Category Archives: Travels

Sommelier, Travels, Wine

Wineries Register now for Telluride Wine Festival!

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Ever dream of the  high-altitude splendors in summertime?  Bring your wines to share and enjoy the spectacular scenes of Telluride, Colorado!  This marks my third year as Wine Director and I look forward to the many festive events including my educational seminars, wine pairing meals, The Grand Tasting and more!

If you are interested in joining us June 28-July 1, then please contact wine@sawyersomm.com to inquire about options that might suit you! 

Wineries can sign-up online at this site: Telluride Wine Festival 2018 Registration

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Event, Travels, Wine

Attack of the Clones! Or WOPN Strikes Back on March 2-3

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Will you be at World of Pinot Noir (WOPN) on March 2-3? If you will be at this Santa Barbara event then please be sure to sign up for my special Saturday seminar ATTACK OF THE CLONES!

A panel of winemakers and I will lead you during my fun and educational seminar. You will get to learn – and taste – the difference between many key Pinot Noir grape clones.  Panelists include:

  • Greg Morthole – Davis Bynum
  • Heidi Bridenhagen – MacRostie Winery & Vineyards
  • Ben Papapietro – Papapietro Perry Winery
  • Amy Thorn – Thorn Hill Vineyards
  • Ben Cane – Westwood Estate Winery

Get your tickets!

Festivals, Travels, Wine

Aromatic White Wine Festival: February 24-25

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Are you ready to #GoMendo?  Join me this weekend at the 13th Annual Aromatic White Wine Festival in Anderson Valley:  A celebration of Alsace  varietals from around the globe.   (Formerly known as the Alsace Festival).

It all begins Saturday morning, February 24, with Educational Sessions, then the afternoon Grand Tasting with over 100 aromatic white wines, perfectly paired with locally prepared small bites.  Followed by an evening Winemaker Dinner at Scharffenberger Cellars focused on locally sourced ingredients and perfectly paired with exquisite wines.  Sunday February 25 commences the Winery Open Houses, at participating tasting rooms.  See the list of wineries and purchase tickets HERE! 

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Some fine examples of past #GoMendo adventures!

 

Judging, Travels, Wine

Results! 11th annual American Fine Wine Competition

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As some of you may know already, I spent the middle of January in the balmy climes of Miami.  It is a ritual these past few years to participate in judging at the American Fine Wine Competition.  Lucky for you as well that I have some splendid results for your perusal.  This is a partial list, but you can check the  AFWC website for final results in the next few days.

The 2018 Top Awards
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE TOP WINNERS

BEST OF SHOW

Selfie with Carol Shelton, who won the best Red Wine at the AFWC!

Sparkling Wine
Domaine Carneros 2011 Le Reve, Carneros ($110)

White Wine
Fox Run Vineyards 2015 Riesling, Finger Lakes ($18)

Red Wine
Carol Shelton Wines 2013 Petite Sirah “Florence”, Dry Creek ($40)

Sweet/Dessert Wine
Ferrante Winery Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, Ohio 2016 ($30)

BEST OF CLASS

Sauvignon Blanc: TIE!
Hoopes Family Vineyard 2016 $35
and Kelleher Family Vineyard 2016 $34

Chardonnay: Eleven Eleven Wines 2015 $95

Dry Rosé: Shadowbox Cellars 2016 $35

Pinot Noir: Mi Sueno Winery 2013 $55

Zinfandel: Brown Estate Chiles Valley 2015 $55

Cabernet Franc: Detert Family Vineyards 2015 $95

Merlot: Muscardini Cellars 2015 $60

Syrah: Klinker Brick “Farrah” 2014 $65

Red Bordeaux-style Blend: Ahnfeldt Wines “Quid Pro Quo” 2015 $59

Cabernet Sauvignon: Frank Family Vineyards Rutherford Reserve 2015 $95

Other Red Single Varietal: VIE Winery “L’Intruse” Mourvedre 2014 $45

Grenache VIE Winery “L’Imaginaire” 2014 $45

Other White Single Varietal: Reustle-Prayer Rock Vyds, Gruner Veltliner “Smaragd” 2015 $25

Other Red Blend: Buena Vista “The Sheriff” 2016 $40

Hanging with my judging crew!
Tasting, Travels, Wine

Free Passes! Experience The Big Crush, October 7-8 Weekend

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Amador County is calling you! Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Big Crush and enjoy the fall harvest. There will be more than 40 wineries open with scrumptious food pairings and live entertainment, all in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Foothills.  First person to email wine@sawyersomm.com gets 2 FREE tickets! 

We last attended in 2015 and made stops by Turley Wine Cellars, Terra D’Oro, Andis Wines, Dobra Zemlja Winery, Terre Rouge/Easton Wines and Vino Noceto. This time maybe you can try a few others and let me know what you think!

The Big Crush takes place October 7th and 8th, from 11am to 4pm.  Each ticket is good for both days, includes wine glass and map, to be picked up at the Amador Vintners’ Visitor Center located in Plymouth, CA.

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Beer, Food, Travels, Wine

Barbera and the Sierras: Mountain Merriment next weekend!

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Work and school are keeping us close to home next weekend, but if you have the itch to explore, head to the mountains! Two events on Saturday September 16th to whet your wine and culinary palates.

The 7th Annual Barbera Festival will be at Terra d’Oro/Montevina Winery in Amador County, hosting nearly 80 wineries from all over California (to celebrate CA Wine Month simultaneously)!

Or travel a little further east to scenic South Lake Tahoe for Sample The Sierra, a farm-to-fork festival celebrating the bounty & heritage of the Sierra Nevada with wine, beer and other culinary endeavors!

