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. 

Vintastic Voyage: Napa Valley

Barrel room at Artesa

Disclaimer: These tasting experiences were provided to me free of cost as a member of the media.

There is no shortage of articles/blog posts related to the Napa Valley. BUT, I wanted to share a tested and approved Napa itinerary that I’d recommend to the wine novice and the wine geek alike. This itinerary has something for everyone. I visited the region in early Spring with my friends Neal and Alyse of Winery Wanderings, and found this itinerary to be relaxed and easy to follow.

As an aside, may I recommend that when you plan your wine country getaway, remember that the goal is to have fun, enjoy yourself, and perhaps learn something new about wine. Because of this, I recommend you take a somewhat leisurely approach to things and not try to squeeze in too many winery visits in one day. Generally, 2-3 wineries per day is the max for most people to be able to enjoy the wines, not feel rushed, and not get too drunk! I only recommend 4 wineries in one day for professionals or if you are going to spit out all tastes. Even then, it is still an ambitious schedule.

Here is my suggestion for a full, fun day in the Napa Valley.

10:30am-11:30am Charles Krug
Noon-1:30pm Long Meadow Ranch
1:30pm-2:30pm Gott’s Roadside
3:30pm-5pm Artesa

5:30pm-7:30pm Oxbow Public Market

Charles Krug 

Charles Krug in St. Helena is a great place to start. Come here for Napa Valley history, as they are a winery of firsts being situated in St. Helena AVA, one of Napa Valley’s first AVAs. Charles Krug is the oldest bonded winery in Napa (since 1861) and also is the first tasting room open in California in 1882. In 1963 they became the first Napa winery to import French Oak barrels and were also one of the first California wineries to varietally label wines. Since 1943 the Mondavi family operates Charles Krug with a respect and understanding of how important they are to Napa Valley’s history. Today they produce 90,000 cases annually and it is all sold on-site.

Upon visiting Charles Krug, you have two choices for your visit. They offer a $45 tasting flight and a $75 tasting flight that also includes a tour of the property. The tasting room is open daily from 10:30am-5pm. And a gorgeous tasting room it is. Up until 2006, it was the old barrel room. The space is expansive and stunning. Such a classy, upscale, yet not stuffy atmosphere.

Thank you to Tash for pouring! My highlight from the tasting was their 2016 Malbec at $65 a bottle. The wine showed characters of plum (red and black), vanilla, and spice box. It’s a velvety, smooth wine that you can really melt into. Would be a fantastic BBQ wine. 

Tasting Room at Charles Krug

Proof of their wine history!!

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch 

Two miles SE of Charles Krug and you land at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. You come here for a culinary and wine sensory experience. We participated in the Chef’s Food & Wine Tasting (regularly priced at $70) and it was impeccable. A really elevated, yet comfortable experience. True wine country hospitality. We enjoyed 5 mini-food courses paired with wines. They also have a regular wine flight for $30 and a library wine flight for $40. The general store/tasting room is open from 11am-6pm.

Colin (who was a delight) lead us through our tasting. Anyone who says that Pinot Noir is their spirit grape, is good people in my book! Long Meadow Ranch employs a full-circle organic farming system. Each part of the ranch contributes to the health of the whole, including vineyards, olive groves, Highland cattle, heirloom vegetables, and livestock. They have three properties: 650-acre Mayacamas Estate (home ranch located in the Mayacamas Mountains above Rutherford), 90-acre Rutherford Estate (located on the Rutherford Bench), and 145-acre Anderson Valley Estate (Mendocino County). Everything we ate that day was local to the Rutherford Estate and all their wines are estate. 

Wines + Small Bites

Let the Tasting Begin!

Chef Aaron getting things ready!

Neal & Alyse of Winery Wanderings

Dungeness Crab (avocado, citrus)
Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, 2017 ($22)
This is clearly not the ubiquitous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Cooler climates here. I get green fruit (apples), citrus, and some tropical notes.

Swordfish (cabbage, horseradish)
Pairing: Chardonnay, Anderson Valley, 2016 ($40)
This pairing sang. This wine starts in French oak, then moves to stainless steel. I got an initial waft of a stick of butter on the nose, but it blew off as I swirled and make my way through the tasting. Quite a balanced and structured Chardonnay.

Cauliflower Soup (camembert beignet)
Pairing: Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2015 ($40)
This has to be the silkiest soup I have ever tried. Delicious!

