Club Corner
Red Rogues Quarter 1: Kira Ballotta
For our first release of the year we will be focusing on the wines of Kira Ballotta. A fifth generation Californian from Sacramento, Kira’s love for economics and dream of working on Wall Street led her to the University of Washington, where she interned with Goldman Sachs and received a degree in finance. After graduation, she developed an interest in wine while analyzing winery M&A projects for an investment bank. This curiosity regarding the “goings-on” (in Kira’s words) behind the spreadsheet numbers led to a job with Constellation Brands, the parent company of labels such as The Prisoner, Booker, Sea Smoke, Lingua Franca, and Robert Mondavi Winery. While initially still on the finance side, Kira spent her spare time in Napa, doing cellar work with David Mahaffey for his small label, Olivia Brion. She grew to love the winemaking side, and quit her job to work harvest for The Prisoner, which led to an internship at Quintessa. She also studied microbiology and organic chemistry at UC Berkeley, and worked harvest abroad with Mollydooker in Australia. Upon returning from the latter, she landed a job at Alpha Omega as a production assistant, helping to kickstart the Two Squared line of wines. As Mahaffey planned his retirement, Kira took over the brand fully in 2019, and in 2021 she started her own brand Cantadora. She found that, while people enjoyed the stories of important women from the past that were told through Olivia Brion, she wanted to celebrate the achievements of modern trailblazing women. For the inaugural Cantadora bottling, Kira chose Sonia Melara, co-founder of La Casa Los Madres, the oldest domestic violence shelter in California (and a place where Kira had done volunteer work), as inspiration and label subject. She also donated 10% of the wine’s sales to the organization, a tradition that continues with every wine, woman and organization in the line. This, along with her focus on organically farmed sites, led to Kira’s inclusion in the Imbibe Magazine’s list, “75 Who Will Determine Food & Drinks in 2024 and Beyond”. Cheers! - Justin Malesheetz, Fillmore Wine Buyer Olivia Brion 2021 Willowside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Region/Country of Origin: Russian River Valley AVA, CA About the Winemaking: 100% Pinot Noir from Willowside Vineyard west of Santa Rosa. Aged for 21 months in a combination of 20% new French oak and 80% neutral French oak. Tasting Notes: Medium ruby in the glass, with a heady nose of pomegranate, mushrooms, cola, and dark cherry. Full bodied with silky tannins and balanced acidity, this is a dark fruited and immediately enjoyable wine that still has the complexity to pair well with food. Flavors of dark cherry, pomegranate, and cocoa with a licorice note on the ripe dark fruited finish. Winemaker: Kira Ballotta Price per bottle: $49.99+tax Suggested Food Pairing: Roast chicken or duck, smoked ham, teriyaki miso salmon Olivia Brion 2022 “Vie d’Espionnage” Shake Ridge Ranch Mourvedre Region/Country of Origin: Amador County AVA, CA About the vineyards: Organically farmed Shake Ridge Ranch sits at 1500 feet elevation in the Sierra Foothills, northeast of Sacramento. This site experiences warm days and very cool nights with an Alpine Influence dominating. The soil is a blend of Volcanic, Quarzite and Alluvial. The site is farmed by Ann Kraemer, a renowned viticulturist with over 25 years of experience managing vineyards and consulting for such wineries as Domaine Chandon, Cain, Calera, Hobbs, and Shafer before buying 34 acres in Amador County in the early 00’s and planting Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Barbera, Tempranillo, and Rhone varieties in 2003 and an additional 12 acres planted in 2009. About the Winemaking: 100% Mourvedre aged for 21 months in neutral French oak Tasting Notes: A deep ruby in the glass with a dark savory nose bringing to mind red plum, fresh dark berries, and meaty iron notes. On the fuller side of medium bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity, this wine sings with fresh red and black fruit flavors along with a dark mineral character rounded out with savory herb and meaty notes on the finish. Winemaker: Kira Ballotta Price per bottle: $38.99+tax Suggested Food Pairing: sauteed mushrooms, pot roast, smoked cheddar, baba ganoush, lentils Cantadora 2021 “The Energizer for the Ages” Shake Ridge Ranch Rhone Blend Region/Country of Origin: Amador County AVA, CA About the Vineyards: Organically farmed Shake Ridge Ranch sits at 1500 feet elevation in the Sierra Foothills, northeast of Sacramento. This site experiences warm days and very cool nights with an Alpine Influence dominating. The soil is a blend of Volcanic, Quarzite and Alluvial. The site is farmed by Ann Kraemer, a renowned viticulturist with over 25 years of experience managing vineyards and consulting for such wineries as Domaine Chandon, Cain, Calera, Hobbs, and Shafer before buying 34 acres in Amador County in the early 00’s and planting Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Barbera, Tempranillo, and Rhone varieties in 2003 and an additional 12 acres planted in 2009. About the Winemaking: 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah aged for 20 months in 20% new French oak. Tasting Notes: Deep violet with a nose of garrigue, graphite , black plum, and dark berries. Medium bodied and plush with firm tannins and balanced acidity frame flavors of black plum, chocolate covered berries, and a savory finish. Winemaker: Kira Ballotta Price per bottle: $39.99+tax Suggested Food Pairing: carnitas, roasted peppers, beef stew,
