Tag Archives: california

Geyser Peak Walking Tree Merlot

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AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoGeyser_Peak_Walking_Tree_Merlot_bottleGeyser Peak Winery
Walking Tree
Merlot
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Alexander Valley Merlot shines with attractive garnet hues and a bouquet of dark fruit, mature plums and hints of nutty Italian Panforte. The rich palate follows suit with warm spices and crushed raspberries. Ample tannins bring a wonderful presence to the palate, offering good body and grip, balanced nicely with a silky finish.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: 94% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec
  • Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
  • Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.67
  • Residual sugar: 1.03 g/l
  • Total Acidity: 5.57 g/l
  • Critical Acclaim: 91 pts James Suckling 2019

VITICULTURE:
The vintage benefited from moderate weather and only saw a few heat spikes throughout the growing season. The majority of the season’s rainfall arrived shortly before budbreak, providing ideal conditions for the vines at a key time in their growth cycle.

VINIFICATION:
The grapes were hand-picked, followed by a cold soak and gentle pump-overs during fermentation. This produced a wine of substantial structure. The wine is then aged for 24 months in French Oak barrels.

INTERESTING FACT:
The Geyser Peak Walking Tree label honors the rich history of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  However, while exploring Bordeaux varieties for their flagship Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon, the winemaker was inspired to make a varietal Merlot given the exceptional quality of fruit.

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 familyowned-and-operated business, sourcing fruit from famed winegrowing regions of California. The essence of California terroir can be tasted throughout the range of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

chocolate-mousse-dish-blogEasy Chocolate Mousse

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream, divided
  • 1 cup good-quality chocolate chips or coarsely chopped chocolate (6 ounces)
  • Garnish options: grated chocolate or crunchy toppings, such as chopped nuts, toffee, or brittle

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat ½ cup of the cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Add 1 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine. Set the bowl aside for 5 minutes for the chocolate to melt.

  2. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth. Set aside to cool while you whip the remaining cream.

  3. Place the remaining 1 cup cold cream in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or with a whisk by hand until soft peaks form. Transfer ½ cup to a small bowl and refrigerate for topping the finished mousse before serving. Continue whipping the remaining whipped cream until stiff peaks form.

  4. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture with a large spatula in three additions. Work swiftly and gently and don’t stress if there are streaks of cream in the chocolate mousse.

  5. Divide the mixture between 4 ramekins or cocktail glasses. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 before serving. Dollop with the reserved softly whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate or chopped hazelnuts, if desired.

Information & Photos © Geyser Peak Walking Tree © Quintessential – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of The Kitchn.

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Geyser Peak Walking Tree Chardonnay

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AUGUST WINE CLUB:

geyser-peak-walking-tree-chardonnay-bottleSilky styleGeyser Peak Winery
Walking Tree
Chardonnay
Alexander Valley, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

The nose offers notes of tropical pineapple, jasmine and guava with secondary aromas of white peach and pear.  The bouquet extends to the palate with its balanced acidity, moderate body and enticing richness.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
  • Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
  • Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
  • Residual sugar: 1.5 g/l
  • pH: 3.52
  • Total Acidity: 4.9 g/l

VITICULTURE:
The Chardonnay grapes were picked from a vineyard along the Sausal Creek in Alexander Valley, California. The block came in approximately 2 weeks later than expected due to the cool summer and extended growing season.

VINIFICATION:
The grapes were split into two distinct lots. Although both were fermented in 100% French oak Burgundy barrels, each saw different yeasts – one from Burgundian origins and the other from Italy. This allowed for a nuanced blend. The primary fermentation lasted three weeks, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation, all at cool temperatures in 25% new French oak. Bâtonnage was done every two weeks for four months, then allowed to settle naturally until its first racking in late May of 2024.

INTERESTING FACT:
Ancient oak trees dot the landscape of Alexander Valley. 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 winegrowing regions of California. The essence of California terroir can be tasted throughout the range of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

crab-cakes-dish-blogCrab Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound lump crab meat
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs unflavored
  • 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • lemon wedges for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Check the crab meat for any hard and sharp cartilage, remove, and discard.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning.
  3. Add crab meat, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Gently fold to combine, being careful not to break up the crab.
  4. Gently press to shape into 6-8 crab cakes using ⅓ cup each, then place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Heat the oil in a large nonstick over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  6. Serve immediately with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Information & Photos © Geyser Peak Winery and © Quintessential – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe and video courtesy of Spend with Pennies.

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August Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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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.

