$17 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Sharp-eyed wine club members will recall that we’ve featured the juice of Andrew Jones, winemaker for Field Recordings as selections in the past.  This young man has been busy, and now offers a number of labels, including Cane and Fable (a joint venture with Sans Liege); Fiction; Almanac; Wonderfall; as well as Field Recordings.

This month, we’re offering selections from Field Recordings and Wonderfall (three value wines priced at $20 each.

Central to Jones’ success is sourcing fruit from great vineyards all over California.  Having stood in just about every vineyard on the Central Coast, he has a keen eye for diamonds in the rough: sites that are unknown or under-appreciated but hold enormous untapped potential.  You’ll taste that in his wines this month.

Winery Tasting Notes: Pours like a blackberry glaze and smells of smoked rib roast, cedar planks and rose petals.  Subtle hints of dark cherries, wet stone and tobacco on the pallet. Weighty but refreshing at only 13% alcohol.

$24.95  (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

I’ve visited Wilderotter’s tasting rooms a couple of times in Amador County during annual “Behind the Cellar Door” events, even though I typically avoid these affairs like the plague because of the crush of people.  This one is fun though, and I was disappointed early in spring when, for the second time, I didn’t get to meet owner/winemaker Jay Wilderotter.  A former U.S. Air Force pilot, he owns the 40-acre estate with his wife Maggie, a senior executive with an east coast based technology company.

I left a card for Jay, and much to my surprise, he actually followed up with a phone call.  My experience is that many winemakers are often slow to respond or simply don’t follow up at all (I’ve had two such experiences this week alone).  I told Jay I appreciated his wines and thought a couple could potentially fit as a Carpe Vino Wine Club selection.

He offered to bring his wines to Auburn for Drew and me to taste, so we sent up a session.  All of half dozen or so wines he showcased for us were wonderful, but the Mourvedre was a real treat.  We agreed on pricing for a half pallet (26 cases) and bada boom, here you go.

Jay’s sauvignon blanc, roussanne and vigonier are some of the best white wines produced in the foothills, so. . .white wine club. . .one of these tasty treats could be in your future!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “This is essentially a red wine for the white wine enthusiast, exhibiting no committed tannins.  It starts off with a Rhone-style mineral bouquet, and opens to a nose of ripe cherry, cassis and plum.  Subtle hints of anise, sage, and parsley linger on the sinuses. This mid-bodied wine enters the palate extremely softly letting you know its approachability, but with no lack of fruit intensity. Finishing with smoky cassis and a light dusting of cocoa, this wine pairs beautifully with anything.  Enjoy within the next few years.  Bottled July 16, 2012.”

$50 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

It’s hard to believe, but though it is priced at $50 per bottle, Megahertz Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the second label of Bello Family Vineyards in St. Helena.  The big flagship cab goes for $100 per copy.

This is another winery with deep pockets.  Owner Michael Bellow started his career in residential construction. Passionate about living life to its fullest, his remarkable business achievements enabled him to pursue two lifelong dreams; to own a champion racehorse and produce champion wines. He enjoys operating the vineyard with his family.  Megahertz Cab is named for a filly who enjoyed a successful, five-year racing career.

Bello’s winemaker is Ross Wallace, a 1999 graduate of Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Science and a minor in Enology.  He has deep experience at some notable wineries, including Nickel and Nickel, Grgich Hills Estate, Groth Vineyards and Laird Family Estate.

Winery Tasting Notes:   “Round attack with rich red fruits, black currant, toffee and cedar leading to tobacco and velvety tannins, that ease into a long finish of plum, cherry and chocolate.  Supple and approachable. This is a model of drinkability highlighting velvety soft tannins with nice density and richness.”

$24.95  (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

I’ve visited Wilderotter’s tasting rooms a couple of times in Amador County during annual “Behind the Cellar Door” events, even though I typically avoid these affairs like the plague because of the crush of people.  This one is fun though, and I was disappointed early in spring when, for the second time, I didn’t get to meet owner/winemaker Jay Wilderotter.  A former U.S. Air Force pilot, he owns the 40-acre estate with his wife Maggie, a senior executive with an east coast based technology company.

