{"id":55,"date":"2010-10-08T23:54:00","date_gmt":"2010-10-08T23:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/?p=55"},"modified":"2017-11-02T17:07:18","modified_gmt":"2017-11-03T00:07:18","slug":"apennine-wine-in-2000-words-or-less","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/?p=55","title":{"rendered":"Apennine Wine (in 2,000 words or less)"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of these days I will figure out the art of concision. If anyone can demonstrate that they made it through all 6,321 words of the last installment here, Your West Coast Oenophile<\/b> will treat you to free drinks for a month at\u00a0Sostevinobile<\/span><\/b>\u00a0(once we open our doors)<\/i>. Count on it!<\/span><\/p>\n

In the meantime, readers can <\/span>vicarious<\/span>ly <\/span>experience the numerous discoveries I make as I continue to build an all-embracing program of the sustainable wines grown on the West Coast. This interminable pursuit led me to Danville on a warm September Sunday for what was billed as The Ultimate Sierra Foothills Wine Tasting Experience<\/a>. And to think people tell me pronouncing \u201cSostevinobile<\/span><\/b><\/span>\u201d is a mouthful\u2026!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve attended a number of wine industry tastings at private clubs in recent months, but this event was the first not affiliated in some manner with the wine country. Blackhawk is a gated enclave in Danville, near the base of Mt. Diablo. Conceived as a master planned community in 1979, this secluded development includes the lavish homes of several prominent Bay Area sports figures, two golf courses that annually host the LPGA challenge<\/a>, a renowned automotive museum<\/a>, and the exclusive Blackhawk Country Club<\/a>, where the tasting took place. While ample, luxurious, perhaps even graceful, it seemed an odd choice of venues, given its proximity only unto itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, once I had waited in line to be checked in by the gate guard and wound my way around serpentine lanes until I came upon the main clubhouse, the event came off with nary a hitch. This cooperative promotion between three different AVAs presented a marked disparity between the El Dorado Winery Association<\/a>, which had held its own tasting earlier in the year with many of the same participants, Amador Vintners<\/a>, whose wine trail I had briefly explored on my way to Lake Tahoe, and the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance<\/a>, most of whose members were completely new to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mountainous terrain of all three appellations lends itself to many similarities, and for \u0153nophiles focused on the orthodoxy of Burgundian or Bordelaise varietals, this tasting offered scant familiarity. Amador, in particular, has long held repute for its Zinfandels, and while El Dorado has been a staple of Rh\u00f4ne Rangers since its inception, the entire region has taken quite a shining to the various Spanish and Portuguese varietals that have now proliferate throughout the state. Still, this three county region collectively produces the greatest concentration of Italian varietals on the West Coast, even discounting the mega-production of Trinchero\u2019s Montevina<\/a> <\/i>and Terra d\u2019Oro labels. Up by Lake Shasta, Trinity County may have its own version of the Swiss Alps; wineries here are transforming the Sierra Foothills into the western Apennines.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the first wineries I encountered this afternoon was Amador\u2019s Driven Cellars<\/a>. An intimate operation that produces six varietals in lots of 200-300 cases, they excelled with a 2007\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Barbera<\/b><\/span> and a 2007 <\/b><\/span>Primitivo<\/b><\/span>. At the next table, Dillian Wines<\/a> raised the stakes with an extraordinary 2008 Barbera<\/b>, juxtaposed with its 2008 Primitivo<\/b> and its fraternal twin, the 2008 Hangtree Zinfandel<\/b>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I stopped by the table for Calaveras\u2019 Hatcher Winery<\/a> and worked my way through four of their wines, starting with a crisp 2009 Sauvignon Blanc<\/b>. They, too, comported themselves admirably with a 2007 Barbera<\/b> and an appealing 2007 Petite Sirah<\/b>, but made perhaps their strongest statement with the 2007 Zinfandel<\/b>, a cross-pollination of Amador and Calaveras fruit. Another Calaveras endeavor, Murphys\u2019 Frog\u2019s Tooth<\/a>, produces a wide selection of white wines, including Viognier, Marsanne, and Torront\u00e9s. Today\u2019s offerings included a 2009 Fum\u00e9 Blanc<\/b> and a very approachable 2009 Pinot Grigio<\/b>, as well as the 2008 Barbera<\/b> and the rich 2008 Grenache<\/b> from their red portfolio.<\/span><\/p>\n

In usual fashion, I sought to visit wineries with whom I needed to establish a relationship before revisiting those whom I have documented here previously. I had fully intended to swing by and taste Twisted Oak<\/a>, but time did not allow me to reach their table on my final swing-though; however, I did want to acknowledge their pivotal role in popularizing Iberian varietals in Calaveras. Flourishing with this genre, Chatom Vineyards<\/a> brought out an exquisite 2007 Touriga <\/i><\/b>(I am assuming it was Touriga Nacional, not Touriga Franca)<\/i>, along with an appealing 2007 S\u00e9millon <\/b>and striking vintages of the 2005 Syrah <\/b>and 2008 Chardonnay<\/b>. Equally amazing was the 2008 Verdelho<\/b> from Victor Reyes Uma\u00f1a\u2019s Bodega del Sur<\/a>, a striking contrast to his 2008 Marsanne<\/b>. Solomon Wine Company<\/a> produced an adequate 2007 Tempranillo, plus a better 2006 Syrah<\/b>, but I found both their NV Mingle<\/b>, a Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot blend, as well as their proprietary blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon,Syrah, Petite Verdot, and Barbera, the 2006 Composition<\/b>, somewhat wanting.<\/span><\/p>\n

