David's California Dreamin'

On occasion, Joe Canal’s staff members are able to go on trips to meet the producers of the items we sell. Whether we travel to the great wine regions, or any other location, the trips are educational, great for team-building, and, of course, they’re fun.

David Rudd, Floor Manager at our Woodbridge store, recently visited California wine country on just such a trip with other Joe Canal's team members. Here's his report:

This year, I experienced one of the perks of my job that I had most been looking forward to:  my boss sent me to California Wine Country to tour some wineries as an industry professional.   I had heard about trips like this from some of my colleagues - and I had really been looking forward to “my turn”.

It was an amazing trip.  Our whirlwind tour of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys was thrilling.  I visited six wineries in 3 days – and I tasted some of  best wines on the market…and some that aren’t on the market!

Day 1:

Early morning trip to Philadelphia Airport was uneventful.  Once we were checked in to the airline we were off and on our way.  I remember thinking that the trip was going to be enlightening; at the start I was especially looking forward to the Coppola Winery and to the Cakebread Winery.

Coppola was the first one we visited.  Right away I was impressed with the property.  It was a grand, somewhat playful-looking estate that reminded me of a very charming castle.  Coppola describes it as “a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types.   A place to celebrate the love of life.”  When we entered the iron gates, we were greeted by one of the hosts at Coppola.  He showed us the tasting room and the “museum” that was situated in the main building on the property.  We walked out to the vines nearby and got to taste zinfandel grapes from the vine.  That was a first for me.  They were sooo sweet.  The time of year that we were in California is known as “crush”…this is when the grapes are harvested and crushed into the vats to become the wine of the new vintage.  These zinfandel grapes were perfectly ripe and luscious.  I really got a sense of the jamminess that is a hallmark of the namesake wine.

After the vineyard, we went into the facility itself.  We passed through a door marked “Employees Only” and I knew that it was getting interesting.  We saw the huge vats when the wines first begin to ferment.  We met the head winemaker, Corey Beck, and got to chat briefly with him, then we got to hit the tasting room.  So many good wines – but the standouts for me were the Director’s Chardonnay and the Director’s Cut Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet was fragrant and exotic.  Very oaky and full bodied, it tasted so full of potential, I look forward to trying it again after letting a bottle (or two) age for a while.  The Chardonnay was so tropical and succulent.  It was transporting, in a way.  Beautiful and creamy, I think it would be amazing with crab. 

Dinner followed; it turns out that Coppola is one of the only wineries in Sonoma that has a restaurant.  This is one not to miss, if you are in Sonoma, try to get a table here…the food is amazing.  Chicken Mattone – wood fired chicken cooked under a brick – unforgettable.  This one is a must visit!

The view at Coppola

Day 2:

Our second day found us in Somona’s St. Francis Winery.  I loved the quaint environment of this winery; the beautiful countryside is gorgeous from this property.  The building looks like a Spanish monastery in some ways.  We looked out at the vineyards and enjoyed the late morning sunshine as we learned some of the history of the winery and business of winemaking from the host that gave us a tour.  In the tasting room, I got to enjoy a few of St. Francis’ wines paired with a three course meal prepared by the private chef at the winery.  My braised ribs were absolutely delicious next to the Old Vine Zinfandel.  I fell in love with zinfandel all over again at this meal…  This one had prominent notes of cedar, black raspberry jam and pepper.  I had this one again right when I got home.

Main Building, St. Francis

Our next trip was to the Benziger Winery, near Glen Ellen in Sonoma.  This is the part of the trip, I must confess, that truly inspired me.  I was absolutely in awe of this place.  Benziger is a bio-dynamic winery, which is to say, they take nothing from the land that they don’t replace – two-fold.  There is a respect for the land and the terroir that is reverent and humble.  The expression that they capture in their wines is wild and untamed.  These wines very well may have changed my life.  Our tour through the vineyard included a visit to the insectaries on the hillsides, a wine tasting in the midst of the vineyards, seeing a mother cow and her young calf, with an up-close and personal encounter with fermented cow poo.  My favorite wines were the Tribute, the crown jewel in the Benziger collection, and the Sauvignon Blanc.  The Tribute is complex and bold, a fullness that is only beginning to open up…a depth that will grow more riveting as time goes on.  The Sauv was envigorating and refreshing at the same time.  Lemon and pineapple, floral and herbal…you can taste the wind and the sun and bugs and the grass.  It tastes so honest.

Benziger Winery

Day 3:

Our last day of travels took us first to Napa Valley and the Cakebread Winery.  The wine was predictably good…you know what you’re getting from Cakebread, world class wine and all the class and elegance that goes with it.  My favorite wine at Cakebread was the Dancing Bear Cabernet Sauvignon.  I know that this wine will age gracefully…the vintage that we tasted was full, but bound to grow fuller.  It has a lot of potential.

Dancing Bear Ranch at Cakebread

Right next door to Cakebread was Sequoia Grove, and that was our next stop.  I liked the feeling at Sequoia Grove.  It was friendly and familiar.  The huge sequoia trees on the property towered over the buildings.  I loved the relaxed atmosphere.   The wines at Sequoia Grove are on the shelf now at our store and if you haven’t tried the Cabernet Sauvignon, you have got to give it a shot.  Notes of clove, blackberries and vanilla are all over the luxurious tannins in this wine.   There is a beautiful length to the finish. 

Entry to Sequoia Grove

Our last winery of the trip was to Mumm Napa.  Mumm Napa is a relative of the Mumm Winery in Champagne, France.  The sparkling wines at Mumm Napa are made much in the same way as the Champagnes that made the genre famous.  Mumm Napa uses the same grapes as the Champagne region as well as some California varietals that make their wines special and different from the traditional champagnes of France.  My favorite wine at Mumm was the Cuvee M.  The texture was rich and dense.  Notes of young peaches, white pepper, and strawberry would blend beautifully with spicy food or dessert. 

Vineyard at Mumm Napa

The trip wrapped up in San Francisco with an amazing dinner at the Epic Steakhouse on San Francisco Bay under the Bay Bridge.  I loved my Wild Turkey Rye Sazerac!  The light installation on the bridge was gorgeous, it was a perfect setting for the end of the trip.  I look forward to my next opportunity to explore California wine country.  If you get a chance to head out that way, try these wineries…all of them will leave you impressed.

Top 100, Basic Price/Great Wine

Regardless of how you feel about the Wine Spectator Top 100, it does get people talking about wine. We certainly consider that a good thing; since no two palates are alike, the conversations can go on forever, or until they're stopped by opening a bottle of wine. And isn't that a perfect way to settle a disagreement?

Because of our great industry relationships, we can occasionally get an exceptional value, which,  in turn, we can pass along to you. That's the case with the 2009 Vina Herminia Rioja Excelsus. Wine Spectator gave this 93 points, and ranked it as #39 on their Top 100 wines of 2013.

A 50-50 blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, the Vina Herminia Rioja Excelsus is garnet red with purple hues, scarlet and fleshy, lively, clean and high-intensity, with a deep cherry-garnet meniscus. Hearty, fresh and complex on the nose, sweet and soft bottom notes of new oak, dark fruit, cherry and currant. It is elegant, round and creamy, balanced, having a fresh and voluminous finish along with plenty of balanced tannins. The winery was established in 1949, with a wine-making heritage that goes back to 1885.