Enjoy the mountains! ~CS

 

Appellation, Travels, Varietal, Wine

Exploring the Pacific Northwest: White Wines from Washington State

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With Washington State Wine Month now in full swing, there’s no better time than the present to check out the refreshing styles of white wines from the Pacific Northwest. With these thoughts in mind, below is a special list of some of my favorite wines I’ve tasted since end of harvest in 2016 to the present. As a primer, here’s a quick overview of what’s happening with white grapes in the state…

As in the years past, Washington’s most popular white grape variety is Riesling, which is used to make dry, off-dry and dessert-style wines. Grown in the cool-climate conditions of the Puget Sound near Seattle and the greater Columbia Valley in the southeastern part of the state, the fruit is known for its expressive aromas and lively flavors of apricot, peach and ripe apple. For these reasons, Riesling continues to be the most widely planted grape in the state and represented 22.2% or 50,500 tons of grapes crushed in 2014.

Although Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are very important varieties in Washington, the second most popular grape is still Chardonnay, which represented 19.3% or 43,800 tons crushed in 2014. Not surprising, the vast majority of the vines are planted in the Columbia Valley, which shares similar latitude with the famous Chardonnay vineyards in the Burgundy region of France. Therefore, instead of being rich, buttery and oaky, the Chardonnays tend to be more crisp and delicate with lively flavors of apple, citrus, and tropical notes.

While Pinot Gris (4%), Sauvignon Blanc (3%) and Gewurztraminer (1.6%) round out the Top 5 grape varieties planted in the state; it’s also exciting to note that the remaining 2.4% of the white grapes includes a diverse mixture of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Chenin Blanc, Madeleine Angevine, Siegerebbe, Muller Thurgau, Orange Muscat, Muscat Canelli, Muscat Ottonel and Aligote. Once again proof that the vintners and growers of Washington are willing to go off the beaten path to experiment with a wide range of grapes that can perform well in the specialty soils and climate conditions that set the state apart from other winegrowing regions in America and beyond.

In keeping with popular styles of Washington cuisine, here are some of my favorite food picks to pair with flavorful white wines produced in the state: fresh oysters; steamed artichokes served with citrus-based aioli sauce; seasonal soups; specialty salads made with kale or arugala; fresh scallop with fruit salsa; pan-seared white fish with a squeeze of lemon; herb roasted chicken with parsnip puree; Indian and Pan-Asian cuisine.

SawyerSomm: Flavorful White Wine Picks
from Washington State 2017

Bookwalter 2015 Riesling, Bacchus Vineyard, Columbia Valley ($18) / 93 Pts

Made with the specialty Neustadt clone of Riesling, here’s a classic example of the Washington State style from J. Bookwalter Winery. With fresh floral aromas, the lively flavors of ripe pear, green apple and citrus are complimented with notes of grapefruit, honey and cinnamon as the wine opens up in the glass. Couple this with silky texture, vibrant acidity and a long elegant finish; the end result is a well-crafted wine that is ripe, sexy and refreshing. As a side note: I’d also recommend trying the J. Bookwalter Chenin Blanc ($26), which I truly believe is one of the finest offerings made with this aromatic grape variety outside France’s Loire Valley. Located at winery in Richland, their delightful on-site restaurant, Fiction at Bookwalter, rocks too! www.bookwalterwines.com

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley ($22) / 92 Pts

Despite being the hottest year on record in Washington State, the 2015 vintage will be remembered for producing a dazzling range of white wines that made an immediate impact in the marketplace. An excellent example is the Eroica Riesling, a special collaboration by talented winemakers Bob Bertheau of Chateau St. Michelle and Ernst Loosen of Mosel in Germany. Layered primarily with pristine fruit from the Evergreen Vineyard in Yakima Valley; this spirited young wine features lifted aromas and vibrant flavors of ripe peach, exotic melon, raw coconut, orange blossom, fresh lime, mineral and white truffle; bright acidity; and a clean, crisp finish. As concluded at our special seminar at Sunset Magazine earlier this year, this wine can go head to head with the finest Rieslings in the world. A true signature wine of Washington State. www.ste-michelle.com

CMS 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Washington State $15 / 89 pts

Crafted by gifted winemaker Sarah Hedges Goedhat and the team at Hedges Winery in Benton City, the fruit for this unique white wine was mainly grown on the famed Wahluke Slope and specialty sites in Yakima Valley. To compliment the fresh, acid-driven flavors of Sauvignon Blanc, smaller percentages of Chardonnay and Marsanne were added to create more complexity, mouthfeel and texture. As a result, this energetic wine stimulates the senses with notes of crisp green apple, tart lemon, pineapple upside down cake, roasted almonds, racy acidity, and a long, dry finish. Elegant and refreshing from start to finish. www.hedgesfamilyestate.com

L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Estate Luminescence, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley ($22) / 92 Pts

As one of the premiere white wine producers in the US, L’Ecole has been making this fascinating blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc since 2007. Therefore, from the moment the cork is popped, this new release immediately draws attention with fresh aromas of ripe tropical fruits, honeysuckle, mineral and spring flowers. Same is true on the palate, which is filled with delicious notes of fresh quince, exotic melon, poached pear, guava and rich texture leading to a long elegant finish. Captivating, complex and a real steal for the price. www.lecole.com

Lauren Ashton 2014 Roussanne, Columbia Valley ($25) / 91 Pts

Following his passion to make his own signature style of world-class, Seattle-based dentist Kit Singh founded Lauren Ashton Cellars in Woodinville in 2009. Through the years, the winery has gained a reputation for producing a brilliant range of high-quality red and white wines which pair extremely well with fine cuisine. As tasted with Kit and his wife at Riinu at RN74 in Seattle, one of the new gems is the 2014 Roussanne. With a light golden hue and fragrant aromas, this lovely wine features lively notes of fresh stone fruits, peach and citrus interlaced with hints of chamomile and mineral; a burst of perky acidity; and a tangy finish that refreshes the palate after each sip. Overall, a fantastic example of the aromatic, energetic and thought-provoking Rhone-style whites coming out of Washington State! www.laurenashtoncellars.com

Game faces! With Corey Braunel and Chad Johnson, the proprietors of Dusted Valley Winery, getting ready to taste the 2015 Chardonnay and other tasty wines from their portfolio at the Dusted Valley Tasting Room in Walla Walla Valley.

