A discrete little shop in the middle of everything, this little tasting room is easily dismissed with a famous named ice cream shop on one side and a movie theater on the other. Tulip Hill is the name and good wines is the game. Making both red and white, I first came across them a few years ago while serving tables at a local restaurant. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend is what I tried and always wanted to try it again. Finally I have had the chance and it was everything I remembered, marvelous. A small family winery with vineyards in both known areas and not so known areas within California, their philosophy of let the fruit do the talking, making incredible wines at even better price points they are definitely worth checking out, I guarantee you don't walk out empty handed.
2008 Cabernet Syrah $24: This blend explodes with loads of fresh berry fruit, hints of cocoa and cedar. A bold wine that softens as it opens will make a great gift or a great dinner party wine. Enjoy this wine with a grilled steak and roasted veggies or with dark chocolate after the steak.
2009 Mirage Red Blend $22 (wine club wine): A medium bodied, round tannin, fruit forward, seductive blend of Merlot and Syrah, enjoy this wine as it opens up more as time goes on. Layers of juicy plum, cherry and lavender lead into a experience that is hard to beat.
2012 Amorosa $15: A sweet rose color wine made from Gamay grapes, this is a wine that is not easy to find but will leave you wanting more. Honey laced strawberries, raspberries and fresh blossoms, chill and enjoy on a warm summer evening watching the sun go down.
To find out more about Tulip Hill Winery visit their website: http://www.tuliphillwinery.com/ or if you are in the desert stop by the tasting room and say you read "Love That Wine"
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Deal of the week: Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot
Robert Mondavi is a legendary winemaker and pioneer known for making wine for all occasions and budgets. From Woodbridge to Opus One. Mondavi is a household name. Known mostly for Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, Mondavi wines are true to form and pure of heart. The Merlot is no slacker though and should not be taken lightly. The Napa Valley series wines are quintessential in flavor, structure and style giving true to form wines of top quality for mid range pricing.The 2011 Napa Valley Merlot showcases the true characteristics of Merlot, with aromas of plum and cherry which follow through to the palate. Subtle and round tannin from start to finish with a medium length finish, bursting flavors of plum, cassis, cherry and cocoa. Enjoy this wine on its own or with your next Osso Bucco dinner. Will age beautifully for the next 5-7 years.
Find out more about the Napa Valley series from Robert Mondavi Winery at their website; http://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Silver Oak Cellars
Iconic Silver Oak Winery has two different locations; Alexander Valley and Napa Valley. Fortunately for me, we stumbled across the Napa Valley winery is located in the rich volcanic soil region of Oakville. The newly renovated winery was reopened in 2008 after the horrific 2006 fire that destroyed the vintage and the winery. Silver Oak practices the sole production of Cabernet Sauvignon and their ideals, philosophies and techniques are top notch. As you drive down the long the driveway leading to their iconic symbol, the water tower which stands proudly up front.The property is surrounded by rolling hills covered with their beautiful vineyards. Walking up to the winery you are met with a beautiful fountain that leads up to the stairway of the tasting room and legendary library of Silver Oak with bottles from vintages dating back to the original 1972 vintage. As you walk in the tasting room, it's filled with gifts and memorabilia, with the library to the left. The barrel room to the right and the tasting counter right in the middle. While I was there, the newly released 2009 Napa Valley Cab was being poured along with the 2009 Alexander Valley Cab with the 2007 Napa Cab as a bonus and what a bonus it is to taste that exceptional wine.2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Beautiful aromas of violet and cassis lead to a full palate of berry, spice and chocolate. A long lingering finish with smooth round tannin, easily able to drink now or keep for a rainy day.
2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Complex aromas of ripe red fruit and floral characteristics give way to a full bodied true Cabernet Sauvignon, black cherry and baking spices with layered tannin and lingering finish.