The winery is located at altitude in Lower La Rioja, near the Pyrenees. The vineyards enjoy relatively high temperatures during the day in contrast to intense cold at night, offering optimal conditions for     producing exceptional quality grapes.

We've seen this outstanding wine elsewhere for as much as $19.99. At Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, we have the 2009 Vina Herminia Rioja Excelsus for only $16.99 in the Bottle Club®, which is a 15% discount. With a value like this, you should consider buying one to enjoy soon, one to cellar, and at least one as a gift.

Talk Dry, Drink Sweet

There's an industry podcast called "The Wine Crush" (you can find it on iTunes) where the host, Laura Lawson, regularly says that when it comes to wine, Americans talk dry but drink sweet. The booming sales of Moscato wines seem to verify that observation.

Long before the Moscato craze, however, sweet dessert wines were (and are) a mainstay of the industry. Tokaji wine, for example, is found in literature going back to 1635. Ice wine, Sauternes, Sherry, Vin Santo and Port are just a few of the types of dessert wine that you'll find on the shelves of Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. A non-vintage Cockburn's Ruby or Tawny Port can cost $12.99 for a 750ml bottle, and a Chateau d'Yquem vintage 2011 can be about $145.00 in the Bottle Club®.

We'll take a closer look at Port wine, often called Porto, in this posting. Port wine comes from the Duoro Valley in northern Portugal (like Champagne comes from Champagne, France). It's fortified, meaning that a neutral grape spirit (aguardente) is added. Fortification originally was to preserve the wine, and it typically takes a wine up to about 20% ABV (table wine is usually around 12% to 13%). Especially when compared to Moscato, a Port will be richer, heavier, possibly sweeter, and definitely higher in alcohol. The name "Port" derives from the town of Porto, at the mouth of the Duoro River, that served as a shipping point for the wine.

Quinta dos Malvedos, flagship vineyard for Graham's Port

What you find in our stores generally fall into several categories: Everyday (Tawny or Ruby, without an age statement), Vintage, Late Bottle Vintage, and Aged (10 year, 20 year, etc.).

"Vintage" is a familiar term to most wine drinkers. When you see a specific year on the label of a bottle of wine, then all of the product inside the bottle is made from grapes harvested that year. For Port wine, not every harvest is of sufficient quality to be labeled "Vintage". The Symington Family Estates produce Graham's, Cockburn's, Warre's, Dow's, Quinta Do Vesuvio and Altano, and they are well-known wines to Port lovers. This is from their press release on the 2011 harvest:

"The Symington family is pleased to announce their decision to declare 2011 as a Vintage year. This is only the third Vintage Port declaration for all the Symingtons’ Port companies since 2000.

The 2011 Vintage Ports are of an exceptional quality and are expected to age superbly over the coming decades. The weather is the decisive factor in creating outstanding wines in the Douro and the strong winter rains in late 2010 were crucial. April and May 2011 were unusually warm and, combined with some rainfall, resulted in a reduction in the overall production of the region."

At Joe Canal's, we've already received a number of the Vintage 2011 Port wines from Symington. So whether you prefer to cellar a Port, or enjoy it now (that would be great after your pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving), you can find the perfect port.

The 2011 vintage Graham's scored 96 points from Wine Spectator. Dow's 2011 vintage rated 96-98 from Wine Advocate. The vintage 2011 from Cockburn's also scored 94-96 from Wine Advocate. Quinta Do Vesuvio's vintage 2011 scored 92-94 from Wine Advocate. All of these wines are currently in stock at Joe Canal's.

Yes, this still happens

Vesuvio is one of the very few estates in the Douro where the entire production of the property is made by foot treading in the traditional stone lagares (most, if not all Quintas that still tread also have other fermentation tanks as well). The magnificent 24 pipe lagares at Vesuvio are among the largest in the Douro, each requiring at least 50 people to tread.

 Foot treading at Quinta Do Vesuvio

To touch on the other styles of Port, the Everyday wines have grapes that can come from any recent harvest. These are made to be enjoyed immediately. Late Bottle Vintage (LBV) was intended for release as a vintage port, but was left in the barrel for longer than had been planned, and is bottled 4 to 6 years after the vintage. Ports with an age statement contain wines that are generally as old as printed on the label, and come from different harvests. Ruby Port is the most widely produced, and are aged in stainless steel or concrete tanks. Tawny Port is aged in a wooden barrel, offering additional flavors, as compared to the Ruby.

Generally, there are five different indigenous grapes used to produce Port. These are Tinta Barroco, Tinta Cao, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa (the most widely planted), and Touriga Nacional. The Touriga Nacional is widely considered the best choice, but is difficult to grow.  More than 100 different varieties of grapes are sanctioned for use in Port.

Harvesting by hand for Cockburn's

At Joe Canal's, our Wine Managers can help you select the right Port for your Thanksgiving, or for an occasion. Port can be enjoyed with dessert, as a social drink after the meal, with a cigar, or any time. Ask about Port wine today.

Gluten-Free, Vegan Wine? In Stock.

For a variety of reasons, some shoppers are looking for wine that is gluten-free, vegan, sulfite-free, or all of the above. When you consider that many wineries who practice simple organic farming don't even hype that fact, for fear of being regarded as a niche product, it can be even more daunting to find quality wines that are reasonably priced, gluten-free and/or vegan. And you just don't want to make a mistake.

You can do an Internet search and pore through lists of wine that may or may not be available in New Jersey. Or you can simply stop at Joe Canal's and pick up some Frey wine. We were in touch with the winery, and are reprinting their posting on gluten-free and vegan wines, with their permission.

Frey Petite Sirah, Biodynamic and pesticide-free

Probably the main issues in the vegan wine issue is the use of fining agents. That's their first topic: 

"What are Fining Agents?

Since ancient times, fining agents have been added to a barrel or tank of wine to help clarify and stabilize the wine. They drift through the wine, pick up solid matter, and eventually sink to the bottom of the container. Common fining agents include hydrolyzed wheat gluten isolate, pea protein isolate, casein (milk protein), gelatin, egg whites, fish glue, and natural bentonite clay. Once the fining agent settles at the bottom, the clarified wine is siphoned off the top, leaving behind the residue, which is discarded. Although no trace of these products is found in the bottled wine, some consumers may object to their use. At Frey Vineyards we use only bentonite, a natural earth clay, as the fining agent for our white wines. (Frey red wines are not fined).

Allergy Concerns

We make no health claims regarding our wines, however, bentonite clay fining should pose no problem for people with wheat or gluten allergies, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or for people who have chosen vegan lifestyles.

Frey Wines are Vegan

Biodynamic farms view animals as an essential component of farm ecology and nutrient cycling. We make all of our own Biodynamic preparations for our farm, in accordance with Biodynamic standards, from plants and animals we raise. This has allowed us to reduce the need for off-farm inputs and to create what we believe to be a more balanced ecology on our land, and a higher level of self-sufficiency and sustainability. Animals are an integral part of our sustainability as a farm, but animal byproducts never come into contact with the fruit in the vineyard and are never used during the winemaking process. Both our Organic and Biodynamic wines are produced without the use of any chemicals, preservatives or animal based fining agents.

Our promise to our customers is to continue to produce completely organic & biodynamic wines, made from carefully tended grapes and free from any additives. Our winemaker Paul Frey is vegetarian, as well as other family members."

