Tag Archives: Cabernet Sauvignon

November Premium Club

Posted on by

Bold wine Style logoArchimedesFrancis Ford Coppola Winery
Archimedes 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Dark and dramatic in color, the 2021 Archimedes presents robust aromatic impressions of blueberry, black currant, caramel, and toffee. Rich, smooth tannins complement a full array of flavors, including plum, dark chocolate, white pepper, tobacco, and anise – each adding to the balanced complexity of a stunning and sophisticated vintage.

Varietal: 93.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.4% Malbec, 1.6% Petit Verdot, 0.2% Other
Appellation: Alexander Valley & Pine Mountain sub-AVA, California
Alcohol: 15% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.58
Total Acidity: .65 g/100ml
Barrel Regimen: 20 months in French oak barrels, 80% new oak

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Considered one of the greatest mathematical minds of all time, Archimedes of ancient Greece was a physicist, astronomer, engineer, and inventor. The lever, compound pulley, and hydraulic screw are among his many inventions. As legend has it, Archimedes defeated the Roman army at sea by creating enormous reflective devices which harnessed the sun’s rays to ignite and burn their ships. The painting reproduced on our label memorializes this amazing moment in history. Having admired this great innovator, Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather Agostino named his first son Archimedes. With this wine, Francis Ford Coppola pays homage to Uncle Archimedes, a man who loved math and mechanics as much as his namesake.

Crafted for the true connoisseur, Archimedes is produced in very limited quantities from the vintage’s most impressive lots of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2021 vintage started off cold and dry. Initially inconsistent weather patterns created a lighter crop, but mild to warm weather later provided perfect conditions to develop concentration and flavor. The 2021 Archimedes was aged over a year and a half in French oak barrels, resulting in a beautifully integrated wine.

VINEYARD NOTES:
Archimedes is sourced from high elevation vineyards in Alexander Valley. High elevation means prolonged sun exposure and less dramatic temperature shifts. Vines can synthesize flavor and phenolic compounds at a higher and more consistent rate. Light onshore winds also work to moderate the temperature. Together, these conditions allow for a slow, steady ripening of the grapes, even when bud break is delayed after a dusting of snow during the winter.

HARVEST NOTES:
The fruit selected for the 2021 Archimedes comes from three separate vineyards in Alexander Valley. Archimedes Vineyard, in the Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak sub-AVA, is one of the highest elevation vineyards in Sonoma County. Residing high above the fog line at 2,100 feet, it features soil made of medium-sized rocks mixed with a fine loam. The Dayton Vineyard is in Northern Alexander Valley. Well-drained Josephine loam combined with the warm summer nights of the growing season and the vineyard’s elevation all promote ripe dark fruit flavors when the grapes reach full maturity. Finally, the Farrow Ranch Vineyard provides additional flavor notes as well as structure and tannins that are essential parts of Archimedes.

Bold wine Style logoEleanorFrancis Ford Coppola Winery
Eleanor 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah
Sonoma County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2021 Eleanor is a rich, full wine with extraordinary aromas and mouth-filling flavors that highlight the sophisticated levels of its complexity. Sonoma fruit provides this vintage with polish and a wealth of structure for the wine to further evolve in the bottle. Lively notes of cacao, dark plum, and tobacco on the nose are accentuated on the palate with impressions of mocha, chocolate, blueberry, and clove. Structured tannins and a long, persistent finish are key components of this incredible vintage.

Varietal: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 4% Other
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Alcohol: 15% alcohol / volume
Barrel Regimen: 18 months in French oak barrels. 80% new French oak.
Pairing Recommendation: Beef Carpaccio or Filet Mignon

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Eleanor has always been a true partner in all of Francis’s endeavors. After fifty years of marriage, Francis wanted to honor her with ‘Eleanor,’ her own wine. “I met Eleanor in 1962 upon the occasion of beginning my first feature film in Dublin, Ireland. She worked in the art department and we quickly became fast friends, as we had much in common — coming from artistic families and enjoying food and wine. Our friendship blossomed into a romance and we were married; Eleanor giving me the greatest creative gift possible, children. We moved to San Francisco to raise our new family, and dreamed of having a small country house in the Napa valley with a few acres of grapes. Unexpectedly we found ourselves the owner of a large and beautiful wine estate. We’ve lived on the property with our family ever since, and our love of the land and of winemaking grew beyond our expectations, into wineries in both Napa and Sonoma valleys. Eleanor has always been a true partner in all my endeavors, bringing her creativity, honesty, and generous spirit to it all — she’s wife, mother, artist, filmmaker, collaborator, and inspiration. For all this and more, after fifty years of marriage, I wanted to honor her with ‘Eleanor’ her own wine.” — Francis Ford Coppola

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2021 vintage started off cold and dry. Initially inconsistent weather patterns created a lighter crop, but mild to warm weather later provided perfect conditions to develop concentration and flavor. Overall, a very nice harvest producing beautifully concentrated, distinctive wines.

