Tag Archives: Cabernet Sauvignon

January Premium Wine Club

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Mellow style logoRuffion-modus-wine-bottleRuffino
Modus Toscana IGT
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color, and complex, fruity and intense on the nose. The initial aromas are of mature black fruits, such as cherries, plums, and small blackberries typical of Sangiovese. There are also floral notes that are complimented by hints of spiced cinnamon and cloves. On the palate, it is full-bodied and harmonious with modern Super Tuscan finesse and style. This wine is rich with soft tannins and flavors of mature blackberry fruit that lead to a persistent finish.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 37% Sangiovese, 32% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Sourcing: Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano Estate
Soil: Hilly land with clay, limestone, and a small percentage of silt
Micro-climate: Variable with good diurnal temperature swings, especially during summer
Growing System: Cordon trained
Vine density: 12,000 per acre
Age of vineyards: Recently planted
First Year of Production: 1997
Food Pairings: Wonderful on its own, or serve with bold dishes such as duck with olives and pancetta, beef-stuffed manicotti with Bolognese sauce, or aged cheeses such as Taleggio, Pecorino and/or Gouda.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: Only the best grapes are selected in the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness when picked. They are again sorted prior to pressing. Due to a warm and dry growing season, the harvest began earlier than usual, as the high summer temperatures led to beautiful fruit maturation.
Fermentation: Each varietal was vinified independently, fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 82ºF for 10 days. The wine was then allowed to macerate on the skins for another 2 weeks.
Aging: After completing malolactic fermentation, the 3 varietals were blended and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of first and second use.

Ruffio-riserva-ducale-wine-bottleMellow style logoRuffino
Riserva Ducale
Chianti Classico Riserva
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color, the nose has an elegant bouquet characterized by violet, cherries, wild berries and plums. There are hints of tobacco, clove and eucalyptus. On the palate, the Riserva Ducale is balance and constant with delicate tannins. The vibrant acidity characterizes this wine, which is typical of Sangiovese’s grapes. The finish is persistent and a good structure completes the entire taste sensation.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Sourcing: The Riserva Ducale grapes came from owned vineyards and selected growers vineyards located in the traditional Chianti Classico production area, stretching over the provinces of Siena and Florence. Ruffino traditionally works with a small stable of hand-selected growers, chosen as carefully as the Ruffino vineyards.
Soil: Typical of the Chianti Classico area; a mix of clay and limestone with an abundant presence of “Galestro” rock.
Altitude: Variable from 951 to 1,476 feet above sea level
Growing System: Cordon trained
Vine density: about 12,350 vines/acre
Bottle Aging: A minimum of 3 months
First Year of Production: 1927
Food Pairings: Enjoy this timeless Tuscan gem with Italian favorites such as prosciutto and other antipasti, mushroom risotto, pasta Bolognese, and chicken cacciatore. Or, pair it with simple grilled meats and roasted vegetables for a classic Tuscan meal.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: The vintage was characterized by a very hot season with a good maturation of the grapes, which led to a slightly early harvest.
Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation and maceration were aided by pumping over, which took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats for approximately 16 days.
Aging: The Riserva Ducale aged for 24 months, 12 in big oak casks and the rest in concrete vats.

Mellow style logoRuffino Riserva Ducale OroRuffino
Riserva Ducale Oro
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Riserva Ducale Oro is also Ruby Red in color with hues of garnet. It is powerfully aromatic with cherry, plum, and violet with notes of eucalyptus, chocolate and spicy black pepper. The complexity is an authentic expression of Sangioveses and Classic Chiantis. The wine is full-bodied and powerfully fruity with elegant tannins, perfectly supported by a good acidity. The finish is characterized by pleasantly sweet tobacco, plums, and balsamic herbs. This Riserva Ducale Oro will age gracefully for decades.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 83% Sangiovese, 12% Merlot, 5% Colorino
Grape Sourcing: Selected from Ruffino’s Gretole and Santedame estates, located in the heart of Castellina in Chianti.
Soil: Hilly land with poor, rocky, ‘galestro’ soils of mixed clay and sand
Microclimate: Characterized by hot, dry summers with high diurnal temperature swings, which allow for optimal grape maturation.
Altitude: 820-1,300 feet above sea level
Sun Exposure: Predominantly south, southwest, and southeast
Growing System: Cordon-trained
Vine density: 10,000 per acre
Age of Vineyards: 
Vine yield: 12 tons per acre
First Year of Production: 1947
Food Pairings: Traditional Italian dishes pair exquisitely with this wine. Try with a pasta Bolognese, wild boar ragu, or eggplant Parmesan. It also pairs beautifully with American dishes such as grilled rib-eye and roasted vegetables.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is produced with grapes meticulously selected during harvest. The picking started the third week of September and ended the first week of October. The vintage 2015 shows a vivid fruity notes, with spicy hints of great elegance.
Fermentation: Aided by racking and délestage, fermentation took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 82ºF for 21 days. Post-fermentation maceration on the skins continued for an additional 10 days. The wine was transferred to concrete vats for malolactic fermentation.
Aging: A total of 36 months: the first 12 months in concrete vats, followed by 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels (about 925-2,000 gallons), and finally 12 months in barriques that are four or more years old.