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August 2024 Wine of the Month
SPANISH VARIETALS IN CALIFORNIA The sun-drenched hills and valleys of California have long been celebrated for their world-class Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But recently, a new wave of grape varieties is gaining momentum: Spanish grapes. From the crisp Albariño to the bold Tempranillo, these Spanish varieties thrive in the region's similar climate and soils, creating exciting and unique wines for adventurous palates. Spain's flagship variety is Tempranillo, a red grape which is especially prominent in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Tempranillo offers flavors of cherry, plum, tomato, and tobacco, with a structure suitable for aging, revealing leather and vanilla nuances when oaked. Albariño, hailing from Spain's Rías Baixas region, has found a comfortable home in the west coast's mild climate. With notes of nectarine and honeydew suggesting subtle sweetness, this dry, light-bodied wine is best served chilled, making it an ideal companion for a variety of seafood dishes. The history of Spanish wine grapes in California is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange and agricultural adaptation. Vineyard planting in the state began with Spanish Franciscan Missionaries who were starting California’s first mission: Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769. Just as palm trees were planted so there would be palm fronds for Palm Sunday, vineyards were planted so there would be wine for communion. That first variety, planted by Father Junipero Serra, became so ubiquitous that it became known as the Mission grape (which is believed to be a type of Listán Prieto), which was the preeminent variety until 1880. During prohibition (1920-1933), the wine industry suffered greatly, but after its repeal, there was a resurgence in interest in wine production, including Spanish varieties. From the 1960s onward, California winemakers began exploring and experimenting with a variety of grape types, including those with Spanish origins. This era saw an increasing interest in diversity and quality in wine production. Tempranillo has been in California for over a century, as Frederic Bioletti brought it here in 1905, where it received a cool reception not only due to the encroaching era of Prohibition, but also because of the grape's dislike of hot, dry climates. It was much later, during the 1980s, that Californian Tempranillo wine production began to flourish, following the establishment of suitably mountainous sites. Production in this area has more than doubled since 1993. Albarino is a much more recent arrival; in 1992, vine cuttings thought to be from Adegas Morgadio, near the Minho River that marks Spain's border with Portugal, quietly arrived on these shores and were planted by Brian Babcock in Santa Barbara County. Our Tempranillo (from Paso Robles) and our Albarino (from Russian River) for this month’s club are very unique to California, as both of these grapes are grown in very small amounts, as neither accounted for more than 0.28 percent of 2018’s grape crush. This recent surge in popularity of Spanish varieties can be attributed to several factors. The Mediterranean climate of coastal California, with its warm days and cool nights, mirrors the growing conditions of Spain's renowned wine regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Additionally, the limestone-rich soils of certain California AVAs offer ideal drainage and minerality, much like those found in Spain. This shared terroir allows these Spanish grapes to express themselves authentically while also adding a touch of California sunshine and personality. Cheers, Carrie Upson-GM and Wine Buyer 2019 CaliPaso Tempranillo Region / Country of Origin: Estrella District AVA, Paso Robles, California About the winemaker: Enrique was born and raised in Zihuatanejo, Mexico and left to follow the American Dream. His wine journey started in 2001 on his arrival to Paso Robles where he worked as a cellar rat, then cellar master at Martin Weyrich Winery. He then went to a large production winery, SVP, where he learned the business end of the wine industry. He later went on to work at a small custom crush facility where he developed his