ABOUT FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY:
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Diamond Collection is a tribute to perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, reflecting the life journey of its founder, Francis Ford Coppola. Born in 1939, Coppola overcame polio as a child and later attended UCLA’s film school before directing The Godfather in 1972—one of cinema’s most celebrated achievements. Framed by the belief that “it takes time to make a diamond,” the collection represents the blend of nature, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind each bottle. These wines are crafted from carefully selected vineyards across California, designed to be both elegant and approachable, embodying a cinematic sense of character and place. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Francis Ford Coppola Winery – All Rights Reserved

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases! 

Learn more about our Premium Club >

September Premium Club

Posted on by

Bold wine Style logofraternity-no-vintage-1681834910070Baldacci Family Vineyards
Fraternity
Red Blend 2022
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2022 Fraternity has notes of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry, accented by vanilla, cocoa, and sweet baking spices. The palate showcases layers of juice dark berry, cherry compote, and plum, balanced by hints of mocha and tea leaves. The wine’s velvety tannins and plush mouthfeel deliver a rich, rounded texture, while the long, polished finish highlights toasted oak and a touch of spice.

Varietal: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 12% Syrah, 8% Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.7
Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.0 g/L
Harvest Date: September 9th-October 24, 2022
Cooperage: Aged 16 months in medium toast French oak barrels
Bottling: March 19, 2024 – Bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its character. Natural sediment may occur.
Critical Acclaim:

  • 96 points, Sunset International Wine Competition
  • 92 points, Decanter

GROWING SEASON 2022:
The 2022 growing season began with early bud-break and was marked by warm, sunny conditions throughout the summer. While September brought some unpredictability, the season yielded red wines of impressive depth and balance. The vintage showcases vibrant fruit character alongside well-integrated structure, offering exceptional quality.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“I enjoy the challenge and the creative expression of crafting red blends. The 2022 Fraternity continues to emphasize Cabernet Sauvignon as its backbone, sourced from 6 appellations and 7 vineyards to achieve a balance of power and finesse. Petit Verdot contributes depth and complexity, Syrah lends structure and intensity, and Merlot adds a plush texture and a subtle layer of red fruit that enhances the wine’s approachability. This vintage offers a bold, approachable expression of Napa Valley, crafted to delight Cabernet fans with just enough intrigue to keep you coming back for more.” – Michael Baldacci, Winemaker

ABOUT BALDACCI FAMILY VINEYARDS:
Baldacci Family Vineyards focuses on their organic and sustainable practices in everything they do. Their estate vineyards in both Stags Leap Districut and Calistoga are farmed in accordance with CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) standards. Some of their practices include manual pruning, suckering, fruit removal and harvesting with minimum tractor use to reduce gas-powered machinery. Their regenerative practices work in harmony with nature, using grazing sheep to cultivate under the vines and enrich soil health, while bird and owl boxes provide habitat for natural pest control. The family winery believes in caring for their land, their people and their community while producing the best wines possible. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Baldacci Family Vineyards – All Rights Reserved

Bold wine Style logoAmulet-Estate-2021 Background RemovedAmulet Estate
2021 Amulet Estate ‘AE’
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This is classic Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon in a strong vintage. It’s a graceful wine with an enticing array of earth, herb and fresh fruit. Aromas of tobacco leaf and black cherry gently fill the glass. The wine expands on the palate with ripe mission fig, tart plum skin and fresh marjoram. It has a fine, silky texture and dark chocolate completes a lengthy finish.

Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Malbec
Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
AVA: Yountville, Napa Valley, California
Soil: Gravelly loam and Cortina soils originating from the Franciscan Assemblage
Elevation: 100 feet

ABOUT AMULET ESTATE:
The word “amulet” comes from the Latin word “amulētum”, meaning an object that provides good fortune or a good luck charm. However, the true mark of the Amulet portfolio comes from their deep respect for the land and the pioneering spirit expressed in early Napa Valley viticulture. Each single vineyard is carefully selected to create a varietal that expresses the elegance of the Napa Valley terroir. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Amulet Estate – All Rights Reserved

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases! 