ABOUT RUFFINO WINERY:
In 1877, cousins, Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino, embraced their passion for winemaking by establishing a small winery in the town of Pontassieve, near Florence. Natives to Tuscany, they knew this region already had century-old traditions of growing exceptional wine grapes, but cousins felt that much of the area’s greatness had yet to be revealed. Word eventually grew about the quality wine the Ruffino cousin’s were producing and the winery began to flourish. Ruffino became known for clean, balanced wines. They became nationally and internationally known when their Chianti won Gold Medals and other prizes in 1881, 1884 and 1885 Wine Exhibitions. In 1890, the Duke of Aosta became intrigued by the winery’s reputation, and after trying it for himself, he appointed Ruffino as the official supplier to the Italian Royal family. In 1927, the winery released their first vintage of Riserva Ducale – named after the Duke of Aosta to acknowledge his esteemed patronage.

Today, Ruffino has a collection of estates in Tuscany’s most important wine appellations. They continue to take a traditional approach when making their wines to allow their wines to reveal themselves without manipulation. Ruffino has established itself as a leader in Chianti, as they have become a global ambassador of Tuscan wines around the world. Learn more here. 

Mellow style logoFrescobaldi-Nipozzano-RiservaFrescobaldi
Castello Nipozzano
Nipozzano Riserva
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Nipozzano 2017 conveys the intense, harmonious character of the vintage with personality, translating the heat of the season into the glass. The ruby-red color is bright and intense. The usual notes of red fruits and citrus are expressed in a seductive combination of elegance and intensity. Tertiary notes due to aging, such as spices and vanilla, enhance the aromas and balance the tasting experience. The palate is rich, dense and balanced, with a great expression of maturity, polyphenolic elegance and final persistence.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Sangiovese and complementary varieties
Critical Acclaim:

  • James Suckling: 92 Points
  • Gambero Rosso: 3 Glasses
  • Luca Maroni: 90 Points

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: The winter was mild and dry. In the spring, the early sprouting of the vines brought the growing season forward. During spring, the arrival of sporadic rains restored the vineyards’ water table, guaranteeing a good blooming, still ahead of time with respect to the previous season. The harvest began at the end of August/first few days of September, after a hot, dry summer that led to the harvesting of well-ripened grapes, qualitatively rich in body and color. As soon as the grapes were harvested, they were taken to the cellar.
Fermentation: Once de-stemmed, the natural fermentation process began in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. The wine remained in the vats to complete maceration. After racking, malolactic fermentation took place in steel as well.
Aging: At the end of the year, the wine was transferred into barriques, where it was aged for further months. A further period in the bottle brought Nipozzano to its full expression as a wine with exceptional balance.

ABOUT FRESCOBALDI WINERY:
Beginning in the early 1300s, the Frescobaldi family has been producing wine in Tuscany for over seven hundred years. That family history is filled with illustrious ancestors, from literary figures, explorers, and musicians, to financiers, bishops, and statesmen. Over the years, the Frescobaldi family had established commercial contracts and relationships, and had the opportunity to share their wine with numerous historical names and courts such as the Court of England, the Papal Court in Rome, Donatello, Michelozzo, Michelozzi, and Filippo Brunelleschi.

The winery has been passed down in the family from generation to generation, building many different sub-family estates over the years. Today, the President, Lamberto Frescobaldi, aims to strengthen the uniqueness of the wines of each family estate. The Frescobaldi family believes each family estate, and their vineyards, should express the diversity and individuality of their Tuscan terroir while always respecting their nature and authenticity. Learn more about the family history here.

