Winery Tasting Notes:  None available from winery at this time.

Blend: 100% Tempranillo
Alcohol Level: 14.5
Cases Produced: 1,000
Winemaker Name: Curt Schalchlin & Andrew Jones
Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Steak, Chicken, Pork – Soft Cheese – Pizza & Pasta

Staff Review:  Jana Kosmata – he Fableist is a collaboration between winemakers Curt Schalchlin and Andrew Jones. Curt, owner and vintner of the heralded winery, Sans Liege, is known for his critically acclaimed Rhone varietal wines. Andrew, winemaker of Field Recordings spends his days planning and planting vineyards and has stood foot in just about every vineyard on the Central Coast. Together, they produce The Fableist, a collaboration that gives special attention to the craft and story behind each wine. 

I have had two exceptional Tempranillo’s in my short wine lifetime, the rest have all fallen short of my expectations, which saddens me some because this grape could open the door to broadening the minds of some future wine lovers.  When I saw that Drew had picked a Tempranillo for wine club this month I was a little excited and hopeful it would live up to my Tempranillo expectations.  I popped the cork on this bottle without food even being a possibility, so right away this wine had some huge obstacles to overcome in trying to woo me to loving it!  Call me easy if you want…but she had me at sip one, by the second sip I was a little giddy with excitement and forced my friend, who was drinking beer, to sample her…it was unanimous, she was a winner!  So silky on the tongue with so much flavor and her color, don’t even get me started, I will just say gorgeous with amazing legs!  The bold berry fruit upfront is usually my favorite part but when a wine lingers on the back of the tongue with a delicate fine touch of smooth silky dark chocolate richness, I lose my mind!  I LOVE THIS WINE!  Drink this bottle first and drink this bottle all by itself because in my opinion food would take away the part that makes this wine great!

Winery Tasting Notes: “A rustic punch of blueberries, black cherries and red currents with a touch of mint and rosemary.  Drink with friends after putting in a hard day’s work.”  The 2015 Hidden Vineyard is a limited production Cab Franc that simply oozes with dark, briery yumminess.  Blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry fill the glass and lead the way for deeper notes of bittersweet chocolate, fennel, white pepper and roasted herbs.”

Blend: 95% Cabernet Franc 5% Malbec
Alcohol Level: 12.9%
Cases Produced: 1,210
Winemaker Name: Limited Production
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  No need to over think this wine…it pairs well with everything!

Staff Review:  Jana Kosmata – Andrew Jones’ Field Recordings label offers a great selection of wonderfully unique wines from select sub-vineyards in and around Paso Robles.  Jones is a nursery fieldsman by trade, however over the years; he’s cultivated many close relationships that have resulted in limited access to some of his clients’ finest parcels.  With exclusive access such as this, Jones rightly decided to make his own wines, and boy are we glad that he did!”

I was born and raised in Bakersfield (don’t feel sorry for me I loved growing up here) and as a child we drove through Paso Robles about 20 times a year on our way to Pismo Beach to spend weekends, summers and most every holiday!  At the time it was a small, blink of a town with a pretty awesome fair that we would attend every August and watch the likes of Alabama, Lee Greenwood and George Strait in concert.  I never dreamed that Paso Robles would become my favorite wine destination nor did I ever imagine those dry hillsides would grow the grapes to some of my favorite wines!  So when it comes to Paso Wines, it is becoming clear, I like most everything!  But, I LOVE very few and when you work where I work you only drink wines you love, the wines you want to share with everybody and this Field Recording Cab Franc is one I am so pleased to share with our wine club members!

The 2015 Hidden Vineyard is a limited production Cab Franc that simply oozes with yumminess.  Blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry fill the glass and lead the way for deeper notes of bittersweet chocolate, fennel, white pepper (my favorite) and roasted herbs.  Simply put, this wine rocks and I could drink it every day with my dinner or lunch.  It never overpowers your taste buds nor does it try to steal away the flavors of the food you are enjoying…it’s lovely on the tongue!

Winery Tasting Notes: “Our vineyard selection ranges from the cool, rolling Sonoma Valley to the faceted and rugged hills of the Mayacamas Range. We work with a few outstanding vineyards and growers to source our components for the Head High Red Blend. Madder Lake Vineyards provides our Grenache and Zinfandel, Lichau Hill and Roundball Vineyards our Cabernet, and Fichtenberg Vineyard the Merlot and Malbec. The resulting wine is a balanced, powerful blend—juicy dark and seductive in its impact.”