Learn more about our Premium Club >

August Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoGeyser_Peak_Walking_Tree_Cabernet_Sauvignon_bottleGeyser Peak Winery
Walking Tree
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

A deep garnet with amethyst refections in the glass. Aromas of dark berries, ripe raspberry and flint follow through to the balanced palate. Bright acidity is supported by the addition of Petit Verdot, adding great roundness. Silky tannins extend on the persistent finish.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
  • Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
  • Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.75
  • Residual sugar: 0.4 g/l
  • Total Acidity: 6.4 g/l
  • Critical Acclaim: 92 pts James Suckling 2021

VITICULTURE:
This vintage marks the 16th release of the Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit for this wine is sourced from two excellent Alexander Valley vineyards. The different soils, exposures, and microclimates of these two vineyards adds enticing complexity of aromas and flavors to the finished wine.

VINIFICATION:
Following traditional fermentation methods, the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot were fermented separately and expertly blended.

INTERESTING FACT:
Ancient oak trees dot the landscape of Alexander Valley, California. Walking Tree takes its name from one of these majestic trees that remarkably “walked” down a steep grade vineyard during heavy rains, all while remaining upright and very much alive.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Geyser Peak Winery has a long and storied history. Founded in 1880, it became the 29th bonded winery in California, and was named for the tremendous view of Geyser Peak Mountain directly outside the winery’s window. The brand has seen a storied past of over 140 years, founded by a local family, changing hands multiple times including management by corporate interests. Today, Geyser Peak has proudly returned to its roots as a family-owned-and-operated business, sourcing fruit from famed wine growing regions of California. The essence of California terroir can be tasted throughout the range of their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

bbq-ribs-blogBarbecue Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 pounds pork spareribs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup chile sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup rum
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 dash ground black pepper
  • cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Cut spareribs into serving size portions; wrap in double thickness of foil.

  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours. Unwrap and drain drippings (drippings can be frozen to use later in soups). Place ribs in a large roasting pan.

  4. Mix brown sugar, chile sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rum, garlic, mustard, and pepper together in a bowl. Coat ribs with sauce and marinate at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.

  5. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Position the grate 4 inches above heat source; grease the grate with cooking spray.

  6. Cook ribs on the preheated grill for 30 minutes, basting with marinade.

Information & Photos © Geyser Peak Winery and © Quintessential – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of SEEsign and Allrecipes Test Kitchen.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Premium Club

Posted on by

Bold wine Style logoQuintay - Winemakers Experience - Blend - 2021Viña Quintay
Winemaker’s Experience Blend 2021
Casablanca Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Rich, blackberries with peppery spices and some dry-earth funk. Structured and full-bodied with juicy fruit, powerful, fine-grained tannins and a lengthy finish.

Varietal: 52% Malbec Maipo, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Syrah, 9% Syrah
Alcohol: 14% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.6
Total Acidity: 6.3 g/L expressed in tartaric acid
Residual Sugar: 3.7 g/L
Recommended Drinking: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF

HARVEST INFORMATION:
D.O.: Maipo / Casablanca Valley
Yield: 8 ton/ha
Harvest Type: Manual Harvest

WINEMAKING:
Stemming: 100%
Fermentation Period: 5 days
Fermented in: Stainless steel tank
Aging: 26 months in French oak

ABOUT QUINTAY VINEYARDS:
A boutique winery nestled in the coastal Casablanca Valley (Chile’s premier cool-climate wine region) and established in 2005 by a group of esteemed producers, the winery was born from a shared vision to cultivate South America’s finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Now owned by the Martin Weinstein family, Quintay remains proudly Chilean, continuing its commitment to innovation, sustainable farming, and the careful stewardship of its unique Pacific Coast vineyard. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Viña Quintay – All Rights Reserved

Bold wine Style logoWilliam Cole - Bill - Signature Blend - 2021William Cole
Limited Edition
Bill Signature 2021
Casablanca, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This red blend is of intense, bright and deep dark red color. Very complex on the nose with notes such as black fruit, spices, menthol and vanilla, which are highlighted. The palate is fresh, persistent and voluminous. The tannins are silky and distinguishable. It has great aging potential.