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Raised by Wolves Old School Red Blend

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Pizza

Photo Credit: Copyright Anson Smart

Pizza Vesuvio with the Works

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 cup frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, sliced
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 pound pizza dough, thawed if frozen
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1/2 cup fresh ricotta (4 ounces)
  • 3/4 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 ounces thinly sliced baked ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 ounces salami, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons marinara sauce
  • 2 large cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 4 pitted olives, sliced 1/4 inch thick

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Set a pizza stone in the oven and preheat the oven to 500°. Let the stone heat for 30 minutes. In a bowl, lightly drizzle the artichoke hearts with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. On a floured work surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough out to a 12-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick. Roll the edge on half of the pizza 1/16 inch thick. Generously flour a pizza peel. Transfer the dough to the peel and lightly brush with oil. Top the thinner side of the dough with half of the artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, ham and salami, 3 inches from the edge. Sprinkle with half of the oregano and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the marinara. Lift the 3-inch edge of dough over the filling and press to seal in the center of the round.
  3. Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of marinara over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange the remaining artichoke hearts, mozzarella, ham and salami over the marinara. Spoon small dollops of ricotta over the toppings, then scatter the mushrooms and olives on top. Sprinkle with the remaining oregano.
  4. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp and bubbling. Cut into wedges and serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola from Food & Wine.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRaised by Wolves Cinsaut Cabernet SauvignonRaised by Wolves
Old School
Cinsaut Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

Having enjoyed many old South African Cabernet Sauvignons from the 1960’s and 1970’s, Adam Mason was enthralled to discover that many of these old gems contained far greater percentages of Cinsaut than Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the actual plantings of both varieties at the time. Using possibly the oldest producing Cinsaut vineyard in Stellenbosch (planted in 1965) and Bonniemile Cabernet planted in the 1980’s, Adam attempted to pay homage to this uniquely South African story. Vinification of both varieties was carried out in separate concrete ‘kuipe’ before transferring to barrels for 18 months maturation.

Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varietal: 2/3 Rustenhof Cinsaut, 1/3 Bonniemile Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 12.81% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L
VA: 0.79 g/L
pH: 3.66
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 5/65 ppm
Bottled: 10/18/2019
Growers:

  • Rustenhof: Pieter Bredell
  • Bonniemile: Deon Joubert

Raised by WolvesABOUT RAISED BY WOLVES:
Raised by Wolves offers exceptional wines with excellent values. Made as a project by Wine Industry Specialist, Adam Mason, Adam says the name is a parody of the constant one-upmanship between winemakers. He mocks other winemakers’ statements of ‘my wine is single vineyard!’, or ‘Yeah, well my wine is naturally fermented…’, and ‘Oh yeah, well my wine is hand sorted by berry.’, by saying “My wines are all of the above, and I was raised by wolves.” – Adam Mason. Adam’s wines are produced in limited quantities, and are made from a selection of unique vineyards from his travels around the Cape, showcasing how interesting and rare the Cape’s vineyards can be. 

 

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January Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Filet MignonPan-Seared Filet Mignon

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 (10 ounce) thick tenderloin beef fillets (roughly 2 inches thick)
  • 2–3 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Garlic & Herb Butter
    • ½ stick of butter
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
    • ½ tablespoon minced garlic

DIRECTIONS:

  • FOR THE HERB BUTTER:
    • Soften the butter in a microwave safe bowl until malleable, 10-15 seconds. Stir in herbs and garlic until fully mixed. Spoon the butter onto tin foil doing your best to reshape it to resemble a stick of butter. Place in refrigerator for about 10 minutes and remove 5 minutes before adding to the filet.
  • FOR THE FILLETS:
    • Preheat the oven to 415° F. Remove steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking, this is to bring the steak to room temperature and ensure your cooking times are more accurate. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
    • Add the plain butter to an oven safe cast iron skillet and turn up high, allow the skillet to become scorching hot first. Place the fillets face down and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the fillets and sear for an additional 2 minutes. This will give your fillets a nice seared edge.
    • Transfer your skillet directly to the oven. [WARNING] skillet may be hot, handle with oven mitts. For rare, bake for 4 minutes. Medium rare, 5-6 minutes. Medium, 6-7 minutes. Medium well, 8-9 minutes. Remember, depending on the size of the steak, the more or less time it will take. This recipe is ideal for a 8-10 ounce portion, roughly 2-3 inches thick. Remove fillets from the skillet and set on a plate, lightly cover with tin foil and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. This is important to bring your steak to its final serving temperature. Top with a slice of garlic and herb butter and serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Shawn Williams from Kitchen Swagger.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Raised-By-Wolves-Bonniemile-Cabernet-Sauvignon-wine-bottleBold wine Style logoRaised by Wolves
Bonniemile Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Bonniemile road provides access to agricultural smallholdings just south of Stellenbosch off the Polkadraai road. Established in 1986, this block of Cabernet Sauvignon occupies 0.89 hectares of land, and is planted to just 3100 vines.