As with Twisted Oak, I initially bypassed many of the El Dorado wineries and found not enough time at closing to take in Auriga<\/a>, Fitzpatrick<\/a>\u2019s organic winery, Mt. Aukum<\/a>, sister ventures Latcham<\/a>\/Granite Springs<\/a>, Holly\u2019s Hill<\/a>, the Primitivo and Barbera of Colibri Ridge<\/a>,<\/span> Cedarville<\/a>, <\/span> Rh\u00f4ne specialist David Girard<\/a>, and Crystal Basin<\/a>\u2014all wineries I have previously chronicled and enjoyed. I did, however, work my way through Miraflores Winery<\/a>\u2019s offerings: the 2008 Chardonnay<\/b>, the 2007 Zinfandel<\/b>, their choice 2006 Petite Sirah<\/b>, and their special focus, the 2005 Syrah<\/b>. I do wish, however, that Miraflores had brought their 2006 Barbera<\/b>, the 2007 Pinot Grigio<\/b>, and the 2007 Muscat Canelli <\/b>(would have helped validate my premise in this entr<\/i><\/span>y<\/span><\/i>)<\/i>, but Perry Creek<\/a> mitigated for them with a luscious NV Black Muscat<\/b>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I finished my El Dorado visits with a sip of the 2009 Viognier <\/b>from Sierra Vista<\/a> and a retasting of the 2009 Chardonnay<\/b> as I chatted with Lava Cap<\/a>\u2019s Beth Jones and chided her for not yet connecting me with the bottle of\u00a02006 Sangiovese Matagrano<\/b> she had promised back in the spring. Amador Foothill Winery<\/a>, too, neglected to bring either their 2006 Sangiovese<\/b> or the 2004 Sangiovese Grand Reserve<\/b>, but more than made up for this lapse with an outstanding 2007 Aglianico<\/b>. Equally impressive was the 2007 Clockspring Zinfandel<\/b>, while their Grenache\/Syrah blend known as the 2006 Kathie\u2019s C\u00f4te<\/b> came in not far behind; I also thoroughly enjoyed their light 2007 S\u00e9millon<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slightly confusing matters, the next table over featured Amador Cellars<\/a>, a notable winery in its own right, with a 2007 Syrah<\/b>, the newly-released 2008 Barbera<\/b>, and a 2007 Zinfandel<\/b> I can best describe as jammy. I bypassed familiars<\/span> C.G. Di Arie<\/a> and Primitivo star <\/span>Bray<\/a> to discover the striking wines of Cooper Vineyards<\/a>, who impressed me with their 2007 Sangiovese<\/b> and 2007 Zinfandel<\/b>, along with a 2008 Barbera<\/b> and a 2009 Pinot Grigio<\/b>. I wonder, though, does Cooper make their own barrels?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The story now moves to Story Winery<\/a>, a place whose URL (Zin.com) <\/i>pretty much puts the winery in context. Producers of seven different Amador Zins, plus a Zinfandel\/Mission blend (as well as, regrettably, a White Zinfandel)<\/i>, they did impress me with both their 2006 Picnic Hill Zinfandel <\/b>and the 2006 Creekside Zinfandel<\/b>. However, their strongest expressions came from the 2008 Primitivo<\/b> and a 2006 Barbera<\/b>. I did like the 2008 Amador County Zinfandel<\/b> from Sera Fina Cellars<\/a>, along with their approachable 2009 Pinot Grigio<\/b>; unfortunately, neither their 2009 Malvasia Bianca<\/b> nor the 2006 Elegant Cowboy Syrah<\/b> met this same level.<\/span><\/p>\n

I missed out on one of my favorite Italian varietal specialists, Vino Noceto<\/a> (who else in California makes distinct Sangiovese Grosso and Sangiovese Piccolo?)<\/i> and Terre Rouge<\/b>, a house devoted to Rh\u00f4ne varietals while bottling Zinfandel under its Easton Wines<\/a> label, but did visit with Terra d\u2019Oro<\/a><\/span>, which poured an excellent 2008 Teroldego<\/b> alongside their 100-year-old vine 2007 Zinfandel Deaver Vineyard<\/b>. A portmanteau honoring owner Marilyn Hoopes\u2019 mother, Karm\u00e8re (karma + m\u00e8re) <\/i>blended Primitivo and Barbera to create their proprietary 2008 Primabera<\/b> (a wine and a name far more subtle than Lone Madrone<\/a>\u2019s Barfandel<\/b>, which I cited last week); <\/i>I also found much to like in their 2007 Syrah <\/b>and 2009 Viognier<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