Dusted Valley 2015 Chardonnay, Olsen Vineyard, Yakima Valley ($34) / 92 Pts

With so many buttery Chardonnays in the marketplace, it’s great when you find one that draws your attention with a bounty of fresh aromas and fruit-driven flavors. From the high-elevation Olsen Vineyard in Yakima Valley, this new release from Dusted Valley is an excellent example of this style. To capture the purity of the flavors, the wine was aged primarily in neutral barrels, stainless steel and concrete eggs. In the glass, this attention to detail shows with delicate notes of fresh Anjou pear, white peach, grapefruit, zippy acidity, and subtle nuances of wet stones and spice. Fabulous by itself or with fresh fish, herb-roasted chicken or grilled pork chops with a squeeze of lemon. www.dustedvalley.com

Woodward 2015 Chardonnay, Washington State ($44) / 94 Pts

Meticulously crafted with premium grapes planted at the Woodward Canyon Estate in Walla Walla Valley and the Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge appellation, here’s a sophisticated wine for Chardonnay lovers. Led by tantalizing aromas of stone fruits, caramel, mineral and roasted hazelnuts, the wine opens up with rich flavors of Asian pear, baked apple, ginger spice, lemon rind, vanilla and nutmeg. Well-balanced with a silky, suede-like texture, vibrant acidity and a lingering finish, not only is this a sexy wine right out of the gate, but its one those gems that will reveal more of its natural personality and style when decanted or aged in the cellar for 5-10 years. Exquisite! www.woodwardcanyon.com

Owen Roe 2015 Chardonnay, DuBrul Vineyard, Yakima Valley ($48) / 93 Pts

Located on a sloping hillside along the western edge of Yakima Valley, the DuBrul Vineyard is known for growing world-class Chardonnay grapes bursting at the seams with a complex flavors, natural acidity and distinct characteristics based on where the vines are planted on the property. To capture this profile in the bottle, the team at Owen Roe takes a hand-off approach to let the vineyard speak for itself. The latest case in point is the stylish offering from the 2015 vintage. Anchored around the lively notes of fresh white peach, fresh pineapple, lemon and exotic melons, generated by the vines planted at the lower elevation; the flavors are further enhanced with subtle nuances of wild herbs, ginger, citrus, mineral and vibrant acidity from the higher blocks; and rounded out with creamy texture and a subtle kiss of oak that makes every sip count. www.owenroe.com

Novelty Hill 2014 Late Harvest Semillon, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Columbia Valley ($25) / 92 Pts

If you’re looking for dessert wine with personality and style, check out this limited-release Late Harvest Semillon from Novelty Hill. After gaining a reputation for crafting an expansive series of award-winning red, white and dessert wines during his tenure as head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle in the 1990s, Mike Januik began developing his Januik and Novelty Hill labels in 1999. And although he has make two sweet wines under his Januik label, the Bacchus Vineyard Riesling and the Champoux Vineyard Muscat Canelli; the 2014 Late Harvest Semillon is only the third release made with precious fruit from his family’s Stillwater Creek Vineyard (2007 and 2011 were the others). Aged in French barrels, the wine immediately dazzles the senses with aromas of fresh flowers, ripe tree fruits and beeswax. In the glass, the flavors are ripe, deep and explosive, with layers of pear, peaches, mango, citrus, ripe fig, and a lengthy finish that is rich and vivacious instead of being too sweet or cloying. Graceful and satisfying in every sip, it’s a great wine to enjoy by the fire or serve with tangy cheeses, Key Lime Pie and a myriad of other fruit-based desserts. www.noveltyhilljanuik.com

Awards, Competition, Travels, Wine

And the winner is . . . Mendocino County Wine Competition!

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On a rainy summer day in Booneville my fellow judges and I were able to taste rounds of spectacular wines!  The results are in, sprinkled with a few fun photos from our endeavors at the 39th annual Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition.  Enjoy!

BEST OF SHOW RED WINE & Best of Class (Pinot Noir 2015 & 2016) & Double Gold
2015 Lazy Creek Vineyards Pinot Noir, Middle Ridge Ranch, Anderson Valley – $50.00

BEST OF SHOW WHITE WINE & Best of Class (Blended White) & Double Gold
2016 Navarro Vineyards Edelzwicker, Anderson Valley – $16.00

BEST OF SHOW ROSÉ WINE & Best of Class (Blush and Rosé) & Double Gold
2016 Navarro Vineyards Rosé, Mendocino – $17.50

BEST OF SHOW SPARKLING WINE & Best of Class (Sparkling Wine) & Double Gold
NV Roederer Estate Sparkling Rosé, Anderson Valley – $29.00