Varietal: 52% Malbec, 13% Petit Syrah, 9% Syrah, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.46
Total Acidity: 6.3 g/L
Residual Sugar: 3.7 g/L
Food Pairing: Ideal to accompany meat, lamb and strong cheeses
Recommended Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Critical Acclaim: 93 points – James Suckling

HARVEST INFORMATION:
D.O.: Maipo – Casablanca
Harvest: First half of April
Yield: 6 ton/ha
Harvest Type: Manual Harvest

WINEMAKING:
Stemming: 100%
Fermentation Period: 5 days
Fermented in: Stainless steel tanks
Aging: 26 months in French oak

ABOUT WILLIAM COLE:
After a long search to put down roots in the 1990s, American-born William Cole was captivated by the vibrant colors and fertile soil of Chile’s Casablanca Valley. It was in the Tapihue sector that he chose to bring his dream to life, establishing a vineyard that would have his name. Today, the vineyard is part of the Tapihue Wines group, known for producing premium wines that are highly regarded both in Chile and around the world.

Information & Photos © William Cole – All Rights Reserved

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases! 

Learn more about our Premium Club >

Viña Quintay Q Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on by

WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoQuintay - Q - Gran Reserva - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2021 BottleViña Quintay
Q Gran Reserva
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Casablanca, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Intense burgundy red color, this Cabernet Sauvignon presents notes of black fruit, cassis and spices which are mixed with vanilla and mocha delivered by its aging in French oak barrels. In the mouth it is fresh, with rich acidity and powerful, soft and silky tannins. Of good volume and persistence.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.6
  • Residual sugar: 1 g/l
  • Total Acidity: 6 g/l expressed in tartaric acid
  • Food Pairings: Ideal to accompany meats and mature cheeses.
  • Serving Recommendation: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF

WINEMAKING PRACTICES:

  • Stemming: 100%
  • Fermentation Period: 10 days
  • Fermented in: Stainless steel tank
  • Aging: 12 months in French Oak

HARVEST INFORMATION:

  • D.O.: Maipo
  • Harvest: First half of April
  • Yield: 6 ton/ha
  • Harvest Type: Manuel Harvest

ABOUT QUINTAY VINEYARDS:
A boutique winery nestled in the coastal Casablanca Valley (Chile’s premier cool-climate wine region) and established in 2005 by a group of esteemed producers, the winery was born from a shared vision to cultivate South America’s finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Now owned by the Martin Weinstein family, Quintay remains proudly Chilean, continuing its commitment to innovation, sustainable farming, and the careful stewardship of its unique Pacific Coast vineyard. Learn more here.

baked-plumsHoney-baked plums with Mascarpone

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 large ripe plums, halved and destoned
  • 2 tbsp clear honey
  • 8 oz tub of mascarpone (or substitute with vanilla ice cream/yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp chopped pistachios
  • 3 vanilla Viennese thins biscuits (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Put the plums, cut side up, in a large baking dish. Drizzle over 1 tbsp of the honey and bake for 15 mins until tender.
  2. Drizzle the remaining honey on top and bake for another 5 mins. Divide the mascarpone between plates and top with the plums. Drizzle with the juices from the pan, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, then crumble over the Viennese thins to serve, if using.

Information & Photos © Viña Quintay © The Global Vineyard – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Tesco Real Food.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoQuintay - Q - Limited Edition - Blend 2020 - 92PTS JSViña Quintay
Gran Reserva
Q Blend Limited Collection 2020
Casablanca, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Bright and deep dark red color with purple hues. Very complex on the nose, notes such as black fruit, spices and vanilla are highlighted. In the mouth, it is fresh, persistent and voluminous with velvety tannins. Good aging potential.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: 50% Malbec Maipo, 50% Syrah Casablanca
  • Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.40
  • Residual sugar: 3.2 g/l
  • Total Acidity: 5.3 g/l expressed in tartaric acid
  • Food Pairings: Ideal to accompany red meats and mature cheeses.
  • Serving Recommendation: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
  • Critical Acclaims: 92 points, James Suckling

WINEMAKING PRACTICES:

  • Stemming: 100%
  • Fermentation Period: 8 days
  • Fermented in: Stainless steel tanks
  • Aging: 14 months in French Oak

HARVEST INFORMATION:

  • Yield: 8 ton/ha
  • Harvest Type: Manuel Harvest

ABOUT QUINTAY VINEYARDS:
A boutique winery nestled in the coastal Casablanca Valley (Chile’s premier cool-climate wine region) and established in 2005 by a group of esteemed producers, the winery was born from a shared vision to cultivate South America’s finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Now owned by the Martin Weinstein family, Quintay remains proudly Chilean, continuing its commitment to innovation, sustainable farming, and the careful stewardship of its unique Pacific Coast vineyard. Learn more here.