I had just tasted the range of Italian varietals Jeff Runquist<\/a> produces, so I limited myself to exploring his 2008 R Touriga <\/b>this afternoon. After that, my friend David Roberts, whom I had met at last month\u2019s Rockpile Tasting insisted I reacquaint myself with Il Gioiello<\/a>, Morse Wines\u2019 Italian label\u2014as it turned out, an excellent recommendation. I found the 2007 Triumphe<\/b>, an atypical Super Tuscan (70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Franc) <\/i>more than intriguing, while the 2007 Montepulciano<\/b> continues to fascinate me.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2007 Cabernet Franc<\/b> from Calaveras\u2019 Brice Station<\/a> stood out as their preferred wine. Less impressive were their 2007 High Country<\/b>, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and 2007 Port<\/b> made from the same blend. Also from Murphys, Broll Mountain Vineyards<\/a> produced a highly impressive 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon<\/b>, with a 2007 Petite Sirah<\/b> and 2006 Syrah<\/b> that underscored this winery\u2019s capabilities. I also enjoyed the 2007 Syrah<\/b> from Milliaire<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most impressive Syrah of the afternoon was certainly the 2005 Syrah<\/b> (in a most distinctive bottle) <\/i>from Vallecito\u2019s Laraine Winery<\/a>. Their 2008 Zinfandel <\/b>and 2007 Chardonnay<\/b> showed almost as much complexity, while their whimsical 2008 Scarlet Harlot<\/b>, a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Petite Sirah, intrigued as much it delighted. I liked the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc<\/b> from Newsome-Harlow<\/a>; I liked their 2007 Petite Sirah<\/b>; their 2008 Zinfandel Calaveras County <\/b>elated me.<\/span><\/p>\n

If only I could have been as enthusiastic about Tanner Vineyards<\/a>. Their 2009 Viognier<\/b> and 2007 Syrah<\/b> were pleasant enough, but I had quite the tepid response to the 2009 Vermentino<\/b> and the 2009 Doux Ros\u00e9<\/b>, a blush Syrah. I was also underwhelmed by the 2007 Petite Syrah<\/b> and the 2007 M\u00e9lange de M\u00e8re<\/b>, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Perhaps not the best coda to this very enjoyable event, but sometimes, that\u2019s just how things play out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most private clubs I know would never daunt a two-star restaurant in San Francisco, and I realize that\u2019s not the point, anyway. Clubs exist to establish camaraderie and interaction between members, not to vie for one of the slots on The Next Iron Chef<\/a>. Still, the hors d\u2019\u0153uvres at this afternoon gathering made up in volume what they may have lacked in cutting-edge culinary. I deign to criticize the cuisine only to highlight my feelings that an event of this scope ought to be held in a more prominent and accessible location, like San Francisco or downtown Oakland, if the East Bay seems preferable.<\/span><\/p>\n

All-in-all, these wines were too good not to merit more prominent exposure, should this event be reprised next year. I suspect quite a number of potential attendees shied away from this location, and it seemed that a number of absent Sierra Foothills wineries, like Villa Toscano<\/a>, Jodar<\/a>, and the incredible Lavender Hill<\/a> might have participated, had a more accessible venue been selected. And the event might have allowed more wineries to participate, had its timing not coincided with the beginning of the harvest, creating a conflict of choices for numerous wineries.<\/span><\/p>\n

I truly enjoyed this event and the vast majority of wines that I sampled. It was an impressive start for a cooperative tasting among three separate AVAs, all with individual agenda. As I told the promoters, it would have helped the afternoon flow far more smoothly, had the program guide correlated with the order of the designated tables and different rooms assigned to the tasting. A minor point for most attendees, but significant for Sostevinobile<\/span><\/b><\/span> and other trade participants; then again, with a well-ordered setting and corresponding tasting guide, I might have found enough time to sample each of the wines from all 40 wineries and far exceeded the succinct 2,000 word target I had imposed on this entry!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

One of these days I will figure out the art of concision. If anyone can demonstrate that they made it through all 6,321 words of the last installment here, Your West Coast Oenophile will treat you to free drinks for a month at\u00a0Sostevinobile\u00a0(once we open our doors). Count on it! In the meantime, readers can […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[127,40,91,6,4,16,7,70,15,18,109,23,2,10,108,88,35,36,102,105,19,13,3,67,66,57,33,5,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aglianico","category-barbera","category-black-muscat","category-cabernet-franc","category-cabernet-sauvignon","category-chardonnay","category-grenache","category-malvasia-bianca","category-marsanne","category-merlot","category-mission","category-montepulciano","category-petit-verdot","category-petite-sirah","category-pinot-grigio","category-port","category-primitivo","category-sangiovese","category-sangiovese-grosso","category-sangiovese-piccolo","category-sauvignon-blanc","category-semillon","category-syrah","category-teroldego","category-touriga-nacional","category-verdelho","category-vermentino","category-viognier","category-zinfandel"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=55"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":937,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55\/revisions\/937"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=55"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=55"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sostevinobile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=55"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}