2011 was Challenging Year for Petite Sirah:El Portal Vineyard, CALAVERAS COUNTY, Harvest Report

Mark Skenfield, Viticulturist with Vinescapes Vineyard Management, sends this Harvest Report from one of the vineyards under his management, the El Portal vineyard in Murphys.  Grapes from this vineyard are used to produce the wines for Newsome-Harlow Winery of Murphys in Calaveras County, CA

The El Portal vineyard in Murphys, Calaveras County, has 3 separate blocks of Petite Sirah planted specifically for Newsome-Harlow Winery.  The vineyard is organically farmed by Mark Skenfield of Vinescapes Vineyard Management with meticulous attention to all viticultural practices.  Through pruning designed for low yields, careful selection of shoots, agressive fruit thinning and specialized fertilization, El Portal produces pristine, intensely colored Petite Sirah ear-marked for a premium bottle of wine.


Varieties like Petite Sirah, which love warm weather for ripening, had a challenging year this year.  2011 started out cool and didn't reach typical summer temperatures as often as previous years.  This caused increased issues for disease, irregular fruit set and ripening and stretched the harvest season much later than growers like.  Vineyard managers had to earn their pay this year.

The grapes that were lucky enough to come off the vine early in the harvest, looked less stressed than normal and developed complexity without reaching excessive sugar levels.  Later ripening varieties, like Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel had to ride out some heavy rains and some extended hang-time before being harvested.  Sometimes the looming potential for rot forced the wineries hand to bring the fruit in a little earlier than they normally would like.  Other times, the berries didn't look as pristine as they normally would.  Sugar levels in these varieties didn't reach the heights they normally achieve, but the fruit came in with mature characteristics - minimal "green" qualities with lots of complexity. 


Ultimately, the fact that grapes were often picked with lower than typical sugar levels actually can benefit wines by holding the alcohols levels down and helping fermentations complete efficiently.  If vineyard managers were diligent and tended carefully to the challenges presented from the 2011 growing season, winemakers still had quality fruit to work with to create solid, albeit uncharacteristic foothill wines. 

More about Newsome-Harlow, from their website:

Scott and Melanie Klann created their own label, Newsome-Harlow, in 2000 with a couple of partners and a small batch of wines crafted from premium Calaveras County grapes. Scott's original partner and life long friend, Mark Skenfield, was one of those who started the winery. The name Newsome Harlow is the combination of the maiden names of Scott and his original partner, Mark Skenfield, a long time Calaveras resident and vineyard manager.

Their first vintage — a mere 150 cases — was sold exclusively to those on the winery’s mailing list. Ten years later, Newsome-Harlow is recognized as having some of the best wines in Calaveras, and produces 3,200 cases of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc and five signature Zinfandels that sell out each year.

Yields lower but good brix and balance: CALAVERAS COUNTY HARVEST REPORT from IRONSTONE VINEYARDS

This report from Ironstone Vineyards, Calaveras County:

At Ironstone Vineyards, last week we picked our Syrah.  The grapes came in very late for us and were down about 20% from normal yields, but the good news is that they came in at 24.6 brix and had a beautiful balance.  Director of Winemaking, Steve Millier stated that the grapes looked “awesome”. 

Ironstone Winemaker, Steve Millier checking out

the Reserve Chardonnay before harvest.

We also harvested our Cabernet Franc, which came in at 24.6 brix as well and had really nice fruit and intense color, so we expect to repeat the quality we have been seeing in our Reserve Cabernet Franc wines! 

This week, we are picking our Merlot, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and we will finish with Petite Verdot and Malbec.  This year, we had quite a few new vineyards to harvest and were very happy with the quality level of fruit that came from them.  It goes to show the importance of topography and how incredible the Sierra Foothills is for high quality wine grapes! 

At Ironstone in Murphys, we harvested Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Verdelho, Viognier, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay, Symphony, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot and Malbec-that is great diversity!

Floral notes in Muscat from Calaveras County: Harvest report from Ironstone Vineyards

Steve Millier, winemaker at Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys/Calaveras County sends these notes:

On October 11, we picked our Sierra Foothills (Calaveras County) Muscat Canelli.  The grapes are tested at 26.8 brix and show distinctive floral notes.  The 2011 vintage Muscat Canelli when bottled will be our second release of the Ironstone Reserve Muscat Canelli.  These are limited release wines that are exceptional, exciting and just enjoyable!

The rain on October 10 has slowed production, but we anticipate continuing to pick our Estate vineyards.  After the Muscat Canelli, we will move back to another Chardonnay vineyard followed by Tempranillo.