flank-steak-corn-avocado-limeFlank Steak with Corn Salsa

INGREDIENTS:

Steak

  • 1-½ up to 2 pounds flank steak
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
  • 1-½ teaspoons salt
  • 1-½ teaspoons pepper
  • 1-½ tablespoons light brown sugar firmly packed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

Corn Salsa

  • 3 ears sweet corn
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 very large (or 2 small) ripe avocados peeled, seed removed, and diced
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro plus more for serving if desired
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced jalapeño
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 limes plus more lime wedges for serving if desired
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the grill to 450°F. Once heated, clean the grill grates with a wire brush. Liberally oil the grill.
  • Shuck corn and discard silk. Drizzle corn with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub the oil and salt/pepper into all sides of the corn. Add the corn to the heated and oiled grill over direct heat. Grill corn about 10–12 minutes total, rotating every 3–4 minutes until bright in color and lightly charred. Let grilled corn cool before cutting it off the cob.
  • Steak: Prepare the rub by mixing together the garlic powder, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Remove the flank steak from packaging and blot dry with a paper towel. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil on top of the steak. Sprinkle half the rub on top and gently press in. Flip the steak over. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon oil on the bottom and sprinkle on the remaining rub mixture. Gently press in.
  • Place the spiced-rubbed steak directly on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature is 130–135°F for medium rare or 145°F for medium. Remove the steak to a cutting board. Tent with foil and allow to rest for 5–10 minutes. Once steak has rested, slice it very thinly against the grain.
  • While the steak cooks, prepare the salsa. Slice the cooled corn off the cob and add to a large bowl. Dice the veggies—avocados, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro and add to the corn. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ cup lime juice, cumin, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes to the veggies. Gently toss together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss again and serve over steak. If desired, drizzle everything with 1 more tablespoon olive oil. Serve with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Information & Photos © Viña Quintay © The Global Vineyard – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Chelsea Messy Apron.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

2025 Winery Spotlight Series: Coppola Diamond Collection

Posted on by

FCW-DC-LOGOSpotlight_Coppola_Wines

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Francis Coppola
Diamond Collection
California

 Summer 2025

This summer, join us for a wine tasting event featuring Francis Coppola Diamond Collection wines from California. We will be sharing their seven wines below.  To reserve a spot and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on their local Eventbrite. Please join us! 

Wines Tasted:

  1. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Rosé of Pinot Noir
  3. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay
  4. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Pinot Noir
  5. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot
  6. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
  7. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

Coppola-WineryAbout Francis Coppola Winery:
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Diamond Collection is a tribute to perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, reflecting the life journey of its founder, Francis Ford Coppola. Born in 1939, Coppola overcame polio as a child and later attended UCLA’s film school before directing The Godfather in 1972—one of cinema’s most celebrated achievements. Framed by the belief that “it takes time to make a diamond,” the collection represents the blend of nature, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind each bottle. These wines are crafted from carefully selected vineyards across California, designed to be both elegant and approachable, embodying a cinematic sense of character and place. Learn more here.

 
Andrea-Card-Winemaker-HeadshotSenior Winemaker, Andrea Card:
Andrea Card is the Senior Winemaker at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, where she oversees all wine programs. A fourth-generation Sonoma County native, her winemaking roots trace back to her great-grandparents in Alexander Valley. After earning a B.S. in Agricultural Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Andrea completed the Winemaking Certificate Program at UC Davis and is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. She began her career at Benziger Family Winery, spending nearly 20 years in roles ranging from lab technician to winemaker, with a strong focus on sustainability and Biodynamic® practices. She later held winemaking roles at Ravenswood and The Prisoner Wine Company before joining Coppola. Andrea also serves on the Board of the Alexander Valley Winegrowers in Sonoma County. Outside of winemaking, she competes in Logging Sports as a member of the U.S. Women’s Team and enjoys time outdoors with her family in Santa Rosa.
 
Wine Pairing Recipe:
Coppola’s Diamond Collection offers a wide range of great wines to pair with your summertime grilling. Enjoy with this recipe below for Pork Tenderloin with Tomato and Grilled Focaccia Panzanella paired with Coppola’s Merlot Diamond Collection wine – fire up the grill tonight!
 