BEST OF SHOW DESSERT WINE & Best of Class (Dessert Wines) & Double Gold
2016 Navarro Vineyards Riesling Cluster Select, Late Harvest, Anderson Valley – $69.00
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BEST OF CLASS (Blended Red) & Double Gold
2013 Alder Springs Vineyard 13 Tasks, Blended Red, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $45.00

BEST OF CLASS (Chardonnay 2015) & Double Gold
2015 Meyer Family Cellars Chardonnay, Donnelly Creek, Anderson Valley – $28.00

BEST OF CLASS (Chardonnay 2016) & Double Gold
2016 Navarro Vineyards Chardonnay Premiere Reserve, Anderson Valley – $27.00

BEST OF CLASS (Gewurztraminer) & Gold
2016 Navarro Vineyards Gewurztraminer Deep End Blend, Anderson Valley – $29.00

BEST OF CLASS (Italian Red) & Double Gold
2014 Campovida Nero D’ Avola, Mendocino County – $38.00

BEST OF CLASS (Other Red Varietals) & Double Gold
2014 Backbone Vineyard & Winery Malbec, Dry farmed without chemicals of any kind, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Mendocino County – $55.00

BEST OF CLASS (Other White Varietals) & Double Gold
2015 Graziano Chenin Blanc, Mendocino County – $15.00

BEST OF CLASS (Petite Sirah) & Double Gold
2015 Powicana Farm Petite Sirah, Single Vineyard, No Sulfites Added, Vinted and Bottled, Redwood Valley – $32.00

BEST OF CLASS (Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio) & Double Gold
2016 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Anderson Valley – $16.00

BEST OF CLASS (Pinot Noir 2014) & Double Gold
2014 Handley Cellars Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $32.00

BEST OF CLASS (Riesling) & Double Gold
2016 Handley Cellars Riesling, Anderson Valley – $22.00

BEST OF CLASS (Sauvignon Blanc) & Double Gold
2016 Bliss Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Mendocino – $11.99

BEST OF CLASS (Zinfandel 2014) & Double Gold
2014 Carol Shelton Wines Wild Thing Zinfandel, Old Vine, Mendocino County – $19.00

BEST OF CLASS (Zinfandel 2015 and 2016) & Double Gold
2015 Jaxon Keys Winery Zinfandel, Mae’s Block, Mendocino – $32.00
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DOUBLE GOLD

2014 Barra of Mendocino Petite Sirah, Estate Grown/Made with organic grapes, Barrel Aged, Mendocino County – $22.00

2016 Bonterra Organic Vineyards Viognier, Mendocino – $14.99

2015 Bonterra Organic Vineyards Zinfandel, Mendocino – $16.99

2015 Carol Shelton Wines Wild Thing Zinfandel, Old Vine, Mendocino County – $19.00

2013 Cesar Toxqui Cellars Petite Sirah, Mendocino County – $26.00

2014 Domaine Anderson Pinot Noir, Estate, Anderson Valley – $39.00

2016 Enotria Moscato, Mendocino County – $11.00

2015 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $38.00

2015 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Noir, Sky High Ranch, Mendocino Ridge – $52.00

2013 Graziano Petite Sirah, Mendocino County – $19.00

2016 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Anderson Valley – $20.00

2016 Handley Cellars Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley – $20.00

2014 Handley Cellars Petite Sirah, Vittorio Vineyard, Redwood Valley – $25.00

2014 Handley Cellars Primitivo, Vittorio Vineyard, Redwood Valley – $25.00

2016 Handley Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé, Estate, Anderson Valley – $25.00

2016 Hawley Zinfandel, Old Vine, Mendocino County – $25.00

2015 Husch Zinfandel, Old Vine, Garzini Ranch, Mendocino  – $25.00

2015 Husch Chardonnay, Mendocino – $15.00

2016 Husch Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Anderson Valley  – $18.00

2015 Jaxon Keys Winery Petite Sirah, Mendocino – $28.00

2015 Jaxon Keys Winery Grenache, Mendocino – $26.00

2014 Maggy Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $66.00

2014 McNab Petite Sirah, Mendocino County – $18.00

2015 Monte Volpe Nube Bianco, Italian White Blend, Potter Valley – $18.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Mourvedre, Mendocino – $29.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Syrah, Mendocino – $27.00

2016 Navarro Vineyards Muscat Blanc, Estate Bottled, Anderson Valley – $19.50

2016 Navarro Vineyards Riesling, Late Harvest, Anderson Valley – $49.00

2013 Parducci Small Lot Petite Sirah, Mendocino County – $13.99

2015 Pennyroyal Farm Chardonnay, Barrel Fermented, Hammer Olsen, Anderson Valley – $35.00

2014 Seebass Family Wines Grand Reserve Syrah, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $47.00

2014 Testa Vineyards Petite Sirah, Estate Wine, Mendocino County – $30.00

2013 Testa Vineyards Carignane, Estate, Mendocino County – $30.00
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GOLD

2013 Alder Springs Vineyard Apex 39, Blended White, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $39.00

2013 Alder Springs Vineyard Kinesis, Blended Red, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $45.00

2014 Artevino Pinot Noir, Green Ranch, Anderson Valley – $40.00

2015 Artezin Zinfandel, Mendocino County – $18.00

2016 Blue Quail Dry Gewurztraminer, Potter Valley – $18.00

2015 Blue Quail Pinot Noir, Estate Grown, Potter Valley – $24.00

2016 Briceland Vineyards Arneis, Spirit Canyon Vineyard, Mendocino County – $21.00

2014 Campovida Grenache, Mendocino County – $42.00

2016 Carol Shelton Wines Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé, Mendocino County – $15.00

2015 Graziano Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino County  – $15.00

2013 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Merlot, Estate Bottled, Mendocino Ridge – $29.00

