Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard is a hidden unknown gem in Livermore Valley, California.
Producing some of the best wine grapes and wines in California. And although most true wine loving aficionados and California wine country enthusiast ‘think’ they really know “Wine Country” well, I would bet most would be hard pressed to tell you much about Livermore Valley, or Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard.
Well (pardon the pun) Let’s Change This Travesty!
Murrieta’s Well Estate Winery is in Alameda County, and is one of the oldest original wine estates in California, having 1st began growing grapes in the late 1800’s. Started by Louis Mel in 1884, he and his wife built a Gravity Flow Winery and planted grapevines. But not just any grapevines…
The vineyard has very prestigious pedigree having started from cuttings from the famed Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux vineyards in Bordeaux France!
Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard continues today to produce the highest quality fruit, and the some of the original vines from Bordeaux still grow on the estate today! In 1933 Louis Mel sold the property to his friend Ernest Wente, where it is still to this day part of the Wente Family Estate.
In 1990 Philip Wente & Sergio Traverso together began reviving the original winery. They named the winery Murrieta’s Well paying homage to the rich history of the property.
Fast forward to today and you find the UC Davis trained Winemaker Robbie Meyer. He is dedicated to spending as much time and effort as needed growing fruit in the vineyard, caring for it in the winery, and crafting into amazing wines. Robbie believes the wines are primarily made in the vineyard. Then after harvest; patiently and artistically blending the wines until they are exceptionally pleasing and intriguing at the same time.
“You have to be attentive to all that happens around you in the vineyard and winery. Be flexible, draw on your experiences, trust your instincts and have faith in your palate.”
Robbie Meyer, Head Winemaker
The wonderful Snooth Media sent several samples to me a few weeks back, and we did a Virtual Tasting with Snooth, many of the Wine Bloggers across the US, and Winemaker Robbie Meyer. Here are my thoughts and tasting notes on the wines:
2017 Small Lot Sauvignon Blanc
Not your average Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel fermented and Lees aged give it a med body. Complex & layered with Ruby Red Grapefruit, Apricot, Minerals, and Floral. Great acidity and body make this a special bottle. Retail $35 / 14.2 Alc.
2017 The Whip
Blend of 33% Sauv Blanc, 24% Semillion, 21% Chardonnay, 12% Orange Muscat, 10% Viognier. Aromatics from the Orange Muscat & Viognier. White Peach & Apricot plus richness and body are byproducts of the Chardonnay & Semillion. White Peach, Apricot, and floral dominate the nose and the palate. While great with food, I think a beautiful summer sipper on the patio is what comes to mind! Retail $26 / 13.5% Alc.
2017 Dry Rosé
2017 Dry Rose
42% Grenache, 39% Counoise, 19% Mouvedre. This is an opulent wine! Not your light weight quaffable Provence wine, this is a unabashed lavish rosé. Salmon in color. Strawberry, Watermelon, Minerals, great acidity and LONG finish! Beautiful dry wine. Retail $30 / 13.5% Alc.
2015 The Spur
Blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Sirah, 18% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc. Each varietal is fermented and produced individually, then blended with care and patience. This is a powerful red wine, dark & mysterious in the glass. Blueberry, Blackberry, Cherry, Vanilla, and a hint of tobacco and spices on the palate and nose. Full body and smooth integrated tannins. This wine begs for a big juicy Rib Eye! Retail $35 (a steal) / 14.5% Alc
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black fruits, Dark Chocolate, Black Cherry, Olive, Vannila, and fresh cut wood on the nose. Full body, medium tannins, balanced and refined. This is a big wine that is drinking great now, but I would love to lay down for about 15 years to see it’s brilliance evolve. Very small production at 27 barrels total! 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cab Franc, and the blending is amazing. Think a more fruit forward version of Left Bank Bordeaux that can be enjoyed now! Retail $58 (are you kidding? Napa would charge $150+) / 14.2% Alc
Admittedly these were samples sent to me to review. But any of you that really know me understand if the wines are not up to par they will never be featured on these pages.
I have been a big fan of the wines from Murrietta’s Well Estate Vineyard for several years. The quality overall that is being produced in SMALL LOTS in Livermore Valley are amazing. These wines are all very limited production and great values.
You can order wines and get more information about the entire portfolio of Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard by clicking HERE.
Thank you Murrietta’s Well Estate Vineyards and Snooth Media for the opportunity to enjoy and share these wines with my followers. Leave a comment below so I will know you were here, and share your thoughts of these wines and my article please!
