Tag Archives: Petite Sirah

November Premium Club

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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

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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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January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubThe-Mascot-2019-bottleHarlan Estate
The Mascot
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The wine is beautifully supple with a broadly fanned aromatic spectrum and an effortless depth of fruit. From a center point on the palate, the 2019 vintage undulates outward in all directions. Gentle, velvety swells pause and fold in on themselves, their liquid whorls of refined tannin and gratifying acidity gliding across the surface of smooth curves before retreating gradually to reveal, on the finish, the burnished dimensions beneath.

The Mascot is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made from distinct hillside vineyards: specifically, the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon – depending on the vintage, The Mascot is composed of 85-95% Cabernet Sauvignon, along with small quantities of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Vineyards: Harlan Estate, BOND, Promontory
Production: 8,000 cases

About The Mascot:
Founded by Will Harlan, The Mascot began as a small, informal project shared among the family, the winemaking team and a handful of close friends. Drawing fruity from recently replanted blocks within the vineyards, The Mascot reveals its distinguished pedigree while offering insight into the evolution of its parent properties: a youthful promise of their future. With the 2008 vintage the family had enough wine – 500 cases – to introduce the endeavor to the outside world; releasing the first bottles in 2013. An athletic balance of energy and density, The Mascot is expressive and approachable early in its life with potential to evolve long into the future. Learn more here.

Vintage Notes:
Winter leading into the 2019 growing season delivered impressive rainfall (nearly 30 inches in the first four months) that lasted into May. The cool, wet spring delayed budbreak; yet this respite in a sequence of mostly arid years imbued the young vines with renewed energy. This potential for vigor required thor- ough and thoughtful pruning, early in the season, to ensure that energy would be most nobly directed: to maturing the fruit. Early autumn was met with even and steady warmth, and picking commenced in mid-September and stretched across five and a half weeks. This “leisurely” approach allowed for collection of the fruit in precise, well-delineated passes, and the wine extracted from these berries confirmed their decision to, in places, wait a little longer.

Winemaker:
Each of the three “parent” properties contributes components to The Mascot, and the winemaking teams – led by Cory Empting, Director of Winegrowing for the family domain – work collaboratively to weave together the final blend.

Terroir:
The Mascot is crafted from the younger vines of the three parent properties. Within the Napa Valley, hillside vineyards make up a miniscule percentage of planted acreage. The Harlan family has spent the past 40 years identifying the very finest and rarest of these sites.

Farming:
The vines contributing to The Mascot range from 5 to 12 years old. The parent properties are replanted about twice per century, with a continual supply of young vines. Replanting began over a decade ago at BOND, Harlan Estate and Promontory. The process involves replanting with cover crops to support the soil ecosystem without tilling, maintaining continuity between vine generations. By waiting three years for rootstocks to establish before grafting, the vines develop a strong root system, which results in fruit with better tannin and acidity balance. This focus on root development also allows for early dry farming, enhancing the wine’s purity and distinction. The vineyard teams manage the land through a “Vine Masters” program, where apprentices oversee specific vineyard blocks after a five to ten year training. This individualized care ensures each vine reaches its full potential in quality and longevity.

Winemaking:
The winemaking teams vinify the grapes from each property in accordance with the character of their land. For aging the wines, Harlan Estate and BOND use new and neutral French oak barrels, while Promontory employs larger casks made of Austrian oak. They evaluate the young-vine lots at the blending table between 6 and 14 months after fermentation, selecting the finest for inclusion in The Mascot. In total, The Mascot is aged in barrel for nearly three years prior to bottling and another 18 months in bottle prior to release.

Photos and information © The Harlan Estate & The Mascot – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoProvenance-cabernet-napa-valley-bottleProvenance Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Deep ruby in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon expresses complex aromas of ripe blackberries, red cherries, espresso and violets. The fresh acidity on the palate lends a lively touch to the overall smooth mouthfeel and fine tannins. Notes of black fruits, fennel, dark chocolate and raspberries mix on the palate to create a mouthwatering wine with a long-lasting finish.