Frey biodynamic Zinfandel vineyard and row of olive trees

"Organic Wine is Wine Without Added Sulfites

Under the USDA National Organic Program, sulfites are a synthetic food additive. They are not allowed in organic wine or any other certified organic food products, such as dried fruits, jams, salad dressings or juices.

In over 30 years of organic wine making, we have never added sulfites or other synthetic additives to our wines. Sulfur is abundant in all life forms and takes many forms in living organisms. Small amounts of naturally occurring sulfites are present in wine and other foods.

Synthetic sulfites added to wine are used as a mild antioxidant preservative and stabilizer. Sulfites are added to wine in the form of sulfur salts, SO2 gas or sulfur dioxide solutions. They are commonly used at several stages in the winemaking process. They can be added at the crusher when the fruit enters the production stream and after primary alcoholic fermentation, final levels are adjusted before bottling.

Due to the reactive nature of free sulfites, most join with other substances in the wine, becoming “bound” sulfites. Once bound, sulfites can’t be tasted or smelled, except at high levels. Any added sulfite that does not react with the wine remains "free". It is these free, reactive molecules that can be smelled and tasted and react with sinus tissues to cause a sulfite reaction."

At Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, we carry both red and white wines from Frey, like their Natural Red.

Overall, Natural Red is Frey's best-selling wine. It's medium bodied, well balanced, and smooth, with a bright garnet hue. The finish is crisp and fruity. An excellent everyday red, carefully crafted with organic techniques. This wine pairs well with a wide variety of cuisine from picnic fare to holiday feasts.

For some great recipes, visit their web page http://www.freywine.com/recipes.html.

New & Improved!

On the "New" side of the equation, Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge offers you some new wines and spirits selections, just in time for the holidays.

We are now stocking three highly-rated wines from Cascina Bruciata. The winery has been in the Balbo family since 1880. The vineyards are in the Rio Sordo area of Barbaresco, in Northwestern Italy. The photo below, taken from their Facebook page, illustrates why travel to wine country is so appealing:

Not the view from my backyard.

We're currently stocking the Cascina Bruciata Barbaresco (WA 93 points), priced at $39.99 in the Bottle Club®. The Barbaresco Riserva (WA 95 points) is $53.99 in the Bottle Club®, and the Barolo (WA 94 points) is $59.99 in the Bottle Club®.

What to look for on the shelves at Joe Canal's

"The nose on the Barolo has an aristocratic character and the wine comes from one of the most prestigious crus in the Barbaresco DOCG, the Cannubi. The floral notes are well balanced with red fruit flavors (cherries and blackberry). On your palate, it starts with a fresh and lively tannic structure, showing great concentration and a smooth balance. It finishes with a long and extremely elegant after-taste. This Barolo has fantastic aging potential." - Winery notes.

Cascina Bruciata would make great gifts for the wine lover in your life, for your holiday table, or for your own collection.

"Improved" is the watchword for the selections of Skinnygirl® cocktails. The cocktail revolution that started with Bethenny Frankel continued when Beam, Inc. took over the line. The latest cocktail to our shelves is the Sweet 'n Tart Grapefruit Margarita.

Using premium Silver Tequila with agave nectar like their first sensation, Skinnygirl® Sweet 'n Tart Grapefruit Margarita manages to create a citrusy splash all her own. Quite simply, it's citrus meets delicious with the newest low-cal gal. And it's only $12.09 in the Bottle Club®.

"New & Improved" applies to the entire Canal's Family Selection portfolio. As we detailed in a previous post, the Canal's Family Selection spirits come from hand-selected barrels, and are limited in quantity. Look for the in-store display that features Blanton's, Elijah Craig, Jefferson's Reserve and Knob Creek. These are perfect gift items, and ideal for your home bar.

And as if that's not enough of a selection, our stores now have a variety of gift sets available.

Some of the gift sets at our Lawrenceville store.

These gift sets are always incredibly popular, and they really do make your shopping simple. Hurry in, however, because the gift sets are always available only for a limited time.

 

A Dave Matthews Thanksgiving

No, it's not his latest CD. But if you like Dave Matthews, you can bring his wines, The Dreaming Tree, home for your Thanksgiving Feast! 

On Tuesday, November 19^th, Sean McKenzie paid us a visit at our Woodbridge store.

L to R, Chris Sletvold, Operations Manager; Tom Broderick, Woodbridge Store Manager; Sean Mckenzie;

 Debbie Miller Nelson, Woodbridge Wine Manager

Who is Sean McKenzie?  He’s the winemaker for Dreaming Tree wines and partner with Dave Matthews.  There are technically, three of them, Matthews, McKenzie and Steve Reeder, and together they call themselves Co-Conspirators. 

McKenzie, a native New Zealander, brought his wines for us to sample and educated our staff on four selections.

The Dreaming Tree Everyday White 2012 $13.99 in the Bottle Club®

This wine was a clear staff favorite.  This is the newest wine in the portfolio, showing off a blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Albariño and Viognier.   The Gewurztraminer really shines through and the wine has a mild minerality, floral notes and is very fruit forward.   The wine is light and very food friendly. 

The Dreaming Tree Chardonnay 2012 $13.10 in the Bottle Club®

McKenzie told us that they are always trying to make a wine that pleases the Matthews fan and the new millennial.  The Chardonnay has just a kiss of oak with tropical fruit flavors.  This is a delicious Chardonnay, sure to please the discerning palate.

The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $13.99 in the Bottle Club®

This is a perfect wine for the Merlot drinker looking to take a step up.  This Cabernet is not very heavy in texture, but the flavors are bursting with plum, dark fruit and licorice.  This is definitely more delicate than, say, the quintessential Napa Cabernet, but the flavors are spot on.

The Dreaming Tree Crush 2011 $13.99 in the Bottle Club®

This is the most well-known of the 4 wines and clearly a Joe Canal’s hot seller today.  The blend is predominantly Merlot, with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and a small percentage of other grapes.  Red blends are all the rage today and this one is a leader in the category with ripe blackberry, ripe raspberry and a touch of smokiness on the finish.

Ready to taste

Stop in Joe Canal’s Woodbridge or Lawrenceville locations to take Dave Matthews home with you today.  His wines that is!

Rioja en el Fuego

A Rioja was selected #1 in the 2013 Wine Spectator Top 100, really cementing the region's standing as a major wine producer. At Joe Canal's, of course, we knew that all along, and shared that with our customers. Spain, in general, and Rioja in particular, produced many outstanding wines at decidedly reasonable prices. The wine of the year, Cune Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 2004, was only $51.99 in the Bottle Club®, before it quickly sold out.

As you'll see in the map, Rioja is but one of many wine regions in Spain.

According to Wine Spectator, winemakers in Rioja were conflicted. "Beginning in the 1990s, a vigorous debate pitted traditionalist bodegas against a new wave of vintners. Should Rioja maintain the supple, elegant style that had flourished since the early 20th century? Or adopt a richer, more structured approach more in harmony with the world's other great reds?"

With a Rioja rated as the best wine of 2013, this is a great time to explore other Rioja wines, along with other Spanish selections, including Cava (sparkling) and Sherry (from Jerez).

