$17.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Here’s a winery in Paso Robles with psychedelic labels and a great back-story about Jake, Josh and Dawn Beckett from the company web site:

“The concept of Chronic Cellars came about in the midst of harvest in 2004. We had used the term “The Chronic” to describe likable objects before, but we had never considered it a suitable descriptor for wine. We sat alongside the crush pad one evening in our wine stained clothes and wet boots laughing about the idea of a wine that targeted a casual lifestyle.

“Jake and I were raised in the heart of Paso Robles wine country.  Wine and the art of wine making have been a part of our lives since the early 80’s.  After graduating from college we both returned to Paso Robles and joined the team at Peachy Canyon Winery.  After a decade each of immersing ourselves in all aspects of the wine industry we decided to do our own project.  We wanted to try something new and put the tools we have gathered to work on our dream.  We had a vision and a desire to make our statement in the wine industry that we could not deny.  After four years we took our first step toward Chronic Cellars.  From that dream to reality, our first wines went public in 2008.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Beautiful, dark purple hue with intense smoky vanilla, ripe cherries, white pepper, all spice, nutmeg and cinnamon on the nose.  Super-rich tastes of ripe, juicy cherries and strawberries, chocolate, mocha, leather and marzipan.  Mild tannins and balanced acidity. . .the ultimate paradise!”

Blend:  70% zinfandel, 14% syrah, 11% petite sirah, 5% Grenache

$30 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Look up “High Roller” in the Dictionary, and Michael Bello’s photo could be nominated to illustrate the definition.  He had it all:  a huge SoCal construction company employing 5,000 people with revenues that peaked at $167.5 million; a private jet valued at $8.5 million; a mansion in Newport Beach; exotic luxury cars; condos; and permanent welcome mats at the MGM Grand and Wynn in Las Vegas.  He was able to realize dreams of owning a champion racehorse and launching his own winery (where he built a grand, French farmhouse with imported materials on the estate).

With the economic collapse in 2007, it all came tumbling down.

Yet the Bello Family Winery continues, though mired in legal issues.  It’s a cautionary tale, for sure.  But the bottom line is the 2012 Megahertz Cab that we’re featuring this month (named after Bello’s racehorse that was sold for $2.1 million in 2007) is awesome juice and the last of the vintage.  Open your bottle and savor a taste of the high life, and remember. . .there can be a price to be paid.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “This wine reveals dusty bramble berry and scorched earth overtones that are accentuated by dry spice expressions of sage, long pepper, clove and freshly ground cinnamon stick. Baked essences of black cherry, blackberry jam, plum, black current, blueberry compote, savory soy and glazed plum sauce tie this wine together.  Savory rich red meat notes are nicely juxtaposed to the espresso roast and dark chocolate texture.”

Blend:  100% cabernet sauvignon

$80 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Robert Arrowood, owner of Amapola Creek along with this wife and partner, Alis, is one of the California wine industry’s founding fathers.  For more than 50 years–since starting his career in 1965 at Korbel Champagne Cellars in Sonoma–he has been among the elite of professional winemakers.  He worked directly for Rodney Strong and was the first winemaker at Chateau St. Jean.  His immense expertise has resulted in widespread recognition of his deftness in exploiting single-vineyards with small-lot wines of all varietals.

In 1985, he launched his own venture, Arrowood Vineyards & Winery that was ultimately acquired by Robert Mondavi Corp., followed by Constellation Brands and then Legacy Estate Group before finally ending up with Jackson Family Wines.

Robert moved on and along with Alis, launched Amapola Creek in 2005 and they haven’t looked back.

Wine Advocate Review (94 pts.):  “. . .comes from the new AVA called Moon Mountain.  A beauty, it offers up aromas of forest floor, black cherries, earth and spice with the oak pushed to the background.  Full-bodied with good depth, richness and density, the tannin is velvety textured and beautifully integrated into this full-throttle cabernet sauvignon.  Drink it over the next 15 to 20 years.”  –Robert Parker, Jr.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “A beauty, it offers up aromas of forest floor, black cherries, earth and spice with the oak pushed to the background. Full-bodied with good depth, richness and density, the tannin is velvety textured and beautifully integrated into this full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon.”