Analysis: 15.2% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah, 3% Malbec
RS: 1.2 g/L
pH: 3.74
TA: 5.9 g/L
Appellation: Napa Valley (22% Rutherfod, 18% Calistoga, 24% Single Vineyard Mountain Fruit (20% Diamond Mountain, 2% Other Mountain Fruit, 2% Oakville), 36% other Napa Valley
Aged: 18 months in winemaker-selected French oak barrels (35% new)
Fermentation: Night harvest, berry sorting, followed by a 3-day cold soak at 50ºF in stainless steel fermenters. 15 days in tank with an average fermentation temperature of 85-88ºF. Free run and light press to small barrels for Malolactic Fermentation.
Yeast: A33, three pump-overs per day, 8 hours apart.

Vintage:
The growing season in Napa Valley saw record-breaking weather events, with 80% of the total rainfall arriving before the new year. This filled vineyard ponds for the first time in two years but was followed by the driest three months on record, leading to an early bud break. The summer was generally average but slightly warmer. Harvest started 5 to 7 days earlier than the previous year and was 15% lighter but of exceptional quality. Overall, the harvest was the most condensed in recent memory.

Natural Winemaking:
Head of Winemaking Noel Basso has more than 20 years of experience with California vineyards and grapes. He is returning the brand to the purist philosophy of Founding Winemaker Tom Rinaldi, focusing on working in the vineyards and taking an unwavering grape-quality approach to each varietal. Minimal winemaker intervention allows the character and personality of the grapes to steal the show.

About the Winery:
Provenance Vineyards began in 1999 producing Rutherford Cabernets. Its founders had the vision to produce fine wines by discovering Napa Valley vineyards of unique “provenance” or origin. Over two decades, the brand was bought and sold twice and passed through the hands of two large corporations. Allen and Tiana Lombardi acquired Provenance Vineyards in November 2021 to infuse this iconic Napa Valley brand with the energy it deserves. They were attracted to its rich history, classic style and strong growth potential. They connected with the brand’s polish without pretense. The family will hold true to Provenance’s purpose to produce timeless Napa Valley wine. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Provenance Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

 

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September Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoSeghesio-Old-Vine-Zinfandel-2022-bottleSeghesio Family Vineyards
Old Vine Zinfandel
Sonoma County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine invites you in with layered aromatics of black plum, dried fig, clay earth, garrigue and cardamom spice. Our Old Vine Zinfandel opens with a luscious mouth filling entry reminiscent of chocolate cherry cordial and leads into a juicy, supple mid-palate and finishes with rich, velvety tannins. Beautifully balanced.

Analysis: 15% alcohol / volume
AVA: Sonoma County, California
Varietal: 88% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet
pH: 3.83
Total Acidity: 5.53 g/L
Cases: 6,900
Pairing: Pairs well with Beef Braciole, mushroom sugo, and cherry balsamic pork tenderloin.
Accolades: 93 pts. – Wine Spectator; “Like a briar patch in the glass, this Zin offers spirited raspberry and cherry flavors that take on underbrush, dried sage and white pepper flavors before finishing with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2032.” – Tim Fish, April 2024

Winemaker’s Notes:
Bold and spicy with rich, briary fruit, our Old Vine Zinfandel showcases the complexity and intensity that only truly old vines can yield. For us, “Old Vine” means that the vines are at least 50 years old, and we source grapes for this wine from exceptional vineyards that are closer to 75 years old on average.

Vintage:
The 2022 growing season began with significantly below average winter rainfall totals which led directly into a prolonged frost season lasting late into April. Seghesio vineyards escaped mostly unscathed and launched into a slight cooling trend for May and June. This put the growing schedule closer to average, helping to push back our veraison timing and projected harvest dates. July and August warmed up significantly and some vineyards sustained some sunburn due to exposure. This was just a preamble! Harvest commenced in late August and Labor Day week witnessed record shattering high temperatures in excess of 118° F in northern Alexander Valley while still reaching 115°F in Santa Rosa High Plains. These scorching temperatures pushed ripening and increased stress on vineyards leading to one of the fastest harvests on record for Seghesio Family Vineyards. The grapes were harvested between August 25th and October 20th, 2022.