Blend: 36% Malbec, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Zinfandel, and 11% Grenache
Alcohol Level: 14.2%
Cases Produced: 3,345
Winemaker Name: Samuel Spencer
Maturity: Drink Now – 2026

Pairings: Smoked or Roasted Pork (especially chops or tenderloin), Root Vegetables, and Pungent Cheeses

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – This is a fairly new project for partners Bill Price III and winemaker Samuel Smith whom both have illustrious careers in the wine business.  Smith was formerly the director of winegrowing for Cameron Hughes and currently owns the Matter Lake Vineyard in Lake County.  Price is the owner of Classic Wines and Price Family Vineyards located in Sonoma County.  Together they developed “Head High” winery which symbolizes a sport that they are both truly passionate about…surfing.  They make only three wines; Rose, Pinot Noir and a red blend of which $1 is donated (for every two bottles sold) to the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation and Sustainable Surf.

One of the most important elements of both surfing and winemaking is balance.  That single characteristic shines through this 2013 Head High red wine which inevitably led us to choose it for a wine club selection.  Why I like it?  First it’s the layers upon layers of blueberry, blackberry and chocolate that overwhelms your palate.  Its rich and plush yet not overbearing and with the addition of Zinfandel…it just gives it that little pop that keeps you coming back for more.  This is a go-to wine when you are looking for a fuller-style wine but want to stay away from Cab Sauv for the night.  Definitely enjoy now…but don’t be ashamed to lay it down for a year or two!  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes: “Near ideal growing conditions in 2012 yielded a classic example of Salvestrin Estate Cabernet. The wine is deeply colored with a black center and garnet edges. Lower your nose to the glass and you’ll find a heavy perfume of lavender, camphor, and black cherry. Its multi-dimensional palate is rich and pure, with a fresh acidity. Flavors of chocolate and blackberry are carried through the lengthy finish. This is a wine that is drinking well now but will improve with ten plus years of aging.”

Wine Advocate Review (93 pts): “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc, has interesting charcuterie, meaty smells and roasted herbs in the nose, followed by black cherry and blackcurrant fruit. It is a Mediterranean style of Cabernet Sauvignon that has lush, soft tannin, a dense ruby/purple color and immediate drinkability. However, there’s no doubt it can age well for another 5-10 years.”  –Robert M. Parker Jr.

Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot & 3% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol Level: 14.8%
Cases Produced: Limited Production
Winemaker Name: Rich Salvestrin
Maturity: Drink Now – 2024

Pairings:  Grilled/BBQ’d, Smoked or Roasted, Red Meats, Pork.  You know what this one deserves!

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – CV WC Members scored on this one, receiving one of our best QTPR “Quality-To-Price-Ratio” wines on the market.  We have always been a fan of Salvestrin Winery which an absolute staple of the Napa Valley…but this wine, at this price is DREAMY!  Let’s start with some background.  Salvestrin was purchased back in 1932 by Italian immigrants John and Emma Salvestrin.  The most important fact about this purchase was the land they were acquiring was the historic CRANE RANCH and included the Victorian home of Dr Crane. If you are not familiar with Dr Crane Vineyard, it is simply one of the most sought after vineyards in all of California, 2^nd (arguably) to Beckstoffer – To Kalon Vineyard in Napa Valley.  Also, Crane Vineyard wines easily fetch $150-$500 per bottle!!!

With three generations of continual family farming and winemaking, the Salvestrin label is pure, balanced and absolutely delicious.  One of the most sought after wines in their line-up would be the Cabernet Franc which consistently sells out first vintage-after-vintage.  You will find a scoash (3%) of Cabernet Franc blended into this Cabernet Sauvignon, but even at 3% it helps add that beautiful flavor that is synonymous with Salvestrin wine.  Being a 2012 this wine has some nice age to it already but could benefit from a few more years.  That said, why wait!  Cheers!

