Wines

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Silver Medal 

RATING: 86 points (Highly Recommended)

CATEGORY: Rosé, Pink

TASTING DATE: May-06-2013

Distinctive orange pink color. Aromas of cherry custard pie a la mode and strawberries and cream with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy blood orange and apple finish. A nice drier styled rose for the table.

Our first Rosé, this wine is a combination of Grenache and Mourvedre from the Apple Hill area of El Dorado County.  

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Gold Medal     

RATING: 93 points (Exceptional)

CATEGORY: Rhône Other White, White

TASTING DATE: May-06-2013

Golden yellow color. Toasty peach pie and quince jam aromas with a silky, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a tangy lemon meringue and toasty almond praline finish. A very well polished and flavorful white Rhone blend.

This is our second white wine, a wonderfully nuanced blend , the majority of which is Roussanne with a supporting cast of Marsanne, Viognier and Grenache blanc.

Not a shy Pinot: this wine would sing out loud when paired with fresh salmon and grilled portabellas, or roast game birds with truffled polenta.

A rich and saucy blend of 64% Petite Sirah / 13% Tinta Cao / 13% Mataro / 10% Grenache.  If ever there was a wine for the grill, this is it. Most any BBQ faire, burgers, lamb, smoked duck, and especially steak (pick your cut!), would be right at home with this quaffable partner.

Our second effort from Clay Shannon’s immaculate Lake County estate is 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mataro. 

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Gold Medal     

RATING: 93 points (Exceptional)

CATEGORY: Rhône Varietal Blend, Red

TASTING DATE: May-06-2013

Ruby with a red brick rim. Aromas of dried cherries and strawberries, spices, nut brittle, and whipped cream with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a long, nicely balanced and savory finish with plush tannins. Great on its own or with food; try with pot roasts.

A racy blend of 39% Syrah, 34% Grenache, 17% Mataro, 10% Tinta Cao, this wine will continue to develop complexity and weight with further bottle age.

93 Points, Gold Medal - Consumer Wine Awards, Lodi
Silver Medal - San Diego International Wine Competition

The first we have made with Mataro in the command position. It pairs well with braised shortribs, duck risotto, hearty stews and other rich preparations. The blend is 60% Mataro, 33% Syrah, 7% Grenache.

96 Points, Platinum Medal - Consumer Wine Awards, Lodi
Silver Medal - San Diego International Wine Competition

This Syrah is our 5th vintage from this special hillside vineyard. It is rich and robust, and marries well with anything from grilled steaks and sausages, to lamb recipes, to cassoulet.

We have been making and cellaring Port since 2003, and we feel this is our finest release by far. It works beautifully in concert with dark chocolate, fresh fruit desserts, brulees, strong cheeses, or even later with an evening ending cigar.