2014 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $35.00

2015 Handley Cellars Chardonnay, Estate, Anderson Valley – $25.00

2016 Handley Cellars Gewurztraminer, Estate, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2015 Handley Cellars Blanc de Blancs, Estate Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $52.00

2014 Handley Cellars Zinfandel, Redwood Valley – $25.00

2016 Handley Cellars Pinot Blanc, Mendocino County – $22.00

2014 Handley Cellars Pinot Noir, Yorkville Highlands – $37.00

2014 Handley Cellars Pinot Noir, RSM Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $52.00

2015 Husch Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Anderson Valley – $25.00

2016 Husch Gewurztraminer, Sustainably Farmed, Estate Bottled, Anderson Valley – $15.00

2013 Husch Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Knoll, Anderson Valley – $40.00

2014 Husch Pinot Noir, Reserve, Estate Bottled, Anderson Valley – $38.00

2016 Jaxon Keys Winery Rosé, Mendocino County – $20.00

NV Jaxon Keys Winery JaxZin, Mendocino – $28.00

2015 Jaxon Keys Winery Primitivo, Mendocino – $26.00

2015 Jaxon Keys Winery Zinfandel, Brandy Barrel Aged, Mendocino – $39.99

2016 Lazy Creek Vineyards Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2015 Lazy Creek Vineyards Pinot Noir, Five Barrel, Anderson Valley – $85.00

2015 Lazy Creek Vineyards Pinot Noir, Estate, Anderson Valley – $58.00

2014 Lula Cellars Pinot Noir, Peterson Vineyard, Mendocino County – $45.00

2014 Maggy Hawk Graceful Lady Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $66.00

2014 Maggy Hawk Stormin’ Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $66.00

NV McFadden Cuvee Brut, Methose Champenoise,  Potter Valley – $25.00

2014 McNab Pinotage, Napoli Vineyard, Mendocino County – $20.00

2015 Parducci Small Lot Chardonnay, Mendocino County – $13.99

2015 Parducci True Grit Reserve Chardonnay, Mendocino County – $17.99

2015 Powicana Farm Petite Sirah Port, Single Vineyard, No Sulfites Added, Vinted and Bottled, Redwood Valley – $31.00

2013 Meyer Family Cellars Syrah, Yorkville Highlands – $28.00

2016 Navarro Vineyards Muscat Blanc Cluster Select, Late Harvest, Anderson Valley – $69.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Noir Methode a l’Ancienne, Unfiltered, Anderson Valley – $35.00

2016 Navarro Vineyards Gewurztraminer, Estate Bottled, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Zinfandel, Mendocino – $19.50

2016 Navarro Vineyards Chardonnay Table Wine, Mendocino – $16.00

2016 Navarro Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendocino – $19.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Barbera, Mendocino – $27.00

2015 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2016 Navarro Vineyards Riesling, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2015 Saint Gregory Pinot Meunier, Mendocino County – $20.00

2013 Saint Gregory Pinotage, Napoli Vineyard, Mendocino County – $20.00

2014 Saint Gregory Pinot Noir, Mendocino County – $20.00

NV Scharffenberger Brut, Methode Champenoise, Anderson Valley – $20.00

2015 Seebass Family Wines Grand Reserve Chardonnay, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $38.00

2015 Shooting Star Chardonnay, Mendocino County – $14.00

2016 Tahto Sauvignon Blanc, Bauer, Mendocino County – $16.00

2014 Tahto Carignane, Piffero, Mendocino County – $16.00

2014 The Withers Winery Pinot Noir, Charles Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $44.00

2014 WindRacer Chardonnay, Anderson Valley – $40.00

2013 Y. Rousseau Tannat “The Musketeer”, Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino County – $65.00

2015 Zina Hyde Cunningham Chardonnay, Reserve, Anderson Valley – $54.00
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SILVER

2013 Alder Springs Vineyard Syrah, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $45.00

2013 Alder Springs Vineyard Chardonnay, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $39.00

2016 Barra of Mendocino Pinot Noir Rosé, Mendocino – $18.00

2015 Barra of Mendocino Pinot Noir, Made with organically grown grapes, Estate, Mendocino County – $20.00

2014 Bells Echo Vineyard Syrah, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $30.00

2014 Bells Echo Vineyard Interlude Blended Red, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $32.00

2015 Bliss Family Vineyards Merlot, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Mendocino – $11.99

2016 Bliss Family Vineyards Rosé, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Mendocino – $11.99

2015 Bliss Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Mendocino – $11.99

2014 Bliss Family Vineyards Zinfandel, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Mendocino – $11.99

2015 Bliss Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Mendocino – $14.99

2016 Blue Quail Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown, Potter Valley – $16.00

2016 Blue Quail Fontaine Dry Rosé, Potter Valley – $16.00

2016 Blue Quail Pinot Gris, Potter Valley – $16.00

2016 Blue Quail Dry Riesling, Potter Valley – $18.00

2013 Bonterra Organic Vineyards The Butler, Blended Red, Mendocino – $58.00

2013 Bonterra Organic Vineyards The McNab, Blended Red, Mendocino – $58.00

2015 Briceland Vineyards Zinfandel, Unfined & unfiltered, Dark Horse Vineyard, Mendocino County – $25.00

2014 Briceland Vineyards Syrah, Unfined & unfiltered, Dark Horse Vineyard, Mendocino County – $28.00

2014 Brutocao Family Vineyards Torrent, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Hopland Ranches, Mendocino – $32.00

2015 Brutocao Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Hopland Ranches, Mendocino – $18.00

2013 Brutocao Family Vineyards Primitivo, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Contento Vineyard, Mendocino – $26.00

