A Visit to Santa Barbara and a Stop at Jonata Wines
How many of you saw the movie Sideways? It was the movie that literally spurred sales of Pinot Noir and seriously dampened the sales and tarnished the reputation of Merlot. It was filmed in the wine region of Santa Barbara. For those who recall, it really did have an impact on the region and the sale of these two varietals. Having had many great Merlots, I don’t share the sentiments expressed about Merlot in the movie, but Sideways is a fun flick.
Santa Barbara is an area located on California’s Central Coast, and it is beautiful. It is two hours north of Los Angeles. It has a local airport, and you can fly in without a long drive. The coast here runs generally east to west, contributing to smaller microclimates where different varietals flourish. In the northern region, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir prosper, as it is a more maritime climate. In the southern region, you travel easterly, and this produces hotter days and cooler nights. Bordeaux and Rhone varietals flourish in the more extreme climate. The benefit of this region is that you can explore many grape varieties without leaving one area.
A Taste of Howell Mountain
There are many great events to attend in Napa Valley. Last week, I wrote about the Auction Napa Valley (more about that below), which happened in early June. This week, I want to share about the annual “Taste of Howell Mountain,” which we attended just yesterday.
One of my favorite AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in Napa Valley is Howell Mountain. It is in the Vaca Range on the east side of Napa Valley. It occupies a volcanic plateau and looks across the valley to the Mayacamas Range on the west side. The AVA itself starts at an elevation of 1400 feet and ranges up to 2000 feet. The grapes in these vineyards ripen slowly; and, because they are above the fog line, are drenched in sun for many hours of the day.
While I could go on about the wines, another notable characteristic is the generosity of the winery owners themselves. Many partake and give much to the Napa Valley Vintners Auction, and they band together for “Taste of Howell Mountain” to raise money for the Howell Mountain Elementary School.
No “Ice Wine” at Auction Napa Valley
I am having dinner at a restaurant in ______ City (full name is being withheld to protect the guilty!). I just saw the gentleman sitting in a nearby booth take his spoon, take ice cubes out of his water glass, and put them in his glass of red wine! Oh my, oh my – what to do?? Oh, well – nothing to do but continue working to help people enjoy the beauty of wine. He has to have it his way.
Such a contrast in places. Spending a week in Napa Valley is another world. The Auction Napa Valley was a huge hit this year with record-breaking results. Over three days, the total amount raised for area charities was $16.9 Million. This was a phenomenal result.
Let’s Make It “Crystal” Clear!
Auction Napa Valley got off on a surprise note for me this year. I received an invitation to attend a special tasting at Miner Family Winery on Thursday evening. It was a seminar led by Georg Riedel. Yes, the glassmaker. He is the 10th generation of the family that started the revolution of utilizing the right shape for the right varietal. Riedel is family-owned and operated. They are recognized world-wide for their design of glasses and decanters to maximize the enjoyment of wine and spirits.
Napa’s Big Event: Auction Napa Valley
We’re coming up on the first weekend in June, and that means one thing in Napa Valley — Auction Napa Valley is about to get underway! This is one of the biggest wine events in the country (maybe the world?) and one of my favorite events in Napa Valley each year. Auction Napa Valley is the annual charitable fundraiser for the Napa Valley Vintners. Last year alone, Auction Napa Valley raised over $8 million for charitable causes.
A Final Pass through Paso
If you ever get to Paso Robles, you must visit the tasting room of Brian Benson. Again, being in Paso, the star here is Rhone Varietals. The wines are deep, rich and intense. Brian is the owner and winemaker at Brian Benson. He started making wine with his father at a very young age. He worked part time on the weekends learning the craft; and, at the age of 12, made his first wine. Back then, his first wine was a Cabernet. He became the full time assistant winemaker for his father at Dark Star Cellars in 2000. At the age of 19, he started making his own wines with an initial investment of less than $2000. His success has only grown from there.
Paso Pleasures
Spending a weekend in Paso Robles can be quite rewarding. The downtown is quaint and has very fine restaurants. The hotel where we stayed, the Hotel Cheval, is wonderful. One block off the square with excellent accommodations, you can rest and recoup from a long day of wine tasting.
One notable difference in this area is the set up of the wine tastings. This is a young and growing area, so the emphasis on wine education during the tastings is in its infancy, as contrasted with Napa. The heart of what you get in Paso is good wine that is well-priced and a very relaxed atmosphere. You do not have caves and the established wine tours that are available in Napa Valley; yet the low-key, relaxed approach is really quite enjoyable.
Don’t Pass by Paso…
Paso Robles is a quaint town situated off the central coast of California. There are now hundreds of wineries in this region putting out some very well-structured, quality Rhone varietals. There are delicious reds and whites that make a trip to this town very worthwhile.
How Long Should I Keep My Wine — or “Oops…”
Just yesterday, a friend emailed a photo of a bottle of 2002 Zinfandel from Peju. He was clearly excited to open the bottle on a Saturday night to enjoy with his wife. He asked if I had any thoughts about the wine, and (of course) I did. Simply from the varietal, the year, and the winery, I knew it would be past its prime. I let my friend know; and his response was, understandably, “oops.” This experience gave me the idea for this week’s blog.
Now, the fact that this Zinfandel was past its prime means nothing derogatory about Peju — it is a fine winery (although they are not known for their Zinfandel). But it does say something about the varietal. Zinfandel is not the most ageable wine. It is generally meant to be drunk young, in the 3-5 year time frame. This particular bottle should have been drunk for maximum pleasure from 2003-2006. It’s understandable that my friend would have thought, “Wow, this is a well-aged red wine that we’ll be enjoying.” But older isn’t always better.
Vineyard 29 at 2929 Highway 29: Unforgettable!
The sign says simply 2929. You would pass right by the entrance to this beautiful winery on Highway 29 north of St. Helena. There is no advertisement of what lies up the hill. Vineyard 29 has a quiet, stately elegance from your first approach to the massive double doors that open to a remarkably modern and techno savvy operation. This is a “By Appointment Only” winery where you need to book well in advance to enjoy the tour and tasting, yet it’s well worth the planning.
On your visit, you are welcomed into the winery through massive double doors. Up the stairs to the right is the office and a balcony where you begin your exploration of the impressive operation. From the balcony, you take in views of the valley floor with vineyards all around. Austin Gallion is in charge of hospitality, and he will lead you on a tour of the winery, talking about its beginnings and bringing you up to today’s operation — sipping great wine all the time, of course.