Also in the 2013 Wine Spectator Top 100, coming in at 22, was the La Rioja Alta Rioja Vina Ardanza Reserva, which we have on sale in the Bottle Club® for only $29.99. This wine scored 94 points, and carries a retail price of $35. We have a few bottles of other high-scoring vintages of this wine; the 2001 (96 pts WS) and the 1998 (95pts WS).  

We carry three different Cerro Anon Rioja wines: the Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, with prices as low as $11.96 in the Bottle Club®. The Gran Reserva is 80% Garnacha; it's balanced, complex, full and round. It spends two years in barrel, and another three aging in the bottle.

We also carry three different Anares wines, including a white Rioja, with pricing as low as $9.96 in the Bottle Club®. The white is 90% Viura, spends 6 months in oak, and is meant to be enjoyed within about a year of purchase.

Finally, you might try the 2009 El Coto Rioja Crianza, priced at $10.49. It's a tasty, cherry-accented Rioja that’s 100 percent Tempranillo, it’s aged for 12 months in oak barrels, which is the requirement for Crianza Riojas.

In checking Rioja to prepare for this article, I discovered Bodegas Ysios. While we don't carry their wines, I just thought this was one of the most breathtaking winery buildings that I'd ever seen.

On your next visit to Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville or Woodbridge, just ask one of our wine team members for their suggestions on great choices from Spain. From value prices to fine wine, we have the right wine for you. 

Coming On Strong: South Africa

Because of its years of international isolation, the South African wine industry did not have the opportunity to fully develop its potential. As South Africa returned to the community of nations, their focus on local favorites like Pinotage didn't spark the growth that was hoped for.

With many South African wineries turning to international varieties, the growth opportunities are being realized. And a recent Wine Spectator cover story certainly helped as well. South African wines currently offer a nice balance of quality and value, which is why we're featuring Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc, from the Elgin region in the Overberg district of the Cape South Coast. That means it's southeast of Cape Town, on a high plateau that's surrounded by mountains, but still close to the Indian Ocean.

Driveway to the winery

The Elgin Valley is also known for their apples, pears, and cool climate wines like Sauvignon Blanc. Sutherland offers a lively, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc that flaunts mouthwatering flavors of gooseberry, grapefruit pith, citrus and melon tinged with gorgeously pure minerality. IWC gave it 90 points, saying it was "Bright pale yellow. Fresh, cool perfume of lime ice, grapefruit pith, gooseberry, licorice and caraway seed. At once cool and glyceral in the mouth, showing excellent fruit intensity and punch. Finishes tactile, dusty and rich, with lingering spices. An excellent value in Sauvignon Blanc."

 What to look for

This is a wine that will pair well with salads or light fish; it would be an excellent aperitif, and great with delicately flavored foods. The Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc has a regular price of $14.99, but it's currently available in the Bottle Club® for only $11.96.

 

Brandon's Trip to Cali: The Finale!

On occasion, Joe Canal’s staff members are able to go on trips to meet the producers of the items we sell. Whether we travel to the great wine regions, or any other location, the trips are educational, great for team-building, and, of course, they’re fun.

Brandon Bartfalvi, Senior Wine Manager at our Lawrenceville store, recently visited California wine country on just such a trip with other Joe Canal's team members. Here's the final part of his report:

DAY 4:  ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END...

This was our last day in California and it was very relaxed.  We made the drive from Napa to San Francisco and stopped by the Golden Gate Bridge while we had time.   Everybody enjoyed this little stop and the cool air was fresh and clean (and it woke you up).

We all took several pictures and then it was time to make our final tour of the trip:  Campari America headquarters.

This was a first for all of us on the trip (even the veterans).  We usually only visit wineries on these trips, but we mixed it up a little this time and thought it would be fun to visit the national headquarters of Campari America.

THE DESTINATION (CAMPARI AMERICA):
(courtesy of www. Campariamerica.com)

Campari America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., which together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari, comprise an international beverage powerhouse making it the sixth-largest spirits company in the world.

At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America.Unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, the Campari America portfolio is a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.

Campari America is committed to profitable growth by combining its focus on brand building with innovation and functional excellence.

Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky

THE VISIT: 

I never realized how many products are represented by Campari, and I was truly amazed.  This was my first visit to the national headquarters of a major spirits entity, so I was very interested.  After being cleared by security we were sent up the elevator where we were met by our guide.

We toured the floor and found that the offices were brand new and there was a lot of pride that went into the design.  Campari owned the entire floor (which had great views of the city) and it was designed to host events and still operate as a working office with a very open floor plan.  We were shown the various offices and departments within the corporation and then we made our way to the rear where there was an experimental kitchen.  This kitchen is where drinks are made, experimental drinks are produced and where a lot of the mixology magic happens.  Walk outside the kitchen and you are in a semi-lounge area with a very modern bar set-up in the rear (with multiple colored lights that can be changed at random) where the events are  hosted.

We continued the tour and witnessed quite a few meetings that were taking place but there was a casual feel that made everything seem relaxed.  We had the chance to meet with the national sales manager and we sat in one of the meeting rooms and discussed the business, our needs and the growing market trends.  We discussed the booming growth of the whiskey segment and we found that there will be some interesting moves in the coming months (interesting marketing moves to be more specific – keep an eye on Wild Turkey).  That meeting concluded our visit and opened up the day to us to relax.

San Francisco, here we are: now entertain us! 

There were some good stories but what happens there stays there. We did have an amazing dinner at Epic Roasthouse and the food was absolutely incredible!  My halibut was mouthwatering and the steaks were done to perfection..... and now the story ends..... well, the written part....

The Wine Spectator Top 10: #1 Is In Stock (For Now)

Wine Spectator magazine has been rolling out their Top 10 wines throughout this past week, with the announcement of their #1 wine earlier today. This Top 10 is part of the hype for their Top 100 list, which they've been announcing annually since 1988. Wine Spectator selects their Top 100 from the wines that they review throughout the year. Their top wines could have been reviewed 10 or 11 months ago, and that presents a challenge for you, in finding the wine, and it's also a challenge to us, as we don't have any advance notice, so we don't necessarily have any stock on hand.

The #1 wine for 2013, according to Wine Spectator, is the CVNE Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 2004.

It scored 95 points from WS, and got a 92+ from WA. We have limited amounts of this wine in stock in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, and our supplies will not last long.

The write-up from Wine Spectator: "Firm and a bit austere, this red shows depth and drive, with chewy tannins supporting plum, tobacco, licorice and mineral flavors. The structure is solid but the wine remains fresh. Maturing now, this has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2024." Here are the notes from the distributor: "85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazeuelo - all a selection of the best grapes from vineyards surrounding the village of Villalba, in the heart of the ‘Rioja Alta’ zone, grown on iron-rich clay and limestone soils.  Extended aging takes place in French and American oak casks, followed by further aging in bottle."

Last year's #1 wine was the 2008 vintage of Shafer Relentless. We sold out of that wine months before the list came out. Not that we received all that much of it in the first place. The same thing happened with this year's Top 10. We sold out of #9, Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, in October, #5, the Kongsgaard 2010 Napa Chardonnay, in June, and #2, the Chateau Canon-La Gaffeliere 2010, in September. And we never carried #10, #6, #4 or #3, although we do have an earlier vintage of Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir, that third-place wine.

The good news is that we still have two more of this year's Wine Spectator Top 10 in stock. Wine #8 is the Chateau de Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It scored 96 points from WS, as well as 95 points from WA.