2015 Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Estate, Two Creek Vineyards, Anderson Valley – $43.00

2016 Campovida Rosé di Grenache, Trail’s End Vineyard, Potter Valley – $34.00

2015 Domaine Anderson Chardonnay, Estate, Anderson Valley – $29.00

2013 Enotria Dolcetto, Mendocino County – $19.00

2016 Fletcher Louis Sangiovese Rosado Rosé, Redwood Valley – $18.00

2013 Floyd and Eddie Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyards, Mendocino – $21.00

2016 Floyd and Eddie Dry Rosé, Barrel Fermented, Mendocino – $17.50

2015 Frey Biodynamic Zinfandel, Mendocino – $20.00

2015 Frey Biodynamic Chardonnay, No Sulfites Added, Mendocino – $16.50

2015 Frey Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino County – $14.00

2015 Girasole Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Made with organically grown grapes, Estate, Mendocino County – $14.00

2016 Girasole Vineyards Chardonnay, Made with organic grapes, Estate Grown, Mendocino County – $14.00

2016 Girasole Vineyards Sangiovese, Made with organically grown grapes, Estate Grown, Mendocino County – $14.00

2013 Graziano Zinfandel, Reserve, Mendocino County – $28.00

2016 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Riesling, Mendocino Ridge – $20.00

2014 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Mendocino Ridge – $33.00

2014 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel, Mendocino – $24.00

2014 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel, Reserve, Mendocino – $32.00

2014 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Merlot, Estate, Mendocino Ridge – $29.00

2014 Handley Cellars Syrah, Kismet Vineyard, Redwood Valley – $25.00

2014 Handley Cellars Red Table Wine, Vittorio Vineyard, Redwood Valley – $25.00

2014 Handley Cellars Ranch House Red, Mendocino County – $25.00

2014 Handley Cellars Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $47.00

2014 Handley Cellars Pinot Noir, Helluva Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $42.00

2016 Handley Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2010 Harmonique Delicacé Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $46.00

2010 Harmonique Elegancé Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $48.00

2016 Husch Renegade Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled, Mendocino – $18.00

2016 Husch Chenin Blanc, Sustainably Farmed, Mendocino – $13.00

2015 Husch Special Reserve Chardonnay, Estate Bottled, Mendocino – $26.00

2014 Husch Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino – $25.00

2016 Husch Sauvignon Blanc, Sustainably Farmed, Mendocino – $15.00

2015 Jaxon Keys Winery Red Blend- GPS, Mendocino – $28.00

2016 Jaxon Keys Winery Farmhouse White, Mendocino – $14.99

2016 Jaxon Keys Winery Viognier, Mendocino – $24.00

2016 Jeriko Estate Sangiovese, Upper Russian River, Mendocino County – $32.00

2016 Lazy Creek Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2014 Lula Cellars Pinot Noir, Costa Vineyard, Mendocino County – $45.00

2014 Lula Cellars Pinot Noir, Docker Hill Vineyard, Mendocino County – $50.00

2015 Maple Creek Estate Chardonnay, Maple Creek Vineyard, Yorkville Highlands – $40.00

2014 McNab Zinfandel, Cononiah Vineyards Family Reserve, Mendocino County – $26.00

2014 McNab Cabernet Sauvignon, Family Reserve – Largo, Mendocino County – $30.00

2012 Meyer Family Cellars Petite Sirah, Yorkville Highlands – $35.00

2013 Meyer Family Cellars High Ground Syrah, Reserve, Yorkville Highlands – $42.00

2015 Monte Volpe Vesuvius, Blended White, Potter Valley – $18.00

2013 Monte Volpe Peppolino, Italian Red Blend, Mendocino County – $28.00

2013 Monte Volpe Negroamaro, Mendocino County – $28.00

2013 Monte Volpe Sangiovese, Mendocino County – $19.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Grenache, Mendocino – $27.00

2016 Navarro Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $22.00

2016 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley – $19.50

2016 Navarro Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Anderson Valley – $19.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Noir, Deep End Blend, Anderson Valley – $55.00

2014 Navarro Vineyards Zinfandel, Old Vine, Mendocino – $27.00

2014 Parducci Small Lot Merlot, Mendocino County  – $13.99

2013 Parducci True Grit Reserve Red Blend, Mendocino County – $19.99

2014 Parducci Small Lot Pinot Noir, Mendocino County – $14.99

2015 Parducci True Grit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County – $19.99

2014 Pennyroyal Farm Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $39.00

2015 Pennyroyal Farm Sauvignon Blanc, Anderson Valley – $25.00

2015 Philo Ridge Vineyards Pinot Gris, Unoaked, Helluva Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $19.00

2012 Philo Ridge Vineyards Pinot Noir, Unfined & Unfiltered, Marguerite Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $50.00

2013 Row 5 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $29.00

2015 Saint Gregory Pinot Blanc, Mendocino County – $15.00

2011 Seebass Family Wines Grand Reserve Chardonnay, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $41.95

2013 Seebass Family Wines Romantik, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $35.00

2016 Seebass Family Wines Rosé of Grenache “Fantasie”, Estate Grown, Mendocino – $35.00

2013 Steele Wines Zinfandel, Single Vineyard, Pacini Vineyard, Mendocino County – $18.00

2016 Tahto Rosé, Trail’s End, Mendocino County – $16.00

2014 Tahto Zinfandel, Piffero, Mendocino County – $20.00

2016 Terroir 95470 Rosé, Redwood Valley – $16.00

2016 Terroir 95470 Sauvignon Blanc, Redwood Valley – $16.00

2013 Terroir 95470 SangioRosso Blended Red, Redwood Valley – $16.00

2014 Testa Vineyards Black, Mendocino County – $25.00

2016 Testa Vineyards Rosé, Mendocino County – $18.00

2014 Waits-Mast Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard, Wentzel Vineyard, Anderson Valley – $47.00

2014 Waits-Mast Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard, Oppenlander Vineyard, Mendocino County – $45.00

2014 WindRacer Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $50.00

2014 Zina Hyde Cunningham Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – $58.00

Event, Travels, Varietal, Wine

IPNC 2017 Grand Seminar Featuring French Winemakers of Oregon & Their Wines!