~See previous Ironstone and other Calaveras County Harvest reports at
http://mountainhighwines.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20Harvest%20Report%20from%20Calaveras%20County

Sierra Foothills Harvest Reports- Calaveras, Placer, Amador

CALAVERAS COUNTY

Ironstone Winery, Murphys, has this update:



Steve Millier, Ironstone's winemaker

 Last week, Steve Millier, Ironstone's winemaker, was photographed checking the Chardonnay that will go into our Ironstone Reserve Chardonnay program.  

On Monday October 3rd, Ironstone brought in our Sierra Foothills Estate Grown Viognier.  The Viognier came in at 25 brix will go into our Reserve program.  The flavors were wonderful and we are very pleased with the grapes. 

Tuesday, Oct 4th, we picked our Sierra Foothills Estate Grown Chardonnay.  Going into press the Chardonnay was at 24.2 brix and was showing intense flavors.  This was a relief to get these grapes in before the midweek rain, which caused us a delay in harvest.  We had possibly an inch of rain, but the soils in Murphys tend to dry quickly.

We picked our Muscat Canelli on October 7 & 8.

PLACER COUNTY

Charlie Green of Green Family Winery, Auburn (Placer County), informed me that on September 20th, he picked 45 tons of Pinot at brix of 23.7 & TA of .67 average.

NOTE:  Green Family Winery is the oldest producing winery in Placer County, with vineyards averaging 18 years old. 

AMADOR COUNTY

Scott Harvey sent this note:

We finished the Bowman vineyard on September 28th.  We were expecting 40 tons and ended up with only 24 tons.  So, it seems that the Zinfandel in Amador county was also greatly affected, like the Napa Valley floor, by the poor set due to the cold spring.  Quality is way above average, great zinfandel flavors. 

I think this will be a vintage where the wines definitely talk to you.  Much like the great 1991 vintage in Amador County.

October 5, we harvested Zinfandel from both the Manby and Norton vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador county.

Harvest Report: "Fantastic Wine Grape Crop" says Tanner Vineyards (Calaveras County)

Nanette Tanner of Tanner Vineyards, Vallecito, Calaveras County (Sierra Foothills wine region) provides this report:

"Calaveras County whites have begun their wine journey (with reds some weeks behind) to the crush pads throughout the Sierra Foothills and beyond. Mother' nature has taken her time and done her job quite well this year, nurturing the vines and grapes, and giving them a growing season this year that looks more like classic Napa than classic Sierra Foothill weather. But as the saying goes, it ain't over till the fat lady sings! The proof of the pudding this year, will be in the reds. We are singing that familiar tune: Rain Rain go Away!.... and don't come back until harvest is over!

From Alicante Bouchet to Zinfandel, Calaveras County, with all of its micro-climates, hidden valleys, varying soil profiles and elevations, is known for her ability to produce myriad varieties of wine grapes. So far it looks like Mother nature, the fickle matriarch that she is, is rewarding farmers with a fantastic wine grape crop albeit light... if that proverbial last lap to fruition can be reached. On September 17th Tanner Vineyards harvested Viognier, the first white varietal of the 2011 season: a season that growers Dick and Ron Tanner believe could be stellar.

Scientific data is important for record keeping and guidance, but the bottom line when you pick is flavor. Early in the season, brothers Dick and Ron took pediole samples. In one way, these samples act as their 'crystal ball' for farming. Depending on test results, they supplement or cut back where needed, drop fruit etc.. as the season progresses they adjust the canopy by hand with wires designed precisely for this purpose. Opening up the canopy is an expensive viticulture practice - it has to be done in stages and more importantly it has to be done by hand. By hand = by dollars. We baby our grapes up here.

Opening up the canopy allows sunlight and air to get in, where it wouldn't be able to otherwise.  Getting light and air to where it is needed means getting these elements to where they can make a dramatic difference in the final analysis..producing a better wine.

Fast forward to the last 6 weeks of the season...

Walking through the family's vineyard, tasting grapes, brothers Dick and Ron Tanner have begun the task of checking each varietal weekly now, nine in all, and evaluate each one's ripeness by color, skin health, sweetness, flavor, the color darkening (or browning if you will) of the grape's seeds. The overall flavor profile is being carefully tracked- pre-harvest brix and acids are monitored; which is why wine quality predictions for the 2011 year are coming in with very high marks. Keeping our fingers crossed and praying for warm weather!"

ABOUT TANNER VINEYARDS (from their wine club brochure):

 Tanner Vineyards, the story behind the generations…

Tanner siblings Richard, Ronald and Judy, following the footsteps of their great grandfather Angelo Sciaccaluga, planted their vineyard in the spring of 1998. Grandpa Angelo brought his wine making skills to the Mother Lode in the 1860’s. Settling in the small gold rush town of Vallecito, he was the first winemaker in Calaveras County to pay an official  ‘alcohol  tax’.