Here is the write-up from Wine Spectator: "Dark, dense and very closed now, this has a tremendous core of crushed plum, linzer torte and blackberry confiture waiting in reserve. Ample singed cedar and mesquite, warm paving stone and black tea notes lurk in the background and glide through the finish. Features serious grip, but wonderful integration. Should cruise in the cellar."

And, for balance, here's the write-up from Wine Advocate: "This is a gorgeous wine, a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance the other permitted varietals in the appellation. Deep purple, with loads of bouquet garni, beef blood, blackberry, kirsch, smoke and truffle, this wine is full-bodied, rich and showing even better than it did last year. I still think it needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and it should last for 25-30 years, as most of the top vintages of Beaucastel do."

We have limited quantities of the Chateau de Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape in stock in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, for the Bottle Club® price of $88.99.

Wine #7 is the Domaine du Pegau  Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2010. 97 points from WS, and 96-98+ from WA.

The Wine Spectator notes: "Intense, with the tarry, bittersweet cocoa-fueled grip of the vintage running through a well-endowed core of crushed plum, blackberry paste and braised fig. The muscular finish picks up notes of brick dust, pepper, warm chestnut leaf and smoldering charcoal. A throwback profile, with a hyperripe core of fruit—and it works. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and others. Best from 2015 through 2035."

Wine Spectator ratings remain a benchmark for evaluating wines. With 3 of this year's Top 10 still available, serious and casual wine people alike should hurry in for the very limited supplies. 

Brandon's Trip to Cali, Part 3

On occasion, Joe Canal’s staff members are able to go on trips to meet the producers of the items we sell. Whether we travel to the great wine regions, or any other location, the trips are educational, great for team-building, and, of course, they’re fun.

Brandon Bartfalvi, Senior Wine Manager at our Lawrenceville store, recently visited California wine country on just such a trip with other Joe Canal's team members. Here's Part 3 of his report:

DAY 3 – NAPA, NAPA, NAPA
A quick breakfast and it was time to leave Sonoma and head to Napa via the Trinity Road.  If you have never taken this little trip then you are truly missing out on an experience (make sure you feel well before this journey).

THE WINERY (CAKEBREAD):
(courtesy of www.kobrandwineandspirits.com)

Cakebread Cellars began in 1973 with the vineyard lands on the original 22-acre property in Rutherford. Over the years, the family has acquired additional vineyards throughout Napa Valley and the North Coast. Today, the winery owns 15 sites totaling 560 vineyard acres in Carneros, Rutherford, Howell Mountain and Anderson Valley, as well as other prime locations in Napa.

Rutherford is known for exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is to this vine that about 70% of the AVA is planted. The appellation consists of about six square miles of valley floor vineyards and benchland vineyards situated in the rolling foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. The valley vineyards are fertile, with volcanic soil, and the benchlands are well drained and less fertile, with gravelly sand and alluvial soils. Summers are warm during the day, with morning fog possible in the valley.

In Carneros, which lies to the south and borders San Pablo Bay, the climate is much cooler and windy, suited to the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that predominate there. Cakebread Cellars owns four vineyards in the region: Milton Road (42.5 acres), Tinsley Ranch (27 acres), Foster Road (31.5 acres), and Cuttings Wharf Road (56 acres).

Anderson Valley is located in Mendocino County on the hilly western slope of the coastal mountain range. It is a cool, often foggy region where Cakebread grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on 46 acres.

Cakebread Cellars is a certified Napa Green Winery since 2008 and farms 191 acres certified Napa Green Land. The Napa Green Winery program promotes reducing energy, total waste and water use and encourages recycling in all aspects of winery operations. In 2010 Cakebread Cellars’ team reduced total waste by 12% and recycled 81% of its total waste. The winery has been awarded several PGE grants to reduce energy use by installing energy efficient refrigeration pumps, controllers and lighting.

In the vineyards, Cakebread Cellars is active in certifying all its vineyards in the Napa Green Land program, which promotes sustainable farming practices, restores fish and wildlife habitat and improves water quality in the local streams. As of 2011, 191 acres (out of a total 460 acres) is Napa Green Land certified, and Cakebread plans to have all properties certified by 2014. In 2010, Cakebread’s Suscol Springs Vineyard was the first vineyard presented with a sustainability award by the Napa County Resource Conservation District and received recognition as a model hillside vineyard development.


                                                        OUR VISIT:
After the long, winding road trip, we pulled into our destination:  Cakebread Cellars!  I enjoy the wines from this estate and I was excited to visit the winery.  We were on a tight schedule so we did an abbreviated tour but it was interesting and educational and gave me a little more insight into the winery. 

We started the tour by having a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc inside the Visitors Center.  Not a bad way to start the day, huh?!  A crisp morning, a cool crisp white and a fantasic winery!  We enjoyed our Sauvignon Blanc and talked with the staff for a little bit before meeting our guide.

After our introductions we dove into the tour.  Our guide gave us a little background on the winery and the family and then led us through the grounds.  We went into the winery and had a little behind-the-scenes look at the machinery and operations, then we made our way out to the courtyard where there was a tasting table set up for us (surprise, surprise lol!).  We sampled the new vintage of Cakebread Napa Chardonnay and I really enjoyed it.  I haven't had it recently so it was great to re-acquaint myself with this bottling.  It sells quickly based on reputation but I do get quite a few questions regarding the taste profile and I only have previous experiences to relate.  After tasting this wine I can confidently recommend this well-balanced offering that offers stone fruits backed by clean acidity and a dose of oak that in not overpowering (just balanced).  BUT we got to taste the Reserve Chardonnay and that really was nice!  It definitely is a step above the regular bottling in terms of complexity and really impressed me.

Next we made our way out into the vineyards immediately surrounding the winery, where we had a chance to taste the reds (Cab and Merlot, I believe... I must admit, I cannot remember the exact tasting order... sorry) but we did end this stage with a sampling of the Zinfandel.  I remember the Cabernet sauvignon showing really well despite its youth.  Full-bodied, ripe and oozing with dark fruits framed by savory spice and cedar notes.  The Cabernet sauvignon stood out (for now) with the Zinfandel not far behind.  I am used to big, alcohol-laden Zinfandels, but this one was a little more restrained and friendly .  The wine had the body you would expect from a Zinfandel but it leaned toward a more restrained, spice-laden style rather than a full-throttle fruit bomb.  It was a nice change of pace! 

We discussed the different properites used by the winery and the characteristics they impart to the wine produced from them.  Our guide took us out to the corner of the property and pointed out the approximate locations of each vineyard so we could get a general idea of how close the vineyards are to each other but how each is very distinct.

On our way back to the Visitors Center, our guide showed us the Culinary building. Here, classes and events are held which emphasize the relationship between food and wine.  Dolores Cakebread started this facility (and there is a ¾ acre garden on site for ingredients) to help promote the healthy eating movement.  Once a year there is a four-day festival where top American chefs interact with the winemaker, local food producers and media to discuss wine, food and a healthy lifestyle. 

Once we reached the main building again we were greeted with a glass of the 2010 Cakebread Dancing Bear blend which showed remarkably well.  It was still youthful and restrained, but it did offer more than I expected at this point in its development.  Put this bottle away for a few years and you will be rewarded handsomely!  This completed our visit and we made our way to the next winery, Sequoia Grove, which is literally next door (we could have walked).

