
By the time he was 19 he knew that he would continue his family’s winemaking legacy, working alongside his father at Caymus Vineyards. In 2001, he created Belle Glos, with a focus on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from throughout California’s best coastal regions.
More recently, he has launched a number of new brands under Copper Cane Wines & Provisions. Joe has a keen interest in contributing to the evolution of the wine industry, by discovering new wine growing locations and through experimentation in the cellar.
Joe lives in Napa Valley, has six children, and maintains a healthy balance between his family life and a passionate dedication to his business. We have sat down with a great friend GENERAL MANAGER / HARRY BRYAN. Having an incredible passion for memorable food and beverage experiences, Harry Bryan is the perfect addition to work alongside executive chef, Nathan Davis and owners Aaron Garzini and Dustin Valette. Harry re-joins the Valette team as General Manager with over 20 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry. Harry comes to the property from award winning Timber Cove Resort on the Sonoma Coast where he was the Food & Beverage Director. His management experience also includes positions as Bar Manager with Heartland Brewery in New York City, Bar Manager and Floor Captain of the Versace House in Miami Beach, and General Manager of Mateo’s Cocina Latina in Healdsburg.
Valette was born from two brothers’ lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in our hometown of Healdsburg. Our goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. We will have two audio links at the bottom of this feature. Click on the link and join us as we pair these great wines with many dishes from this great restaurant. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/wag1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/wag2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129904907511262236.post-45955977942462599632022-11-17T10:57:00.000-08:002022-11-17T10:57:05.020-08:00Rodney Strong Vineyards /Davis Bynum/Dinner at The Matheson We have arrived at The Matheson.A great new restaurant in Healdsburg,California. Chef Valette's kitchen is a place of creative collaboration. The menu is an ever-changing reflection of our micro-season’s offerings. Prepared with finesse, each dish celebrates the land and the moment. Chef Matt Brimer’s menu is a modern ode to Healdsburg’s micro-seasonal ingredients,
exploring the possibilities of a locally foraged fungi from a secret stand on the slopes of rolling forest, or the range of a Purple Heart tomato cultivated from a farm within walking distance to the restaurant. For Chef Brimer and team, finding the limitlessness in the specific moment is a play of craft and passion. This will be my first time at The Matheson and will be joined by Greg Morthale winemaker for Davis Bynum and Rodney Strong vineyards. Greg Morthole started working for Rodney Strong Vineyards in 2005, when he accepted a job as lab director. His acumen for winemaking became immediately clear and he quickly ascended to associate winemaker in late 2007. In the spring of 2010, Greg was promoted to Davis Bynum Winemaker, overseeing all aspects operations and winemaking. Morthole first met Davis Bynum in the fall of 2010 and their relationship became a real friendship with regular lunch dates where they talked about a wide range of topics. “Davis was always gentleman and we grew to have a great relationship.” We will have three great features for you today,and please click on the links at the bottom to enjoy the audio features. The first to produce single vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in 1973, Davis Bynum was instrumental in bringing the prestige to Russian River Valley vineyards, still acclaimed as one of California's finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir growing regions. Today, almost 50 years later, the heritage of Davis Bynum lives on through the hand-crafted creation of wines grown exclusively in Russian River Valley. Please join us as we open a few great wines and enjoy the great dishes at The Matheson. Cheers! <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/math1.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/math2.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a> <a href="http://www.finewinesproductions.com/2011shows/math3.mp3" target="_blank">Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .</a>Docvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500398046467095262noreply@blogger.com0