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Continuing my reflection on The French Adventurers: Burgundians Making Pinot Noir in Oregon, the Grand Seminar event at the 31st Annual International Pinot Noir Celebration, some background on French-born winemakers Dominique Lafon, Alexandrine Roy, Jacques Lardiere and Jean-Nicolas Méo.  As well as some reviews of their exciting Oregon wines!


Dominique Lafon – Lingua Franca, Eola-Amity Hills

As the namesake, wine director, and winemaker of one of the great estates of Meursault, Dominique is a descendant of Jules Lafon, who created the revered wine festival, La Paulée.  After taking over the family’s winery in the 80s, Dominique revitalized its red and white winemaking approach in the 1990s.  As an adventurer, Dominique’s first visits to the Willamette Valley occurred in the 1990s.  And as the connections between Oregon and Burgundy became stronger, he fell in love with the property that eventually became the Seven Springs Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills, which is now home to the base fruit that he and partners Master Sommelier Larry Stone, co-winemaker Thomas Savre and CFO David Honig work with for the Lingua Franca label.

Lingua Franca 2015 Joshua, Junichi & Siri, Ribbon Ridge – 92 pts
The name of this wine is a tribute to the valiant workers who made this vintage happen in 2015.  This full-bodied wine starts with alluring aromas of black raspberry, cherry and earth, which lead to expressive flavors of ripe berries, black plum, a kiss of French oak, and a long dry finish. $50

Lingua Franca 2015 Mimi’s Mind, Eola-Amity Hills – 94 pts
Named after Mimi Casteel of Bethel Height Winery and Vineyard, founded in theEola-Amity Hills in 1977; this special vineyard selection included a percentage of whole clusters, which added more layers of flavor, structure and balance to the finished wine. The end result is a very complex Pinot Noir with concentrated notes of blackberry, cola root, dried strawberry, fresh violets and lavender. Still very young, but deep, dense and rewarding. $90.

Alexandrine Roy – Phelps Creek Vineyard, Hood River

As proprietor, winemaker, and the fourth-generation member of a family that has been farming in the famed Burgundy region of Gevrey-Chambertin, Alexandrine Roy of Domaine Marc Roy made her first visit to IPNC in 2004. Three years later she met Bob Morus, who was starting an adventurous Pinot Noir program in the Columbia Gorge, a few hours east of Portland. After being approached by Bob, Alexandrine was hesitant about taking part in the project since she was committed to making wine in Burgundy.  But after seeing the beautiful property near the quaint town of Hood River and realizing there was nearly a month between harvest dates in Europe (early September) and Oregon (early October); she agreed to take part in this unique project. Today, Alexandrine crafts the Philips Creek Pinot Noir primarily with grapes from the Pommard vines that are influenced by the volcanic soils, warm days and chilly nights. “My goal is to make something distinctive that expresses the site I’m working with,” says Roy.

Phelps Creek Vineyards 2014 Cuvée Alexandrine, Columbia Gorge / $54 – 92 pts
Complex wine with rich flavors of dark fruits, wild berries, fresh fungi and a true sense of this special site influenced by the surrounding forest, volcanic soils and moderate temperature in the area of Hood River, Oregon.

Phelps Creek Vineyards 2013 Cuvée Alexandrine, Columbia Gorge / $54 – 94 pts
Although 2013 was a challenging vintage in western Oregon, the pristine blocks of the Pommard grapes planted inland on the 34-acre Phelps Creek Vineyard near the small town of Hood River had a long, balanced ripening season. The end result shows in this elegant wine layered with generous flavors of ripe red fruits, wild strawberry, rhubarb, mineral, earth tones and rustic spices. In the end, the only downside to this wine is the fact that it’s still rather young and taunt. For that reason, decant if serving it over the next couple years or simply age in the cellar for up to 15 years.

Jacques Lardiere, Resonance Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton

Jacque Lardiere is a stud, but you’d never know it at first glance. With a full head of white hair, he’s a fun man to be around. But when you bring up the topic of Pinot Noir, you quickly realize the advantage he had working with prestigious grape at Maison Louis Jadot near Beaune for 37 years  when he talks about working with fruit in Willamette Valley. For that reason, Jacque has a very Burgundian approach to the wines he makes under the new Resonance Vineyard label started in the small Yamhill-Carlton AVA in 2013. Today, Jacque and his team work with a 12-acre parcel near the quaint town of Yamhill and currently rent space from James Frey at Trisaetum Winery.  But plans are in the works to develop their own state of the art winery within the next couple years. “I’m not a young chicken, of course,” says Jacque with a smile. “But for us, it’s a great opportunity to start from the beginning from the ground up in Willamette Valley.”  Oui, alors.