WINES TASTED:
Cakebread Chardonnay
Cakebread Chardonnay Reserve
Cakebread Merlot
Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon
Cakebread Zinfandel
Cakebread Dancing Bear Ranch


THE WINERY (SEQUOIA GROVE WINERY):
 (courtesy of www.kobrandwineandspirits.com)

Sequoia Grove, founded in 1979, is a family-owned winery located on Route 29 in the heart of Rutherford, Napa Valley’s most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon appellation. For more than 30 years, Sequoia Grove has been recognized for its commitment to crafting award-winning wines that emphasize finesse and balance from its Estate vineyards as well as through decades-long relationships with top Napa Valley growers.

Sequoia Grove’s tasting room is nestled into one of the last remaining groves of the majestic Sequoia sempervirens in Napa Valley, inside a barn with more than a century of history in Rutherford. Outside, the Sequoia Grove Estate Vineyard, with its 18 acres of vines, surrounds the property. When the winery outgrew the barn, a separate winemaking building was constructed, along with Napa Valley’s first completely subterranean cellar, a notable achievement given the Napa Valley’s notoriously high water table. The cellar maintains a year-round temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sequoia Grove’s Estate Vineyard lies in the Napa Valley’s most revered red wine growing region, midway between Rutherford and Oakville on the famous Rutherford bench, an area that extends east from the highway to the base of the Mayacamas mountains and is defined mainly by the distinct flavor characteristics it imparts in the Cabernet Sauvignon grown there. The Sequoia Grove Estate Vineyard’s 18 planted acres are dedicated primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), with the remainder to Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Each variety and clonal selection has been matched with the soil type to which it is best suited, with Cabernet Sauvignon in gravelly loam and other varieties in the deeper, richer soils.

                                                    OUR VISIT:

We took the "long" drive from Cakebread to Sequoia Grove (we should have just walked) and it is a beautiful estate and you cannot miss the sequoias looming above you.  We strolled into the tasting room and were greeted by our guide and immediately we all fell in love with the winery.  Our guide was outgoing and fun and made us feel right at home.

We listened to a brief history of the winery while sipping on a glass of Chardonnay. This was the first time I have had the Chardonnay from this estate (well, that I can remember) and it was very nice.  The wine offers aromas and flavors of ripe stone fruits with a very creamy finish that seems to keep going. 

After our tasting we started our tour of the grounds and the weather was amazing.  We went out to see the bins of grapes that were just delivered and ready to be processed and to snap a few photos.  Our guide described the vineyards and the delivery process and then she walked us to the rear of the winery to see the action.

We had a chance to see the winery employees at work on the crush pad and had a chance to meet the winemaker, Molly Hill.  Molly stopped her work and spent time talking to us (which is amazing since it was so busy).   You can feel the passion she has for her job and it's contagious.  Everybody working with her was smiling and productive.  We didn't want to take any more of her time, so we continued the tour and visited the barrel room and the basement, where even more barrels were stored.  Next time you are in the store ask me how they get the filled barrels in and out of the basement (there is no elevator). 

We left the basement and made our way back to the tasting room but first we had to get some pics of the sequoias then it was back to tasting.  On the way back we did stop in the small dining area where special events are held (pairing the wines with different dishes, meetings, etc.).  Ahhh, back to the tasting area and I was excited to try the reds.  I have had the Cab and the Cab Reserve in the past but that felt like ages ago so this was new and fresh (and exciting).  We started with the regular Napa Cab and it was delicioussssss!!!  Ripe, round and offering dark fruit flavors with a soft, velvety finish.  This Cab has backbone but it is silky and smooth (alert:  keep an eye out for this one; we may bring it back soon).   There was no Reserve to speak of but we tried three single vineyard Cabs that were all very distinct and very well-made (did I mention age-worthy?).  The three single vineyards are  Lamoreaux Vineyard, Stagecoach Vineyard and Morisoli Vineyard.  It's hard to pick a favorite, but I give my nod to the Morisoli Vineyard (but all three were really good and unique comparitively).

A great tasting was followed by a great picnic lunch out in the grove under the cover of the giant sequoias.  We weren't expecting a lunch but the winery really took care of us and it was greatly appreciated.  We had some great Cabernet with lunch and everything was right in the world for that moment.  Out of nowhere we were greeted by a friendly black dog and it promptly ran back to its owner.  A little while later the dog returned and we met the owner, Mike Trujillo.  Yes, the head winemaker and president of the winery.  What a great guy!  He apologized because he thought he missed our visit but then he spent a lot of time just talking to us about the winery and I asked  him about other projects (ask me in person and I can tell you more).  After a wonderful conversation and lunch we made our way to town..... and a nice, cold beer!

WINES TASTED:

Sequoia Grove Chardonnay
Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vyd
Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vyd
Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon Lamoreaux Vyd

This is our small break during the day!  We took a little side trip to St. Helena to walk around and grab a beer at Ana's Cantina (a long-standing trip tradition).  I just wanted a nice cold beer and to watch Rachel try to stick a dollar to the ceiling (oh yeah, just ask and we will tell you).  Our next stop was Mumm Napa and here it goes....

THE WINERY (MUMM NAPA):
(courtesy of www.mummnapa.com)
In 1979, the legendary French Champagne house of G.H. Mumm began its quest to find the ideal winegrowing area in the U.S. The sensitive project was awarded to Guy Devaux who had more than 40 years experience creating fine still and sparkling wines in France, South America and the U.S.

For four years, Devaux quietly crossed America, surreptitiously buying grapes and small lots of wine he considered prime. His only rule was to find a terroir where he could create wine from the traditional Champagne grapes and use only the highest quality production process, méthode champenoise.

Ultimately, Guy Devaux found his prize in the Napa Valley. The area could provide consistently good fruit in an optimum grape-growing climate. The long, hot days and cool nights could foster the perfect ripeness and balanced acidity.

The winery he established, Mumm Cuvée Napa, was completed in 1986, embracing all the classic techniques and theories that were invented in Champagne three centuries ago.

While Monsieur Devaux passed away in 1995, the winery remains fully dedicated to his pioneering spirit.

Today, Champagne-born master winemaker Ludovic Dervin leads the way, using his international experience to craft balanced, distinctive wines in the acclaimed méthode traditionelle.

Continuing the long tradition of handcrafted wine, each cluster of grapes is carefully selected and transported in small baskets. The harvest is then gently pressed using only the first, most pure, pressing to go into our sparkling wines. To ensure character in the style of méthode champenoise, every bottle is fermented separately. And, equally important, our grapes are still sourced entirely from Napa Valley.

                                                     OUR VISIT:

This is my second visit to Mumm Napa and the tour was very similar to the one I had taken a few years ago.  This is a very educational tour that walks you through the winery (with sparkling wine in hand) and behind-the-scenes.  Our guide took us from room to room and explained the history and the specifics of the winery then we would take a short break and watch a video at each stop. 

It was great to see the excitement on the faces of the group.  This is their first time to this winery (and a sparkling wine producer at that) so all of this was a truly educational experience for them.  Even I learned some new things and I pay attention on the tours. I knew questions would be raised and the guide had the answers for each one. This was a very relaxed tour and it was nice to take our time and explore.