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July Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubBoisset_LaVictoire_Champagne_AI9A0935a_hiBuena Vista Winery
La Victoire Brut Champagne
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This champagne opens with elegant and complex aromas of grapefruit followed by rich honey and brioche notes. A crisp and intense palate offers flavors of white stone fruits, peaches and pears. The wine’s impressive mouthfeel is full and rich but well balanced, leaving delightful freshness on the palate.

Varietal: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Aging: 3+ years
Dosage: 8.7 g/L
Awards: Silver – March 2018 Texom International Wine Awards

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“In partnership with the largest family-owned proprietors of vineyards in Champagne, Buena Vista is proud to present our La Victoire Brut Champagne. This classic Champagne is made in the traditional style and is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Elegantly crafted, it offers the heritage of an incomparable style created to delight and make all great occasions special. Made up of 70% Pinot Noir, from Premier Cru vineyards from the Montagne de Reims, and 30% Chardonnay, mostly from Grand Cru Mesnil sur Oger and Chouilly, the wine received a dosage of 8.7 g/L. By law in Champagne, aging is 15 months minimum for non-vintage wines. Our La Victoire was aged more than 3 years.” – Buena Vista Winery

ABOUT BUENA VISTA WINERY:
Nestled in Sonoma on its original historic grounds, Buena Vista Winery was founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy, the charismatic self‑proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista”. It was California’s first premium winery, renowned for its bold spirit and vibrant innovation. After decades of legacy and preservation, the property was lovingly revived in 2011 when it became part of Boisset Family Estates, under the stewardship of Jean‑Charles Boisset, who honored its colorful past while reinvigorating the estate. A pivotal milestone came in 2012, when the winery celebrated a grand reopening, welcoming guests back to its storied site after extensive restorations. Today, Buena Vista stands as a bridge between its rich 19th‑century heritage and contemporary winemaking, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both history and the evolving legacy of California wine. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Buena Vista Winery and © Boisset Collection – All Rights Reserved.

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July Collector’s Club

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Collectors Wine Clubwine bottle Round Pond 2021 Louis bovet Round Pond Estate Winery
2021 Louis Bovet
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This striking Cabernet opens with concentrated aromatics featuring black cherry notes, allspice, cocoa nibs and a hint of coffee. Mouthwatering flavors of blackberry, plum and mulberry lead to a touch of black pepper spice and dried herbs on the finish. Firm tannins envelop the palate and are beautifully balanced by the acidity, leading to a long, satisfying finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Home Ranch
Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Aging: 20 months in 70-85% new French oak
Winemakers: John Wilson & Jeff Plant
Consulting Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Release Date: July 2023
Health Considerations: Vegan friendly, gluten free, sustainably farmed
Accolades (from the 2021 vintage):

  • 94 pts Jeb Dunnuck
  • 94 pts Wine Enthusiast
  • 93 pts Wine Advocate
  • 92+ pts Vinous
  • 91 pts James Suckling

WINEMAKING NOTES:
The Louis Bovet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon embodies a sharp focus on aspects of Rutherford terroir. It comes from the most expressive blocks on their Rutherford estate vineyard and from the best lots in the winery, these vineyard blocks grow in gravelly and sandy soils in our Rutherford vineyard’s eastern edge. These vines grow small, intensely concentrated grapes which translate to dark fruited, structured wines. A true magnifying glass showcasing what the estate can produce, this wine is complex and layered, with rich fruit profiles showcasing the ultimate in finesse and balance. This wine is age worthy and deserving of a place of honor in your cellar and on your table.

VINTAGE & VITICULTURE:
The 2021 vintage was marked by a second season of drought. The temperatures remained relatively mild, however the dry conditions resulted in smaller, more concentrated grapes with lighter yields and one of the earliest harvest windows to date. Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties are planted on loose, alluvial soils derived from the volcanic Vaca Mountains and the “California sprawl” trellis systems provide excellent vine balance and diverse sun exposures.

ABOUT LOUIS BOVET:
Bovet is Co-Founder Jan MacDonnell’s maiden name, and with this wine she is honoring her grandfather Louis. His passion for home winemaking and creating a self sustaining estate for himself and his children inspire Jan every day at Round Pond Estate. The icon on the label depicts the old wooden stamp that Louis used on the label of his homemade wine and the three bands on the capsule depict the three generations of family currently living on the property.