Willamette Valley Oregonis one of the absolute best wine regions in the entire world. They produce some of the most world class Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and (finally) Chardonnay not only in the US, but in the world. Willamette wine producers and workers are also some of the friendliest and most accommodating folks that you will ever encounter in wine country. They really know their stuff, and love sharing the wonders of Willamette wines. And the beauty of Willamette Valley vineyards and countryside may arguably be the prettiest wine country overall in the US.
But don’t pronounce Willamette “will-a-meat”, or “will-a-met” or anything else. You will be corrected immediately by the locals…
“It is pronounced Will-am-it, just like Dammit!”
My lovely bride and I had a Wedding Anniversary coming up, and we decided we wanted to go to wine country…yah shocker huh? We know Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley like the back of our hands because we visit often. We know the best areas to taste, we know where to eat, we know that if we are not done tasting wine at 5:00 in Sonoma Valley we can go to Girard and their tasting room is open until 7-PM. In other words we love the familiarity, and it is like our second home to some extent. But sadly we had never been to Oregon Wine Country before and we were seeking a new adventure.
I get the opportunity to attend many really cool and informative wine events and tastings events as they come through the Dallas/Fort Worth area. This was the case when “Pinot In The City – Willamette Valley Wine”came to town last year, and decided almost immediately that Willamette Valley, Oregon would be my next wine country destination!
We flew into Portland, rented a car at the airport and headed South. Portland is a city that I definitely want to spend some time soon. Hipsters, coffee houses, microbreweries, great food, and a really cool vibe in the city. But we had wine country waiting for us, SO ROLL ON THROUGH!
VIDON VINEYARDS
Our fist visit was with Vidon Vineyards (Vee-Dohn) outside of Newberg. We had an early 9:00 Am appointment with the proprietor Don Hagge. We drove through the simple entrance, through the beautiful vineyards, and around the house overlooking the vineyards to the small production facilities just beyond the home. We noticed a sign that read “Tasting Room” and we looked around, but no one came out to meet us. But I heard a John Deere Gator coming towards me between the vines, and here comes an older gentleman with a full head of white hair. We introduced ourselves, and I soon learned more about Don Hagge and what drives this amazing man. As I discovered he is very hands-on and spends a lot of time attending to his vines. We also discovered even at his advanced age he really is a One Man Show for the most part! To say Don Hagge is an amazing would be a gross understatement.
Don Hagge was Chief Astrophysicist at Nasa Space Program from 1964-1970, assisting with Apollo, Saturn 1, and Explorer programs
Don Hagge Pouring his wines!
Have you ever actually met a Rocket Scientist before? Well I have now, and I love this man! He took a shinning to my wife Margie too It seems… as I turned my back for a moment and he put her on the Gator as he weaved through the vineyards collecting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Voignier grapes for her simply because she asked what they tasted like before crushing. What a charming man, and he just makes you feel better about yourself for knowing him!
After he retired from NASA he enjoyed several ventures. In 1999 at the ripe age of 69 Don decided he wanted to become a Winemaker. So he bought land in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountain AVA in Willamette Valley, cleared the land and planted vines. He built his home on the property in 2003. And he has never looked back. At 85 years young Don is still sharp as a tack and full of energy!
Vidon Reserve Wines
Wine production is onsite and current production is about 2000 cases of 100% Estate-Grown wines. His Pinot Noir is produced from 5 different clones. He also produces Tempranillo and Syrah. White wines include a damn good Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, and the favorite for my wife Margie ; Rose from Pinot Noir!
If you are in Willamette stop by Vidon Vineyards. Visit with Don Hagge and taste his great wines. You will thank me.
ALLORO VINEYARDS
After a trip back to Newberg for lunch, we were off to our next appointment Alloro Vineyards. Alloro is a very stunning property that is immaculately landscaped and reminiscent of Vineyards and wineries in Tuscany, Italy. Landscaping was absolutely beautiful, and the grounds were magnificent but not ostentatious in the least. In fact, the property is very welcoming and comfortable for guests. Just off of the tasting room is a picnic area for patrons so they can sit with a glass of wine and breath in the wonderful scenery. Margie immediately grabbed a glass of 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, plopped herself in a chair on the patio, and watched the hawks fly over the perfect rows of grapevines. She was in heaven, or actually Willamette Dammit. And while she loves good wine and definitely can tell the difference between a good and not so good wine; she couldn’t care less about all the details and nuances of how it was actually produced. Me on the other hand… Well I am a wine geek. So I met and chatted with Winemaker Tom Fitzpatrick.