Fast forward to 2004 when the first Tanner Vineyards label was born. In naming their first vintage, the siblings honored their mother, Jacqueline Rose Tanner with Mélange de Mère;  French for ‘mother’s blend’. This special blend is made from Cabernet Sauvignon,  Syrah and Petit Verdot. Over time the family has added more plant ings with varietals that thrive in the rocky and volcanic soils of their family vineyards. To date they have produced 11 estate grown wines:  Viognier, Vermentino Viognier, Doux Rose, Barbera. Mouvèdre, Syrah, Mélange de Mère, Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah, Cabernet, and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tanner Vineyards
Tasting Room - 202 Main Street, Murphys, CA 95247
(209)728-8229 ph & fax
Business Address - PO Box 21, Vallecito, CA 95251
tannervineyards@att.net -  http://www.tannervineyards.com/
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday!
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday except by appointment.

Frog's Tooth Vineyards (Calaveras County) Harvest Report: "good fruit, lower yields"

Gary Grant,  winemaker at Frog’s Tooth Vineyards, Farmington (Calaveras County, in the Sierra Foothills region of California)  reports good quality fruit to date, lower yields, and harvest “a bit late”:

"Harvest seems to be running slightly behind again this year.  Our first harvest of the year was our estate Sauvignon Blanc on 8/28.  Weather effected crop yields and the Sauvignon Blanc was down by about one-third. Fruit quality was excellent. Acids and pH were in line and the flavors were outstanding.

Torrontes

We have also pressed 6 tons of Torrontes from Silvaspoon Vineyards in Alta Mesa on 9/13.  The overall quality of the fruit was good.  According Ron Silva, the yield this year was also down from previous years.

2.27 tons of Semillon from Chatom Vineyards was pressed on 9/20.  Fruit quality and flavors were very good.  TA was down and an acid addition was required.

Next up was our estate Viognier on 9/22.  Crop yield was disappointing, weather related issues being the culprit, but the remaining fruit was very nice. 

On 9/28, we pressed Sauvignon Blanc from Chatom Vineyards.  Once again, fruit quality was excellent. High yield of juice (180+ gallons/ton). 

Grenache

Our first red fruit, our estate Grenache and estate Petite Sirah, we are harvesting this week and watching the rain forecasts closely."

About Frog’s Tooth Vineyards, from their website (www.frogstooth.com)

"Our Story...
Once upon a time, not so long ago, in a valley known more for cattle ranching than vineyards, our story begins. 

It was the Winter of 1999 when Frog's Tooth Vineyards began its life as a tadpole with the purchase of 67 acres of land in the Salt Springs Valley of Calaveras County.

It slowly grew through infancy until the Spring of 2003 when it began its transition to adolecence with the planting of approximately 10 acres of premium wine grapes.

Frog's Tooth Vineyards entered young froghood in 2005 when we crushed fruit for what would become our first vintage wine. Our transition continued with the opening of our Tasting Room in Murphys, California in the Fall of 2007 followed by the completion of our winery building at the end of 2008. "

Frog's Tooth Vineyards Tasting Room is now open daily at 380 Main Street in Murphy's, right off Main Street, behind Murphy’s Grill.

Kautz Family Vineyards (Calaveras County) & Bowman Zinfandel Vineyard & Sobon (Amador County) - Harvest Reports

CALAVERAS UPDATE

Steve Millier, Director of Winemaking at Kautz Family Vineyards, which includes Ironstone Vineyards and Leaping Horse Vineyards (Murphys/Calaveras County) sends this report:

We picked Verdelho last Monday (September 19) from Hay Station Ranch.  The grapes looked fantastic with outstanding sugar + acid balance. 

Friday, September 23, we picked the 85+ year old Zinfandel from Larry Nies.  This is an old vine Zinfandel vineyard that backs up to the Mokelumne River along Hwy 12 (across the street from the Rous Estate vineyards) in Lodi.  This vineyard is noted for its intense cherry focused fruit.

TWO AMADOR UPDATES:

Leon Sobon sends us this report from Sobon Estate Winery, Plymouth/Amador County:

We picked our first grapes Thursday September 22- the Sauvignon blanc and the Viognier.  Three weeks later than normal!!!   The quality seems to be excellent, partly because of the small crop, 40 % of normal, and partly because of the long hang time.  The cool, wet spring during bloom has affected most of our varieties.  The reds are a week or two away.