We went through the entire process of the sparkling wine production and had the opportunity to see the production in action along the way with the guide filling in all of the blanks.  Our guide kept our attention and was very informative and made the tour very comfortable and entertaining.
We did experience one thing that I didn't remember (again, my memory is spotty sometimes) and that was the art gallery at the end of the tour with amazing photos by Jeffrey Davis (I believe).  There was no rush and we took our time viewing each photo and I must admit that each one was breathtaking.  The tour did not stop there though....

After learning about the winemaking process and the history of the winery, we finally had a chance to taste several samplings and that really enhanced what we learned on the tour.  We sat on the patio in a special pairing area and had the opportunity to taste several different wines paired with select cheeses, fruits and nuts.  This was very interesting and really drove home the versatility of pairing sparkling wine with different foods.  This was a great experience and we had the chance to choose several different sparkling wines (each of us could choose our own selections to try) to pair with the food.  Each of us discussed our favorite wines and then went deeper and talked about our favorite pairings.  Our guide was very gracious and we had enough wines to share with each other and he even made a very special bottling available to us (a vintage bottling of the top bottling DVX that had been lost and recently found in the warehouse – 2001 vintage).  A great finish to a great tour!

WINES TASTED:

Mumm Napa  Brut Prestige
Mumm Napa Santana Supernatural Brut
Mumm Napa Blanc de Blanc
Mumm Napa DVX 2007
Mumm Napa DVX 2001
Mumm Napa Cuvee M Red
Mumm Napa Brut Rose
Mumm Napa Pinot Noir

Brandon's Cali Trip, Part 2

On occasion, Joe Canal’s staff members are able to go on trips to meet the producers of the items we sell. Whether we travel to the great wine regions, or any other location, the trips are educational, great for team-building, and, of course, they’re fun.

Brandon Bartfalvi, Senior Wine Manager at our Lawrenceville store, recently visited California wine country on just such a trip with other Joe Canal's team members. Here's Part 2 of his report:

DAY 2 – LIFE IS GOOD… REALLLLLYYY GOOODDDD

The day started well and I knew it was going to be memorable.  First stop – breakfast!  Several glasses of OJ and five hard boiled eggs later and I was ready to make this day happen.  First stop:  Saint Francis Winery.

THE WINERY (ST FRANCIS WINERY):

For more than four decades, the wines of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards have reflected the finest mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma County.  The founder, Joe Martin, fell in love with Sonoma Valley and established St. Francis Vineyard in 1971, planting 22 acres of Chardonnay and the first 60 acres of Merlot in Sonoma Valley. After achieving great success as a grower, Joe opened his own winery in 1979, with his business partner Lloyd Canton.

The first winemaker, Tom Mackey, joined St. Francis in 1983 and was renowned for elevating both the quality and style of Sonoma Merlot as an ultra-premium, stand-alone varietal. He also cultivated an in-depth understanding of every Sonoma appellation, enabling the winery to acquire and develop new vineyards and expand its wine portfolio.

In 1988, St. Francis partnered with the Kopf family, long admired for their historic legacy in the wine and spirits industry and their commitment to quality. That legacy began in 1933 with the repeal of prohibition, when Rudy Kopf founded the wine and spirits division of Macy’s Department Store in New York, turning it into what was then one of the finest wine and spirits retailers in the country. He later established his own wine and spirits company, now owned by his three daughters.

Today at St. Francis, a new generation of winemakers, Katie Madigan and Chris Louton, continues the long tradition of luscious, elegant, fruit-driven wines from Sonoma County grapes.  The winery farms more than 400 acres of Certified Sustainable estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and Russian River Valley, each with varying compositions of loam, clay and volcanic soils. It also nurtures long-term relationships with top Sonoma County grape growers, giving the Winery access to some of the region's most coveted old vines Zinfandel and other varietals from acclaimed vineyards.

OUR VISIT:

We're not in New Jersey anymore!

What a way to start the day!  Good weather, good friends and a beautiful winery only minutes from our lodgings.  As we pulled into the winery you could see just a fraction of the estates holdings and the view was magnificent.  So what is the first thing we do as soon as we get out of the van?  Take pictures in front of the winery of course!  After several minutes of intense picture-taking (ok it wasn’t intense but I have a story to tell), we made our way into the tasting room and we were greeted with a delicious glass of St Francis Chardonnay.  I will admit that I haven’t had this Chard in a while and I was glad to be reminded of how much I really enjoy it (not over-the-top, just balanced and tasty).  As we waited for our guide we perused the immediate grounds and, again, dove into some intense picture-taking again.  It felt good to be there among friends, slowly meandering around the grounds and taking in the scenery!  We all work hard every day (at least that’s what I will tell you) so it feels good to step back and really enjoy life.  After a little downtime our guide introduced the winery and its philosophy and then walked us to the exclusive dining area (one table just for us) where she presented the wines paired with different dishes specifically chosen by the winery’s chef. 

A fantastic meal and a great way to introduce the team to the different wines and their food-pairing abilities.  After a wonderful conversation regarding the wines, marketing, the future, and, of course, local honey, we had to choose our favorite wine of the lineup (Cab, Merlot, Chard or Old Vine Zinfandel) and there was not clear favorite.  Each person liked a specific wine for their own reasons.  I thought the Cab was really nice and worked well with the food while someone else preferred the boldness of the Zin.  It was a win-win situation because all of the wines were very good and the food was delicious!  As a side note, it really was hard to choose a favorite wine because each wine was distinct and brought something interesting with it, especially with the food. HMMMMM, I’m still leaning toward the Cab but the softness of the Merlot was very appealing.

After our discussion we made a short drive to the production facilities right behind the visitor center (where we were eating and drinking ).  We lucked out because we were there during crush so everything was in full swing.  We took our time and toured the barrel rooms and I couldn’t believe there was this much juice in the warehouse, along with a series of experimental lots that the public may never see.  I have seen these type of warehouse set-ups before so it wasn’t overwhelming for me but it was nice to hear the expressions from the newbies on the trip.  This is the first time some of them have been to a winery before and especially one of this scale.  It really does put things into perspective when you see the behind-the-scenes view of the winery.  

One Barrel Room at St. Francis

As we made our way out of the warehouse we were just in time to see the tractor trailers unload their supply of grapes.  One of the winery interns walked us through the entire process and we couldn’t have had better timing.  We had to say our farewells so we could make our appointment at the next winery.  And this concludes the first winery visit of the day and it was going to be hard to top that……..

WINES TASTED:

St. Francis Chardonnay

St. Francis Merlot

St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel

Next stop, Benziger Winery!  We drove by our lodge and up the hill and there it was the entrance to Benziger.  I had heard great stories about the winery visit here and I couldn’t wait to get started (and to top it off, Kathy Benziger was our guide).

THE WINERY (BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY):   

The following is an excerpt written by Chris Benziger and his description aptly sums up the background info:

"Our entire portfolio of Benziger wine is certified sustainable, organic or Biodynamic©. Not because we want to be known as 'the green winery,' but because we know that great wine has green values. In our pursuit of fine wine, we follow agricultural, winemaking and business practices that are good for the earth and the vine, good for the farm worker and the farmer, and good for our colleagues and our customers.

Our family has been growing grapes on Sonoma Mountain for close to thirty years. My brother Mike and his wife Mary discovered this vineyard in the late seventies and purchased the property with the help of my parents Bruno and Helen. It soon became a real family affair when our brothers Joe, Bob and Jerry joined the business, followed by my sister Patsy and her husband Tim. As the youngest siblings, my sister Kathy and I came along with our parents and spent our high school years as New York transplants in a Sonoma vineyard.