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Imagine putting your nose in a bowl full of chocolate, cherries, coffee and freshly sanded wood and you will begin to understand the complexity of this one of a kind wine. A big bountiful nose with fully structured flavors and tannin that won't let up, 2007 was simply the best.
To learn more about the Duncan family and Silver Oak Cellars visit there website at: http://www.silveroak.com/ and if you go say you read the "Love That Wine" blog.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
2nd stop: Twomey Winery and Tasting Room
Nestled along the everlasting Silverado Trail in Calistoga is a small elegant winery known as Twomey. Twomey is owned and operated by the Duncan family who also are the proprietors of the iconic Silver Oak Cellars. Started in 1999, the Soda Canyon vineyard was acquired with fully mature Merlot vines already established there. Known for one of the only single vineyard Merlot's, this wine will not disappoint if you ever make your way up there. Rich, silky and fruit forward concentrated with a never ending finish it's hard to stop drinking it once you have started.
We arrived at Twomey early enough in the day to where it was not completely packed yet in the tasting room and lucky for me Ross was my tasting guide. We started off with their newly released 2013 Sauvignon Blanc which portrayed very forward citrus and floral aromas, tropical fruit on the middle palate with a crisp lingering finish, amazing! As we progressed talking about tasting notes, history of the winery and vineyards, Ross tasted me on their evolution of Pinot Noir. The three Pinot Noir I tried, all same vintage 2012 coming from three distinct regions; Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley and Russian River.
To find out more about Twomey wines visit them at their website:
www.twomey.com/#!/welcome or if you plan on stopping by ask for Ross and say you read Love That Wine.
2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir display very bright acidity in the front with characteristics of rose petal, cherry and a slight smokey flavor on the finish. This was only the beginning.
2012 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir was silky smooth, creamy and so delicious. Ripe strawberry, cherry and roses on the finish was absolutely boggling my mind.
2012 Russian River Pinot Noir. Generally my favorite Pinot Noir come from the Russian River AVA and this one did not disappoint. Full bodied, silky and seductive flavors of ripe cherry, strawberry and sweet spice filled my senses and took over me completely. A smooth middle palate that burst with flavor and a slightly tannic finish. This is what Pinot Noir was made to do, make you fall in love with wine so when someone says that's a great wine. all you can is "oh yes, Love That Wine."
2012 Russian River Pinot Noir. Generally my favorite Pinot Noir come from the Russian River AVA and this one did not disappoint. Full bodied, silky and seductive flavors of ripe cherry, strawberry and sweet spice filled my senses and took over me completely. A smooth middle palate that burst with flavor and a slightly tannic finish. This is what Pinot Noir was made to do, make you fall in love with wine so when someone says that's a great wine. all you can is "oh yes, Love That Wine."
To finish this extravagant experience was heart breaking but the best was only yet to come. The 2009 Napa Valley Merlot. Easily the best Merlot I have ever tried, forget every preconception you have about Merlot because this will make you a believer if you are already are not. Grown from French clones in volcanic soils, this wine is truly in a league of its own. Full bodied, silky and seductive, your mouth fills with ripe berry, smooth spice, chocolate and coffee. From the first sip to the last drop, the taste and sensation is addicting. These are the type of times that make you love wine tasting and keep searching for more.
To find out more about Twomey wines visit them at their website:
www.twomey.com/#!/welcome or if you plan on stopping by ask for Ross and say you read Love That Wine.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Kokomo Winery in Dry Creek
Kokomo Winery in Dry Creek is a phenomenal winery that is definitely a must go! Award winning wines that are second to none and focus on fruit purity and characteristics. I first found out about their wines when some guests first brought in their amazing Zinfandel and Petit Syrah. These wines absolutely blew me away. From the first appearance, to the last sip, I couldn't wait to get my own to enjoy. The wines were deeply ruby red in color, full bodied with beautiful structure and flavors worth drinking now or worth cellaring for a special occasion.