Scott Harvey sends this report: 

Scott at Riesling Harvest

We’ll start with the Amador harvest  on Tuesday with the Bowman Zinfandel Vineyard.  It is the first Zin vineyard we bring in every year.  Will be bringing in approx.. 40 tons.  We produce both wines from Amador County and Napa Valley for Scott Harvey Wines .  
Amador and the 2,000 foot mountain areas around Napa such as Atlas Peak both bud out three weeks later than the Napa Valley Floor.

Seems like the valley floor of Napa has been much more affected by the late cold spring.  The earlier bud break really hit the Napa Valley floor while the later bud break in Amador and the hills around Napa were not as affected.  A Sauvignon Blanc vineyard we get grapes from in Napa that normally produces 40 tons, this year only produced 15 tons.  We harvested Riesling from the Rutherford Bench last Monday and it came in at normal tonnages, although a month later than normal. 

Roland Rosario Cellars (Copperopolis/Calaveras County) Harvest Report

Martha Rueca-Gustafsson, winemaker at Roland Rosario Cellars, Copperopolis/Calaveras County, sends us this report:

Roland Rosario vineyards,
Copperopolis-Calaveras County

"Our 3 1/2 acre vineyard in Copperopolis, CA yielded its first fruit of the season on Sept. 5th.  .38 tons of Roussanne and Viognier field blend came in at 23.9 brix, 3.55 PH, .73 TA

The remaining 3 acres divided in equal portions of Mazuelo clone Carignane and 2 clonal selections of Zinfandel will not be due for for harvest yet another 2- 3 weeks. Weekend brix readings on Sept 17, 2011 were in the 21s, just under 22s. We just pulled down our bird netting this past weekend.

After months of getting family and friends to help us with weekend green dropping, cluster thinning, and cane tucking, we see the light at the end of the tunnel!

p.s., I'm still fermenting in the cold room at Winterhawk Winery in Fairfield, where I work a "day job" as the Enologist/Assistant Winemaker. The best perk about working here is that I can personally oversee the Roland Rosario Cellars fermentations right here, everyday."

Ironstone Winery (Murphys/Calaveras County) - HARVEST REPORT

Ironstone Winery's Steve Millier, Director of Winemaking, reports from Murphys in Calaveras County: 

"We had our first day of crush on Tuesday, September 13th.  We crushed our “Rous Vineyard” Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel which came in at 25.5 brix and was absolutely beautiful.  This is a very special wine for us, as it is a single vineyard designate in our Reserve range.  The vineyard was planted in 1909, so as you can imagine it comes in intense with very low yields!


We anticipate picking our Murphys Verdelho early next week. 

Overall, the quality of all of our grapes look outstanding this year.  Unfortunately, the yields are either short or very short depending upon the variety!"

Barbera: Food-Friendly Wine from the Sierra Foothills



Dick Cooper, "The Godfather of Barbera", who hosted
the Festival at his vineyard in Amador, shares a glass
of wine with Barbara Keck


 I’m fond of Barbera, and it’s not simply because it’s one wine varietal that I can pronounce easily. The Tahoe Weekly newspaper editor Katherine Hill and I went to the first-ever Barbera Festival in June in Plymouth, CA, on the grounds of Cooper Vineyards. Along with the fun music and food tents, the event was truly festive: more than 80 California wineries and a few Italian ones poured for an enthusiastic crowd of 1500.


Barbera originated in the Piemonte region of northern Italy. It was first imported into California in 1884 and the Italian Swiss Colony Winery used Barbera for several of its table wines. After prohibition, a wine labeled as Barbera was produced by Louis Martini in 1954. Today about 7000 acres are planted in California and Barbera is produced by nearly 200 California wineries.

The wineries of the Sierra Foothills are producing great Barbera, and it is a food-friendly wine that you will enjoy. It is characterized by structured acidity, smooth tannins, dark pigments, bright fruit flavor (spice and chocolate too), and it ages nicely – if only you don’t drink all of this scrumptious wine right away!

To my palate, here are some of the best and most interesting Barberas and Barbera-blends sampled at the festival:

Andis Wines

Andis Wines (Plymouth, Amador County, CA) poured its 2009 Andis Barbera. I found it rich and deep, aroma of plum predominating and taste of raspberry, black cherry, and cranberry with a lingering finishing of black cherry and a bit of spiciness. Grapes were sourced from the upper reaches of a hillside vineyard in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley region. 15.5 percent alcohol. $24 the bottle. http://www.andiswines.com/

Pilot Peak at Barbera Festival

The 2008 Barbera from Pilot Peak Winery (Penn Valley, Nevada County, CA) is a medium-bodied wine with a smoothness in the mouth. It has the classic Barbera crisp fruit flavor of cherry and raspberry. Nice and balanced, it has a lingering finish. Fruit for this wine came from Placer County’s Duarte Vineyards. 13.7 percent alcohol. $25 the bottle. http://www.pilotpeak.com/