The soil is typical of the area, being rich in ironstone laterites overlaying a heavy clay bank. It’s great terrain for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinified in traditional open-topped concrete fermentation tanks and left on skins for 14 days before pressing off, it then matured in neutral 300L hogsheads for 18 months before bottling.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.09% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/L
VA: 0.64 g/L
pH: 3.74
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 6/49 ppm
Bottled: 10/19/2018
Grower: Deon Joubert
 
Raised by Wolves
ABOUT RAISED BY WOLVES:
Raised by Wolves is a project by Wine Industry Specialist, Adam Mason. Adam says the name came to mock the one-upmanship between winemakers, explaining his wines are all naturally fermented, single vineyard, and hand sorted but yet he was “raised by wolves”. His wines are produced in limited quantities, and are made from a selection of unique vineyards from his travels around the cape, showcasing how interesting and rare the Cape’s vineyards can be. Adam’s work with small batch, experimental wines has transformed the Cape into one of the more dynamic regions in the world. 
 

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November Premium Wine Club

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Robert-Mondavi-Cab-FrancBold wine Style logoRobert Mondavi Winery
Oakville Cabernet Franc 2018
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Oakville Cabernet Franc is a complex wine with notes of black currant, black plum, and unsweetened cocoa on the nose. On the palate, there are flavors of juicy blackberries, savory herbs and fresh tobacco. 

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Oakville District, Napa Valley, California
Food Pairing: Pair with robust meats and complex vegetables

HARVEST:
The grapes selected for the Oakville Cabernet Franc are grown on low fertility, well-drained soils with optimal sun exposure; this allows the winery to yield great fruit maturity and aromatics which Cabernet Franc is prized for.

ABOUT ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY:
Robert Mondavi built his winery in Northern California in 1966, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and other key grape varieties to create some of the world’s finest wine. Today, Robert Mondavi Winery produces critically acclaimed, top-rated, world-class wines adored by industry experts, master sommeliers and consumers alike. Additionally, they are a Napa Green Certified winery and partnered with Napa County Resource Conservation District, creating the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group (NSWG). Learn more about the winery and their vineyards here.

Bold wine Style logobrowne-family-vineyards-cabernet-sauvignonBrowne Family Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Columbia Valley, Washington

BOLD WINE STYLE

“Beautiful aromas of toasted oak with foxy grape and black fruit notes lead into flavors of dates, huckleberries and black cherries. Bold tannins stick to the palate leaving a lingering finish of licorice and berry compote. This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with wild game like elk or venison and earthy wild mushrooms.” – Winemaker, John Freeman

Analysis: 14.91% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
TA: 5.5 g/l
pH: 3.89
Aged: 21 months
Harvest Date: October 5th-November 1st, 2017

HARVEST:
The 2017 harvest was far more normal than the warmer and larger than average harvests from 2012-2016. A rainy spring led to a dry, warm summer, making for excellent fruit development in the Browne Family Vineyards. By the time of harvest, their fruit showed phenolic ripeness with balanced sugar, acids and tannins in the fruit skins. 

ABOUT BROWNE FAMILY VINEYARDS:
Browne Family Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington and throughout the Columbia Valley AVA. Inspired by William Bitner Browne, the late grandfather of their proprietor, Andrew Browne, the winery continues to be committed to producing world-class wines with cellar-worthy vintages that stand the test of time. Learn more about the family winery and vineyard here.