 Blend:  93% cabernet sauvignon; 7% petit verdot

$48 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

“Russell P. From began Herman Story Wines in 2001 with seven barrels stashed in his employer’s cellar. What started as a modest homage to his rancher grandfather has become a beacon to those seeking opulent, structured syrah and grenache. To maintain balance while giving flavor full stage, Russell works with 30 top-tier vineyards in seven+ distinct growing regions between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. Vineyards of particular note include: Bien Nacido, John Sebastiano, Larner, Murmur, Full Draw and White Hawk. From’s dedication has held the attention of discriminating consumers and reviewers alike, earning him a position in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List in 2014 for his On the Road Grenache.” –From the winery web site.

Wine Advocate Review (93 pts.):   “Offers up a perfumed bouquet of kirsch and black raspberry fruits, crushed rocks, spice and dried earth in a full-bodied, supple, balanced and delicious style.  It has a kick of savory tannin to integrate, but it’s already approachable and should offer tons of pleasure over the coming four to five years.”  –Jeb Dunnuck

Winery Tasting Notes:  “As disorientating as falling through a weakened wall and landing in a Gatsby-esque Prohibition speakeasy at the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt of New Orleans: braised strawberry compote, private-eye cigars, muddled sassafras branch, cherry candle wax, rose hips, blueberry beignets, foie gras and ginger snaps. All swaddled in the comfort of low light and true crushed velvet seats.”

Blend:  100% Grenache

$47 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

“In the mid-1990s, Winemaker James MacPhail began working as an old-style winemaker’s apprentice, with little formal training. After working with California Pinot Noir legends Mary Edwards and Gary Farrell, and developing a curiosity for cool climate appellations, James launched MacPhail Family Wines, in 2002. Today, MacPhail is part of another family, Hess Family Estates.

“Forging partnerships with growers who share his views of sustainability and the ability of wine to tell its story, he has gained a reputation for notable wines from Mendocino’s Anderson Valley, alongside selections from the true Sonoma Coast. Inquisitive still, he is exploring Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the famed Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara.” (From the Hess web site.)

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Not at
 all shy, (our Gap’s Crown Chardonnay is) more complex and alluring, with a
steely slate backbone balanced by a plush,
rich and creamy texture. French Oak suggests hazelnut nougat, and pleasing notes of dominant lemon curd and meringue are topped with floral notes, accented by white pepper. Not at all sweet (except in appeal), this is a standard-bearer for all who favor a traditionally styled Chardonnay, full of flavor, well-balanced and frankly, let’s just get some in your glass, shall we?”  –James MacPhail

Blend:  100% chardonnay

$35 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Powerhouse Kathryn WALT Hall is proprietor of the family winery, managing the vineyards with her brother from 1982 to 1992.  Her personal career then took a spectacular new arc. . .as assistant city attorney in Berkeley; then as an attorney in Dallas; president of Hall Financial Group; and, ultimately, she served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria.  Pretty amazing. . .oh yeah, she’s also fluent in French and German.

WALT wines are pretty special, too.  The 2012 and 2013 vintages pulled amazing scores from the critics, with 10 wines rating 90 points or better from Wine Spectator.  This month’s chardonnay selection is among the heavy hitters.

Wine Spectator Review (90 pts.):  “Well-proportioned, offering a mix of ripe pear, light fig and honeydew flavors, with light oak notes. Nothing stands out except the completeness. Drink now.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Bright golden straw color.  Effusive aromas of pineapple upside down cake, toasted hazelnut and delicate honeysuckle.  The palate offers up flavors of crème brûlée and lemon curd.  The texture on the mid-palate is decadent and round, finishing with a bright, flinty minerality.

Blend:  100% chardonnay

$15 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

This brand is experiencing a ground-up overhaulin’ (without any help from Chip Foose, the Velocity channel’s resident restoration wizard).  Cane & Fable has now morphed into “The Fablelist,” and that makes sense. . .I guess.  No matter, the wines are still made by the fabulous Central Coast duo of Curt Schalchlin (Sans Liege) and Andrew Jones (Field Recordings).  We’ve featured both of their wines individually as Wine Club selections, and we love what they do in collaboration.  Look for more downstream in 2016!