Alloro Vineyards Entrance
Alloro Vineyards was originally planted in 1999, and the 34-acre vineyard is devoted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Muscat on Laurel Ridge in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, Willamette Valley. The production facilities and winery are on site to improve processing from vines to crush in a very short time, and is powered by Solar. An incredible gravity flow design in the production buildings gently moves the wine from crush pad, through fermentation and then barrels in the underground cave! Production is around 2500 cases per year.
UC Davis educated and trained in Burgundy, Winemaker Tom Fitzpatrick explained the terroir is paramount to making wines from the vineyards of Alloro. The soil, aspect of the vineyards, and the painstaking process of gentle handling and gravity flow are all designed to bring out the purity of flavor and to preserve its signature qualities of the site.
Tom believes that a wine should be an “expression of place, at a moment in time”
2014 Alloro Pinot Noir. Red and dark fruits dominate, with notes of spice, and rose petal on the nose. While fruit forward and great concentration, it has a beautiful texture, ample structure and substance, with great balance.
2015 Alloro Chardonnay. Dijon clones, cool climate style. Palate is full, balanced and a great core of minerality that really fits my palate. Pear, tropical fruits, nuttiness dance on the tongue.
DINNER
We left Alloro and headed back to our hotel to get ready for dinner at Dundee Bistro Wine & Bubble Bar. A classic wine bistro with a great selection of wines, heavy on Willamette Valley, and casual enough that you can wear jeans and a nice shirt and feel very comfortable. The food was farm-to-table New American, and offered many local wines by the glass. As a bonus Ponzi Vineyards has a Tasting Room next door, and you can BYOB for a small fee. We enjoyed a Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2012. Tangy red fruits, dark cherry, spices, savory with an earthy edge. Very nice!
ROCO WINERY
The following day we had a late 11:00 appointment at Roco Winery outside of Newberg. After breakfast we had a little time before our appointment, so we decided to drive around just enjoy the area before our appointment. As I stated earlier Willamette may be the prettiest wine country anywhere. It is Willamette Dammit, and I love this valley! I scouted out several places that was a must visit either later on this trip or the next one.
Rocco Winery, Newberg Or
I wanted to visit Roco Winery for one reason; Winemaker Rollin Soles. Known for his quick wit and handlebar mustache, the Texas-born (big points for being Texan) Soles co-founded Argyle Winery in 1987. He left in 2013 to concentrate on his own project “Rocco”, which had been open for about 10 years at that point. Rollin received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Texas A&M and a master’s degree in enology and viticulture at U C Davis. I have been a big fan of Rollin’s wines at Argyle for many years, and he was one of the few Winemakers to produce a Red, White, and Sparkling Wine that reached the Wine Spectator Top 100. But alas the wine gods were not shining on me this morning as Rollin had a personal issue, and he was called away and wasn’t able to join me. So we did a quick tasting of the wines and I hope to return on my next trip to get a better look at what the infamous Winemaker and Willamette Legend is up too with Rocco.
Roco Gravel Road Chardonnay
2015 Roco Gravel Road Chardonnay was delightful. Blended from his 3 favorite Chardonnay vineyards. Creamy and rich, notes of peach, pear, apricot. This is a sensuous and sexy wine!
LUNCH
Lunch in wine country always draws me to where the locals eat, such as Dry Creek General Storein Sonoma. Well we found a great place like reminiscent this day; Red Hills Market in Dundee! Delicious wood fired oven pizza on the patio & a glass of local Pinot Noir with the locals was perfect. They have a great menu, sell lots of cured meats, salads, and sandwiches. You can also find a few wine country paraphernalia here such as wine glasses, coffee mugs, and country store type items that oddly are not readily prevalent in Willamette unlike other areas such as Napa, Sonoma, or even Hill Country of Texas. That was surprising, as tasting rooms cam make a lot of extra cash selling these items. But possibly the folks in Willamette were here to sell wine, not trinkets and t-shirts. After all it is Willamette Damnit!
VISTA HILLS WINERY
Our next stop was top 5 of all the winery visits I have ever experienced at Vista Hills Winery!
Vista Hills Vineyard
Vista Hills Vineyardand Winery is next door to Domaine Serene, and down the road from Domaine Drouhin. So you can understand this is exalted terroir that produces some of the absolute best Pinot Noir in the world.