Sunchoke (prune)
Pairing: Merlot, Napa Valley, 2014 ($35)
This wine has everything I want in a Merlot: a plumminess plus silky smooth tannins. A bit velvety overall. Really nice.

Grass-Fed Lamb (chickpea fritter, beet barbeque)
Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2014 ($55)
A big boy red that really worked well with this dish. The wine benefits from a bit of Petit Verdot and Petit Syrah. 

Long Meadow Ranch

After the food and wine pairings at Long Meadow Ranch, it’s time for LUNCH. And what better lunch than a roadside burger stand. I recommend Gott’s Roadside for some “sticking food” to sop up all the wine.

Artesa 

After lunch it’s a 40-minute drive down south to Artesa Vineyards & Winery. If you saw the movie Wine Country, then you’ve seen Artesa, as it was the winery tasting room featured. I had met head winemaker Ana Diogo-Draper at a tasting in Los Angeles. I fell in love with Artesa’s wines, so when the opportunity to visit presented itself, I jumped at the chance. With Artesa, you come for the exceptional wines and stunning, modern tasting room.

Our tasting was a superb experience. The tasting room is bright, inviting, and quite a sight. It is open from 10am-5pm and there are various wine flight options, starting at $35. Anne expertly lead us through the flight, which was exceptional. A highlight for me was tasting their sparkling. We tried the 2014 Codorníu Napa Grand Reserve Brut, Estate Vineyard, Los Carneros ($45). 

Bubbles to start!

Let the tasting begin (again)!

The grounds at Artesa

One of the Artesa tasting rooms

Other wines tasted:

2017 Albariño, Los Carneros ($28)
Stone fruit, tropical fruit, and delicate little white flowers. Medium + acid.

2016 Chardonnay, Los Carneros ($23)
This is their largest production wine that is distributed widely. A fresh and primary Chardonnay. Valley floor fruit that has been through malo and saw some oak treatment.

2016 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($38)
Made in the Burgundian style. All hillside fruit. Toasty, nutty, and warming.

2016 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros ($28)
Beautiful, bright red fruit on the nose. More floral and spice on the palate. A lovely entry-level Pinot and at an unbeatable price.

2016 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($45)
Compared to the above, this wine goes deeper and has more intensity of fruit. Quality with a capital Q.

2014 Galatea Cabernet Sauvignon & Tempranillo ($90)
Deep, deep, deep purple in color. Hellooooooooo tannins, but don’t worry, they’re integrated AF. A deep and expressive wine. Definitely a standout among the flight.

2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Foss Valley Ranch Vineyard, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley ($90)
Medium ruby color. Tannins dominate.

After your day of wine tasting, a visit to Oxbow Public Market is a great option for a casual dinner. This is Napa Valley’s version of a food hall and there are options to please every palate. And more wine, should you need that! The general hours range form 7:30am-9:30pm (each merchant may have slightly different hours).

Sella & Mosca: Simply Sardinia

In my wine journeys I have the opportunity to experience fabulous wines and attend events where I get to taste these wines and meet the winemakers. One such occasion was when I was introduced to Sella & Mosca, the largest winery on the island of Sardinia. Sardinia lies south of France near the island of Corsica and off the west coast of Italy. Sella & Mosca lies on the NW corner of the island, just inland from the historic port of Alghero, which was designated a DOC in 1995.

Sardinia has a 6,000-year winemaking history. Sella & Mosca is the largest winery on the island (550 hectares planted) and almost the oldest. Fun fact: it is the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy! They use all organic cultivation and participate in other sustainable activities. The vineyards have been planted with alternating rows of oleanders, palms, maritime pines, eucalyptus and other Mediterranean plants. The winery also maintains a 12-acre nature preserve dedicated to Mediterranean vegetation and local wildlife.

Tourism is the main industry on the island with 1.4 million tourists visiting year-round. In the summer, the population of the island doubles. The island provides lots of sun and wind and desirable soils for grapes including: iron-rich limestone, clay and sandy soils. All their wines are made from estate-grown grapes and they grow both native varieties (Vermentino, Torbato, and Cannonau) as well as some international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Of note about Sardinia is its designation as a “Blue Zone”. Blue Zones are regions of the world where Dan Buettner claims people live much longer than average. Other blue zones in the world include Okinawa, Japan and Costa Rica. Sardinia is said to be on this list partially because Cannonau has one of the highest concentration of resveratrol as any other grape variety. 