skills in boutique wine production. At CaliPaso he finds the perfect balance between these large and small environments. In 2012 he started his own boutique winery that specializes in Spanish varietals grown locally on the Central Coast. About the winemaking: Handpicked, 100% destemmed in stainless steel vessels. Cold soaked for 48 hours prior to fermentation, then fermented at 55F° to slowly break the berries and preserve full aromatics and mouthfeel. Aged for 36 months in American oak barrels to fully develop the typicity of tempranillo. Tasting Notes: The 2019 Tempranillo is a beautifully balanced expression of the grape. With a brilliant ruby hue, it features rich aromas of ripe blackberries and cherries, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and leather. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of fruit, tannin, and acidity, resulting in a full-bodied wine with an enduring, spicy finish. Winemaker: Enrique Torres Price: $22.99 btl/$248.29 cs Suggested Food Pairing: Its robust structure and complex flavor profile makes it an ideal pairing for hearty meats and aged cheeses. 2023 Picayune Albarino Region / Country of Origin: Rusty Gate Farm, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California About the Winemaker: Claire- a French native- arrived in 2006 in California at the invitation of winemaker Paul Hobbs. Before that, she worked in the wine industry in Chile and Argentina. Claire operated a marketing and business development company focused on helping fantastic producers including Matthiasson Wines, Anomaly Vineyards, Morlet Family Estate, Cowhorn Winery and more. Claire now focuses only on Picayune Cellars. She lives in Calistoga with husband Aron Weinkauf -Winemaker at Spottswoode Winery and their children Celeste & Hugo. About the winemaking: 90% in neutral French oak and stainless steel barrels- Stirred on the lees. 10% anaerobic native ferment “baggy style”. Hand pressed. Only 17 Barrels produced. The labels with the white embossed Navajo blanket are her more personal wines. She makes less than 10 barrels of these wines, which always have a special quote and dedication to someone special to her on the back label. Tasting Notes: Fresh apple on the nose. The palate is smooth and juicy with peach and mango flavors. The wine shows a lot of texture with a nice balance and finish. Rich, fresh and generous. Winemaker: Claire Weinkauf Price: $25.99 btl/$280.69 cs Suggested Food Pairing: Drink on its own or pair with seafood (try ceviche!), poultry, spicy food and anything that inspires you.
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Wine of the Month Club - February 2023
February 2023 While the winemakers themselves rightly receive the most credit for their creations, it definitely took a vineyard, likely several, to raise whatever you might have in your glass at the moment. And with land being so expensive, especially in California, most winemakers do not own vineyards. Instead, they depend on close, complicated, symbiotic and sometimes fraught relationships with growers. Some of the latter, like Andy Beckstoffer, are as famous and powerful as any of the vintners they supply; many are tiny, single farmer operations. All contribute crucial ingredients to one of the twenty million or so bottles the state produces each year. This month we are trellising two excellent outgrowths of these relationships. Cadre Winery in Edna Valley and Elevated Surfaces in Healdsburg each produce idiosyncratic, highly personal labors of love and memory made possible by close collaboration with their vineyards partners. They also both work with some traditionally Austrian and German varietals which, like so many other non-native grapes, can flourish here given the right Golden State micro-climate. Gruner Veltliner (which literally means ‘green grape from the village of Veltlin in the Tirol' in German) is Austria’s most widely planted varietal, and in recent years has come to rival Riesling on wine lists and store shelves around the world. This popularity is pretty easy to understand; it’s hard to make a bad Gruner, and at its best, the grape is age-worthy, capable of wonderful complexity and regional distinctiveness, and pairs well with difficult food matches like artichokes and asparagus. California’s Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo County is the coolest climate AVA in the state, with one of the longest growing seasons on the west coast - ideal conditions for great Gruner. Cadre owner John Niven’s roots in the area run deep; his grandfather Jack was a pioneer of Edna Valley viticulture, planting the iconic Paragon Vineyard shortly after John was born. Though his family sold the vineyard, John has continued to work with the manager there and the nearby Jack Ranch Vineyard to produce ‘Band of Stones’, a wonderfully ripe and flavorful New World Gruner that retains all the vital acidity of its Old World inspiration. Elevated Surface’s Stefan Daniels grew