Avio Vineyards (Sutter Creek, Amador County, CA) offered its yummy 2008 Barbera for tasting. Aroma of black fruit such as blueberry and blackberry, maybe a hint of mint. On the palate, a delightful juiciness. Stefano and Lisa Watson, owners, say that this wine is “our favorite anytime, any meal, going to the neighbors after a long workday wine It’s rich without being aggressive, our Barbera is simply delicious with your favorite comfort (or take out) foods."  14.7 percent alcohol. $28 the bottle. http://www.aviowine.com/

The 2008 Estate Barbera from Lava Cap (Placerville, El Dorado County) is a classic, and, I confess, the Barbera that I tasted last summer that made me a Barbera convert. Winemaker Tom Jones offers these notes: “Lava Cap Barbera Reserve has a complex aroma of dark red cherry fruit, spicy with foresty herbs and a dash of licorice. The velvety taste of strawberry and plum are complimented by the white pepper finish.”. Grapes are sourced from their steep, west facing vineyard and to augment the depth and complexity of flavors, Tom added 8% Petite Sirah, 10% Sangiovese and 6% Zinfandel Reserve. 14.7 percent alcohol. $20 the bottle. They also offered samples of the 2009 Barbera, a very-berry yummy wine that is being bottled soon. http://www.lavacap.com/

Other tasty Barberas we tried:

• Boitano Family Wines (Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County) - a wonderful 2006 Barbera that won a “Best of Show” at the 2008 Amador County Fair.

• Borjon Winery (Plymouth, Amador County) - a 2007 Barbera with 5% Zin blended in

• Easton Wines (Plymouth, Amador County) – a delightful Barbera with grapes sourced from the Cooper Ranch

• Latcham Vineyards & Granite Spring Winery (Somerset, El Dorado County) the 2008 Special Reserve Barbera

I look forward to the next festival!  Many thanks to Cooper Vineyards for hosting!
 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

© 2011 Barbara Keck

For more information on dining and the wide range of activities around Lake Tahoe, see the online version of The Tahoe Weekly. This article appeared in my column "Wine Adventures" in July 2011.

Book in Process: "Mountain High Wine: The Sierra and Its Foothills".

Sierra Foothill Wines: a Great Feature at Charity Event in Reno



Photo Courtesy of Atlantic Casino

 There are more than 7600 bonded wineries in the USA, and more than 3300 in California alone. So it is no surprise that I run into many wines from wineries that are new to me. I have to give credit to the organizers of the recent Toast and Taste of Summer event held at the Atlantis Casino Report Spa in Reno for finding 58 very compelling wineries to include in this interesting tasting event.

The function was a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and featured gourmet food pairings from 17 restaurants including Lake Tahoe’s Sunnyside Resort, Wild River Grille, and Wolfdale’s, and also the new Campo soon to open in downtown Reno under the guidance of Mark Estee, executive chef at Moody’s in Truckee.

Among the wines I tasted was the Mt. Vernon Vineyard, Auburn (Placer County, Sierra Foothills,  Cuvee Blanc, a 50/50 blend of Viognier and Roussane. This wine, just released, was cold fermented with its own indigenous wild yeast for 32 days. This is a field blend created by winemaker Ryan Taylor. Aroma of honeysuckle, a crispness and a creamy finish characterized this wine. Only 240 cases made. 13.9% alcohol, $25/bottle. www.mtvernonwinery.com

Frogs Tooth Vineyards, Murphys (Calaveras County, Sierra Foothills), poured their flagship wine, the 2009 Pinot Grigio. It’s a perfect summer wine: it is delicate and fragrant, a bit floral, a flavor of lemon, and is a nice rich, round full-bodied white wine. 14.5% alcohol. $16/bottle. http://www.frogstooth.com/


The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is located at 3800 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89502. It features the Atlantis Steakhouse, an upscale dining restaurant with a wonderful wine list. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 5PM to 10PM. Reservations call 775.824.4430 http://www.atlantiscasino.com/

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International is dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications. For more information, go to http://www.jdrf.org/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

© 2011 Barbara Keck

For more information on dining and the wide range of activities around Lake Tahoe, see the online version of The Tahoe Weekly. This article appeared in my column "Wine Adventures" in July 2011.

Book in Process: "Mountain High Wine: The Sierra and Its Foothills".

VineTalk TV Show: Why not Sierra Foothill Wines?