Viticulture & Winemaking:
The grapes were harvested and sorted by hand to ensure uniformly ripened fruit is delivered to the winery. After being lightly crushed they were fermented in small open-top stainless steel tanks and mixed using pneumatic punch down devices – to facilitate extraction and pumped over to allow for gentle aeration. Free-run wine is drained to barrel after 8 to 12 days on skins and allowed to complete alcoholic fermentation and undergo malolactic conversion. The wines are allowed to evolve for 10 months prior to blending and returned to barrel to integrate for 5 more months prior to bottling. Aged 15 months in 15% New French Oak; 85% Neutral French and American Oak.

About Seghesio Family Vineyards:
Seghesio Family Vineyards is dedicated to the production of extraordinary Zinfandels and the cultivation and preservation of old-vine vineyards. Estate vineyards encompass approximately 320 acres in the Alexander; Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. In addition to the winery’s critically acclaimed Zinfandels, Seghesio Family Vineyards also produces a handful of wines from traditional Italian varieties in homage to the heritage of the winery’s founders. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Seghesio Family Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoDAOU-Reserve-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2022-bottleDAOU Vineyards
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

A heady nose delivers fruit-forward aromas of blackberry, raspberry and plum with traces of licorice, thyme, vanilla and cherry. The palate is beautifully balanced, showing layers of black fruit and chocolate-covered blueberry with underlying herbal, cedar and mineral complexity. Exquisitely rounded tannins imbue the finish with stature and length.

Analysis: 15.2% alcohol / volume
AVA: Paso Robles, California
pH: 3.71
Aging: 18 months in 50% new French oak
Soil Profile: Calcareous, loamy and fine
Accolades: 92-94 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 

Winemaker’s Notes:
The DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a special selection from top vineyard blocks, showcasing Paso Robles as a world-class region for Bordeaux varieties. The 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon belongs to their Reserve Collection, which features allocated wines from DAOU Mountain as well as top vineyards across the Paso Robles AVA. The best fruit from each site is reserved for special winemaking treatment, resulting in wines that display remarkable character and expression.

Vintage:
The 2022 growing season was initially marked by winter drought conditions that were alleviated by rains in late March and April – a miracle happenstance that replenished the soils and set the pace for healthy vine canopies to come. A later-than-usual bud break was followed by normal spring and summer weather patterns through August. A sustained 10-day heat wave began in early September, prompting an early harvest that put Daniel’s winegrowing ingenuity, artistry and experience to the test. In the end, 2022 was a winemaker’s vintage, yielding elegantly powerful and balanced wines that prove the importance of mastering grape growing and winemaking.

The Vineyards:
The Paso Robles AVA spans many diverse terroirs with the common benefit of a moderating coastal influence. Warm days are followed by cool marine breezes, creating diurnal temperature swings of up to 50 degrees during the summer growing season. Sustainable farming practices, deficit irrigation and high-density vine plantings combine to foster grapes with natural quality and structure. The fruit is hand harvested at peak physiological ripeness to ensure that it reaches the winery in perfect condition.

About Daou Family Estates:
Georges and Daniel Daou are inseparable as brothers, best friends, and visionaries. Started as a family owned and operated winery, DAOU is committed to producing collectible, world-class wines to rival the most respected appellations in the world. DAOU Mountain stands alone at an elevation of 2,200 feet, rising from the heart of the Adelaida district in the rugged coastal range west of Paso Robles. As stewards of this beautiful terroir, DAOU’s goal is to make unique fine wines that honestly reflect the estate and craft wines that combine Old World tradition with New World techniques. Learn more >

Information & Photos © DAOU Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

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High Camp Estate Reserve Bordeaux