I left a card for Jay, and much to my surprise, he actually followed up with a phone call.  My experience is that many winemakers are often slow to respond or simply don’t follow up at all (I’ve had two such experiences this week alone).  I told Jay I appreciated his wines and thought a couple could potentially fit as a Carpe Vino Wine Club selection.

He offered to bring his wines to Auburn for Drew and me to taste, so we sent up a session.  All of half dozen or so wines he showcased for us were wonderful, but the Mourvedre was a real treat.  We agreed on pricing for a half pallet (26 cases) and bada boom, here you go.

Jay’s sauvignon blanc, roussanne and vigonier are some of the best white wines produced in the foothills, so. . .white wine club. . .one of these tasty treats could be in your future!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “This is essentially a red wine for the white wine enthusiast, exhibiting no committed tannins.  It starts off with a Rhone-style mineral bouquet, and opens to a nose of ripe cherry, cassis and plum.  Subtle hints of anise, sage, and parsley linger on the sinuses. This mid-bodied wine enters the palate extremely softly letting you know its approachability, but with no lack of fruit intensity. Finishing with smoky cassis and a light dusting of cocoa, this wine pairs beautifully with anything.  Enjoy within the next few years.  Bottled July 16, 2012.”

$55 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

This is a winery where having access to resources is not an issue.  In 1999, owner Barry Waite purchased two Napa tracts:  a 60-acre vineyard in Yountville and 11 more in Oakville, to of the prime growing regions in the appellation.  Next, he hired Thomas Brown as founding winemaker, the same talented vintner who went on to earn two 100-point wines from Wine Spectator for Fred Schrader’s cabs.

Mr. Waite is an equestrian and maintains a stable for his Arabian endurance race horses at his Sundance Ranch, the same place where Tamber Bey wines are produced. . .hence the image of the magnificent animal on the wine labels.  Jennifer Waite, wife of the owner, took over management of the business in 2008.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “This wine is all about what makes our Deux Chevaux Vineyard Chardonnay so special. The complex nose mixes butterscotch, vanilla, sweet oak, dry fruits (apricots, mangos, bananas) up front that evolves into more subtle fennel flower, white truffle and Asagio cheese notes. The mouthfeel is rich, lush and creamy, mixing delicate apricot, brioche, white chocolate and dulce de leche flavors.”

$24 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Domaine Martin is the premier chardonnay producer of the iconic St-Véran appellation of Burgundy’s Mâconnais Cru area.  Among the 400 producers of St-Véran, Domaine Martin is one of just a few whose wines are entirely estate grown and bottled, and even fewer (about 1%) of the appellation whose grapes are certified organic.   Started by Maurice Martin in 1969, the estate covers 17 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are comprised of a mosaic of over 60 plots in the most prestigious part of the St- Véran appellation, close to Solutré-Pouilly-Vergisson.

Most plots face the rising sun on gentle slopes that extend from the eastern faces of the Solutré and Vergisson rock formations.  The vineyards’ chalk soils from the middle and upper Jurassic period are considered the best of St-Véran.

Winery Tasting Notes:   “Tons of citrus and honeysuckle with a bright acidity, chalk minerality and a long finish.  Domaine Martin St-Véran has such exceptional terroir, it’s no wonder they are considered the benchmark for the region. Their prime St-Véran vineyards feature the hallmark chalky soils. Old vines produce concentrated berries. And organic farming allows the amazing pedigree to shine through. The wines have energy, concentration and a true sense of place. Authentic, pure and delicious!

$24 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Domaine Martin is the premier chardonnay producer of the iconic St-Véran appellation of Burgundy’s Mâconnais Cru area.  Among the 400 producers of St-Véran, Domaine Martin is one of just a few whose wines are entirely estate grown and bottled, and even fewer (about 1%) of the appellation whose grapes are certified organic.   Started by Maurice Martin in 1969, the estate covers 17 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are comprised of a mosaic of over 60 plots in the most prestigious part of the St- Véran appellation, close to Solutré-Pouilly-Vergisson.