Ray Isle on the set in NYC
 Dec 2010 Vine Talk tapings

 Pasted below is a press release on the success that Paso Robles Wine Country's marketing efforts have garnered.  The latest is scoring an episode of Vine Talk, a new TV show on PBS.  I actually know the producer of the show and was in the invitation-only audience of the first two tapings, back in early December 2010.  I've been talking to him about featuring Sierra Foothill wines, but no joy so far.  Why?  Because this Sierra Foothill wine region which is so beloved of me is just too darn disorganized for a unified push to make the national-recognition thing happen.

Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras, Placer, Fair Play, Nevada County... all the winery associations there do great jobs for their counties and AVAs.  But to achieve true marketing success, there needs to be one umbrella organization.  With a budget. With goals and objectives and accountability. With at least a part-time executive director.  You know... an effort that is run like a business. 

Mike & Jeff from Wine Enthusiast;
fellow audience members Vine Talk

Let me get down off my MBA-highhorse for a moment and say that I know it is hard to organize an effort like this.  A bit like herding cats.  Winemaking in the mountains and Foothills has economic and other challenges.  The last thing any winemaker wants is another set of dues to pay, meetings to attend, energy-consuming events to pour at.

The reality, however, is that a rising tide floats all ships.  (Sorry for all the aphorisms).  That's one of the reasons I promote (re-promote?) the outreach of the Sierra Foothills associations. (SEE THE RESOURCE LIST ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THIS BLOG !) I blog their press releases to reach more eyes, Tweet and RT, Facebook and Link-In, because I believe.  I believe in this region, I support the winemakers and winery owners, and I'm here to beat the drum.

Surely there is a way we can all pull together on this? 

And yes ... Stanley Tucci is as good looking, compelling and sexy in person as he is on stage and TV.  I almost got to kiss his ring.

Relaxing at Boulod Restaurant w/
Bruce Marcus, Exec Producer of
Vine Talk, after tapings Lincoln Center