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Braised,Short,Ribs,In,Red,Wine,With,PolentaChocolate and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 lb. bone-in short ribs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp. Ancho chili powder
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 cups full-bodied red wine, such as nero d’avola
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 3 tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate (I just used 3 tbsp. chocolate chips)
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat oven to 300°F. Heat oil in an 8-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season ribs with salt and pepper; rub with cocoa powder and chili powder.
  2. Working in batches, cook ribs, turning as needed, until browned, 8–10 minutes; transfer to a plate.
  3. Add garlic, celery and, onion to pan; cook until soft, 6–8 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook 3 minutes. Add wine; reduce by half, 4–6 minutes. Return ribs to pan and add stock, bay leaves, sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar and cayenne; bring to a boil. Cover and bake until beef is very tender, 2 to 2½ hours. Transfer ribs to a plate; discard bones. Slice ribs in half crosswise.
  4. Spoon fat from surface of sauce. Place pan over medium-high heat and add semi-sweet chocolate; simmer until liquid is reduced to about 2 cups, 10 – 15 minutes, then strain into a bowl. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve short ribs and sauce over polenta, mashed potatoes, or any other creamy starch that will sop up the deliciousness.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Allons Eat. All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

High-Camp-Estate-Reserve-bowBold wine Style logoHigh Camp
Estate Reserve
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This complex wine is Bordeaux inspired, with a touch of Sangiovese, adding fresh acidity and qualities of fruit forwardness. The tannic structure offers beautiful age ability. Bordeaux-forward aromatics, with bright acidity and fresh fruit notes. It highlights flavors of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, cassis, subtle smoke and spice.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah, 15% Petite Verdot, 5% Sangiovese
pH: 3.63
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from San Miguel, Paso Robles, AVA
Aging: Aged in 40% new French oak to create strong, but refined and balanced tannins
Cases: 360

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pairs well with braised short rib, duck confit, smoked sausage.

© Photo by High Camp and Jake Tovar
© Photo by High Camp

Information & Photos © High Camp – All Rights Reserved.

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November Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoOptima-Cabernet-Knights-Valley-bottleOptima Winery
Knights Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has beautiful scents of rose petal, cocoa, dark cherry, and mocha which float from the dark, inky, ruby-red body. The tannins are all-encompassing, and along with medium acidity, delivers great balance and finesse. The intense palate shows flavors of black cherries, raspberries, leather, tobacco, vanilla, and anise. The long finish is marked by a touch of dark chocolate and caramel which provide a perfect balance. This is a Cabernet built for a long haul, enjoyable now, but worthy of additional cellaring.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 14.9% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
  • pH: 3.70
  • RS: None
  • Barrel Aging: 24 Months

VINEYARD:
The Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a single vineyard in Knights Valley AVA (one of Sonoma County’s original five AVAs), an appellation characterized by its warmer climate, gorgeous higher elevation vines, and gently sloping hills. This rustic, unspoiled vineyard and its unique soil composition dominated by volcanic loam and clay soil create beautiful, full, rich wines. 

WINEMAKING:
The Cabernet Sauvignon was hand-picked September 18, 2017, at 25.5 degrees brix. The grapes were fermented 10 days to dryness and then macerated an additional twenty-one days to soften and develop the tannins. Following pressing, the wine was moved to 60 gallon French Oak barrels, where it received three gentle barrel to barrel rackings. This vintage was barrel aged for twenty-two months prior to bottling on August 21, 2018.