ABOUT ROUND POND ESTATE WINERY:
Round Pond Estate, owned and operated today by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, is a 468 acre Rutherford farm and winery that specializes in the creation of pure, expressive wines, artisan foods and unforgettable experiences, all from the heart of Napa Valley. In addition to a state-of-the-art winemaking facility and 362 acres of Rutherford vineyards, their estate includes 5 acres of gardens, 12 acres of olive orchards, and one of only two olive mills in the region. The family also owns a special 10 acre vineyard in the famed Oakville bench. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Round Pond Estate – All Rights Reserved

Bold wine Style logoNV-Kosta-Browne-Sonoma-Coast-Pinot-NoirKosta Browne
Appellation Series
2022 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

On the nose, this wine highlights notes of dark cherry, raspberry and elderberry that intertwine with intriguing hints of fresh basil and pomegranate. On the palate, delicate fruit flavors unfold, showcasing remarkable acidity with dynamic structure and an enduring finish.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.71
Total Acidity: 5.69 g/L
Fermentation: 78% stainless steel, 14% oak, 8% concrete; 5% whole cluster
Élevage: 38% New French oak, 45% neutral oak and 17% oak foudre/cask for 16 months; 5% whole cluster

VINEYARD DETAILS:
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
Vineyard: Gap’s Crown, Marshall, Pratt-Sexton, Balletto, Bacigalupi
Clones: Pommard, Mt. Eden, 777, 828, 115, 23, 113, 114, 2A, 828, 667
Trellising: VSP
Soil: Mainly Goldridge loam

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

SONOMA COAST APPELLATION:
The Sonoma Coast is the largest appellation in Sonoma County, strongly influenced by its proximity to ocean and heavy rainfall – producing more than twice the annual amount of its inland neighbors.  Kosta Browne’s Sonoma Coast vineyards span the northern true coastal zone and the southern edge of the appellation.  This distinctive  blend is made from 11 different clones, fermented in predominantly stainless steel, and aged for 16 months in 38% new oak.  Fact of note – this Sonoma Coast blend was the longest to ferment in stainless steel from their Appellation Series.

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.

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Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

2025 Winery Spotlight Series: Coppola Diamond Collection

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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

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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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.

 

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Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here
 

Broken Earth Grenache

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WINE CLUB

Broken_Earth_LR_19_Grenache_BottleMellow style logoBroken Earth Winery
Limited Release Grenache
Paso Robles, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ripe red fruit drives this wine. Look for strawberry, raspberry, and mulberry, which lead into a mouth-filling experience, nicely balanced with finer oak and skin tannins. The wine went to oak in March and remained there for almost 20 months. The barrels (barriques) were predominantly 3rd and 4th use, allowing for gentle development without overpowering oak. On the palate, it appears softer, but the ripe tannins lend a lift to the extended flavors on the back end. This wine can be equally enjoyed on its own or at the dinner table.

Varietal: Grenache
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Analysis: 13.79% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.4
Residual Sugar: 0.1 g/L
Total Acidity: 6.6 g/L
Winemaker: Chris Cameron

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The Paso Robles AVA has emerged as the premier Rhône varietal region in the USA. The dry, warm conditions lend themselves to producing Rhône-style wines of extraordinary depth and character. Grenache is certainly no exception. Broken Earth Winery has enjoyed considerable success with the Estate Grown (and California Certified Sustainable) Grenache, and proud to offer the latest vintage, a wine that delivers outstanding flavor without an elevated alcohol level. At 13.79%, it offers enough weight to the complex fruit without too much warmth on the palate. – Chris Cameron, Winemaker

ABOUT BROKEN EARTH WINERY:
Broken Earth Winery, located in Paso Robles, California, is deeply rooted in the region’s pioneering spirit. The winery’s estate, originally known as Rancho Tierra Rejada—Spanish for “land of worked earth”—has a rich history of cattle ranching and grape growing. Today, it encompasses over 700 acres of vineyards on Paso Robles’ east side. Established in 1973 as Continental Vineyards, it was one of the first large-scale vineyards in the area. Broken Earth Winery remains committed to sustainable farming practices, producing unique wines that reflect the character of their terroir. Learn more here.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ medium sweet onion, diced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large saucepan with 2 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
  2. Season chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and onion and cook until golden, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce and chicken stock; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in heavy cream until heated through, about 1 minute.
  7. Serve immediately with rice, garnished with cilantro, if desired.

Information & Photos © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Recipe courtesy of DamnDelicious.net

Broken Earth Winery Grenache Blanc

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Broken_Earth_LR_20_GrenacheBlanc_BottleSilky styleBroken Earth Winery
Grenache Blanc
Paso Robles, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

The wine is austere at first, but as it opens up, the fruit flavors emerge beautifully. It has a smooth texture that adds weight to the mouthfeel without the expected high alcohol. At 12.01% alcohol, this variety balances ripeness without excessive warmth on the palate. Enjoy with similarly subtle weighted dishes that highlight its bright, fresh personality.