up in the German wine growing region of the Palatinate, and studied Viticulture and Oenology in Weisberg, Germany, before moving to California some 40 years ago to work in the wine business. He is the owner of Kelter wines in Healdsburg, and a Sales and Field Representative for Duarte Nursery, one of the world’s largest permanent crop nurseries, located in the Central Valley. He started Elevated Surfaces with the twin goals of producing uniquely flavor driven wines from some of California’s best appellations and supporting students in need of financial assistance, via the Claire Daniels Memorial Fund, so named for Stefan’s late daughter, and to which proceeds from the wines are donated. The Cuvee Laurent Noir comes from the Ricci vineyard in Carneros, which features the only plantings in the state of Saint Laurent, a highly aromatic, dark-skinned grape that is cross between Pinot Noir and another unidentified grape variety, possibly Savagin. Fittingly, Ricci’s vines were seeded by a rare St. Laurent clone originating in Kallstadt, a town in Stefan’s native Palatinate. His bottling is a fine example of this varietal’s distinctive but approachable and food-friendly charms. Cheers, The PlumpJack Wine Buying Team Cadre ‘Band of Stones’ Gruner Veltliner 2021 Region / Country of Origin: Edna Valley, California About the winemaking: This Grüner comes from three different SIP Certified Sustainable vineyards in the extreme cool climate of the Edna Valley. The majority of this wine hails from block 168 of the Paragon Vineyard. The block is made up of well drained soils with flecks of limestone and an underlying layer of residual material weathered from sandstone, shale, and mudstone. In 2020, Cadre started to work with Grüner from the Jack Ranch vineyard located on the northwest edge of the AVA lines as well. The vines are planted on one of the steepest sites in the Edna Valley and is made up of some of the sandiest soils in the region. This vintage adds a new site with the Morro View Vineyard. This vineyard is a few miles deeper into the valley and lays on a small knoll wide open to the ever present coastal winds. Tasting Notes: Aromatically this wine leads with a salty citrus edge and white pepper earth tones. Spice defines the vintage and definitely leads the aromatics. It is backed by floral notes of orange blossom and white flowers. The palate features a harmonious balance of ripeness, verve and energy. A base of salty citrus, ginger and white pepper mingle with grapefruit that all lead to a savory zesty finish drenched in minerality. This wine touches both sides of the Grüner spectrum, bright, fresh and vibrant along with texture and a fullness that showcases what makes Edna Valley white wines unique. Winemaker: John Niven/Shanna Vanderstoel Price: $24 btl/$259.20 Suggested Food Pairing: Artichokes, Grilled Asparagus, Fish And Chips Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with dill Chicken with Herb Crusting Elevated Surface Cuvée Laurent Noir 2019 Region / Country of Origin: Ricci Vineyard, Carneros, California About the winery: Elevated Surface is a small production brand of Kelter Wines, founded in 2017 by Stefan Daniels. With over 40 years of experience in the California wine industry, Stefan has a wealth of knowledge in vine growing and winemaking. From the very start of his career, he believed that "great winemaking starts in the vineyard." For this reason, Stefan sources the grapes for his wines from the Ricci Vineyard, situated south of Sonoma in the Los Carneros region overlooking San Pablo Bay. Working closely with the owner, Dale Ricci, Stefan can ensure that the highest quality grapes are grown for his winemaking. Cold mornings and cool daytime temperatures, combined with loam and alluvial clay soils, create the perfect conditions for Elevated Surface's Saint Laurent, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. About the winemaking: The grapes ripened very late in the year, in October, a welcome development. Unfortunately, upon the arrival of the grapes, the winery lost power for five days, necessitating hand sorting and whole cluster transfer to the fermentation bins. This fermentation method, also known as semi-carbonic maceration, occurs from the inside out of the grape berry. The result is an aromatic, elegant wine with lovely spice tones. After a long and slow fermentation, the wine was gently pressed and transferred to the barrel for 14 months of aging. Tasting Notes: Bright, aromatic with fresh, dark cherries, plum, violets aromas and a hint of five-spice powder note. Soft round tannins with elegant structure and balanced acidity. Winemaker: Stefan Daniels Price: $26 Suggested Food Pairings: Roast Duck, Mushroom Risotto, Tuna Steak in Lemon and Tomato Sauce Glazed BBQ Pork Ribs
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January Rose of the Month Club
