
Over 125 California wineries, including
several who have been participating all 25 years, were exhibiting hundreds of
wines for visitors to enjoy. This event showcased the variety of wine varietals
available in California from over 20 California appellations.
It was impossible to sample through all
wines so here are some highlights:
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J. Rickards Winery |
This is a hands-on, family-run
operation of both wine grape growing and wine production at the northern end of
Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Jim and
Eliza Rickards personally care for 45 acres of vines on their 60-acre ranch and
make a limited amount of wines under the J. Rickards label. Jim originally purchased the land to operate
a cattle ranch which helps you understand the cattle brand label, The Rickards
obviously have a passion for their land and their wines. Their 2012
Five Sisters Blend Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of the five sisters of
Bordeaux with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet
Franc and 2% Merlot. It has a complex, yet balanced, aromas and flavors of dark
fruit including black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry with an overlay of
spice and a touch of chocolate.
The 2013 Muscat Blanc delivers aromas and flavors of white peach,
lemon, pear and a great balance of acidity, fruit and minerality. Their booth was across the aisle from a
cheese table and Jim suggested that I pair this Muscat Blanc with a blue cheese
on the table and he was right, it was a great pairing bringing out some
addition boost of fruit and minerality.
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Bob Balentine of Line Shack |
Bob and Daphne Balentine, the owners
and winemakers for Line Shack Winery in Monterey County shared a number of
their fine wines with us. The name “Line
Shack” comes from a term referring to a small cabin built in the open range
where cowboys could take shelter from Mother Nature while working away from the
home ranch. When the Balentine family
purchased a small ranch in southern Monterey County they discovered one of
these old Line Shacks on the property.
The Line Shack Chardonnay
from Santa Lucia Highlands has a nice crisp acidity and aromas and flavors of
citrus, pear and tropical fruit leading to a balanced long finish. The Line
Shack Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a rich elegant wine with dark fruit
including black cherry, currant, cassis and plus and a touch of coffee and
leather. For $26 you cannot beat the
value for this fine Cab.
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Shaker Tails Fruit Wine from Line Shack |
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Heartfelt Wines |
Heartfelt Wines is a boutique
family-owned winery producing award winning premium wines on Treasure Island in
the heart of San Francisco Bay. Owner/Winemaker Dan Morgan focusses on
producing exemplary wines and his passion for winemaking shows in his wall full
of awards including Best of Class and Double Gold awards from the San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition, The 2011 Petite Sirah is a beautiful wine
with a deep dark ruby color leading to aromas and flavors of dark plum,
blackberry and black cherry balanced with nice spice and vanilla leading to a
long finish with the tannins you expect from a Petite Sirah.
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Mi Sueno Winery |
Mi Sueno means “my dream” in Spanish and the story of Mi
Sueno Winery is a dream come true. Owner/winemaker Rolando Herrera is living
his dream, starting as a dishwasher in Auberge du Soleil to owner and winemaker
for his own highly regarded boutique winery in Napa Valley. The 2011 Mi Sueno Pinot Noir is from Carneros
with lively red fruit flavors including cherry and strawberry with a complex
structure adding in spices such as clove and allspice and white pepper.
Family Winemakers of California is the
political and policy voice for small family-owned wineries. We lobbied water
issues, fees and taxes, warning labels, farmer’s market tastings and farming
regulations this year at the State Capitol and regulatory agencies. Continuing
Pierce’s Disease and Red Blotch research remain at the top of our advocacy
list. Consumers enjoy greater choice in California wines across the U.S.
because of their advocacy. Artistry and passion are the hallmark of Family
Winemakers of California wineries at these tastings and you will taste it in
the glass.
All Family Winemakers tasting events
focus on wineries that are small (under 5000 cases), have limited marketing
outreach, and will be represented by family members.
- For more information: www.familywinemakers.org