The Winery and Tasting Room are in the top of the hill surrounded and shaded by large trees. When you walk in the lobby you are amazed by the breathtaking scenery just outside the doors the tall windows and glass doors.
Large shaded wooden deck called The Treehouse overlooking a vast valley of perfectly manicured grapevines… Astonishingly beautiful!
The Treeehouse, Vista Hills Vineyard, Dundee Oregon
Winemaker Dave Petterson, Vista Hills Vineyards
We sat out on the shaded deck overlooking the vines with Winemaker Dave Petterson for about 2 hours as he personally poured through his wines, and chatting about the wonders of Vista Hills and how to get the most from this hallowed land for his wines. Unlike some of his fore mentioned neighbors just to the North and East of him, Dave believes applying a minimalistic approach in the cellar to showcase both site and vintage. In part this means low use of new oak, and believes in the brick red Jory soil dense with nutrients that grow these amazing grapes! He produces several Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and are 100% Estate Grown fruit.
’15 Vista Hills Piedmont Pinot Noir Dundee Hills, OR
2015 Vista Hills Piedmont Pinot Noir Dundee, Willamette Valley : Somewhat translucent in the glass, but don’t let that fool you. This wine is bursting of flavor. Raspberry, ripe dark cherry, cloves, baking spices. Smooth finish and mild tannins. Exceptional.
It was getting late in the afternoon, so we decided to go see one of my favorite Willamette Valley Wines; Penner-Ash!
PENNER ASH CELLERS
Penner-Ash Tasting Room
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars is sitting on the top of a large hill overlooking a beautiful valley below. The winery is state of the art, and gravity flow. We met a lovely young lady pouring wines and I explained was a Wine Writer & apologized because I didn’t have an appointment. She couldn’t have been more accommodating. The tasting fee is $25, but if you purchase a Single Vineyard or better wine they waive the tasting fee. We did of course purchase a few bottles because these are tremendous Pinots, and some can only be purchased at the winery.
Penner-Ash Cellars
We decided to do a quick tasting, then purchase a bottle and go to the patio overlooking Willamette valley and soak it all in. We were well rewarded as this may be one of the best views in the valley! And my bride Margie got to do what she likes best… sit & sip wine with a beautiful view.
HEAVEN!
If I could say anything about Willamette Valley wines overall they are exceptional. In fact they make some of the absolute best Pinot Noir in the world. And the Willamette Valley is simply incredibly beautiful. Thinking about going to wine country soon? Let me help you:
Go to Willamette Valley and don’t forget; It’s “Willamette Dammit!”
Thank you for taking the time to read my article, and PLEASE leave a commentbelow to let me know you were here.
I have been a big fan of the incredible wines of Martin Ray Vineyards for many years. In my humble opinion Martin Ray Vineyards makes some of the best wines not only in California, but in the world. Their wines are constant 90-95 point scores in Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines year in and year out. And here is the biggest reason I love Martin Ray:
Martin Ray wines are great buys for the quality and priced for the average consumer!
In fact I dare say the overall portfolio of Martin Ray Vineyards and Angeline Vineyards are some of the very best values in wine today.
My friend Robert Larsen of the Larsen Projekt said he was coming to Dallas, and he invited me to have dinner. I said yes immediately because Robert is such a great guy. He knows his wines, very funny and engaging, and never forgets that wine should be fun and not always so serious. He let me know he was bringing Winemaker Bill Batchelorand samples of the great wines of Martin Ray. So you can imagine that I was beyond excited!
I met Robert and Bill at Dallas Chophouse in downtown Dallas. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Dallas Chophouse, but had never actually visited. So I was thrilled when Robert suggested this beautiful place. The atmosphere was dark and luxurious, and the aged steaks were delicious. I highly recommend the food if you are in downtown Dallas and want a great meal.
I love meeting a winemaker personally. I have to admit I am somewhat of a wine geek. So when I get the opportunity to chat with them and pick their brains, I am in my own personal heaven. And I have to tell you; In my opinion Bill Batchelor really knows his craft. He has a very large portfolio to take care of with Martin Ray and Angeline and he personally gets involved in all aspects of the winemaking process. Yet he is very easy to talk to and you can really tell he has a tremendous passion for his craft.