While not the most popular or widely planted (prolly Cab Sauv on both counts), Pinot Noir might be the consummate wine grape. The source material for some of the planet’s priciest and most elusive bottlings in red Burgundy, as well as a at least a few bricks in the discount pyramid at the grocery store, it’s a varietal you’ll encounter almost everywhere because it does most everything - ride solo, pair with food, reflect terroir - well. Except share the spotlight: aside from a few exceptions-that-prove-the-rule (Champagne, Passetoutgrain) Pinot Noir doesn’t really participate in blends. It is expensive and difficult to grow, and the same perfect pitch that allows it to render its environment so precisely means other grapes risk garbling the signal. Pinot needs space to preen, in other words, but that makes it a great partner for rosé, which lives by its lustre. A well made Rose of Pinot Noir, as the syntax insists, will first and foremost reflect its varietal point of origin; you’re guaranteed great color, vivid red fruit and tensile acid. But Pinot’s sense of place also prevents the local color from bleaching out entirely. To start this New Year and illustrate the point, we are staying local with a duo of Pinots from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Carneros, just two of the Golden State’s seemingly endless shades of pink. In a relatively short span of time the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has achieved superstar status. Located about 150 miles south of San Francisco and about 50 southeast of Monterey, the region boasts 6,000 acres of vines ‑ primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah ‑ planted on terraces below the Santa Lucia mountain range. The region’s climate is shaped by the morning fog and strong winds funneled daily down the Salinas Valley along with warm sunshine affording it one of the longest and coolest growing seasons in California. Steve McIntyre is a known viticulturist in Central California and have been making wines since 1973 and farms over 16,000 acres across Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties with a quarter of their vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. McIntyre was among the first properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands to be SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certified. Steve produces incredibly intense and complex Pinot Noirs and well-structured, concentrated Chardonnays in addition to this crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir Rosé. The Carneros AVA is located in the southern tip of the Napa valley next to Sonoma and is a well known for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (though it’s worth noting that it’s not the only region in Napa Valley to produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). Though long recognized for producing premium quality Pinot and Chardonnay, recent vintages have achieved global press recognition which has further skyrocketed its popularity and giving Sonoma County wines a run for its money. Bouchaine is the oldest continuously operating winery in Carneros with their focus on craft producing vibrant, exciting wines with influence of Burgundy, the exuberance of California and the terroir of Carneros. They make over 20 wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chris Kajani is the winemaker and General Manager at Bouchaine, a big Burgundy enthusiast, she has built her winemaking career around crafting worthy California wines. After almost a decade working with Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as Saintsbury’s winemaker, she joined the Bouchaine family as head winemaker and general manager in 2015. Think Pink, Carrie Upson General Manager 2021 McIntyre Rosé of Pinot Noir Region/Country of Origin: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA About the Vineyards: Sourced from the McIntyre Estate Vineyard located in the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County, California. This estate vineyard was purpose-grown for production of this rose of Pinot Noir. The vines are planted in north-south orientation, which benefits from even southern sun exposure in the afternoon and also enjoys cool morning fog. About the Winemaking: McIntyre takes a very minimalistic and non-interventional style to allow the grape and terroir to speak for themselves. The grapes were hand harvested and hand sorted to retain proper acidity and maintain alcohol levels to below 14%. The wine is mostly fermented in stainless steel tanks, but 10% is fermented in neutral oak barrels to soften and add a little richness to the final product. Tasting Notes: This wine’s natural, vibrant copper color foreshadows the stunning aromas of fresh berry, watermelon, rhubarb, black cherry pie and currants. While the bouquet is open and forthright, the texture is a bit more mysterious. One moment it is dry, crisp and refreshing; the next it is bold, plush and opulent. The finish, as you might expect, is pure, full and satisfying. Winemaker: Steve McIntyre Price