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Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

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Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Gruyère Recipe

Thanksgiving stuffing with sausage

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) (2 oz./60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread, about 1 lb. (500 g), crust removed and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes
  • 5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb. (500 g) pork breakfast sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 cups (24 fl. oz./750 ml) turkey or chicken stock
  • 1 cup (4 oz./125 g) grated Gruyère cheese
  • ¼ cup (1/4 oz./7 g) chopped fresh sage
  • 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C). Using the melted butter, grease the bottom and sides of 9″x13″ (23cm x 33cm) baking dish.
  2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until dried but not browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Leave the oven on.
  3. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until most of the fat is rendered but the bacon is not yet crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned, about 10 minutes. Add the onion, celery and garlic and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the stock and whisk until combined.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage mixture to a very large bowl; discard any fat and liquid remaining in the pan. Add the bread cubes and cheese to the bowl and toss to combine. Add the stock mixture to the bowl and toss until the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Stir in the sage and thyme and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared dish and bake until the stuffing is set and the top is golden brown and lightly crisped, about 40 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Serves 10 to 12.

© Recipe courtesy of Williams Sonoma and Chris Lanier, co-founder and chef of Ravenwood, Kerhonkson, NY.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoEstate-Cellars-Cabernet (1)Estate Cellars
2019 Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of red wines and at Clos LaChance there is no exception. Cabernet is the largest volume of acreage for a single varietal on their estate and made up of over six different clones on four different root stocks. The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has always been a top performer for quality and the flag ship of the Clos LaChance portfolio.  They stay true to the style and the terroir on their Estate that presents an approachable and elegant style of Cabernet that is crafted for your everyday indulgence. The wine is ready to drink now and can be laid down for several years as well.

TASTING NOTES:
Dark Plum in color, the 2019 Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is full bodied with medium acid and high tannins. On the nose, there are flavors of cassis, tea leaf, and blackberry jam. On the palate, there are notes of cedar, huckleberry and molasses.

Varietal: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Aged: 16 months on 25% new French oak, 10% new American oak, 65% neutral French and American oak
Harvest Date: Oct. 2 – Oct. 31
Average Brix at Harvest: 25.0
pH: 3.61
TA: 0.62
Sugar: 0.13 g/L
Food Pairings: Braised Short Ribs, Vegetarian Lasagna
Cheese Pairings: Gruyére, or with the November Cheese Club selections.
Critical Acclaim: 95 pts. justwinepoints.com

 

 

California Certified Sustainable logoWINEMAKER NOTES:
The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from some of the finest vineyards throughout the Central Coast of California, ranging from San Francisco and Livermore in the north to Paso Robles in the south. The grapes are handpicked and hand sorted prior to a 72-hour cold soak at 40°F. During fermentation, the wine is pumped over four times per day during peak fermentation to maximize extraction. Post fermentation, the wine is held on skins for 24 hours to extend maceration and provide even more color and tannin extraction. The wine is then aged on 25% new French oak and 10% new American oak, and the remainder is aged on a mix of neutral American and French oak.

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2019 Estate Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon, similar to the previous two vintages, was notated as one of the latest starts to their season’s harvest. The winters have prolonged their growing seasons as the increasingly wet soils allow the vines time to mature at a healthy rate. The above average rainfall in the spring gave rise to a later than average bud break and bloom, which allowed the weather time to warm up and decrease any concerns of destructive frost. The summer temperatures were well below the seasonal average with only four days of 100+ degree temperatures (in previous years, they saw 11-16 days over 100 degrees). These even and mild temperature changes gave the winery an ideal growing season that pushed them well into November. They believe this hang time has shaped up to provide high quality wine and one of their best vintages to date.

Clos LaChance logoABOUT ESTATE CELLARS:
From the family owned and operated winery Clos LaChance, based in the Northern Central Coast region of California, Estate Cellars was established as their secondary, high-quality line made to reach additional markets with a unique label. Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The winery stays true to the style of their terroir by creating approachable and elegant wines. Learn more here.

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November Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

French,Onion,Gratin,Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups sliced onions
  • 4 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices French bread
  • 4 slices Provolone cheese
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Melt butter with olive oil in an 8 quart stock pot on medium heat. Add onions and continually stir until tender and translucent. Do not brown the onions.
  2. Add beef broth, sherry and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat the oven broiler.
  4. Ladle soup into oven safe serving bowls and place one slice of bread on top of each (bread may be broken into pieces if you prefer). Layer each slice of bread with a slice of Provolone, ½ slice diced Swiss and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Place bowls on cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.