Gary’s Tasting Notes:  This is truly a pleasant wine with a smooth, round mouthfeel, light straw color and impressive flavors of peach and green apple as well as alluring fragrances of spring flowers.  No doubt a perfect paring with mild, white cheese and Weight-Watchers garden salad.

Blend:  100% sauvignon blanc

$30 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Look up “High Roller” in the Dictionary, and Michael Bello’s photo could be nominated to illustrate the definition.  He had it all:  a huge SoCal construction company employing 5,000 people with revenues that peaked at $167.5 million; a private jet valued at $8.5 million; a mansion in Newport Beach; exotic luxury cars; condos; and permanent welcome mats at the MGM Grand and Wynn in Las Vegas.  He was able to realize dreams of owning a champion racehorse and launching his own winery (where he built a grand, French farmhouse with imported materials on the estate).

With the economic collapse in 2007, it all came tumbling down.

Yet the Bello Family Winery continues, though mired in legal issues.  It’s a cautionary tale, for sure.  But the bottom line is the 2012 Megahertz Cab that we’re featuring this month (named after Bello’s racehorse that was sold for $2.1 million in 2007) is awesome juice and the last of the vintage.  Open your bottle and savor a taste of the high life, and remember. . .there can be a price to be paid.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “This wine reveals dusty bramble berry and scorched earth overtones that are accentuated by dry spice expressions of sage, long pepper, clove and freshly ground cinnamon stick. Baked essences of black cherry, blackberry jam, plum, black current, blueberry compote, savory soy and glazed plum sauce tie this wine together.  Savory rich red meat notes are nicely juxtaposed to the espresso roast and dark chocolate texture.”

Blend:  100% cabernet sauvignon

$35 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Powerhouse Kathryn WALT Hall is proprietor of the family winery, managing the vineyards with her brother from 1982 to 1992.  Her personal career then took a spectacular new arc. . .as assistant city attorney in Berkeley; then as an attorney in Dallas; president of Hall Financial Group; and, ultimately, she served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria.  Pretty amazing. . .oh yeah, she’s also fluent in French and German.

WALT wines are pretty special, too.  The 2012 and 2013 vintages pulled amazing scores from the critics, with 10 wines rating 90 points or better from Wine Spectator.  This month’s chardonnay selection is among the heavy hitters.

Wine Spectator Review (90 pts.):  “Well-proportioned, offering a mix of ripe pear, light fig and honeydew flavors, with light oak notes. Nothing stands out except the completeness. Drink now.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Bright golden straw color.  Effusive aromas of pineapple upside down cake, toasted hazelnut and delicate honeysuckle.  The palate offers up flavors of crème brûlée and lemon curd.  The texture on the mid-palate is decadent and round, finishing with a bright, flinty minerality.

Blend:  100% chardonnay

$48 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

“Russell P. From began Herman Story Wines in 2001 with seven barrels stashed in his employer’s cellar. What started as a modest homage to his rancher grandfather has become a beacon to those seeking opulent, structured syrah and grenache. To maintain balance while giving flavor full stage, Russell works with 30 top-tier vineyards in seven+ distinct growing regions between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. Vineyards of particular note include: Bien Nacido, John Sebastiano, Larner, Murmur, Full Draw and White Hawk. From’s dedication has held the attention of discriminating consumers and reviewers alike, earning him a position in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List in 2014 for his On the Road Grenache.” –From the winery web site.

Wine Advocate Review (93 pts.):   “Offers up a perfumed bouquet of kirsch and black raspberry fruits, crushed rocks, spice and dried earth in a full-bodied, supple, balanced and delicious style.  It has a kick of savory tannin to integrate, but it’s already approachable and should offer tons of pleasure over the coming four to five years.”  –Jeb Dunnuck

Winery Tasting Notes:  “As disorientating as falling through a weakened wall and landing in a Gatsby-esque Prohibition speakeasy at the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt of New Orleans: braised strawberry compote, private-eye cigars, muddled sassafras branch, cherry candle wax, rose hips, blueberry beignets, foie gras and ginger snaps. All swaddled in the comfort of low light and true crushed velvet seats.”

Blend:  100% Grenache