2014 Baldacci Family Vineyards “Sorelle” Chardonnay (Napa Valley / Carneros) $38

Winery Tasting Notes: “Our Honey B Vineyard is located in the Carneros AVA of the Napa Valley. This cool climate growing region is widely recognized for premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines which are influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean combined with summer fog, warm days, and a long, temperate growing season. We have 20.68 acres planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Gewürztraminer. The 2014 harvest was on the early side, this year. We had substantial rain in late February and early March which helped offset another dry winter. Starting with bud break through to veraison and finally ending with harvest, everything was ahead of schedule. Our Honey B Vineyard, in Carneros, had ideal temperatures through harvest which allowed for excellent ripening and a full spectrum of flavors.”

“Balance” continues to define this wine as we elegantly blend the Old & New Worlds of Chardonnay. A silky and generous mouthfeel gives way to bright acid, Meyer lemon, green apple & pineapple with buttered biscuit & roasted almond flavors.”

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced: 1,152
Winemaker Name: Rolando Herrera
Maturity: Drink Now – 2024+

Pairings:  Chicken/Turkey.  Poached Lobster, Soft Cheeses and Shrooms!

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Baldacci…AHH one of my fav’s in all of the Napa Valley.  We first started carrying Baldacci over 10+ years ago purchasing their estate Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2^nd label “Four Sons” Cabernet Sauvignon (now called Fraternity) with overwhelming success.  The attraction to this label for our customers was simple…great fruit from the Stags’ Leap District and winemaker Rolando Herrera.  If that name sounds familiar it should, because he is the winemaker/owner for another favorite winery of ours…” Mi Sueno.”  Between the two wineries we have sold 100’s upon 100’s of cases of Herreria made wine!  That said, the 2014 Sorelle Chardonnay is a first for us!  Though new for CV, it has been a stellar revenue producing wine for Baldacci, because Chardonnay is definitely (next to Cab) tops in Herrera’s wheel-house.  Over the past years we have sold several different vintages of Mi Sueno “Carneros” Chardonnay here at Carpe Vino with (again) huge success.  Seeing the success and constant customers’ requests for Mi Sueno it was only natural for us to bring this wine in as a wine club selection.

You do not need to complicate this wine…it is just solid for the price (wine club members check your receipt).  Definitely geared more towards a California Chardonnay consumer’s palate, this wine has the big creamy flavors, with 45% new French oak that gives you the body/structure and lasting finish you have come to love.  Enjoy now or for a decade or so to come.  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes: “This show stopping white displays effusive aromas of white flower, stone fruit, honey and toast which erupt into opulent flavours of pear, orange blossom, caramel and spice. It’s a world class wine offering that strikes a brilliant balance between lush fruit and crisp, mouth-watering acidity.

Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol Level: 13.8%
Cases Produced: Less than 300 cases imported
Winemaker Name: Carl van der Merwe
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:   Poached Lobster/Shellfish, sautéed Chicken, Soft Cheese including Brie, Mascarpone

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Wow! That’s all I can really say about this wine from De Morgenzon winery out of Stellenbosch, South Africa.  Even though its new to us De Morgenzon first started in 1682 when it was part of the Uiterwyk (“Outer Ward”) one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms.  Purchased in 2003 by Hylton and Wendy Appelbaum, the property was quickly transformed into one of the premier estates for Chenin Blanc / Chardonnay / White Wine in all of South Africa.  Without a doubt, this is currently one of my (if not the) favorite wineries in South Africa.

It all started back in March when we decided to introduce a new program called “Wine Wars” to Carpe Vino’s docket of wine tasting/purchasing events.  While tasting subtle candidates to represent their respected country we found De Morgenzon as the diamond in the rough.  We purchased their 2014 Reserve Chenin Blanc and liked the wine so much we sold it all (only 5 cases for Northern California) and then proceeded to start selling the 2015 for the event.  We now have sold over 20 cases of this wine and have quickly become one of the top sellers of DMZ wines not only in California but nation-wide.

The thing is that this fruit is expensive to cultivate, even an economically challenged country like South Africa where labor is CHEAP.  I always tell people that if this wine that sells for $35.95/bottle was produced in California it would cost nearly triple the price!  The terrain is perfect for this variety and at nearly a 1000ft of elevation and steep hillside slopes this Reserve Chenin Blanc is powerful with flavors reminiscent to Chardonnay.  This is one you must try…and hopefully if you are like me will be forever a fan of De Morgenzon for years to come.  Cheers!