© Recipe courtesy of Lori Levin from All Recipes. 

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoEstate-Cellars-Red-BlendEstate Cellars
Proprietary Red Blend
Central Coast, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Estate Cellars’ Proprietary Red Blend is a Bordeaux Style and a true representation of a California Meritage.  It is crafted out of the finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot from Central Coast vineyards. Blends are a true representation of the winemaker’s craft and the best possible wine they can make. Utilizing each of the varietals for different components rounds out the blends mouth feel and creates balance in the final product.

TASTING NOTES:
It’s a medium to heavy bodied wine that is dark purple in color with aromas of dried herbs, blueberry and tea leaf. On the palate, there are flavors of cocoa powder, currants and white pepper.

Varietal: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 15% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Aged: 16 months on 30% New French Oak, 70% Neutral French and American Oak
Harvest Date: Sept. 30 – Nov. 2
Average Brix at Harvest: 25.0
pH: 3.62
TA: 0.63
Sugar: 0.20 g/L
Food Pairing: Pot Roast, French Onion Soup, Italian Sausage Pasta
Cheese Pairing: The November Cheese Club selections.

California Certified Sustainable logoWINEMAKER NOTES:
The Estate Cellars Red Blend grapes were handpicked, and hand sorted prior to a 48-hour cold soak at 40°F. During fermentation, the wine is pumped over four times per day during peak fermentation to maximize extraction. Post fermentation the wine is held on skins for 24 hours to extend maceration and provide even more color and tannin extraction. The Red Blend is the best representation of a winemaker using all the tools they have to make the best wine possible. This wine is crafted over several tasting sessions with the winemaking team, fine tuning all aspects from flavor and aromas, to structure and mouthfeel.

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2019 Estate Cellars’ Red Blend, similar to the previous two years, was notated as one of the latest starts to their season’s harvest. The winters have prolonged their growing seasons as the increasingly wet soils allow the vines time to mature at a healthy rate. The above average rainfall in the spring gave rise to a later than average bud break and bloom, which allowed the weather time to warm up and decrease any concerns of destructive frost. The summer temperatures were well below the seasonal average with only four days of 100+ degree temperatures (in previous years, they saw 11-16 days over 100 degrees). These even and mild temperature changes gave the winery an ideal growing season that pushed them well into November. They believe this hang time has shaped up to provide high quality wine and one of their best vintages to date.

Clos LaChance logoABOUT THE WINERY:
Estate Cellars is a secondary brand to Clos LaChance, a family owned and operated winery in the Northern Central Coast region of California. After perfecting their portfolio, they wanted to reach additional markets by creating unique labels while still maintaining their same attention to high quality wine. Clos LaChance Winery started in 1987 when co-owners, Bill and Brenda Murphy, decided to plant a few rows of Chardonnay in their Saratoga backyard. By 1992, they grew into a commercial winery releasing their very first vintage. Today, Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Learn more here.

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October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Bold wine Style logoPina-firehouse-bottlePiña
Firehouse
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford AVA
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Firehouse Cabernet Sauvignon is an ethereal wine that showcases fragrant aromatics of blackberry, blueberry and black currant liqueur intermixed with layers of crushed volcanic rock, wild flowers and licorice. The mouth-coating and sweet, ripe, slightly rustic tannins perfectly represent this unique hillside in a great vintage. The intense structure coupled with the purity and texture of this Cabernet make a seamless and alluring wine.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged: 100% French Oak (70% new oak) for 20 months
Winemaker: Anna Monticelli

Bold wine Style logoPina-valley-Howell-bottlePiña
Grant 1882
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain AVA
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

WineStyles is excited to be the first retailer to bring Piña’s new 1882 Grant Cabernet from Howell Mountain AVA.  Perched above the Silverado Trail, Piña is truly one of Napa’s secret wineries and one of only a handful of eight generation farming families in the valley.