Founded over a century ago in 1899, Sella & Mosca was started by two Piemontese businessmen: Erminio Sella and Edgardo Mosca, who were two very important figures during the Risorgimento. Had to look this one up! According to Wikipedia: the Italian unification, also known as the Risorgimento, was the political and social movement that consolidated different states of the Italian peninsula into the single state of the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century.

Today, the head winemaker is Giovanni Pinna who lead us through a tasting of their wines.  A native of Sardinia, Giovanni has devoted his entire career to studying, working and teaching others about the island’s unique viticultural landscape. He joined Sella & Mosca in 2000 and is now chief winemaker over their annual production of 7.6 million bottles!

Most notable about Sella & Mosca is their dedication to the Torbato grape, their flagship variety. Torbato was brought to the island during the Spanish rule. Even though a variety called Turbat is found in Spain today, Sella & Mosca is the only producer in the world to vinify it as a 100% varietal wine. Today they produce four types of Torbato: Torbato D.O.C. Alghero, Terre Bianche D.O.C. Alghero, Terre Bianche Cuvée 161 D.O.C. Alghero, and Torbato Spumante Brut. Giovanni uses no oak in their white wines, as he wants you to experience the grape, not the wood.

Sella & Mosca wines are readily available in Los Angeles at the Wine House, K&L Wines, and Wally’s.

Below I detail the Sella & Mosca wines tasted at this luncheon, as well as the incomparable food pairings courtesy of Celestino Drago at Drago Centro. Note that the menu was created to try different wines with different courses, so it was not a straight one course + one wine per pairing.

Aperitivo
Crab Salad Toast, Truffle Arancini, and Tuna Crostini

Torbato Brut 2017 Alghero Torbato Spumante DOC $24.99 (12.5% ABV)
This wine has bright fruit notes of pear and green apple with a delicate whiteflower note on the back end, but not as much florals as you’d get from a Prosecco. This wine has medium + acid and is quite round…not austere. A fabulous pairing for seafood. I feel very honored to try this wine as Sella & Mosca makes the only varietally labeled Turbato in the world! Fun fact: they are working on a traditional method Turbato sparkler that is still sitting on the lees and aging. That would be a treat to try!

First Course
Scallop, Roasted Maitake Mushroom, Truffle Beurre Blanc 

Second Course
Tagiolini, Seabass, Cherry Tomato, Pine Nut, Fish Fumet 

Le Arenaire Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Alghero DOC $17.99 (13% ABV)
A much riper nose (less green) than the ubiquitous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It is round, ripe, but with gripping acid, just as you’d expect from a Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus (Meyer lemon), green fruit, and a hint of tropical notes (unripe pineapple). A very well-balanced wine…I really love this one. Great acid and great body. Fabulous with both the scallop and the pasta course. And at $17.99, a great QPR compared to other Sauv Blancs out there where the quality can be a bit lacking at that pricepoint.

Monteoro 2016 Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG $26.99 (14% ABV)
Vermentino is a well-known grape to Sardinia. It is found in other regions (such as Liguria and Tuscany) but 75% of Italy’s Vermentino finds its home in Sardinia. In France it is known as Rolle. Here in Sardinia this wine is produced in Vermentino di Gallura, Sardinia’s only DOCG, formed in 1996. A lovely almond-skin nose gives this wine a true “Sardinian” feel, as you know instantly this is not one of the international varieties. Typicity reigns with Vermentino in Sardinia. 

Third Course
Lamb Loin, Venere Risotto, Roasted Beets, Bartlett Pears, Lamb Jus 

Fourth Course

Chef’s Assorted Cheeses 

Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva DOC 2015 $17.99 (14.5% ABV)
Cannonau is known elsewhere as Grenache, a thin-skinned red variety. Over 700 years ago the Spanish brought Grenache to Sardinia and over time the grape has changed and now it’s known as Cannonau. This wine gives bright red fruit, floral (violet) notes, graphite/minerality, earth, umami/mushroom, and balsamic notes. No joke, my tasting notes on the palate says: HOLY SHIT. This wine inspires me. For $17.99 you are transported to the Mediterranean. To Sardinia. Italian wines tend to do this……they take you there. Whether it’s through the nose or the taste, or how the wine plays with the food, or how it brings back memories of perhaps a trip you took to Italy. It is quite a special thing and this wine reminds me why I LOVE Italian wines. There is just something about them.