Winery Tasting Notes: “A rustic punch of blueberries, black cherries and red currents with a touch of mint and rosemary.  Drink with friends after putting in a hard day’s work.”  The 2015 Hidden Vineyard is a limited production Cab Franc that simply oozes with dark, briery yumminess.  Blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry fill the glass and lead the way for deeper notes of bittersweet chocolate, fennel, white pepper and roasted herbs.”

Blend: 95% Cabernet Franc 5% Malbec
Alcohol Level: 12.9%
Cases Produced: 1,210
Winemaker Name: Limited Production
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  No need to over think this wine…it pairs well with everything!

Staff Review:  Jana Kosmata – Andrew Jones’ Field Recordings label offers a great selection of wonderfully unique wines from select sub-vineyards in and around Paso Robles.  Jones is a nursery fieldsman by trade, however over the years; he’s cultivated many close relationships that have resulted in limited access to some of his clients’ finest parcels.  With exclusive access such as this, Jones rightly decided to make his own wines, and boy are we glad that he did!”

I was born and raised in Bakersfield (don’t feel sorry for me I loved growing up here) and as a child we drove through Paso Robles about 20 times a year on our way to Pismo Beach to spend weekends, summers and most every holiday!  At the time it was a small, blink of a town with a pretty awesome fair that we would attend every August and watch the likes of Alabama, Lee Greenwood and George Strait in concert.  I never dreamed that Paso Robles would become my favorite wine destination nor did I ever imagine those dry hillsides would grow the grapes to some of my favorite wines!  So when it comes to Paso Wines, it is becoming clear, I like most everything!  But, I LOVE very few and when you work where I work you only drink wines you love, the wines you want to share with everybody and this Field Recording Cab Franc is one I am so pleased to share with our wine club members!

The 2015 Hidden Vineyard is a limited production Cab Franc that simply oozes with yumminess.  Blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry fill the glass and lead the way for deeper notes of bittersweet chocolate, fennel, white pepper (my favorite) and roasted herbs.  Simply put, this wine rocks and I could drink it every day with my dinner or lunch.  It never overpowers your taste buds nor does it try to steal away the flavors of the food you are enjoying…it’s lovely on the tongue!

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% Gewürztraminer
Alcohol Level: 14.2%
Cases Produced: 200
Winemaker Name: Xavier Arnaudin
Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Cured Meats, Poached or Steamed Lobster/Shellfish, Hot & Spicy Asian Cuisine

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Gewürztraminer?!?  You know what…it’s really, really good juice and perfect for these warm summer months.  I have always been a fan of Gewürztraminer/Riesling but more specifically semi-sweet/dry wines.  Typically, I find myself drinking these earlier in the evening or as a substitute for a sparkling wine or beer.  Domestically, we have come a long way these varieties and it isn’t just for the sweet tooth or when white zin isn’t available.  A perfect example is that from Union Sacre (or Sacred Union).

Union Sacre, a partnership formed (by friends’) Xavier Arnaudin and Philip Muzzy began during the harvest of October 2012.  Both men were up-and-coming stars in the So Cal wine scene with Xavier as an assistant winemaker for Sans Liege and whom also worked with other outstanding producers such as; Barrel 27, Herman Story and Arcadian.  Philip, a marketing expert, helped design labels for most if not all of those wineries so their paths obviously crossed over the years.  Their goal for a wine label was simple: “why not create something to share at dinner with the winemakers, friends and family from whom we’ve learned so much?”  That night, Union Sacre was born.

The thing I love the most about these two yutes (My Cousin Vinny reference) was that both their skill sets are manifested in Union Sacre.  The wines are phenomenal and the packaging is some of the most unique on the market!  Also they live by the principle of: “We are not autres, adventurers or advocates, we are simply two friends throwing all our weight into making wine worthy of our friends’ and families’ tables. Union Sacre is the bread we break together.”  So true!

Winery Tasting Notes: “Near ideal growing conditions in 2012 yielded a classic example of Salvestrin Estate Cabernet. The wine is deeply colored with a black center and garnet edges. Lower your nose to the glass and you’ll find a heavy perfume of lavender, camphor, and black cherry. Its multi-dimensional palate is rich and pure, with a fresh acidity. Flavors of chocolate and blackberry are carried through the lengthy finish. This is a wine that is drinking well now but will improve with ten plus years of aging.”