Varietal: Grenache Blanc
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Alcohol: 12.01% by volume
pH: 3.29
TA: 5.9 g/L
Residual Sugar: 1 g/L
Winemaker: Chris Cameron

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Grenache Blanc is closely related to Grenache Noir, originating in Spain before migrating to France. Historically, it has been a blending component for Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône wines, but recently it has gained popularity as a stand-alone variety. The Grenache Blanc Block 2D-N (1.5 acres) was grafted onto original Merlot vines in the late ’90s. The vines are prolific, ripening later than some reds like Syrah and Grenache. The fruit is harvested at 22 Brix, gently pressed, and fermented at 58°F for 33 days. No malolactic fermentation or oak aging is used to preserve its delicate fruit characteristics. – Chris Cameron, Winemaker

ABOUT BROKEN EARTH WINERY:
Located in Paso Robles, California, Broken Earth Winery embraces the region’s pioneering spirit. The estate, originally known as Rancho Tierra Rejada (Spanish for “land of worked earth”), has a rich history of cattle ranching and grape growing. Today, it spans over 700 acres of vineyards. Established in 1973 as Continental Vineyards, it was among the first large-scale vineyards in the area. The winery remains committed to sustainable farming practices.  Learn more about Broken Earth Winery.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 oz wheel double cream brie
  • ¼ cup apricot preserves
  • 2 tbsp chopped roasted salted almonds
  • ½ tsp brandy (optional)
  • ¼ tsp chopped fresh rosemary

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place brie on an oven-safe dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Combine preserves, rosemary, brandy (if using), and almonds in a bowl.
  3. Top brie with the mixture and bake for 12-15 minutes, until soft.
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with crackers.

Information & Photos © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Recipe courtesy of Cup of Zest.


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Broken Earth Petite Sirah

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Broken Earth Reserve Petite Sirah BottleBold wine Style logoBroken Earth Winery
Reserve Petite Sirah
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Broken Earth’s Reserve Petite Sirah is inky in color and soft in structure. Picture violets on the nose and jam in the mouth. Petite Sirah will pair with almost all proteins; try it with grilled meats and vegetables. There is a spice in the finish that always surprises the palate.

Varietal: Petite Sirah
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Analysis: 15.6% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.7
Residual Sugar: 1.2 g/L
TA: 5.8 g/L
Winemaker: Ben Mayo

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Originally called Duriff in the Rhône growing region in France, Petite Sirah made its way to California as a blending grape. Over time it became obvious that with California’s climate Petite Sirah could fully ripen. It is now one of the darlings of the state, especially of Paso Robles. Petite Sirah usually ripens early and is the first red to the party. Forty tons were machine harvested in the dead of night to keep the grapes cold for transportation to the winery. Upon arrival, the grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed to open the berries for fermentation. Clos yeast was added immediately after the grapes were safely in the tank. Two pump-overs a day were completed until fermentation was done. This Reserve Broken Earth Petite Sirah was originally planted in 1996 to a parcel that was 40 acres in size. The small yield gives this wine a complex and intense structure. – Ben Mayo, Winemaker

ABOUT BROKEN EARTH WINERY:
Broken Earth, as a brand, was born from the heritage of the vineyard property, originally named “Ranch Tierra Rejada”, meaning “land of worked or farmed earth”. For generations, farmers have cultivated and ‘broken’ the soil in the region with care and respect. Their goal is to respect the land and its treasures. Broken Earth winery encompasses a philosophy to provide wine that reflects the personality of where it is sustainably grown and the craftsmanship of its talented winemaker and crew. Learn more about the winery here.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Grilled Pork Tenderloin

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ – 2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend
  • ¼ cup oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey

DIRECTIONS:

Marinate the pork

  • Pat pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
  • Stir together lemon juice, garlic, dried herbs, oil, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and honey.
  • Pour half of the mixture into a large Ziploc bag along with the tenderloin. Press out excess air, seal the bag, and chill for 30 minutes.

Grill the Pork

  • Preheat the grill to medium and oil the grates.
  • Using tongs, transfer pork to the grill.  Close the grill and cook 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and brushing reserved marinade over all sides of the pork half way through grilling. 
  • When done grilling or the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees, transfer to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Note, if pork tenderloin is more than 2 1/2 inches thick and you want no pink in the middle once fully cooked, cut tenderloin in half lengthwise to yield two thinner tenderloin pieces and proceed with recipe.

Information & Photos © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Creme de la Crumb.

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