Korbin Kameron “Cuvee Kristin” Red Blend

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 $55 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

We often hear/read about very wealthy people who have become so enchanted with the notion of living the dream in wine country that—without much experience—they buy an expensive chunk of Napa or Sonoma and launch their own brand.  That was my reaction after reading what Mitchell Ming had to say in “Our Story” on Korbin Kameron Winery’s website:

“On a drive through the Sonoma Valley, we—Jenny and myself along with our children Kristin, Korbin and Kameron—came upon a homestead hovering high above the valley floor, so high that the land lived above the clouds. The house looked over acres and acres of rolling hills, wild with nature. And in that idyllic scene, we saw our dream of working together and creating quality wines from our estate grown grapes coming to life.”

So right away I assume Mr. Ming is an erstwhile high-tech mogul or a venture capitalist of some sort, but I couldn’t find much about him online (his Linkedin page has just one connection).

His wife, Jenny, on the other hand, absolutely lit up Google.  She was president of Gap/Old Navy for seven years and is now CEO & President of Charlotte Russe, a huge fashion retailer.  She is a board member of Kaiser Permanente, and in 2012, she gave the commencement address at her alma mater, San Jose State University.

Ah, another stereotype blown to bits.

The winery is truly family run, with Mr. Ming heading up the program.  His son is general manager and his two daughters handle marketing and wine club management.  Heavy lifting is handed-off to two pros:  winemaking is the purview of Bob Pepi; Phil Coturri is viticulturist.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The deep purple hues exhibited upon pouring this wine in the glass are very vibrant and appealing.  On the nose there is wonderful intensity and complexity with plums, dark cherries and hints of cigar box, toasty oak and dark chocolate.  On the palate, this well-balanced wine has a heavy structure and weight with a soft silky feel.  The flavors mimic the aromas with added hints of spice and star anise that linger nicely leading to an enjoyable finish.

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