Photo and Information © Francis Ford Coppola Winery – All Rights Reserved

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Francis Coppola Winery
2025
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoTandem-Nova-bottleTandem Winery
Ars Nova
Red Blend
Navarra, Spain

BOLD WINE STYLE

Ars Nova, contains the winery’s signature blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is deep ruby red in color with a violet rim. Complex and fresh on the nose, this wine revels ripe red and black fruit with balsamic hints. It is very elegant with many layers featuring notes of bramble berry fruits, blueberries, licorice and blackberries, scrubland, thyme and mint. It’s delightful, long, enveloping and extraordinary. A fresh mountain wine with a strong expression of its terroir.  Pairs well with casseroles, lamb, red meat, game, stuffed pasta, poultry and cheese.

Varietal: 40% Tempranillo, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 5.8 g/l
Residual sugar: 0.4 g/l
Soil: Clay loam
Vinification: Fermentation temperature of 86ºF, slow extraction with pigeages; they do not use pumps in fermentation. Racking by gravity to concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation and natural clarification by decanting into concrete vats. It is not cold stabilized nor fined.
Serving Temperature: 62.2ºF
Critical Acclaims:

  • 2003 –  Selected blind for KLM business class, 3 stars Selection magazine, 17/20 John Radford Wine Wire
  • 92 pts. Ray Jordan West Weekend Magazine Perth
  • 2005 –  Gold Sommelier Wine Awards
  • 2008 –  90 points Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar
  • 2010 –  Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2015
  • 2012 –  91 points Vinous Antonio Galloni
  • 2014 –  89 points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
  • 2018 –  90 points James Suckling, 90 points Guia Peñin, 94 points Tim Atkin

WINERY’S NOTES/ABOUT THE NAME:
Latin for “new art”, is very applicable to the philosophy of this wine. 
Ars Nova was a musical movement in the 14th Century which brought about the advent of volume in music. Until that time music was flat and monochrome. This new way of creating music was more complex, marked by harmony and rhythm. This was the origin of polyphony. Music which was composed from then onwards was called ars nova and music prior to that time was termed ars antiqua. It has been compared with the introduction of perspective in painting which occurred during the same period.
 Ars Nova is an elegant wine, feminine, multi-layered, a wine for reflection and enjoyment.

ABOUT BODEGA TANDEM:
Compañía Vitivinícola Tandem was founded in January 2003 by Alicia Eyaralar, José María Fraile and a small group of wine-loving friends and family. With extensive experience in winemaking and marketing—both together and separately—they were driven by a shared dream to create something unique. The name Tandem, meaning “at last” in Latin, reflects this long-held aspiration. Their mission is to craft elegant, expressive wines that reflect the character of their land in the Navarra DO, while following a path rooted in respect for nature, minimum intervention, and meticulous care. Committed to consistency, sincerity, and continual improvement, Tandem strives to become a benchmark for quality in the region. Learn more about the winery here.

grilled-portobellow-mushrooms-blogBalsamic Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
  • 4 portobello mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and kosher salt.
  • Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel. Gently twist or cut off the stems. Use a spoon to scrape out the gills.
  • Using a pastry brush, coat the gill side with about a third of the marinade.
  • Heat a 2-burner griddle, a grill pan, or an outdoor grill on medium heat. Grease the grill well. 
  • Place the mushrooms, gill side down, on the grill. Grill until the gill side is browned and tender, 4-5 minutes.
  • When the gill side is almost ready, brush the tops of the mushrooms with another third of the marinade.
  • Flip the mushrooms so that they’re gill side up. Continue grilling them until they are browned and tender, 2-3 more minutes.
  • Transfer the mushrooms to a plate. Brush them with the remaining marinade, sprinkle them with parsley, and serve.

Information & Photos © Bodega Tandem – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Healthy Recipes.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Collectors Wine ClubPEJU-Reserve-Cabernet-Franc-2019-bottle[224074]PEJU Winery
2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This luxurious wine offers beautiful aromatics and a captivating presence. The nose displays a bouquet of dried savory herbs, ripe dark berries, and star anise. On the palate, this wine is nothing short of a masterpiece. The smooth and scrumptious flavors of caramel, integrated dark fruit, and chocolate play off each other beautifully. The wine is complex and layered, with a long smooth finish that coats the palate and leaves a lasting impression.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 76% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Aging: French oak, 85% new, 26 months
Harvest: October 2019
Release: October 2024
Cases: 914
Winemaker: Sara Fowler
Accolades: 92 pts James Suckling; 92 pts Wine Advocate

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Peju believes great wines are made in the vineyard and are committed to farming sustainably and naturally to preserve these properties for the long term. The Peju team is certified Napa Green at their Rutherford winery and vineyard. In 2019 all six of their estate vineyards were certified Fish Friendly Farming, as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

VINTAGE:
The beginning of the 2019 growing season was defined by copious rainfall. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events, with foggy mornings setting the stage for vibrant and expressive wines. The long, relatively mild finish to the season, not without its moments of unpredictability, helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the fruit with abundant hang time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins.