In the beginning we farmed the same way as everyone else around here. You spray to keep the weeds in check, to keep the bugs away, and to increase yield per vine. It worked for a little while and the wines were decent. But after a few years Mike really pushed us to consider something different. The earth didn’t look as rich as it once had. Things seemed drier and harder and quieter. Once we really started thinking about the cycles of nature and how interrelated everything is, we realized that our farming approach - while certainly modern - was a little backward.

In the mid-90's, Mike befriended a man named Alan York who was, and still is, one of the leading international experts on Biodynamic farming. In this ultra-organic approach, the vineyard is viewed holistically. Chemicals and artificial inputs are eliminated and natural balances are re-instated. With Alan's help, we learned which flowers attracted the bugs we needed to keep pest populations in control. Habitats were created for birds and owls, and we brought cows, sheep and chickens to live on the property.

Once the estate found its balance, the wines did too. As we tasted the wines grown from such a healthy and vibrant place, we realized that the distinctiveness and authenticity we were lacking before was right in the glass. Healing the land had led to an amazing new caliber of wines and we knew we had to begin applying the lessons learned on our estate to all the vineyards we worked with.

Around 2001, Mark Burningham, VP of Winegrowing and the only non-Benziger Partner in our company, put together a sustainable farming program for all of our growers. Within it, he created protocols and metrics and guidelines that would help a farmer tailor a sustainality plan to his specific vineyard, one that would require him to make progress each year towards an ultimate goal of organic or Biodynamic certification. Since 2007, Stellar Certification Services has audited our program each and inspects all the vineyards that hold its certification.

Today with over a dozen Benzigers active in our winery business, our family is committed to this philosophy now and for generations to come."

OUR VISIT:

I don’t even know where to begin but I will simply say that this was one of the best tours I have ever been on!  I could probably write pages on this tour but I will keep it nice and short for your sake.

We parked the car and as we exited the van we just stopped and looked up at the massive sequoias towering over us!  After we picked our jaws up off the ground, we strolled up to meet Kathy but on the way to the meeting place we stopped and took in the surroundings: a copse of sequoias with a place to sit and relax, a small outside tasting area, gardens and tram cars…..What??!!!!  Yes, a tram tour!

                                                         A copse of sequoias

We roamed around for a few minutes then a small bundle of energy and excitement roared out of the building and rushed our way:  this energy source was the talented, fun and friendly, Kathy Benziger.  After some quick intros we jumped on the tram and Kathy jumped into the drivers seat.  Oh yes, this was going to be a hell of a tour!  When you meet Kathy you just instantly fall in love with her energy, enthusiasm and  pure charm (and a lot of fun – a down-to-earth sweetheart of a person).  She makes you feel like you are part of the family and if you are shy she will break you out of that cocoon.  

                                                                             Kathy Benziger

So, back to the tour…. Kathy took us for our first stop in the vineyards.  A quiet little place surrounded by indigenous plants, gardens and wildlife (did I mention grapes too?!)  Before she started to tell us about the winery and its philosophy she poured us some delicious Sauvignon Blanc so we could taste while she talked.  The history of the winery and how her family ended up in Sonoma is very interesting (ask me next time you are in the store and I will tell you more) and the evolution of their vineyard was even more interesting.  She described how they converted to a sustainable winery over time and the gist of it goes like this:  When they started the winery they hired a consultant from Napa to show them the ropes because at that time Sonoma wasn’t as established as Napa.  Well this consultant told them where to plant, what areas to clear, what pesticides to use, etc.  The winery was successful for years but then the family woke up and realized something was wrong.  They said “listen, what do you hear?” and the answer was nothing.   All of the wildlife, all of the essential ingredients to the vineyard were not there.  No insects, no birds, no plants other than grapes.  They stripped the land and now it was quietly dying.  They knew the future was going to be short unless they made major changes.  So they decided to adopt the sustainable (and biodynamic) philosophy in order to bring life back to the land.  The family used plants from the local mountains in their vineyards to create balance and to bring the insects back.  Over time the land started to regain its health and the family did their research.  If there were pest problems then they would use natural means to regulate them.  After years, the vineyards become balanced, healthy organisms in their own right.  As we toured the grounds we found all types of plants from the  area, each with a specific job.  It’s remarkable to see what they are doing and my words truly can’t do it justice, it’s something you need to witness first hand.

Well, as we drank our Sauvignon Blanc, Kathy roamed around the vineyards and picked grape tomatoes for each of us (yes, there really are gardens in the vineyards) and then she gave us each a basil leaf from the plant to her right.  We wrapped the tomato inside the basil leaf and popped it into our mouths.  So clean, so fresh, so good!

After our quick snack and taste of Sauvignon Blanc, we continued our tour of the grounds.  We roamed through one of the gardens (I call it a garden but it is a little oasis filled with the local flora and fauna) and then back to our tram for more stops (and more tasting tables).  Kathy described more of the background and history of the vineyards and showed us the pond and wetlands on the grounds.  This pond is self-sustaining and uses its various stages (wetland, pond and such) to naturally recycle the “gray” water runoff from the vineyards.  By the time this “gray” water makes it to the final pond it is clean and naturally filtered and ready to be used again in the vineyards.  Truly a remarkable system!

We made our way through the vineyards and drove down to the crush pad where we met the man behind all the action (and total vineyard philosophy), Mike Benziger.  Mike is the general manager and the winemaker for the higher-end Tribute bottling.  As mentioned previously, it is right in the middle of crush so we can witness the action but it is also the busiest time for the winery so face-to-face time with Mike seemed improbable.  To our surprise, Mike took time out to introduce himself and to personally greet each one of us and to explain the winery philosophy and the direction the winery is going.  We even had a chance to talk to Joe Benziger, who also was assisting with the duties (and he has his own line of wines named Imagery).  This truly is a family business and passion!

I also forgot to mention a certain bovine visit.... read Rachel's blog because I'm sure she will cover this story!

After meeting with members of the team (and family) we made our way to another tasting table and enjoyed the 2010 Benziger Tribute Meritage.  Those that follow my reviews know that I always love this bottling and the 2010 was absolutely delicious.  I usually like some age to this bottling but the 2010 was silky and smooth revealing dark fruit notes framed by spice and chocolate notes.  The finish just caressed the palate and just would not end.  Keep an eye out for this release!

Kathy also showed us a “secret room” that hides some special magic but I'm not giving away this spicy little morsel in this blog.. consider it a teaser!  You can ask me about it but depending on my mood I may not reveal the secret.  Visit the winery and find the answer!

Finally, we made our way to the tasting room where we had the opportunity to sample some special wines that were only available there.  This was sadly the end of our tour and after our goodbyes we made our way back to the lodge (then a long, fun night in Santa Rosa!!)  Oh, for you beer geeks out there, we spent some time at Russian River Brewing (the dark sour was delicious!).

WINES TASTED:

Benziger Merlot Sonoma County

Benziger Chardonnay Sonoma County

Benziger Sauvignon Blanc

Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon (btw, this is one of my fav Cabs under $20)

Benziger Tribute (read the description in the blog)

deCoelo Pinot Noir (winery only)

Signaterra line (wine club wine)