HISTORY: Martin Ray Vineyards history dates back to 1943 in the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains in California. The current home was originally Twin Fir Winery and established by William Hill in the geographic heart of Russian River Valley in 1881. This makes them one of the oldest continuously operated wineries in California. This winery later became Martin & Prati and was well known for good jug wine.
The current owner Courtney Benham purchased Martin Ray in 1990. He then moved the brand and custom crush facilities at Martin & Prati and purchased the property. He then changed the name to Martin Ray in 2007. In the coming years Courtney modernized practically every facet or production, and also turned the property into one of the most beautiful wineries in the area. I have made attempts to visit on my winery trips in the past, and I cannot wait to visit on my next trip!
We began the evening tasting through the Angeline Vineyards wines. These are wines that Martin Ray produces and are more “Value Priced”.
2016 Angeline California Rose of Pinot Noir: Both whole-cluster & saignee method used to produce this dry rose. Floral notes along with watermelon, nectarine, and ruby red grapefruit. Crisp and acidic. Perfect for the pool or beach!
Angeline Rose
2016 Angeline Sonoma Coast County Sauvignon Blanc: Mostly Russian River Valley fruit with Dry Creek sourced as well. Not grassy like some SV, more Sonoma-like. Aromas of white peach, nectarine, and green apple. Minerals are present, but not overwhelming. Crisp, clean and lingering finish of green apple and peach. Ave retail will be in the $12-$14 range so a great summer everyday wine.
2016 Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir: Fruit sourced from Mendocino County, Russian River Valley, and Carneros. Silky tannins and med light body. Juicy strawberry, raspberry, black fruits, and cherry cola dominate with a clean finish of caramel and black fruits. Nice wine!
2015 Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Bald Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay: Fruit is 100% from the steep hillside vineyards of Bald Mountain. Cool climate and high elevation define this chardonnay with crisp acidy and an underlying minerality. This is a graceful and elegant wine with fruit notes of key lime, golden apple, asian pear with crème brulee and hints of vanilla. 40% new French Oak, and lees are sired bi-weekly for first year to enhance complexity. 250 cases produced. Ave retail $35
2015 Martin Ray Bald Mountain Vineyard Santa Cruz
2015 Martin Vineyards Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay: Fruit from possibly my favorite AVA in Sonoma; Green Valley AVA. Only 300 cases produced so if you get your hands on this buy several! Hand picked, whole cluster pressed. Racked in French Oak barrels for fermentation. Lees stirred bi-weekly to maximize mouthfeel. Aged 12 months on 40% new French Oak. Traditional and elegant chardonnay. Complex layers of green apple, honeydew melon, key lime, grapefruit, and vanilla cream. NOT a butterbomb! Crisp, med-light body, great acidity and long finish. AT $30 suggested retail, not cheap but worth every dime.
2015 Martin Ray Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: Primarily sourced from the incredible Dutton Ranch in the heart of the Green Valley AVA. Primarily Dijon Clones from Marty’s Vineyard and Hallberg Vineyard. Basket pressed and put into barrel for 12 months in 50% new French Oak. Anyone that knows me has heard me claim: “Russian River produces some of the finest Pinot Noir in the world”, and I believe this to be true! Med light body, bouquet and notes of cranberry, red cherry, boysenberry, Jasmine and vanilla, baking spices. Juicy palate and fine silky tannins. This is a truly great example of Russian River Pinot Noir, and I love this wine. Average retail is $40, and this may be a little rich for some. I for one think this is a steal considering this is Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir! Only 250 cases produced.
2015 Martin Ray Green Valley or Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2014 Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon: Fruit comes from the tiny plot on the South face of Ben Lomond Mountain, from the distinguished Bald Mountain Vineyard. This site produces small compact clusters, and the long growing season allow the grapes to reach maturity late in the season, with deep color, concentrated flavors, and bright acidity. This is a big bold cabernet, with notes of ripened black cherry, boysenberry, mushroom, lavender, and dark chocolate. Healthy solid tannins and great acidity and graphite minerality give a strong hint of long cellar time possible for this big wine. In fact I would love to have this wine again in 10 years because it should age beautifully. Only 450 cases produced. Suggested retail of $75.
2014 Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 Martin Ray Synthesis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cab Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Fruit is sourced from the best of the best from vineyards in Rutherford (35%), Stags Leap District (30%) and Diamond Mountain (20%) for a very special “Synthesis” of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon! This Cali Cab begs for a big juicy steak, and that is what I enjoyed this wine while cutting into a big delicious juicy Ribeye at Dallas Chophouse. Dried herbs, black cherry, and baked plums on the nose. Chewy tannins are evident, but not nearly overpowering as you normally find in mountain cabernet. Blueberry, black cherry, red plum, along with ever so slight oak and dried figs. I highly recommend this cabernet sauvignon. At $50 suggested retail that is a great buy for a true Napa Cab! 2200 Cases total production.