Elena Crespo, Chief Marketing
Officer, on the Vine Talk set

~~~~~~~~~ (below, courtesy of PR Newswire) ~~~~~~~~~

 "Paso Robles Wine Country to Be Featured on New Television Show – VINE TALK"

A-List Host Stanley Tucci and Panel of Celebrities Blind Taste Paso Robles Zinfandel



PASO ROBLES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paso Robles Wine Country continues a pattern of positive recognition in mainstream media as a featured wine region in the new television series, VINE TALK. Paso Robles Zinfandel wines will be showcased in the sixth episode of VINE TALK where celebrity A-Lister and long-standing foodie, Stanley Tucci, guides a panel of celebrity oenophiles through an on camera tasting. This new PBS show strives to break the mold of stuffy wine content programming by creating a fun and welcoming environment for viewers where even the studio audience is a part of the show. Paso Robles has been chosen as the region to highlight Zinfandel with six Paso Robles wine brands to be sampled, discussed, judged and unveiled including – Carina Cellars, J Dusi Wines, Peachy Canyon Winery, Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery, Turley Wine Cellars, and Victor Hugo Winery.



“VINE TALK stands to enthrall new wine consumers into discovering Paso Robles and our wines. The timing could not be better as we prepare to celebrate the biggest festival of the year in Paso Robles Wine Country.”



Each week a different wine region from around the world serves as the inspiration for a lively and engaging conversation which highlights the varietals or wine characteristic of that region. The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance assisted producers from VINE TALK to compile a sampling of standout Zinfandel wines to be considered for the inaugural season. Mr. Ray Isle, executive wine editor of FOOD & WINE magazine provides his expertise on the show by answering questions about the wines and providing background on regions. Episode six features celebrity chef, Tim Love; former MLB All-Star pitcher, Ron Darling; and internationally acclaimed violinist, Philippe Quint, as they sniff, swirl, and sip while discussing their current projects and of course Paso Robles Zinfandel wine.



“It’s exciting for Paso Robles wines to be highlighted in this show with such incredible personalities,” said Christopher Taranto, marketing director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “VINE TALK stands to enthrall new wine consumers into discovering Paso Robles and our wines. The timing could not be better as we prepare to celebrate the biggest festival of the year in Paso Robles Wine Country.”   (etc etc)

Hispanic Heritage celebrated in Murphys (Calaveras County)

The marketing-oriented wineries of Calaveras County are at it again! Spearheaded by Evelyn Reyes-Umana of Bodega del Sur winery in Murphys, more and more events are celebrating the Latin American heritage of California's wine industry.

Did you know that the first Cinco de Mayo was celebrated in wine country? There's an historical document in the museum in Columbia, CA, not far from Murphys, that proves this fact.

Look for more and more celebrations that appeal to the Hispanic consumer and celebrate Latin American Arts and Culture! The next interesting event is on Saturday, May 21, 2011, from noon to 5 p.m. The event organizers have told us this:

Art, books, cigars, spices and olive oils, music, food and wine representing Argentina, Chile, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua will be featured throughout downtown Murphys.

The following businesses have joined forces to bring together the diverse cultures of Latin America in the first Latin American Arts and Cultural Festival in Murphys. A self-guided tour map will be available at each location leading visitors through the attractions of the day.

Bodega del Sur Winery is hosting Connections, a group exhibition of Latin American artists and artists reception at 466 Main Street (former location of Main Street Art Gallery and Beaux Chevaux Tasting Room), and serving a special selection of tasty Salvadorian morsels and wines in their tasting room at 457 S. Algiers. For more information call (209) 728-9030 or visit
http://www.bodegadelsur.com/

Frog’s Tooth Vineyard is offering Latin American music from their courtyard where there’s plenty of room to salsa, rumba, bosa nova to your hearts content and wine tasting in their tasting room located at 380 Main Street or follow the sounds of music. For more information call (209) 728-2700 or visit http://www.frogstooth.com/.

Tanner Vineyards is featuring hand rolled cigars by Marvin Ruiz, born in Esteli, Nicaragua represented by Art of Cigars from Fair Oaks, CA. From their lovely tasting room, a cigar and one of their hearty reds, “What more can a person ask for?” All here at 202 Main Street. For more information call (209) 728-8229 or visit http://www.tannervineyards.com/. For more informaton about Art of Cigars visit http://www.artofcigars.com/.

Marisolio is serving olive oils from around the world. For this special occasion, they will feature the Arbosana Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Chile and Chilean appetizers, along with Chiptole Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Enjoy their beautifully decorated tasting room at 488 Main Street. For more information call (209) 728-8853 or visit http://www.marisolio.com/.

The Peppermint Stick is celebrating the occasion with a special “Chipotle BBQ Burger” and raspberry or lemon marguarita ice cream (the perfect palette cleanser) located in Murphys Old Ice House, 454 Main Street or call (209) 728-3570.

The Spice Tin is filling your senses with spices from Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and El Salvador. Bring home the fabulous flavors of Latin American cuisine. Their aromatic shop is located at 457 N. Algiers. For more information call (209) 728-8225 or visit http://www.thespicetin.com/

SPECIAL EVENT!

Bodega del Sur Winery proudly presents a book talk and signing, “Santa Maria” Historical Novel of California,” by Fausto Avendano on Saturday, May 21 at 3:00, 466 Main Street (former location of Main Street Art Gallery and Beaux Chevaux Tasting Room). Open to the public. Books will be available for sale before and after the author’s presentation. For more information call (209) 728-9030 or visit http://www.bodegadelsur.com/.

My observation: it's a great combination of events! I'm sure there will be photos to share afterwards, but... why not go and see for yourself? The grassy knolls and hospitality of wine country in Calaveras are not to be missed!

(photos courtesy Bodega del Sur)

