|
Wines of Distinction |
Over the years, I discovered the uniqueness some wines, vineyards and winemakers possess. Wines so distinctly different, special that they have garnered big scores and/or an international reputation as must-haves. Here I explore some of those specialities and ask questions like "Why is this so different, so special and unique from everyone around you"? |
Sea Smoke Vineyards and Winery
Since it's early years, Sea Smoke has become a quick legend, gaining a following like few American wines have. The first time I tasted it was while having dinner at the Los Olivos Cafe in Los Olivos, CA, after a solid day of wine tasting in the area. It was a revelation, sharing much in common with the wines of the day, but offering a wider palatte of flavors, aromas, depth, power yet elegance...it was amazing!
I've had the good fortune over the years to enjoy many bottles of this stunning wine, had the pleasure of serving it at restaurants, and to have visited the vineyard and winery. Director of Operations Victor Gallegos offered me the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the wine, the vineyard, it's origins and some funny anectodes.
I've had the good fortune over the years to enjoy many bottles of this stunning wine, had the pleasure of serving it at restaurants, and to have visited the vineyard and winery. Director of Operations Victor Gallegos offered me the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the wine, the vineyard, it's origins and some funny anectodes.
Heidi Barrett
Heidi Barrett is one (if not THE) Queens of wine world. After years crafting such esteemed wines as
Screaming Eagle, Dalle Valla, and Grace Family (among others), consulting for the likes of
Diamond Creek and Niebaum, she has more recently (while still crafting/consulting for roughly
10 wineries) been in charge of her own label La Sirena. We caught up with her one night at Cellars
of Sonoma in the historic and booming Railroad Square in Santa Rosa for an interview about the
film Bottle Shock and her wines.
Screaming Eagle, Dalle Valla, and Grace Family (among others), consulting for the likes of
Diamond Creek and Niebaum, she has more recently (while still crafting/consulting for roughly
10 wineries) been in charge of her own label La Sirena. We caught up with her one night at Cellars
of Sonoma in the historic and booming Railroad Square in Santa Rosa for an interview about the
film Bottle Shock and her wines.
Adrian Fog Winery
Upon introduction to Adrian Fog's Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir, I was stunned. This was the Pinot of my dreams, so obviously hauntingly Pinot, yet more seductive, rich, supple, opulent and ultimately sexy of a Pinot than most I had experienced. So I visited owner and winemaker Stewart Dorman at his small, unassuming winery that sits within a larger complex, to talk about his wine, sourced vineyards, and a little Pinot education from a boutique-or some say-cult wine producer.
Williams Selyem-Bob Cabral
In 2010, I had the chance to sit down with one of my favorite winemakers-Bob Cabral from Williams Selyem at the Winery and Estate Vineyard on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley, discussing the wineries' history and the famous "list" and cult status. WS was probably the first wine I ever had that I associated the term "cult wine", as I had heard it described, and now, many years later, I've enjoyed countless bottles of their great wine, including many older vintages from the original winemaker before Bob.
Lynn Penner-Ash and wine crushes
Wine crushes aren't the most unusual problems to have in Wine Country. Male or female, winemakers have been elevated to celebrity and rockstar class like anybody in America that does what they do well.
My first (and I think only) wine crush came many years ago while tromping around the Willamette Valley, where I grew up and first fell in love with wine touring. Often with my young hip friend Alyssa in tow, we would scour every backroad, winery, restaurant and God knows what else while out there, and it was always a good time. In this fun, lighthearted video, Alyssa shoots and commentates while I talk to one of my favorite winemakers Lynn Penner-Ash, a woman of extrodinary experience and skill in wine, but also a being of a very warm and glowing energy. Enjoy. (Man, do I miss her exquisite wine...)
My first (and I think only) wine crush came many years ago while tromping around the Willamette Valley, where I grew up and first fell in love with wine touring. Often with my young hip friend Alyssa in tow, we would scour every backroad, winery, restaurant and God knows what else while out there, and it was always a good time. In this fun, lighthearted video, Alyssa shoots and commentates while I talk to one of my favorite winemakers Lynn Penner-Ash, a woman of extrodinary experience and skill in wine, but also a being of a very warm and glowing energy. Enjoy. (Man, do I miss her exquisite wine...)