2014 Martin Ray Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon
Thank you again Robert Larsen and Bill Batchelor for a wonderful evening, and thank you Dallas Chophouse for the wonderful dry aged steak!
Winemaker Bill Batchelor and Robert Larsen
And thank you to my followers for reading and sharing this post. If you would like more information on any of the wines poured and how to find them please contact me at friscokid8758@yahoo.com.
And please…leave a comment below so I will know you were here, and come back from time to time!
I recently visited Lodi Wine Country. Yes, you read right. I said “Lodi Wine Country”.
Lodi Gold! Photo courtesy of Randy Caparoso
I dare say most of the wine drinking public wouldn’t know Lodi Appellation produced great wine. That is perhaps unless you are a wine producer, wine professional, or maybe a California wine enthusiast. In fact, I am in the wine business and while I have enjoyed many terrific wines from Lodi Wine Country, I had to look up on a map exactly where Lodi, California was located (By the way it is between Stockton and Sacramento).
Most folks only know Lodi from the Credence Clearwater Revival song and the line “Oh lord, stuck in Lodi Again”. Being “stuck in Lodi” may have been the case in the 1970 when the song was recorded, but that certainly is NOT the case now.
This is cool, upcoming, and happening kind of wine destination.
Well kind of…
I say “kind of” because Lodi Wine Country is a Paradox. Let me explain.
The Lodi Wine Country was just named by Wine Enthusiast Magazine “Wine Region Of The Year for 2015”! That is quite a feat indeed, and quite an honor from a very prestigious magazine. Lodi Wine Appellation now boasts over 85 wineries in the area, and over 100 different varieties of grapes are grown. It isn’t just Old Vine Zinfandel like many non-informed wine lovers think. Although some of the old gnarly Zinfandel vines planted in the 1850’s makes as good of old vine zin as anywhere!
A few things to consider about Lodi Wine:
The passion and pride of the 4-5 generations of Winegrape growers,
Incredible quality of the grapes they are producing and the terroir,
The truly ingenious young Winemakers
How Lodi is so primed to be the “next big wine destination”.
Lodi seems to be a paradox. In other words while they are primed to the ‘next big wine region’ and everything points to just that, Lodi powers that be do not want that to happen.
Well kind of… I will explain later.
Wine Bloggers Welcome Dinner by Snooth Media and Lodi Winegrape Commission!
In September I and five other Wine Writers and Bloggers were very fortunate to be invited to discover the wonders of Lodi Wine Country by the great people at Snooth Media and Lodi Winegrape Commission. I was very excited to be invited, but did not quite know what to expect. I dearly love the wine country of Napa and Sonoma and visit often for my “wine fix”. And while I enjoy a Lodi 7-Deadly Zin as much as the next wine aficionado I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
But what did Lodi Wine Country have to offer?
I was very open minded. Primarily because I had already made a conscious decision to expand my California wine horizons in 2017 beyond Napa and Sonoma Valleys. And Lodi and Paso Robles Appellations were on top of my list of places to explore, visit, and taste. So when Claudia Angelillo, Brand Director of Snooth Media called, I jumped on a plane and started my adventure!
After landing in Sacramento Airport, we were picked up by Claudia in a big white passenger van that would be our transportation for he next 4 days. After about an hour drive we arrived in Lodi. We checked in at the Wine and Roses Hotel in Lodi and I have to tell you it was incredibly beautiful. The hotel was tucked in the back of the same property as the Lodi Winegrape Commission and Visitor Center. I was VERY impressed immediately with the stunning grounds of the hotel. You are surrounded by very relaxing and lush landscaping of mature trees, tropical plants, and beautiful flowers everywhere you turn. Exotic birds were in big cages throughout the property, and they just added a sense of adventure to our setting. They offer an award winning spa, pool, restaurant on site, and would be perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon! The rooms were very clean, beds were extremely comfortable, and the décor of the rooms (which included a fireplace) were very wine country pleasant. I will take my lovely bride back to Lodi and we will definitely stay at this hotel for a romantic weekend soon.