WINEMAKER:
Anna Monticelli began her winemaking career at the University of California Davis earning her degree in Viticulture and Enology. During her fourth year of school, she studied at the Sorbonne in Paris France. After graduation, Anna worked in France and Napa Valley before becoming the lead winemaker at Piña Napa Valley. At Piña, Anna focuses on making big and bold, yet elegant and approachable Napa Valley Cabernets. Learn more about her story here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Coming from a family of wine making, the history of growing grapes and making wines stretches back to the 1850’s when the Piña brothers’ great-great-great-grandfather settled in Napa Valley. Passed down from generation to generation, John Piña Jr. and Arline (Glos) Piña (parents of the four sons – the current owners), started Piña Vineyard Management in 1960, while their sons started the winery in 1979. Piña Winery focuses heavily on the production of incredible Cabernet Sauvignons. Learn more about the winery here.

Pina Valley

Pina Napa Valley

Piña brothers today.

Pina Napa Valley

Piña’s family history of growing grapes in Napa Valley goes back to 1850’s.

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September Premium Wine Club

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Mellow style logoLong Meadow Ranch 2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Tech Sheet[54]Long Meadow Ranch
2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

“Deep ruby red color. A bewitching nose, complex with dried earth, musky roses, and spice aromas. This shows a refined and silken texture, and remains fresh and lively across the palate with great intensity of fruit and length. Intriguing, balanced and complex, it is a great picture of the finesse and intensity of Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley.” – Winemaker, Stéphane Vivier

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Estate: Anderson Valley
Maturation: 12 months in 25% new French oak, 75% neutral French oak
Food Pairing: Pair with duck breast and a cherry mostarda, or grilled salmon with chanterelle mushrooms. Try the winery’s pairing recipe for Chicken and Adouille Sausage Jambalaya here.

GROWING SEASON:
The 2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir had an early bud break, wet spring soils, and a long growing season. There was rapid growth in the spring, which slowed as it was met with average summer temperatures; producing reduced yields. The result was a moderate crop of well-concentrated, fully ripened fruit, creating a high quality vintage.

Bold wine Style logoLong Meadow Ranch 2016 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Tech Sheet[44]Long Meadow Ranch
2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
California

BOLD WINE STYLE

“Classic in style and always respectful of varietal character, the 2016 Napa Valley represents everything you expect from a Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet. This balanced blend of fruit from our mountain and valley estates has an inviting nose of fresh black cherry, marionberry, and plum. More subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and green tea leaves bring nuance to a palate bright with the mountain fruit acidity and rich in the valley fruit’s velvety tannins. This wine is lovely to drink now and for years to come.” – Winemaker, Justin Carr

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Estate Grown at Mayacamas & Rutherford Estates
Food Pairing: Long Meadow Ranch Grass-fed beef, braised lamb shanks or roasted game. Try the winery’s pairing recipe for Balsamic Braised Grass-fed Lamb Shanks here.

GROWING SEASON:
Growing season for the Cabernet Sauvignon was very similar to that of the Pinot Noir. The wet spring started a fast and rapid growing season, which was then met with average summer temperatures that slowed the development and reduced yields. This produced a moderate crop of excellent quality, and well-concentrated fruit that were fully ripened.

ABOUT LONG MEADOW RANCH:
Owned by Ted, Laddie, and Christopher Hall, Long Meadow Ranch (LMR) uses all integrated, organic and sustainable growing methods. LMR is home to wine making, olive orchards, cattle and horse breeding, egg-laying poultry, and organic vegetable gardens – each contributing to the overall health of the ranch. All crops are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and are grown without using any herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Learn more here.

© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Michael Woolsey

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September Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Burger

Gruyere-Caramelized-Onion-Burger2

© Photo Urban Foodie Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 3–4 oz Gruyère, (thinly sliced)
  • ¾ cup caramelized onions (prep before starting the burgers)
  • 3–4 brioche buns
  • ¼ cup olive oil mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat your grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat – about 400°F.
  2. Make the burger patties. Mix ground beef, Worcestershire, pepper, dried onion and salt in a small mixing bowl. Form into 3-4 burger patties.
  3. Cook the burgers. Place the burger patties on the preheated grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the desired doneness. The internal temperature should be 160° on an instant-read thermometer. 
  4. Make the sauce. While the burgers are cooking, mix the mayonnaise with the Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Finish the burgers. Turn grill to low-setting and top each burger with a slice of cheese. Place brioche bun halves sliced side down on the grill, away from the heat. Close the grill and let buns toast and cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Assemble the burgers. Remove everything from the grill. To assemble the burgers, spread the bottom half of each roll with the mayo mixture. Top with a burger patty and then add the caramelized onions. Top with remaining roll half and serve immediately.