Tanca Farrà Alghero DOC 2014 $26.99 (13.5% ABV)
This guy is 50% Cannonau and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. You can actually smell/taste the structure and backbone that Cab Sauv lends.

Marchese di Villamarina Alghero DOC 2010 $59.99 (13% ABV)
The grapes for this wine originate in the Villamarina vineyard of the estate. After harvest and fermentation, the wine is matured in small French oak casks for 18 months before transfer to larger oak barrels for a further year. After bottling, it is aged an additional 18 months. A beautiful, well-balance wine. Really nice. 

Celebrating Puglia: Land of Eternal Sunshine

Taste of Italy is LA’s premiere food and wine event with authentic Italian food, wine, and entertainment to benefit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA). The event celebrates the cultural richness of the Italian peninsula. Last year, Taste of Italy highlighted the Italian region of Puglia, known as the “heel of the boot”. Puglia is known for its quintessential Mediterranean climate: short mild winters and long, hot, dry summers with LOTS of sunshine. The wines from Puglia are known for their great values. Specifically, the region is known for the Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes.

I was not able to attend the main event, but I did attend the “Taste of Italy” preview dinner for press at Luigi al Teatro featuring a Puglia inspired menu. Luigi Fineo, executive chef at Luigi al Teatro, is the nation’s youngest chef to earn the Michelin Star. We enjoyed a LOVELY evening that started with a wine tasting and passed hors d’oeuvres on the patio. We then moved into the restaurant for a beautiful coursed meal that left me in shock that I had never visited this restaurant before. It was easily one of the best meals I have ever had in Los Angeles. 

Chef Luigi Fineo & I

Enjoy the food and wine porn about to hit your eyeballs!

Aperitif Wines
Kumia Fiano
Selezione Nicola Chiaromonte Gioia Del Colle Primitivo 2011 

Duo Starter
Polipo alla Griglia
Grilled Spanish Octopus, Cireale Chickpea, Green Olives, Toy Box Tomato
&
Carpaccio di Orata
Sea Bream, Orange, Basil Seeds, Lemon, Olive Oil 

Dinner Wine
Muro Sant’Angelo Gioia del Colle Primitivo 2014 

Pasta
Ari Vecchia
Cavatelli, Potato, Mussels, Bottarga, Pachino 

Duo Entree
Filleto di San Pietro
Baked John Dory, Tomato-Spinach Acciugata
&
Australian Wagyu New York Steak
Grilled Australian Wagyu, Seasonal Vegetables, Black Winter Truffle 

Dessert
Budino
Chocolate, Crème Fraiche, Maldon Salt 

This year the Taste of Italy event will take place on October 12, 2019 at the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Thank you to Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of IAMLA for the invitation to this impeccable event.

Ciao!

Three Rivers Winery: Where Family Comes First

Holly & Andy (dirty hands = wine life)

As a wine blogger I get to try A LOT of really great wines. And occasionally, I get to partake in some pretty exciting food and wine pairing events. This was definitely one of them. It is not often that you get to enjoy a 6-course meal, plus wine pairings, with the winemakers onsite at their vineyard/winery. It was a stellar evening all-around at Three Rivers Winery! This wine pairing dinner was a part of the Wine Bloggers Conference (recently renamed to the Wine Media Conference) in Walla Walla, Washington. It was, hands down, my favorite evening of the conference. 

Andy & Holly Turner

At Three Rivers, we’re in the Columbia Valley AVA in Eastern Washington, which has over 40,000 acres under vine. Fun fact: 99% of all Washington wine is produced here. There are eight smaller AVAs within the Columbia Valley and Three Rivers currently harvests fruit from four of them: Red Mountain, Walla Walla, Horse Heaven Hills, and Wahluke Slope. The name Three Rivers comes from the nearby intersection of the Columbia, Snake, and Walla Walla Rivers.

Three Rivers Winery is the essence of Walla Walla wine country. When you’re in Walla Walla, you’re family. And that’s what it felt like at Three Rivers. Downtown Walla Walla is quaint with charming storefronts, lots of tasting rooms, and a feeling of “everyone knows everyone”. When you arrive at Three Rivers you might be greeted by Holly Turner, the winemaker, or her husband Andy, the GM who also makes wine with her. It’s a sprawling property with a lovely tasting room onsite that is warm and inviting. 

