Tag Archives: Petite Sirah

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!