Bold wine Style logoOptima-Zinfandel-bottleOptima Winery
Dry Creek Valley
Zinfandel
Sonoma County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

A delectable delight to savor, indulge in a luxurious drinking experience with this wine. Its incredible aromatic bouquet exudes an exuberant fruitiness that explodes with wild berry, blackberry, cocoa, and spiced coffee flavors that settle deeply into your palate. The wine boasts a bright taste with lively acidity, creating a solid structure that complements the intense, decadent flavors of chocolate, white pepper, mocha, and plum. The sweet, creamy oak adds a polished finish to the rich, velvety tannins and spicy, powerful finish. The balance of this quintessential Zinfandel wine offers great versatility when paired with different foods.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 14.9% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah
  • Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
  • pH: 3.69
  • RS: None
  • Barrel Aging: 16 Months

VINEYARD:
The fruit used to produce this vintage was grown on the western bench of Dry Creek Valley, 200 feet above the valley floor. The vineyard experiences cool, foggy mornings and warm days, creating a substantial difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. This extended growing season allowed the grapes to mature slowly, resulting in a rich and intense flavor profile.

WINEMAKING:
Hand-harvested on September 3, 2021, at 25.9 degrees brix, the fruit was gently crushed, destemmed, and fermented 10 days to dryness. Following pressing, the wine was clarified naturally by settling and then moved to small oak cooperage where it aged for 16 months. We used a blend of sixty-gallon French oak barrels to both enhance and complement the wonderful berry aromas.

ABOUT OPTIMA WINERY:
Founded by Mike Duffy, Optima Winery is a family owned and operated winery that specializes in making limited-production wines. Located in the heart of Healdsburg, California, they are blessed to be at the center of some of the best appellations in the world. Mike Duffy, owner and winemaker, studied under the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff and produces wines that rival the best of Alexander Valley. They only source the absolute best of each vintage; allowing them to meticulously follow their passion to preserve the unique characteristics of each vineyard. Learn more about their family story here.

Information and Photos © Optima Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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July Premium Wine Club

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Scheid Vineyards logo

Al Scheid

Al Scheid

About Scheid Vineyards

Al Scheid set his roots in Monterey County in 1972, embracing his role as a pioneer of wine growing in the region. Al’s outlook has always been that life is an adventure and this attitude served him well as he embarked on the journey of his lifetime.   For the first 15 years, Scheid Family Wines was known as Monterey Farming Corp, a grape grower that sold all its production to winery clients for use in their own brands. Fast forward to today, Scheid Family owns 12 estate vineyards located along a 70-mile stretch of the Salinas Valley. They now focus on building their own brand that is produced at their state-of-the-art winery, as well as a smaller Reserve Winery where the small production wines of Scheid Vineyards are crafted.

Mellow style logoScheid Vineyards
Pinot Noir Clone POM Reserve
Monterey, California

Scheid’s Clone series was created to highlight the different nuances that each Pinot Noir clone exhibits.  What do we mean by “clone”? Grapevines in general and Pinot Noir in particular, are generally unstable and can mutate slightly over time. Each grape variety is actually made up of many subtypes, called clones. These clones can result in different flavors, intensity, color, etc.  Scheid Vineyards grow 20 different clones of Pinot Noir. Pommard is one of the Dijon clones and is known for earthy, fruit forward characteristics, as well as structure and density.  A dramatic and vibrant wine, Scheid Vineyards Clone POM has aromas of black cherries, blackberries and currants with notes of vanilla, mocha, and oak, mingled with a hint of clove. it is a classic Pinot Noir, with soft tannins and round, rich, red, fruit on the palate.

The Pommard clone is one of the oldest clones planted in the U.S., where it was originally sourced from Chateau de Pommard in the early 1950’s. The fruit for this Pinot Noir was sourced from the Riverview Vineyard, adjacent to the Pinnacles National Park.  This 215 acre vineyard is nestled on a bench overlooking the Salinas River and is an ideal site for ultra-premium Pinot Noir. The bench location aids in creating excellent air flow and the southwestern exposure maximizes available sunlight and allows the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly.

Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.73
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l
Aging: 100% French oak

Stokes Ghost

Stokes Ghost Bold wine Style logoScheid Family Wines
Stokes Ghost
Petite Sirah
Monterey, California

In 1833, British sailor James Stokes jumped ship in Monterey with a booty of stolen medicine. Passing himself off as a doctor, he opened a downtown pharmacy and launched a thriving medical practice as “Dr. Stokes”.  Despite a knack for killing his patients, he landed a commission as the personal physician to California Governor Jose Figueroa. Within a year, the governor was dead. The phony physician was astonishingly successful for someone so poor at his job. He grew wealthy, married the widow of one of his patients, and served as mayor of Monterey. Eventually the gig was up. According to legend, Stokes’ sons confronted him of his devious deeds and he ingested poison, falling lifeless at their feet. His former home still stands today and haunted by the ghostly figure of a man dressed in 1800s garb. This is the legend of Stokes’ Ghost.

Deep and brooding, this Petite Sirah is brimming with aromas of blackberry, plum and black currant.   The intense, jammy fruit provides the drama while subtle notes of mocha and hazelnut bring finesse. Stokes’ Ghost is full-bodied with balanced tannins and a finish that lingers on the palate.  This rich, lush wine is just what the doctor ordered.

The Petite Sirah grapes in this wine were harvested at night in the southernmost reaches of Monterey appellation, an ideal location for growing this dramatic, heart-stopping variety. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were crushed and fermented in small lots to extract the full flavors and tannin structure for which Petite Sirah is so well known.  The wine was then pressed and racked at dryness for oak aging.

The fruit for Stokes’ Ghost hails from Scheid’s estate vineyard in the Hames Valley, an inland enclave at the southern end of Monterey County. Considered a “Goldilocks” region – not too hot, not too cold – it offers ideal conditions for Petite Sirah. The wine was aged in American and Hungarian oak barrels to add complexity and soften the tannins.

Winemaker Dave Nagengast

Dave Nagengast, Winemaker

Winemaker: Dave Nagengast has a strong connection to Petite Sirah. As winemaker for Stokes’ Ghost, he is passionate about this powerhouse variety and well-acquainted with its deepest, darkest secrets. He knows where to grow, how to farm, when to harvest, and how to vinify Petite Sirah to create a wine that is not only big, dark and bold, but also lush, balanced and aromatic. Says Dave, “Petite Sirah is not for those with delicate sensibilities. But for those of us who revel in a muscular, full-bodied wine packed with flavor, character and soul, Petite Sirah has no equal.”

Appellation: Hames Valley, Monterey, California
Varietal: Petite Sirah
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 6.2 g/l
pH: 3.54
Aging: 12 months in American, French and Hungarian oak

 

July Wine Club: Cooper’s Blend

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Photo by Sabrina S. Baksh/Regarding BBq, Inc.

Grilled Steak Burgers with Port Wine Reduction Spread

Yummy gourmet burger to grill up and enjoy at your July 4th cook out. Well-seasoned, grilled to perfection with a port wine topping, on a toasted Ciabatta bread. Enjoy with a glass of Ranch 32 Coopers Blend.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 pounds ground beef (preferably lean)
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce​
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (coarse ground)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 4 large Ciabatta bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (both plain and garlic for drizzling)
  • 8 to 10 large slices of Havarti cheese

INGREDIENTS FOR PORT REDUCTION:

  • 1 1/2 cups port wine
  • 2 tablespoons shallots (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon beef soup base, plus 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 3/4 cups mayonnaise

PORT REDUCTION DIRECTIONS:

  • Gather ingredients, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pot.
  • Add Shallots and cook on medium-high heat, for 1 to 2 minutes.  Once translucent, pour in the wine.
  • Allow mixture to come to a quick boil, add the beef base, water and stir.
  • Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir mixture occasionally.
  • Once reduced more than half and mixture has thickened (consistency of syrup) remove from heat and allow reduction to cool.
  • Once cooled, mix 2 tablespoons at a time into mayonnaise until well incorporated. It will take on a lavender hue.
  • Place in air tight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

BURGER DIRECTIONS:

  • Gather the ingredients. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
  • Combine meat with corresponding seasons. Form into four large patties or two smaller ones, depending on the size of the bread. Do not make patties too large, as you run the risk of them breaking on the grill.  Patties should be about 1 inch thick.
  • Place burger patties onto grill and cook for 7-8 minutes per side.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and place onto a large platter or cooking sheet. Tent with foil to keep warm.
  • Cut Ciabatta bread in half, lengthwise.
  • Drizzle with plain olive oil and a touch of garlic olive oil. If you do not have garlic oil, just dust light with garlic powder.
  • Place onto grill cut side down for 2-3 minutes.
  • Once lightly toasted and warmed through, remove from heat and promptly add Havarti slices, burger patties, a generous helping of port wine spread and top halves of Ciabatta.
  • Cut into three pieces each or two if the bread is smaller. Enjoy!
  • © Recipe courtesy of The Spruce Eats Derrick Riches

JULY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCoopers Blend Ranch 32RANCH 32
Cooper’s Blend
Monterey County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Nestled on the west side of Salinas Valley, directly in the path of the region’s relentless afternoon winds lies Ranch 32.  Here, warm sunny days are tempered by evening coastal fogs that often linger until mid-morning the following day.  This ideal climate lengthens the growing season, allowing the fruit to develop complex flavors and intense varietal character. 

The fruit was picked at optimum ripeness during the night and brought to the winery in the very early morning hours. The grapes were sorted, destemmed, crushed, and fermented dry in open top fermenters.  The firm cap of skins and seeds that bubbles up and forms on the surface during the red fermentation was gently punched down several times a day.  To add complexity and retain character, each variety was fermented separately, then aged with a mix of American, Hungarian and French oak. During the blending process, just prior to bottling, the proportion of each variety was chosen to accentuate richness of flavor and to maximize depth, complexity, mouthfeel and finish.

Vincent Catalaa Winemaker

Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

“Our Cooper’s Blend is a harmonious blend of six varieties that each contribute unique flavors and characteristics to the final wine.  The Petite Sirah brings very dark, purple-edged color and intense black fruit flavors. The Merlot and Syrah offer bold blueberry and juicy cherry and the Petit Verdot contributes exotic violet aromas and concentrated structure. The Tempranillo adds a subtle spice, while a small amount of White Riesling brings heightened fruit aromatics to the blend. The result is a wine of complexity and structure, with layer upon layer of flavor.  The gentle tannins make this well-balanced wine a natural partner for a wide range of foods .” –  Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal: 33% Petite Sirah, 28% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot, 9% Syrah, 7% Tempranillo, 3% White Riesling
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.62
TA: 6.1 g/l
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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!

 

Premium Wine Club pairing recipe

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grilled-lamb-burgersGrilled Spicy Lamb Burgers

•  1 pound ground lamb
•  1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
•  1 teaspoon sherry
•  1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
•  1 teaspoon molasses
•  1 teaspoon ground cumin
•  ½ teaspoon ground allspice
•  ¼ teaspoon salt
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
•  ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
•  4 pita bread rounds (or burger buns)
•  4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat grill for medium heat.  Place the lamb in a large bowl, and mix with the mint, cilantro, oregano, garlic, sherry, vinegar, and molasses. Season with cumin, allspice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and mix well. Shape into 4 patties.

Brush grill grate with oil. Grill burgers 5 minutes on each side, or until well done. Heat the pita pocket briefly on the grill. Serve burgers wrapped in pitas with feta cheese.  Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Bold_stickerstolpman-wine-petite-sirahStolpman Vineyards
Petite Sirah
Ballard Canyon AVA
Santa Ynez Valley, California

Over 20 years ago, founder Thomas Stolpman, discovered what he believed to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare limestone outcropping and unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. The largest vineyard in the AVA, Stolpman Vineyards is considered the founding vineyard of the Ballard Canyon. The inky, black wine complements the bold flavors of BBQ perfectly. This wine stands up to a wide range of grilled meats, from lamb chops to classic BBQ dishes like ribs and brisket.