Rhone Rangers ride The Sierra and Its Foothills: San Francisco Tasting Lassos Them In

For lovers of Rhone varietals, nothing can be more ecstatic than the annual Rhone Rangers tasting at Fort Mason in San Francisco. (That’s assuming you don’t follow the organization around to its many tastings elsewhere, of course. ) But for a devotee of Sierra and Its Foothills wines, it’s a pleasure to taste so many flagship wines all in one place.

That “flagship” wine question is one I always ask, and yesterday I asked it of these wineries: Clos Saron, Crystal Basic Cellars, David Girard, Holly’s Hill, Miraflores, Prospect 772, Sierra Vista, Skinner, and Terre Rouge. Here’s what I heard (and tasted):

Clos Saron (Yuba County).

Winemaker Gideon Bienstock is most fond of his Pinot Noir, but he does have a lovely hand with his 2010 Syrah rose. The 2010 Tickled Pink is a lovely dry and food-friendly rose.

Crystal Basin Cellars ( El Dorado County).
Their 2008 Mourvedre, El Dorado Reserve, uses grapes sourced from Fodhla Vineyard and Spanish Creek Ranch. Their winemaker refers to this as “the Merlot of the Rhone.”


David Girard Vineyards (El Dorado County).
The 2009 Coda Blanc is a white blend of Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Marsanne, and Viognier. The 2008 won a Silver in the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle competition, and this newer vintage is lovely too.



Holly’s Hill Vineyards (El Dorado County).

Their landmark wine, said the pourers, is BOTH of their Patriarche blends: the 2009 White Blend, Patriarche Blanc, and the 2008 Red Blend, Patriarche.





Miraflores Winery (El Dorado County).

The 2009 Viognier is a slightly sweet late harvest wine. Only 54 cases were produced, so hurry!



Prospect 772 (Calaveras County).
The 2008 The Brat is a 60/40 blend of Grenache and Syrah. “We called this wine “The Brat” because it is based in Grenache and Grenache is a temperamental grape,” they note.


Sierra Vista Winery (El Dorado County).

The 2008 Syrah, Estate, Red Rock Ridge is a new feather in winemaker John MacCready’s cap. “very reminiscent of a Cote Rotie,” he says. Yum.





Skinner Vineyards and Winery (El Dorado County).

The 2007 Syrah, Stoney Creek Vineyard, Fair Play, has a touch of Viognier. Grapes were grown on a ridgetop that ranges from 2,610 to 2,740 feet in elevation.


Terre Rouge (Amador County).

2007 Terre Rouge L'Autre Grenache Syrah Mouvedre Blend is their top Rhone varietal blend. “This is a dead ringer for a top Southern Rhône like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas,” says winemaker notes.

And then, there are these final words...

Sierra Foothill Winery Briefs: Skinner Vineyards, Laraine Winery

I like to refer to the Sierra Foothills as “the next Napa”, but in some ways, that may be giving too much credit to Napa.  Don’t get me wrong, I like Napa wines and winemakers; however, I find it increasingly hard to look beyond the Disney-like atmosphere that happens in Napa on weekends and during Napa winery events. 

Last summer, I drove many miles to visit wineries and winemakers in the 11 counties that comprise my expanded version of the Sierra and its Foothills wine region:  Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Sierra, Sutter, Tuolumne and Yuba in California, and Washoe County, Nevada.  Sierra County has yet to produce a vineyard or winery, but it won’t be long before it joins the other 250+ wineries.

Where to start?   I’m going to tell you about a few wineries that are high on my list, and one wine from each.  Get out your GPS, and visit them.  Much of this information below is drawn from their websites, by the way.  Until you visit these wineries physically, why not visit their websites?



Winemaker Chris Pittenger, left,
and Ryan Skinner, General Manager



In El Dorado County, Skinner Vineyards has a wine industry heritage tracing back to the Gold Rush days. Its  2008 El Dorado “Eighteen Sixty-One” is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, and is patterned after the wines of the Southern Rhône. The fruit is sourced from five high-altitude vineyards in El Dorado County which range in elevation from 2,700 to 2,850 feet. This complex blend combines aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and ripe strawberry with elements of Asian spice, forest floor, and leather. Modest tannins and ample acidity create a pleasant, balanced finish for this medium-bodied wine.    Bottle Price: $30

ABOUT THE WINERY:  Skinner Vineyards is committed to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique spirit of the Sierra Foothills, using some of the same Rhône varietals that were grown by the Skinner family 150 years ago.  The new 12,000 square foot winery and tasting room at 2700-feet elevation in the Fair Play AVA of El Dorado County is solar powered and  incorporates many greentech/environmental features.   After mid-May, visit them at their absolutely spectacular tasting room, located in their Stoney Creek Vineyard, 8054 Fairplay Road, Fair Play, CA 95684.  Call for hours:  (310) 996 0220.  You can see Pyramid Peak from the top of their mountain vineyards, where the tasting room is located.   www.skinnervineyards.com

Laraine Winery, atop the rolling hills of Calaveras County, produces an explosive fruit-forward wine,  the  Scarlet Harlot.  Named after winery owner David Gerber's B-17 Bomber in WWII, it's a blend of estate grown Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Petite Sirah.  Robust with notes of currant, rhubarb, dark chocolate and blackberry preserves, it has polished tannins and lively structure.  Bottle price:  $22.

ABOUT THE WINERY:  Laraine is, in part, a Hollywood story.  Laraine Winery originally began as Gerber Vineyards, a small family-owned vineyard in 1989. Throughout the years, Laraine and David Gerber would escape their industry paced life in Hollywood by spending time in the idyllic township of Murphys, California. In the 1960's, David, along with some college friends from nearby UOP, bought the historic Murphys Hotel, and in the 1980's he chose the area as the location of his television series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It was during this time that David and Laraine purchased a beautiful historic estate situated in an isolated valley outside of Murphys in the Sierra Foothills.  Now it  boasts the largest vineyards in Calavaras County offering award-winning estate Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese.   Their tasting room is located at 3675 Six Mile Road, Vallecito, CA 95251.  Call (209) 736.4766 for hours.   www.larainewinery.com

Next in this series:  a few other wonderful El Dorado wineries: Boeger, C. G. DiArie  and Madrona .  More to come!