Most plots face the rising sun on gentle slopes that extend from the eastern faces of the Solutré and Vergisson rock formations.  The vineyards’ chalk soils from the middle and upper Jurassic period are considered the best of St-Véran.

Winery Tasting Notes:   “Tons of citrus and honeysuckle with a bright acidity, chalk minerality and a long finish.  Domaine Martin St-Véran has such exceptional terroir, it’s no wonder they are considered the benchmark for the region. Their prime St-Véran vineyards feature the hallmark chalky soils. Old vines produce concentrated berries. And organic farming allows the amazing pedigree to shine through. The wines have energy, concentration and a true sense of place. Authentic, pure and delicious!

$17 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Sharp-eyed wine club members will recall that we’ve featured the juice of Andrew Jones, winemaker for Field Recordings as selections in the past.  This young man has been busy, and now offers a number of labels, including Cane and Fable (a joint venture with Sans Liege); Fiction; Almanac; Wonderfall; as well as Field Recordings.

This month, we’re offering selections from Field Recordings and Wonderfall (three value wines priced at $20 each.

Central to Jones’ success is sourcing fruit from great vineyards all over California.  Having stood in just about every vineyard on the Central Coast, he has a keen eye for diamonds in the rough: sites that are unknown or under-appreciated but hold enormous untapped potential.  You’ll taste that in his wines this month.

Winery Tasting Notes: Pours like a blackberry glaze and smells of smoked rib roast, cedar planks and rose petals.  Subtle hints of dark cherries, wet stone and tobacco on the pallet. Weighty but refreshing at only 13% alcohol.

$24 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Domaine Martin is the premier chardonnay producer of the iconic St-Véran appellation of Burgundy’s Mâconnais Cru area.  Among the 400 producers of St-Véran, Domaine Martin is one of just a few whose wines are entirely estate grown and bottled, and even fewer (about 1%) of the appellation whose grapes are certified organic.   Started by Maurice Martin in 1969, the estate covers 17 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are comprised of a mosaic of over 60 plots in the most prestigious part of the St- Véran appellation, close to Solutré-Pouilly-Vergisson.

Most plots face the rising sun on gentle slopes that extend from the eastern faces of the Solutré and Vergisson rock formations.  The vineyards’ chalk soils from the middle and upper Jurassic period are considered the best of St-Véran.

Winery Tasting Notes:   “Tons of citrus and honeysuckle with a bright acidity, chalk minerality and a long finish.  Domaine Martin St-Véran has such exceptional terroir, it’s no wonder they are considered the benchmark for the region. Their prime St-Véran vineyards feature the hallmark chalky soils. Old vines produce concentrated berries. And organic farming allows the amazing pedigree to shine through. The wines have energy, concentration and a true sense of place. Authentic, pure and delicious!

$50 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

It’s hard to believe, but though it is priced at $50 per bottle, Megahertz Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the second label of Bello Family Vineyards in St. Helena.  The big flagship cab goes for $100 per copy.

This is another winery with deep pockets.  Owner Michael Bellow started his career in residential construction. Passionate about living life to its fullest, his remarkable business achievements enabled him to pursue two lifelong dreams; to own a champion racehorse and produce champion wines. He enjoys operating the vineyard with his family.  Megahertz Cab is named for a filly who enjoyed a successful, five-year racing career.

Bello’s winemaker is Ross Wallace, a 1999 graduate of Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Science and a minor in Enology.  He has deep experience at some notable wineries, including Nickel and Nickel, Grgich Hills Estate, Groth Vineyards and Laird Family Estate.

Winery Tasting Notes:   “Round attack with rich red fruits, black currant, toffee and cedar leading to tobacco and velvety tannins, that ease into a long finish of plum, cherry and chocolate.  Supple and approachable. This is a model of drinkability highlighting velvety soft tannins with nice density and richness.”