© Recipe courtesy of Kathryn from Urban Foodie Kitchen.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRocklin Ranch_CabernetRocklin Ranch
Cabernet Sauvignon
Hames Valley, Monterey, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This full-bodied, bold and structured Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and blueberry with hints of warm baking spices and toasted vanilla bean. It is rich with well-integrated tannins and an elegant, lingering finish. The Rocklin Ranch Cabernet is immediately enjoyable.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Hames Valley AVA
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Aging: 12 months, American and French Oak
Food Pairings: This wine pairs well with foods high in fat and with umami flavors – such as braised short ribs, marinated ribeye steak, or a charred gruyere burger.
 
WINEMAKER NOTES:
“The grapes are picked at optimum ripeness in the cool early morning hours then transported to the winery. Upon arrival, they are destemmed and crushed into small lot, open-top fermenters. The cap is punched down three times per day at the height of fermentation to gently increase extraction of color and phenolic compounds. At dryness, the juice is racked clean for aging 12 months on a combination of American and French oak.” – Rocklin Ranch
 

HAMES VALLEY, MONTEREY:
The grapes of this Cabernet Sauvignon are grown at Rocklin Ranch’s estate vineyard located in Hames Valley, California – the southernmost tip of Monterey County, just north of the San Luis Obispo county line. The geographic location of the Hames Valley AVA allows for warmer climates when compared to other Monterey vineyards to the north. The vineyard sits at the foot of the Santa Lucia Range, and while it does experience cooling effects from the Pacific Ocean, the vines remain sheltered from the afternoon winds that come down the Salinas Valley corridor. During the day, the Hames Valley reaches highs similar to the Paso Robles growing region, but when the sun goes down, temperatures drop dramatically (up to a 50°F variation). The long, warm days make this region an ideal area for tannin-rich reds, while the temperature differential preserves the balance between ripe fruit and acidity.

ABOUT ROCKLIN RANCH:
Rocklin Ranch founded their estate vineyards on a unique terroir in the Hames Valley to allow them to create balanced, elegant and varietally-correct wines. The winery and vineyards are certified sustainable by GLOBALG.A.P, BRC, and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). Rocklin Ranch believes their sustainable practices are just as much a part of their wine as their grapes. Learn more here.
Rocklin Ranch logo
Rocklin Ranch Cabernet Wine

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Pomar Junction Brooster

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Asian Steak Skewers

© Photo by the Recipe Critic

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1 red onion
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • sliced green onions for garnish
  • skewers

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut steak into one inch cubes. Cut the red onion into large chunks and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, vegetable oil, sugar, ginger and sesame seeds. Add the steak and toss to coat in marinade. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meat and the red onion onto the skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes until the meat is done to desired liking.

© Recipe courtesy of Alyssa Rivers of The Recipe Critic.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomarJunction_2018BroosterPomar Junction
Brooster Fighting Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The “Brooster Fighting Red” Blend is an approachable red wine that is medium-bodied with spicy accents. It highlights flavors of red cherry, plum, berries, caramel and black pepper with hints of spice and oak. This wine is excellent on its own or paired with a casual meal.

Varietal: 30% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Grenache Noir, 6% Mourvèdre, 2% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
PH: 3.48
TA: 6.1 g/L
Production: 1715 cases
Aging: 18 Months, Neutral Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate

 

 

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“In homage to historic and traditional Paso Robles table wines, it is approachable with domesticated red cherry and plum flavors with just a hint of oak. This style of wine is reminiscent of Zinfandel blends commonly produced before the days of “over the top” ripeness and high alcohol levels. Caramel, black pepper, and a hint of minerality add complexity to this affordable red wine. It is accessible via the convenient Stelvin screw-cap and its bright, colorful package is a big hit in restaurants. It goes with many lighter foods that heavier red wines might overwhelm. It is sure to give you something to crow about!” – Jim Shumate, winemaker

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
Located in the El Pomar District in the heart of the Paso Robles AVA, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is family owned and operated by the Merrill Family. Here, they grow premium grapes, focusing on small lot, food friendly wines with sustainable vineyard management techniques. The winemaking experience is further enhanced by their Head Winemaker and Cal Poly SLO Enology Professor, Jim Shumate. Learn more about the Merrill Family and Jim Shumate here.

© Photo by Pomar Junction
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction

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