Lodi Wine Visitor CenterWine and Roses Hotel, Lodi
The next morning after a great breakfast with the other writers we were loaded in the van and off to the vineyards! Randy Caparoso was our guide for the week, and he was a wealth of information about the incredible history of the Lodi Appellation. Randy seemed to have a great story about the history of Lodi and the winegrape growers at every turn. I am personally a huge history fanatic, so I was very pleased he was so versed in the vast and important history of Lodi to the wine industry of California.
Randy Caparoso
Kevin Soucie of Soucie Vineyards
Within a short drive we were popping corks in Marian’s Vineyard at the Mohr Fry Ranch at 8:45 AM (Yah… I know. It is a tough life I have sometimes). We met wine grower Bruce Fry of St. Amant Winery. We were drinking wines from the vineyards that the wines came from, from the Winemaker that produced the wines. Soon after we were back in the van and down the road to Soucie Vineyards with Kevin Soucie, a 5th Generation Farmer. Winemaker Layne Montgomery of M2 Wines shared his wines from the vineyard. Soon after we were back in the van and down the road to Wegat Vineyard. There under a giant shade tree we met Winegrape Grower Todd Maley, Winemakers Chad Johnson, Layne Montgomery and Tim Holdener. We enjoyed their wines as the cut up with each other, and each told the stories of the grapes, the terroir, and their wines. Added bonus: when you are in the middle of a vineyard popping corks and enjoying incredible wines you don’t need a spit can. You simply spit it out on the ground! And yes, I was spitting at 9 AM in the morning. Mandatory procedure considering we tasted over 200 wines in 4 days time!
Paella for lunch at M2 Vineyards, YUMMMM!
After a tasty lunch of paella cooked at the winery at M2 Wines, the Winemakers were excited to explain the virtues of the Lodi Native Project. I was HIGHLY impressed with the exciting project by these young and passionate winemakers! Check back here soon for more on this incredible project at a later date, but for more information now click here.
M2 Vineyards, MUST visit!
M2 Old Vine Zinfandel
The rest of the week was somewhat similar to this first morning. Yes we were in different vineyards and wineries the next several days. And yes we were listening to different Winemakers and Winegrape Growers as they graciously shared their own wines. But the theme was almost identical. Everyone shared the same passion and pride for Lodi. The also shared the desire for the rest of the wine world to know how special Lodi is, and how important Lodi has been in the growth of the California wine industry.
They told the history of the vineyards and the Lodi terroir. They shared fascinating stories of the generations of families that worked the soil, producing some of the best wine grapes in California. And then they passed the vineyard down to their children. And then those children did the same and handed the vineyards down to their children, and so on.
This was the theme we heard all week from everyone we visited.
The often 5th generation Winegrowers and Winemakers understood the truly special place Lodi, California is, and they want the rest of the world to know this as well.
Well, kind of…
I say “kind of” because I felt an underlying current the entire week: While they want the world to understand how special Lodi is overall, and how important Lodi has been to the California wine industry. While they want the world to appreciate and give credit to the wines that were produced in and from the grapes of Lodi Appellation. While they want more tourists to visit Lodi so they too can understand what their parents, grandparents, and often great grandparents discovered generations ago. They do NOT want to become Napa Valley.
The leaders of Lodi Wine are grappling with consistent push and pull : How to grow and spread the word that “this is a very special place” and “please visit, taste, and tour Lodi”, yet the city fathers, and the Lodi Winegrape Commission are very adamant that they not grow too fast and lose their soul. Example: They have very strict controls against restaurants in the wineries. They can cater food in, but they cannot build a restaurant on site. This holds wineries back. Even more restrictions of when a winery can be built and the zoning. From my short understanding from visiting with the good wine people of Lodi; The restrictions on the growth, often self imposed by their own commissions, seemed stringent at best. But that absolutely is by design.
“We don’t want to be the next Napa Valley”
I was confused and bewildered at first when they mentioned over and over that they did not want to be Napa. After all, look how stunning and beautiful Napa wineries are, and how some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the world is produced in Napa Valley!
But after speaking to the real Lodi wine people that grew up a 4th and 5th generation Winegrape grower. Then seeing how many families began producing their own wines after other regions were winning gold metals and 90+ scores from their grapes, you start to get it.
I live in Texas, and you grow up with a very strong pride of your state. It reminds me very much with the fine people of Lodi Wine Country. They love where they live, and have a strong sense of being. Of where and what they came from, and where they are going in the near future. They want to control of what Lodi Wine Country will look like in the coming decades.