per bottle / Price per case: $13 Suggested Food Pairing: Salmon Roasted Chicken Salads with cheese 2021 Bouchaine Rosé of Pinot Region/Country of Origin: Carneros AVA About the Vineyards: Located in the southern border of Napa Valley in the Carneros AVA, Bouchaine’s 100 acre estate vineyard overlooks the San Francisco bay with the City off in the distance. Fog, wind, and the cold nighttime temperatures lend to this distinctive regional identity to Bouchaine wines. About the Winemaking: 85% whole cluster pressed and 15% saignée. Clusters are harvested at low sugars and directly presses the wine similar to their Chardonnay. The juice is fermented in tank to preserve the freshness and aromatics, no oak contact. The saignée portion of the blend was “bled”from tank (saignée is a French term meaning “to bleed”) on the second day after crushing Pinot Noir grapes. This concentrates the juice on the skins for the lush Pinot Noir and gives a bit of light, lively juice. Tasting Notes: Nose exudes fresh picked strawberry, juicy watermelon and guava, while the palate shows layers of white nectarine, cantaloupe and more melon. This fun and vibrant wine grabs your palate and does not let go. Winemaker: Chris Kajani Price per bottle / Price per case: $28 Suggested Food Pairing: Oysters Paté Poached shrimp Dungeness Crab
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September 2022 Rose of the Month Club
Every day in California is a celebration of viticulture. The Golden State is the fourth leading wine producer in the world, after Italy, France, and Spain, and responsible for 85% of all US wine production. There are 5,900 wine grape growers and 4,200 bonded wineries across 138 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in the state, from the tiny Seiad Valley just south of the Oregon border to the sprawling South Coast AVA that reaches all the way to Mexico. Altogether, California farms 635,000 acres of vines, planted to 110 different varietals, that yield almost 4 million tons of grapes annually (1 ton = 63 cases of finished wine.) September is specifically designated as California Wine Month, and with good reason - it falls right in the middle of harvest. From August to November, local wine labor is an all-hands-on-deck feat of ceaseless grape picking, sorting and crushing. It is the culmination of the previous year’s painstaking cultivation, and the foundation on which the entire industry - from distribution to retail and hospitality - rests. Our roses this month are both outstanding realizations of California harvests’ past; they are a great excuse to raise a glass to the immense collective effort of the moment, and to the promise of the good times to come it represents. Think Pink! Carrie Upson- General Manager Skinner Rosé 2020 Region: El Dorado County, California About the Winery: Kevin and Kathy Skinner were headed home to Santa Cruz from Lake Tahoe when Kathy spotted “Skinners, CA” near Rescue on an old, dog-eared map. They couldn’t help but take the short detour and have a look around, and, they discovered that a Scottish miner named James Skinner had done well enough during the gold rush to purchase land and plant the vast vineyards that became J. Skinner Winery and Distillery, one of the first wineries in the nation in 1861. Could it be possible that the roots of those vines were somehow connected to Kevin’s own family’s heritage? Having lost both of his parents and unaware of his family’s history, Kevin’s father, Mike, soon learned that James Skinner was indeed his great, great, great grandfather. Joined by his wife, Carey, they traveled to the area within two weeks, and soon purchased 25 acres a few miles from the original property with a commitment to honor what James had originally built, including the same varieties of vines that he planted a century and a half earlier. By 2007 they had acquired more vineyards and land upon a ridge top on the steep green hills around Fair Play and began building the now acclaimed Skinner Vineyards & Winery. About the winemaking: The 2020 Rose was made with intention. Each lot was selected specifically for rose production and farmed and harvested accordingly. The fruit from each lot was hand-sorted, macerated for 6 hours, and cold-pressed. The juice was settled and blended into a combination of concrete and stainless steel for an entirely native fermentation. Malolactic conversion was arrested early on in order to retain natural acidity, and bottled soon after to capture freshness. 