Three Rivers Winery

Aperitif upon arrival

As one can imagine, Holly and Andy spend A LOT of time at Three Rivers. They have raised three children and while at the dinner we spoke about how those children have grown up in wineries and how sometimes in the busy seasons they’d spend more time together as a family in the winery than at home. Family really does come first at Three Rivers Winery. 

Holly walking us through the wines

Here are the details from our lovely wine pairing dinner. The meal comes to us from Executive Chef Matt Antonich of The Club at Rock Creek in Coer d’Alene, Idaho. 

Three Rivers Winery tasting room

First Course
Saffron Scallops (Fresh scallops pan seared over Alaskan king crab risotto and Reserve Chardonnay saffron beurre blanc)

2016 Reserve Chardonnay (Gamache Vineyard, Columbia Valley) current release: 2017 $35
This wine sees 8 months in French oak, 24% new. A beautiful nose on this wine of toasted oak and butterscotch. Lots of toasty nuts, poached pear, and MLF notes. 189 cases produced. 

Saffron Scallops

Second Course
Rocky Mountain Elk Chop (Organic free-range grilled elk chop atop Asian short rib fried rice served with huckleberry Malbec gastrique and fresh chanterelle elk demi-glace)

2015 Walla Walla Syrah current release: 2016 $42
80% Syrah, McB Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley

10% Petit Verdot, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley

10% Cabernet Sauvignon, Bacchus Vineyard, Columbia Valley
This wine is aged 17 months in French oak, 60% new. Classic Syrah notes of black pepper plus dried meat/jerky. Also, coffee on the back palate. 116 cases produced.

2016 Malbec (Gamache Vineyard, Columbia Valley) $38
This wine is aged 17 months in 43% new French & American oak. Dark red fruit (very plummy, plus cherry notes) and a medium + body. A soft, smooth, and pleasing wine. 165 cases produced. 

Rocky Mountain Elk Chop

Intermezzo
Lemon Herb Bees Knees (Adult slush mixed with lemon, herbs, local honey, and gin) 

Lemon Herb Bees Knees

Third Course
Cabernet Braised Lamb Shank (Slow and low lamb shank braised in Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and served with roasted tomato lamb glacé over Point Reyes blue cheese corn grits and roasted butternut squash with toasted black truffle squash seeds)

2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $42
Three Rivers Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley
This wine sees 17 months in French oak, 50% new.
This is the first estate vintage of this Cab. A big, beautiful wine unabashedly structured. Very balanced. Precise. Med + drying tannins. 143 cases produced.

2015 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon $39
Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley
This wine sees 17 months in French oak, 50% new. Spice box all day, every day. Way more spice box than the previous Cab. Cigar/smoky tobacco notes. 145 cases produced. 

Cabernet Braised Lamb Shank

Fourth Course
Impossible Mole Empanadas (Southwest seasoned Impossible Burger filled empanada served with classic red mole, tomatillo verde, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, and chipotle lime sour cream)

2015 Svelte $50

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Vineyards: Seven Hills, Bacchus, Sagemoor, Gamache, and Weinbau. 

This wine sees 18 months in new French oak. A classic Cabernet, this is their signature wine. Strong tannins that will smooth with age. 143 cases produced.

2016 Trivulet (51% Cabernet Franc, 49% Merlot) $38
Wainbau and Bacchus Vineyards
This wine sees 17 months in French oak, 20% new. This is their first vintage of this wine. The Merlot really makes the Cab Franc approachable. I dig this. 120 cases produced. 

Impossible Mole Empanadas

Final Course
Poached Green Bluff Bartlett Pear (Fresh green bluff Bartlett pear poached in Riesling and served with huckleberry mousse and a dollop of vanilla bean Frangelico cream dusted with huckleberry powder and garnished with apple mint)

2017 Riesling (Bacchus Vineyard, Columbia Valley) $18 

All stainless steel. This Riesling gives us just a whisper of sweetness (3.7% RS to be exact) with a slight petrol nose. Love this wine because it can function as an aperitif and also works perfectly with this light dessert. 217 cases produced. 

Poached Green Bluff Bartlett Pear