After all you have to admit Napa Valley has become very corporate. It has lost a part of its soul that was so evident from the 1970’s and 1980’s when it was in its heyday of young and aggressive winemakers that were the pioneers of what it is today. And Napa can be quite ostentatious! Unless you are well off the beaten path of the Silverado Trail, you will almost never taste wines from the actual family that farmed the land, harvested the grapes, and produced the wines they are pouring.
Markus Bokish of Bokisch Vineyards
This is not the case in Lodi Wine Country. If you visit Bokish Vineyardsto taste some of the best Spanish Varietal wines in California you are likely to run into and visit with Markus or Liz Bokisch. When you visit McCay Cellarsyou are likely to see Michael McCay and he will share his passion for Zinfandel and Rhone varietals. And this happens any winery you visit in Lodi. This just so rarely happens in Napa Valley because they owners are likely a huge conglomerate of wineries ran by a Board of Directors!
LoCa The Wines Of Lodi, Ca!
So what makes Lodi wines so special?
Number one is the incredible passion of the Lodi Winegrape Growers and talented young Winemakers. The people are warm and inviting and are genuinely glad you are here. But second, and just as important is the Lodi Terroir.
So what is “terroir”? (terˈwär/)
Terroir is a French noun that describes the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. The characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced.
Marians Vineyard with Bruce Fry, Stuart Spencer, and Randy Caparoso
Lodi Appellation has a Mediterranean climate that will have warm to hot days, and cool evenings. Lodi is situated about 100 miles East of the San Francisco Bay and on the edge of the San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta. This provides cool breezes and chills the grapes down at night. Warm days allow the winemaker to produce a full flavored complex wine, and the cool nights provide natural acidity. This is a winning combination for any winemaker.
Combine the near perfect climate for wine grapes with the diverse soils formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters rich in granitic-based minerals, and you can see why the wines of Lodi are winning gold medals and 90’s scores from the wine magazines around the world
Lodi Vineyard. Photo by Goff Photography
So visit Lodi.
Visit soon and discover the incredible award winning wines that are a true bargain. Discover the warm and friendly people. And discover the beautiful but very unpretentious wineries.
But don’t come looking for Napa.
This is Lodi Wine Country!
Lodi Harvest Gold
Punching the cap at Holdener Vineyards Winery with Kyle Lerner
Thank you for reading and sharing my experiences in Lodi. Check back soon for the follow up on the exciting Lodi Native Project.
And please…Leave a comment below. Wine is for sharing. And not just the wine itself. I love hearing of your own travels and adventures and the great bottles you have discovered!
Dinner at School Street Bistro, downtown Lodi with Snooth Media and our crew!
The lovely Kela enjoying Harney Lane wines with Kyle Lerner
Old Vine Zinfandell at Wegat Vineyard, Lodi
Oak Farms Vineyard, this is a a must visit in Lodi Wine Country!Oak Farm Vineyard Favorites!
2015 Acquiesce Viognier, Stunning wine and possibly my favorite!Macchia Volupous Old Vine Zinfandel Maley Vineyard
Blend of 33% Sauv Blanc, 24% Semillion, 21% Chardonnay, 12% Orange Muscat, 10% Viognier. Aromatics from the Orange Muscat & Viognier. White Peach & Apricot plus richness and body are byproducts of the Chardonnay & Semillion. White Peach, Apricot, and floral dominate the nose and the palate. While great with food, I think a beautiful summer sipper on the patio is what comes to mind! Retail $26 / 13.5% Alc.
Blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Sirah, 18% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc. Each varietal is fermented and produced individually, then blended with care and patience. This is a powerful red wine, dark & mysterious in the glass. Blueberry, Blackberry, Cherry, Vanilla, and a hint of tobacco and spices on the palate and nose. Full body and smooth integrated tannins. This wine begs for a big juicy Rib Eye! Retail $35 (a steal) / 14.5% Alc
Black fruits, Dark Chocolate, Black Cherry, Olive, Vannila, and fresh cut wood on the nose. Full body, medium tannins, balanced and refined. This is a big wine that is drinking great now, but I would love to lay down for about 15 years to see it’s brilliance evolve. Very small production at 27 barrels total! 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cab Franc, and the blending is amazing. Think a more fruit forward version of Left Bank Bordeaux that can be enjoyed now! Retail $58 (are you kidding? Napa would charge $150+) / 14.2% Alc