A little information on Dry Creek. Dry Creek AVA is in Northern Sonoma County bordering Healdsburg right off Hwy 29. This AVA is very small, charming and a must see for wine lovers. Author of the infamous book, "The Wine Bible" by Karen MacNeil, says that Dry Creek is "perhaps the most charming viticultural area of all in Sonoma County... Time seems to have stood still there." She couldn't be more correct. The rolling hills along the low lying valleys with sporadically placed vintage farmhouses, feels like you have drove into another century. This area has been adapt to viticulture dating back to the late 1800's. The area in total 32 square miles, 16 miles long by 2 miles wide it is easy to miss, but once you are there it could easily become a place you will want to return too.
Back to Kokomo, while there I was amazed by the hospitality and care they showed while we were there. Leslie was my tasting guide and as we got to talking, not knowing who was sitting right next to us quietly, was Ross. Ross is the hospitality manager for Kokomo and between the two of them, I can not say enough great things. As Leslie started asking questions wondering what I would like to taste, we went from a few wines to their entire library of extraordinary wines. I am only gonna touch on a few but believe me I could go on and on about what they do, amazing stuff!
2013 Timber Crest Sauvignon Blanc: $20 (from winery only)
Light and crisp with intense fruit flavors and structure for this style, aromas of citrus, pear and tropical notes, the mouthfeel is lush and viscous at the same time. Guava, tangerine and apricot will overwhelm your palate like nothing you will ever taste. While tasting this I thought the perfect pairing would be a fresh pear and goat cheese torte.
2012 Russian River Pinot Noir: $36 (from winery only)
Gold Medal Winner 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
This complex pure Pinot Noir focuses on the quality and complexity that Pinot Noir can have. Floral and fruity aromas with complex structure and mouthfeel this is not your typical everyday wine. You can drink it now or keep it in your cellar for years to come.(These wines are almost exclusively sold through the winery. Very limited production of these wines are made and a must try.)
To find out more information on Kokomo Wines check out there website:
www.kokomowines.com
Thursday, May 22, 2014
The family history treasure hunt
I recently just got back from Napa and while we were there not only did we do wine tasting, we also went on a family history treasure hunt to put into perspective some information we have found earlier. This is my reflection about that part of our trip.
Our first adventure was off up to Geyserville and Dry Creek, which is towards the top of Sonoma County. Of course we took the safe route staying on the freeways. Unfortunately there was major construction going on which delayed the whole process and what was supposed to be a 45 minute drive, took 2 hours. The great part about traffic and being in Napa Valley is the endless views of vineyards, old farms and huge historic estates that you get to see and be in awe over. The trip to Geyserville was the part of our family history hunt. Going up to Geyserville was almost as we were travelling back in time. Very secluded, spread out small farm houses with orchards and vineyards surrounding them. Driving the winding roads along the mountainside, covered in indigenous canopy it was beautiful, relaxing and exciting to see what was to come. Our first stop was at a property that was once owned by my wife's 2nd Great Grandfather, that he bought during the late 1920's and the amazing part was the original bridge, garage, workshop and house were still there. Now understanding that most of these backwoods homes that are not wineries were posted with NO TRESPASSING signs, but being there I had to do it, I trespassed! Luckily for me the gentleman that owned the property was outside up by the house and I was able to talk to him, before he used extreme prejudice and through me off the property. I told him who I was and how I was connected to the property and asked if he knew any of the history that went with it. After I told him this, he was extremely welcoming and told me everything he knew. He had brought the property in the early 1970's from an Italian family named the Bearizzi's and at that time there were NO VINEYARDS!!!! He continued to tell me that all the farmland and valley's were covered in fruit orchards and grapes were nearly non-existent with the exception of a few small vineyards spread around. He gave me a small tour of the property and told me that the entire property spanned over 80 acres, along the mountainside and creek following through the property. I asked if it was part of Dry Creek and he told me, "no this area is actually called Dutcher Creek". I asked him if I could take pictures of the property and he said," yes of course", and I was then on my way. He walked me around showing me where different parts were that he thought I would want pictures of, walked to the end of the property and I was on my way.
