Valle de Guadalupe Never Disappoints

I’ve said it a few times, and I’ll say it again. As a SoCal resident, the Valle de Guadalupe winegrowing region in Baja California, Mexico is THE most exciting thing happening on the West Coast in wine. Where else can you go and enjoy the Mexican flavor and hospitality that we all love BUT with the added bonus of a wine country backdrop? I’ll give you a hint. NOWHERE!

This past summer I had two new Valle de Guadalupe experiences, including a bachelorette party in the region as a wine pairing luncheon in Los Angeles. Both were lovely! The wine area in VdG is called the “Ruta del Vino” and the region has Jewish, Russian, and Spanish roots.

At the LA Wine Writers luncheon, our guest speaker was Stacie Hunt, who knows the region inside and out. She is a longtime VdG supporter and has been enjoying and touting their wines for many years…..before it was cool!

Ten years ago in VdG there were only 15 bonded wineries, and they didn’t talk much to each other. Now there are dozens of wineries, and a much more collaborative spirit. Investment and experimentation reigns. The region does not have one grape to hang their hat on, and like most New World wine regions, there is little to no regulation, so it’s a bit like the Wild West……you can decide what to plant, when to pick, etc.

Water is one of the biggest problems in the Valle, as drought prevails in the area. Because of this, irrigation is needed, and drip irrigation is frequently used. You might think that Mexico is too hot to grow grapes….not the case! There is frequently a 20-25 degree difference from day to night (called diurnal range). Plus, the area has nighttime breezes and morning fog, both which help move (hot) air out and allow the grapes to breathe!

So how do you know you are drinking a VdG wine. Some say there is a distinct rockiness, minerality, and salinity to their wines. Both white and red. Have you tried wines from VdG? Do you agree with this? Would love to start a convo!

Below are the fantastic pairings we enjoyed at the LA Wine Writers VdG luncheon at the (always fabulous) Napa Valley Grille.

Amuse
Poached Bosc Pear with Burrata and Endive

Pairing
Cavas Maciel Venus Rosa of Merlot Valle de Guadalupe
Family famers. New to wine (only 10 yrs). Bright red cherry and cranberry. Phenolics on the palate (which I generally get from VdG). Good acid. Nice primary fruit follow through on the palate. 

1st Course
Diver Scallop Crudo with Cucumber Brunoises, Blood Orange Reduction 

Pairing
Monte Xanic 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Valle de Guadalupe
A German family. A distinct SB (unlike any other). Bracing acid, white flower (elderflower), green fruit, and stone fruit. 

2nd Course
Seared Cumin Crusted Seabass, Coconut Cauliflower Puree 

Pairing
El Cielo 2015 Chardonnay Valle de Guadalupe
A typical, oaked Chardonnay. Could be from anywhere. I have tried El Cielo wines three times and have not found anything to make me stand up and pay attention. 

Vinos Lechuza 2016 Chardonnay Valle de Guadalupe
Vinos Lechuza is the polar opposite. I have had their wines a few times and am always BLOWN AWAY. In my opinion, they are the most quality producer in the Valley. A well-rounded wine with good textural mouthfeel (from battonage and malo). Moderate acid with some creamy/yogurt notes. Green fruits (apple and pear) moving into more tropical notes of pineapple and lychee.

3rd Course
Pasta Arrabbiata with Pecorino Romano 

Pairing
Viñedos de la Reina 2015 Sangiovese Valle de San Vicente
A really nice rustic nose. Who doesn’t love a good rustic nose? Dark cherry notes with some floral (violets) and black pepper.

4th Course
Santa Maria Grilled Tri-Tip with Chimichurri, Spring Farmers Vegetables, Tri Tip Jus 

Pairing
Vena Cava 2016 Tempranillo Valle de Guadalupe
Smells a bit like Spain. Bright, yet ripe red fruit plus spice. 

Harney Lane: Love, Laughter, Family, Wine

A couple times a week I receive wine sample invitations from various PR firms. I reply to the requests, and within a week or so, the wines are delivered to my house. When I received the Harney Lane shipment, I was struck by the personal touch. In addition to the wines and tech sheets, I received a handwritten note (on Harney Lane stationary) and a business card from a Harney Lane employee.

THIS is the Lodi spirit.

A wine region with generations of winegrowing history, and a focus on family farming. According to the Harney Lane website “we have been proud stewards of the land since 1907, farming vineyards on Harney Lane and surrounding areas for over 5 generations.” And in 2006 they entered the winemaking side to make wine under the Harney Lane label. Lodi, including Harney Lane, is steeped in tradition and authenticity. I felt that firsthand on my first trip to Lodi in 2016. Read more HERE. 

Wines tasted in this shipment:

Harney Lane 2017 Chardonnay
Winery Tasting Notes: Bright fruit aromas of apple, ripe pear, and white peach are followed by toasted nuts and butterscotch, laced with honeysuckle. The 2017 vintage showcases the Lodi appellation with a classic mix of lively fruit, nutty spice, and creamy richness.
My Notes: A creamy, rich, and smooth Chardonnay expression. This wine coats my mouth, yet leaves me wanting more. Medium plus body and flavor intensity. Beautiful and elegant. Showcases precision and balance.

Harney Lane Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 Lizzy James Vineyard
Winery Tasting Notes: A rich compilation of concentrated blackberry compote, dried fruit, floral perfume, black spices, cinnamon, maple and bread pudding. Voluptuous, bold, and full-bodied.
My Notes: Deep, ripe black fruit abounds (got prunes?). This is the Lodi Zin I want to present to someone who self-professes to not like Lodi Zin. The varietal and the Lodi terroir are showcased here. A deep dark Zinfandel, yet with acidity retained to allow the fruit to take center stage. No flabbiness here. Tasting this wine will erase any memory of a mass produced Calfornia red.