ABOUT PEJU WINERY:
In 1983, Tony and Herta (HB) Peju purchased thirty acres of vines in the famed Rutherford district of Napa Valley. They worked hard to build a winery, plant estate vineyards and raise their family. PEJU remains family-owned with Tony and HB’s two daughters, Ariana and Lisa, guiding the business today. Ariana and Lisa are bringing fresh ideas while maintaining the meticulous focus on quality that began 40 years ago. With its landmark tower and warm hospitality, PEJU Winery is an integral part of the Napa Valley landscape. Learn more here.

Photos and information © PEJU Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Mellow style logoKosta-Browne-Sta.-Rita-Hills-Pinot-Noir-bottleKosta Browne
Appellation Series
2022 Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The nose is an intriguing fusion of blackberry blossom and strawberry with a hint of baking spice. The mouth is elegantly structured with bramble fruit notes and bolstered tannins, this wine unfolds on the palate, culminated in a memorable finish.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills, California
Varietal: Pinot Noir
pH: 3.64
TA: 5.87 g/L
Vineyard: Mt. Carmel, Rita’s Crown, Bentrock, Radian, John Sebastiano, Sanford & Benedict, Drum Canyon, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Peake Ranch, La Encantada
Clones: 828, 2A, Pommard, 667, 115, 777
Trellising: VSP
Soil: Silica (D.E. marine-based)
Fermentation: 64% stainless steel, 29% concrete, 7% oak; 3% whole cluster
Élevage: 37% new French oak, 42% neutral oak and 21% oak foudre/cask for 16 months; 3% whole cluster

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The Appellation Series embodies Kosta Browne’s unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.

This microclimate, sculpted over 20 million years ago by a tectonic dance, stands as a testament to nature’s miracles. Mountains, rising from the sea with a clockwise grace, broke free to form the distinctive transverse ranges along the Pacific Coast. This geographical marvel funnels cool coastal fog and wind directly to the vines, solidifying the Sta. Rita Hills AVA as one of the most compelling cool-climate growing regions for Pinot Noir.

The 2022 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir possesses profound aromas of layered boysenberry, blackberry blossom, and a hint of baking spice with bolstered tannins that seamlessly glide across the palate. With focused energy, this wine is composed with a near-everlasting finish.

ABOUT KOSTA BROWNE:
Kosta Browne is a celebrated California winery renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1997 by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, the winery began as a passion project and evolved into one of the most sought-after producers of premium wines from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands. With an unwavering commitment to site-driven winemaking, Kosta Browne sources fruit from esteemed vineyards, blending tradition with innovation to craft wines of depth, elegance, and balance. Today, the winery continues to honor its roots while pushing the boundaries of excellence in California winemaking. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Kosta Browne – All Rights Reserved.

 

Collectors Wine ClubLove to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here
 

March Premium Club

Posted on by

Boen-Reserve-bottleMellow style logoBöen Wines 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE  
Scarlet red with glimmers of garnet. The nose has notes of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, and tart cherry are followed by subtle hints of tobacco and cocoa powder. On the palate, vibrant flavors of very ripe boysenberry, blueberry, and plum pie are complemented by layers of rosemary and cocoa. These flavors are balanced by firm tannins that carry through to a long, structured, and mouthwatering finish.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley AVA, California
Vineyards: Haribach V. Vineyard
Oak Maturation: 100% French oak, 40% new for nine months with limited use of S02 to maintain phenolic profile
Harvest Dates: Late September to early October 2023
Food Pairing: Roasted lamb, rib eye with mashed potatoes, chicken mole, or a hearty charcuterie platter.
Awards: 95 pts Wine Enthusiast; 94 pts. Tasting Panel

Winemaker’s Notes: “The label on our Böen Reserve pays homage to the agricultural legacy of Napa Valley and the family roots that shaped our winemaking journey. It features a woodcut-style image of a traditional farm, with my grandfather, Charlie Wagner Sr., standing at its center, surrounded by livestock and Bamse, the German shepherd who was a familiar face around the Copper Cane winery for years. Napa Valley was once more about farming than the renowned wine destination it is today, and I was fortunate to grow up in that era. My grandparents took a bold leap from being farmers of various crops to cultivating vineyards and making wine—an endeavor that, at the time, was as risky as it was rewarding and the legacy continues on as we farm & make wine from many coastal regions. This label is a tribute to my grandfather’s deep farming roots and serves as a reminder to always work hard, stay grounded, and never forget where we come from.” – Joseph Wagner, Fifth Generation Winemaker