Wine Advocate Review (93 pts): “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc, has interesting charcuterie, meaty smells and roasted herbs in the nose, followed by black cherry and blackcurrant fruit. It is a Mediterranean style of Cabernet Sauvignon that has lush, soft tannin, a dense ruby/purple color and immediate drinkability. However, there’s no doubt it can age well for another 5-10 years.”  –Robert M. Parker Jr.

Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot & 3% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol Level: 14.8%
Cases Produced: Limited Production
Winemaker Name: Rich Salvestrin
Maturity: Drink Now – 2024

Pairings:  Grilled/BBQ’d, Smoked or Roasted, Red Meats, Pork.  You know what this one deserves!

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – CV WC Members scored on this one, receiving one of our best QTPR “Quality-To-Price-Ratio” wines on the market.  We have always been a fan of Salvestrin Winery which an absolute staple of the Napa Valley…but this wine, at this price is DREAMY!  Let’s start with some background.  Salvestrin was purchased back in 1932 by Italian immigrants John and Emma Salvestrin.  The most important fact about this purchase was the land they were acquiring was the historic CRANE RANCH and included the Victorian home of Dr Crane. If you are not familiar with Dr Crane Vineyard, it is simply one of the most sought after vineyards in all of California, 2^nd (arguably) to Beckstoffer – To Kalon Vineyard in Napa Valley.  Also, Crane Vineyard wines easily fetch $150-$500 per bottle!!!

With three generations of continual family farming and winemaking, the Salvestrin label is pure, balanced and absolutely delicious.  One of the most sought after wines in their line-up would be the Cabernet Franc which consistently sells out first vintage-after-vintage.  You will find a scoash (3%) of Cabernet Franc blended into this Cabernet Sauvignon, but even at 3% it helps add that beautiful flavor that is synonymous with Salvestrin wine.  Being a 2012 this wine has some nice age to it already but could benefit from a few more years.  That said, why wait!  Cheers!

2014 Baldacci Family Vineyards “Sorelle” Chardonnay (Napa Valley / Carneros) $38

Winery Tasting Notes: “Our Honey B Vineyard is located in the Carneros AVA of the Napa Valley. This cool climate growing region is widely recognized for premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines which are influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean combined with summer fog, warm days, and a long, temperate growing season. We have 20.68 acres planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Gewürztraminer. The 2014 harvest was on the early side, this year. We had substantial rain in late February and early March which helped offset another dry winter. Starting with bud break through to veraison and finally ending with harvest, everything was ahead of schedule. Our Honey B Vineyard, in Carneros, had ideal temperatures through harvest which allowed for excellent ripening and a full spectrum of flavors.”

“Balance” continues to define this wine as we elegantly blend the Old & New Worlds of Chardonnay. A silky and generous mouthfeel gives way to bright acid, Meyer lemon, green apple & pineapple with buttered biscuit & roasted almond flavors.”

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced: 1,152
Winemaker Name: Rolando Herrera
Maturity: Drink Now – 2024+

Pairings:  Chicken/Turkey.  Poached Lobster, Soft Cheeses and Shrooms!

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Baldacci…AHH one of my fav’s in all of the Napa Valley.  We first started carrying Baldacci over 10+ years ago purchasing their estate Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2^nd label “Four Sons” Cabernet Sauvignon (now called Fraternity) with overwhelming success.  The attraction to this label for our customers was simple…great fruit from the Stags’ Leap District and winemaker Rolando Herrera.  If that name sounds familiar it should, because he is the winemaker/owner for another favorite winery of ours…” Mi Sueno.”  Between the two wineries we have sold 100’s upon 100’s of cases of Herreria made wine!  That said, the 2014 Sorelle Chardonnay is a first for us!  Though new for CV, it has been a stellar revenue producing wine for Baldacci, because Chardonnay is definitely (next to Cab) tops in Herrera’s wheel-house.  Over the past years we have sold several different vintages of Mi Sueno “Carneros” Chardonnay here at Carpe Vino with (again) huge success.  Seeing the success and constant customers’ requests for Mi Sueno it was only natural for us to bring this wine in as a wine club selection.

You do not need to complicate this wine…it is just solid for the price (wine club members check your receipt).  Definitely geared more towards a California Chardonnay consumer’s palate, this wine has the big creamy flavors, with 45% new French oak that gives you the body/structure and lasting finish you have come to love.  Enjoy now or for a decade or so to come.  Cheers!