Resonance Vineyard 2014, Yamhill-Carlton/ $65 – 93 pts
From the Kevin Chambers Vineyard, this flavorful wine is made with Pommard, 777 and Wadenswil clones of Pinot Noir. Deep, concentrated scents of wild berries and savory spices. On the palate, a high-toned combination of ripe raspberry, dark cherry and cardamom; chewy tannins; broad structure; and a long, generous finish. Ripe lively, earthy and elegant. Very approachable now, but worthy of aging for 20 years. Great with slow-roasted lamb, as tasted with Jacques, at the Salud! charity for vineyard workers hosted at Stoller Vineyards near McMinnville the night before IPNC began.

Resonance Vineyard 2013, Yamhill-Carlton / $65 – 92 pts
Lofty aromas of dark berries, toasted brioche, soy sauce, allspice and a hint of smoke. Dark cherry-cola, huckleberry and licorice; elegant mouthfeel finish. Approachable now or cellar for 7-12 years.

Jean-Nicolas Méo – Nicolas-Jay, Dundee

In 2012, talented Burgundy winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo partnered with longtime friend and visionary music guru Jay Boberg to start the Nicholas-Jay brand in Dundee. Today, Jean-Nicholas applies the skills he developed while working with fruit from the prestigious Burgundy sites in the Echezeaux, Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot and Corton Clos Rognet to the Pinot Noir grapes he uses from the winery’s organically-farmed Bishop Creek Vineyard property in Yamhill-Carlton and specialty blends made with a selection of other famous vineyards in Willamette Valley.  At the IPNC seminar, Jean-Nicolas joked about his original response to Jay’s inquiry about the partnership. “I enthusiastically said maybe,” he quipped, with a smile. Needless to say, we’re all glad he said yes in the end.

Nicholas-Jay 2015 Willamette Valley / $65 – 95 pts
From the Nicholas-Jay estate Bishop Creek Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton comes a deep, dense and sexy style of Pinot Noir with lovely aromas of black and blue fruits, wet rocks, and subtle spices. On the palate, ripe blueberry, blackberry, plum and fresh mountain herbs. Very subtle, sexy and complex. Combination of structure, finesse and power in every sip.

Appellation, History, Travels, Wine

Oregon Pinot Noir with a French Twist

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Based at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, the International Pinot Noir Celebration has brought joy to wine fans who love drinking world-class wines made with variations of this noble grape grown in Oregon, California, Burgundy and other special regions around the globe. This year’s festivities in late July marked a chance to learn about where Pinot Noir has come over the past three decades and how the special combination of French soul and Oregon soil helped make the Willamette Valley one of the top wine growing regions of the world.

It is a journey that began four years before “Papa Pinot,” the young American adventurer David Lett of The Eyrie Vineyards, planted young samplings of the first Pinot Noir grapes near Corvallis, Oregon in 1965; another early pioneer to see the potential to plant world-class vines in the region was Frenchman Joseph Drouhin, who came to the region to sell his family’s wine from Burgundy in 1961. But it wasn’t until 25 years later that Drouhin’s daughter Veronique laid the foundation to accomplish this dream when she visited the region and interned with upcoming wineries Adelsheim Vineyards, Bethel Heights and Eyrie in 1986.

The following year, Veronique and her family established Domaine Drouhin Oregon. Today, the majestic winery in the Dundee Hills represents a signature French accent that helped put Willamette Valley and other segments of Oregon on the world wine map to stay.

To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of these accomplishments, the Grand Seminar at this year’s festival, moderated by wine critic Eric Asimov of the New York Times, was aptly titled The French Adventurers: Burgundians Making Pinot Noir in Oregon. Here is the SawyerSomm synopsis of the seminar and the a few Domaine Drouhin wine reviews.

Veronique Boss-Drouhin, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Dundee

Like her father Joseph, who originally visited the Willamette Valley in 1961, Veronique Boss-Drouhin immediately saw the promise of the region primarily located west of Highway 101 and the Pacific mountains between Portland and Eugene, when she first visited the area in 1986. Although the region did not have the limestone soils of Burgundy, Drouhin loved the cool climate and the various forms of basalt and volcanic soils that make it a prime region to grow the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris grapes she studied while attending the University of Dijon in the mid-1980s. However, it wasn’t until 1986 that the family’s dreams of planting vines in the region started to become a reality.

When the first 96 barrels of DDO wines were made the following year, the family didn’t own a winery or had to source the grapes they worked with. But after the original Pommard and Wadenswil clones of Pinot Noir were planted and the winery was finished a few years later near Dundee, the winery has become one of the most celebrated Pinot Noir producers in the United States.

In the words of John Paul, proprietor of Dundee-based Cameron Winery, who spoke briefly at the IPNC seminar, “Veronique and her family brought the legitimacy that the Oregon wine industry really needed.”

Domaine Drouhin 2014 Roserock Zephirine, Eola-Amity Hills / $60 – 97 pts
Although it’s a relatively new planting on the southern edge of the exciting Eola-Amity Hills appellation, winemaker Veronique Drouhin-Boss loves the possibility of this new DDO estate vineyard. The quality of the fruit shows in this new release, which is from the warm vintage of 2014. Rich, supple and concentrated, the wine starts with attractive aromas of dark fruits, potpourri, fresh tea leafs, blood orange peel and licorice. The flavors are equally deep, with deep notes of black plum, raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry, mineral, chewy tannins, structure and layers of savory spice on the finish.

Domaine Drouhin 2012 Cuvée Laurene, Dundee Hills / $70 – 96 pts
Soft, subtle and graceful. Lovely aromas of ripe red fruits, cola, earth tones and baking spice. Lively flavors of dark cherry, wild berries, plum, cocoa, fresh sage and forest floor. Overall, elegance and finesse from start to finish, with the structure and natural verve showing with more time in the glass. A classic signature of the DDO style.