54% Counoise 26% Mourvèdre 12% Grenache 8% Cinsault. Tasting notes: The 2020 rosé is wild and snappy, with brilliant aromatics of guava, lavender, lingonberry and citrus peel. The wine boasts a vivid deluge of ruby red grapefruit, punctuated with tangy floral accents. Winemaker: Seth Hunt Price per bottle/Price per case: $20 btl/ $216 case Suggested Food Pairing: Roast chicken with herbs Grilled cheese with prosciutto Asparagus Salad with sunny side up egg Crab Risotto Morgan Rosé of Grenache 2021 Region: Arroyo Secco, Monterey, California About the Winemaker: Coming from a small town in California’s Central Valley, Dan Morgan Lee had prepared initially for the study of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis. It was late in his college career that he discovered enology satisfied his interest in both science and agriculture. Immediately enrolling in the graduate enology program, Dan completed his studies and was hired as winemaker at Jekel Winery in Monterey County. After serving his apprenticeship at Jekel, Dan moved up the road to Durney Vineyard where he continued to make Monterey wines. While making wine full-time for Durney, Dan aspired to craft his own label. It was at a meeting of the Monterey County Winegrowers Association that he shared his vision with a banker. In addition to becoming his business advisor, that banker would also become Dan's wife In 1982, Dan and Donna Lee opened the doors of Morgan Winery. Their very first Monterey Chardonnay earned a Gold Medal at the LA County Fair and a Platinum Medal from Wine & Spirits Magazine. Since then, Morgan has become one of the Central Coast’s most recognized labels, earning “Winery of the Year” honors from Wine & Spirits in 1996 and from the San Francisco Chronicle in 2003. About the winemaking: Located on the west side of the Salinas Valley, the Arroyo Seco Appellation is uniquely characterized by an ancient riverbed (arroyo seco means ‘dry river’) surrounded by alluvial benchlands. Well-drained, stone-laden soil and cool coastal influence from nearby Monterey Bay yield grapes with concentrated flavor and balanced acidity. This Rosé of Grenache is produced using fruit dedicated solely to rosé production, picked at lower sugar and higher acids. The grapes were destemmed and left to macerate for one hour, then pressed. Its clean fermentation yielded a wine with bright fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, making it light and approachable. Fermented in stainless and aged in neutral oak and stainless for four months. 524 cases produced. Tasting notes: Lively aromas of watermelon, bubblegum, and grapefruit blossom are followed by flavors of ruby grapefruit and strawberry. Dry and medium bodied, this wine is incredibly versatile. Winemaker: Dan Morgan Lee Price per bottle/Price per case: $20 btls/ $216 case Suggested Food Pairing: Baba Ghanoush Mediterranean Chopped Butter Chicken Ratatouille Salad Butter Chicken
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September Wine of the Month: Celebrating California
Every day in California is a celebration of viticulture. The Golden State is the fourth leading wine producer in the world, after Italy, France, and Spain, and responsible for 85% of all US wine production. There are 5,900 wine grape growers and 4,200 bonded wineries across 138 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in the state, from the tiny Seiad Valley just south of the Oregon border to the sprawling South Coast AVA that reaches all the way to Mexico. Altogether, California farms 635,000 acres of vines, planted to 110 different varietals, that yield almost 4 million tons of grapes annually (1 ton = 63 cases of finished wine.) But September is specifically designated as California Wine Month, and with good reason - it falls right in the middle of harvest. From August to November, local wine labor is an all-hands-on-deck feat of almost ceaseless grape picking, sorting and crushing. It is the culmination of the previous year’s painstaking cultivation, and the foundation on which the entire industry - from distribution to retail and hospitality - rests. Our two wines this month are both outstanding realizations of California harvests’ past; they are a great excuse to raise a glass to the immense collective effort of the moment, and to the promise of future toasts it represents. In the last 20 years, arguably no wine region has experienced a wine boom like that of Paso Robles. In 2000, this once sleepy farming area halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles had 100 bonded wineries and 15,000 acres planted to grapes. Today it has over 270 wineries, with 32,500 acres of grapes. It is a large, diverse appellation located within northern San Luis Obispo County, just six miles from the Pacific Ocean, comprising a number of distinctive grape-growing regions. There are over 45 soil types found in the Paso Robles AVA, primarily bedrock-derived soils from weathered granite, older marine sedimentary rocks, and volcanic rocks. There are also younger marine sedimentary rocks of the Monterey Formation from the Miocene Age, composed of calcareous shale, sandstone, or mudstone. Caliza (“limestone” in Spanish) is an exemplary Paso Robles winery: founded in 2005 by Carl Bowker it occupies 28 organically farmed hillside acres planted in 24 unique blocks to a host of Rhone varietals. The End of the Day Cuvee is a special blend made in tribute to the