Growing Season: The 2023 growing season in Santa Maria Valley AVA began with cooler temperatures and average rainfall, which led to a slightly delayed budbreak. A warm spell in February and March accelerated vine growth, but cooler conditions and frost events in April reduced yields. From late April to August, consistent warm days and cool nights promoted optimal ripening, with veraison completing by the end of August. A mild sub-tropical storm in September brought moderate rainfall, but dry weather afterward prevented rot. The resulting Pinot Noir grapes showcased vibrant colors, rich flavors of cherry and blackberry, excellent acidity, and smooth tannins. Harvesting took place from late September to early October, resulting in a promising vintage.

Winemaking: The Böen team harvested early in the morning so the fruit would arrive at the winery while the grapes were still cool to preserve their vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming (but not crushing) the berries, they cold-soaked the must for 14 days to soften the skins and allow for ideal extraction. Both punch-down and pump-over techniques were used to ensure balanced extraction of flavor, aromatics, structure, and color. To allow both the sweet and structural influences from the barrels to intermingle seamlessly with the rich fruit and ripe tannins of the wine, they aged this Pinot Noir in 100% French oak, 40% new for nine months with limited use of S02 to maintain the phenolic profile.

About Böen Wines: Böen Wines was founded by Joseph Wagner, a fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker who grew up immersed in viticulture at his family’s Caymus Vineyards. In 2001, he established Belle Glos, focusing on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from California’s coastal regions. With Böen, Wagner continues his family’s legacy, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that reflect his signature style of rich, ripe fruit flavors balanced with bright acidity and subtle oak nuances. The name “Böen,” meaning “The Farm,” serves as a personal reminder of the inseparable connection between the wine and its land, emphasizing Wagner’s identity as a farmer first and foremost. Learn more here.
Information & Photos © Böen Wines – All Rights Reserved.

St-Supery-Napa-Valley-Estate-Cabernet-Sauvignon-bottleSt. Supéry Estate Vineyards & WineryBold wine Style logo 2019 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE
This Estate Cabernet of deep purple hues, presents dark blackberry aromas combined with an elegant toasted oak nuance, threads of boysenberry, rich opulence with subtle notes of jam and graphite. Flavors follow with ripe blackberry jam, a luscious approach of dark fruits, terrific structure supported with elegant moments of oak and a finishing hint of anise. This is a supple yet generous wine with an excellent structure, feel and approach.

Varietals: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume pH: 3.70 Total Acidity: 6.2 g/L Appellation: Napa Valley, California Vineyards: Dollarhide Estate Vineyard, Rutherford Estate Vineyard Farming: Sustainably farmed, estate grown and bottled Oak Maturation: 100% French Oak (38% new) for 19 months Harvest Dates: September 20-October 16, 2019 Bottling Date: July 12-21, 2021

Vintage 2019: The 2019 growing season had a very wet winter and spring, capturing 41” of rain at Dollarhide. A mild spring with one late-May rainfall resulted in damp soils and healthy canopy growth. Other than one mid-June heat spell, summer was warm and dry, allowing for consistent and balanced ripening. Late summer and early fall continued to provide steady warmth. As evenings began to cool, the fall growing season was extended. The even ripening season with a mild summer resulted in excellent wine of great flavor and density. Winemaking: The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool morning hours. At the winery, the clusters were sorted using a double sorting system. First, the clusters were sorted by hand. The fruit then ran through a small de-stemmer before the individual berries being sorted to ensure the ideal grapes were selected. These berries were delivered to a fermenter where there was a period of resting on skins. Warm fermentation temperatures with gentle cap maceration achieved the desired color and structure before an extended maceration time on skins, prior to final pressing. The wine was transferred directly to barrel for 19 months of maturation.
About the Winery: St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery is a 100% Estate Grown, sustainably farmed winery located in the renowned Rutherford growing region in the heart of Napa Valley. Committed to producing the highest quality estate wines without compromise, they focus on sustainable winery and farming operations to protect the land and environment for future generations. Their Napa Valley Estate collection includes Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé. These wines are balanced and showcase fruit-forward flavors. Learn more here.
Information & Photos © St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery – All Rights Reserved.
Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases! Learn more about our Premium Club >