The second stop was the Olive Hill Cemetery to visit the family graves and pay our respects. Now this part of our trip is not my glass of wine, but I have to admit as much as I am not always gun-ho about these parts of the adventure, once we are there its always a bit interesting to see what we find. We did end up finding the family grave plot, after driving around all over the cemetery and it was very neat to see and pay our respects.
After visiting the cemetery we were off to Healdsburg where the last property in the area was and unfortunately, the final resting place of Gottfried Wieland (2nd Great Grandfather). Healdsburg is one of the small towns that make up part of the whole area. Charming, beautiful, little town with lots of shops and small boutique restaurants. It was a place I would love to spend more time in. Before the trip started, we looked up more information and tried to find out if there was any place we could search for documents about our family being there and the Museum of Healdsburg was the place to find them. Unfortunately when we got there, they were closed due to construction of a new exhibit opening the following week we were there.
A long day of driving but definitely worth the experience.
Our first adventure was off up to Geyserville and Dry Creek, which is towards the top of Sonoma County. Of course we took the safe route staying on the freeways. Unfortunately there was major construction going on which delayed the whole process and what was supposed to be a 45 minute drive, took 2 hours. The great part about traffic and being in Napa Valley is the endless views of vineyards, old farms and huge historic estates that you get to see and be in awe over. The trip to Geyserville was the part of our family history hunt. Going up to Geyserville was almost as we were travelling back in time. Very secluded, spread out small farm houses with orchards and vineyards surrounding them. Driving the winding roads along the mountainside, covered in indigenous canopy it was beautiful, relaxing and exciting to see what was to come. Our first stop was at a property that was once owned by my wife's 2nd Great Grandfather, that he bought during the late 1920's and the amazing part was the original bridge, garage, workshop and house were still there. Now understanding that most of these backwoods homes that are not wineries were posted with NO TRESPASSING signs, but being there I had to do it, I trespassed! Luckily for me the gentleman that owned the property was outside up by the house and I was able to talk to him, before he used extreme prejudice and through me off the property. I told him who I was and how I was connected to the property and asked if he knew any of the history that went with it. After I told him this, he was extremely welcoming and told me everything he knew. He had brought the property in the early 1970's from an Italian family named the Bearizzi's and at that time there were NO VINEYARDS!!!! He continued to tell me that all the farmland and valley's were covered in fruit orchards and grapes were nearly non-existent with the exception of a few small vineyards spread around. He gave me a small tour of the property and told me that the entire property spanned over 80 acres, along the mountainside and creek following through the property. I asked if it was part of Dry Creek and he told me, "no this area is actually called Dutcher Creek". I asked him if I could take pictures of the property and he said," yes of course", and I was then on my way. He walked me around showing me where different parts were that he thought I would want pictures of, walked to the end of the property and I was on my way.
The second stop was the Olive Hill Cemetery to visit the family graves and pay our respects. Now this part of our trip is not my glass of wine, but I have to admit as much as I am not always gun-ho about these parts of the adventure, once we are there its always a bit interesting to see what we find. We did end up finding the family grave plot, after driving around all over the cemetery and it was very neat to see and pay our respects.
After visiting the cemetery we were off to Healdsburg where the last property in the area was and unfortunately, the final resting place of Gottfried Wieland (2nd Great Grandfather). Healdsburg is one of the small towns that make up part of the whole area. Charming, beautiful, little town with lots of shops and small boutique restaurants. It was a place I would love to spend more time in. Before the trip started, we looked up more information and tried to find out if there was any place we could search for documents about our family being there and the Museum of Healdsburg was the place to find them. Unfortunately when we got there, they were closed due to construction of a new exhibit opening the following week we were there.
A long day of driving but definitely worth the experience.
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