vineyard workers at Caliza and elsewhere; full, lush and layered, its quality is a testament to the skill and dedication of the men and women who inspired it. With one exception, coastal mountain ranges from Alaska down to the tip of South America run north/south to parallel their nearby shorelines. The exception is in Santa Barbara County, California, where the Santa Ynez Mountains break this rule, and open up to run east/west for about 40 miles. This east/west gap funnels cool air from the coast up to the foothills at the base of Figueroa Mountain every morning and late afternoon, but allows for enough mid-day sun to ripen wine grapes perfectly. Santa Barbara County’s diverse range of climates and soils supports seven AVAs: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District, Happy Canyon, and Alisos Canyon. The Brick Barn winery is located on 35 acres at the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Santa Barbara’s largest, near the town of Buellton. Just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, it is uniquely situated between the warmer inland areas of the valley and the cooler environs of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. There are 9 varietals planted in total, including Viognier, whose vivid aromatics and vibrant acidity benefit from this confluence of sandy riverbed soils and maritime breezes. Cheers, The PlumpJack Wine Team Caliza Winery End of The Day Cuvee 2018 Region / Country of Origin: Paso Robles, California About the winery: Born and raised in Hawaii, Carl Bowker began his farming experience while tagging along with his father, an irrigation specialist to local farms. Upon graduating from the University of Hawaii, Carl left for California to join the corporate world. After several decades he decided that a desk job wasn’t for him and began the pursuit of his passion for wine. He graduated from Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology Associate program in 2004; a subsequent stint in France made it clear to Carl that he wanted to make Rhone varietals in California. In 2005, Carl and his wife Pam planted their 20 acre hillside vineyard in the Templeton Gap on the Westside of Paso Robles and started Caliza. About the winemaking: Organic composts are spread in the late fall followed by a healthy cover crop being grown from the nourishment of winter rains. These cover crops do well to feed bees, insects, and all the other biodiversity on the property. By late spring the cover crops are mowed down to provide much needed mulch to help feed the surface roots of each plant. Irrigation is minimized to allow for the plants to reach deep into the soils in search of water and nutrients. The 2018 End of the Day Cuvee is a blend of 46% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah, 16% Tannat. 340 cases produced. Tasting Notes: Aromas of ripe red raspberry, plum, cherries, and fig jam lead to rustic earthy notes and savory tapenade on the palate. Sweet tobacco leaf, sage, and holiday spice all lift from the glass to awaken your senses as you enjoy the smooth mouth-filling characters and a lengthy finish that round out this appealing wine. Winemaker: Carl Bowker $26 bottle/ $280.8 case Suggested Food Pairing: Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Braised Lamb with Potatoes Brick Barn Viognier 2019 Region / Country of Origin: Santa Ynez Valley, California About the Winery: Brick Barn Wine Estate founder, Norman Williams, originally purchased this land from the Buell family (founders of Buellton) in 1968. Shortly thereafter, the property became home to an Arabian horse farm, replete with a 36-stall brick barn created by an Italian stonemason in the early 1970s. Norman and his wife Kathleen were drawn to the idea of growing grapes—and ultimately making wine. In 2012, they planted 35 acres. The specific varieties were chosen for their synergy with the estate’s unique growing conditions, and because both Norman and Kathleen were passionate about them. About the winemaking: The Viognier fruit was harvested on September 20th after a long, steady growing season. The juice was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks with Aroma White yeast, which was chosen to accentuate the fruit’s naturally bright flavors and floral aromatics. After fermentation, wine was racked to stainless steel tanks for cold stabilization at 30 degrees, then racked one month later to cold age in stainless steel for another nine months prior to bottling. Tasting Notes: The 2019 Viognier offers lively aromas of honeysuckle, peach and melon with hints of citrus blossom. A beautifully poised mouthfeel unfolds with refreshing flavors of pear, apricot and tangerine, all carried by an undercurrent of luscious acidity. A clean, exquisite finish lingers with hints of mineral and lime zest. Winemaker: Adrian Bolshoi $24 bottle / $259.2 case Suggested Food Pairing: Seared Scallops Pad Thai
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