Sashi Moorman, winemaker

Sashi Moorman, winemaker

“Petite Sirah can often drink so big and ripe the wine becomes monolithic.  Not so with this cooler vintage Petite Sirah.  The nose shows glints of creosote and black pepper.Thanks to de-stemming all of the clusters, the body is lush and forgiving on the finish.  Even more unctuous and seamless after two years in neutral barrel, our Syrah fans will appreciate the Petite Sirah.  This Petite Sirah might be the top pick out of the current releases for grilled steak.” – Sashi Moorman, winemaker

Winemaker: Sashi Moorman
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley, Ballard Canyon AVA, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Petite Sirah
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.81 pH, 6.6 TA g/L
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Wine-Club-LogoJoin our Premium “Enjoy” Wine Club this month and receive two delicious wines from Stolpman and pairing recipes!

Every other month, you’ll receive two bottles of “If You Insist” premium wines that you’ll truly adore. These wines are top scoring or limited releases that you will thoroughly ENJOY or impress your friends!  Plus, you’ll enjoy 10% off wine purchases and 15% off additional purchases of wine club wines.

 

Stolpman Vineyards Winery Spotlight Tasting Event

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Stolpman_Tasting_headerMay Winery Spotlight
STOLPMAN VINEYARDS Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

CircleLogo_Stolpman_HighResJoin us for a Winery Spotlight tasting event, featuring Stolpman Vineyards of Los Olivos,  California.

The largest vineyard in the AVA, Stolpman Vineyards is considered the founding vineyard of Ballard Canyon. Over a dozen other vintners followed Tom Stolpman into Ballard Canyon and based on the results of their experimentation, all have decided to focus on Syrah. Planted in 1992 and 1994, their first blocks of Syrah are the oldest vines, producing concentrated Syrah with a firm structure built for aging. Please join us as we Taste, Learn and Enjoy® these delicious wines from the Stolpman Vineyards. Cheers!

redcottageIf you ever get a chance to visit historic Los Olivos, be sure to stop by their adorable “little red cottage” tasting room.  Or click here for a virtual tour. Los Olivos is one of my favorite places to visit, very cute and quaint little neighborhood of tasting rooms, just outside of Solvang, CA in the Santa Ynez Valley.  Our WineStyles team had the pleasure of visiting wineries in Los Olivos last year.

ABOUT STOLPMAN VINEYARDS and FAMILY

Over 20 years ago, Founding Partner, Thomas Stolpman, discovered what he believed to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. Stolpman Vineyards are committed to preserving this natural environment for vines through natural farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment. In the winery, they prefer native fermentation & minimal manipulation.   Dedicated to sensible farming & winemaking, Stolpman Vineyards believe that theycan create natural, vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California.

StolpmanTom_WSTom Stolpman, Founding Partner

Behind every great man there is a strong woman. Marilyn Stolpman seeded the idea of creating a vineyard in Tom’s mind back on their honeymoon in 1974. Marilyn believed she and Tom should only invest in something the family could enjoy, and encouraged Tom to pursue his viticultural dream.

Marilyn was first exposed to wine while a UCLA undergraduate studying abroad at the University of Bordeaux, where she studied French literature. Today, Marilyn heads up the estate extra virgin olive oil program and promotes Stolpman wines with Tom.

Tom Stolpman still practices law as a trial attorney with the Long Beach, California firm of Stolpman, Krissman, Elber & Silver LLP. When not preparing or trying cases, he is the founding partner and charismatic historian of Stolpman Vineyards and Ballard Canyon.

Tom and Marilyn finished construction of their dream house on the vineyard, Villa Angeli, in 2013. Perched atop one of the vineyard hills, Tom and Marilyn can enjoy the family dynasty they have created.

Learn more about the folks at Stolpman and their “Grape Whisperer”.

Stolpman_winemaker

stolpman-wineSTOLPMAN VINEYARDS
Winery Spotlight Tasting
Santa Ynez Valley, California

  • Stolpman Viognier
  • Stolpman Roussanne
  • Stolpman LaCuadrilla
  • Stolpman Estate Syrah
  • Stolpman Petite Sirah
  • Stolpman Sangio Degli Angeli

 Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!