Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard

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!

Terry Hill is the TEXAS WINEAUX!

Winemaker Markus Niggli

Winemaker Markus Niggli is an amazing talented man with a real deep seated passion for his craft. He has been making astounding aromatic white wines at the “Oldest Independent Family Vineyard” in Lodi;  Borra Vineyards.

Bad News: Lodi’s historic Borra Vineyards closed at the end of 2017

Good News: Markus Niggli, bought everything and has began producing his own line of wines at the brand new MARKUS WINE COMPANY.

Steve Borra, a 3rd generation Grapegrower in Lodi started making wine from his families vineyards in 1967. In 1975 he started the “First Bonded Winery in Lodi” in a tiny shack off Armstrong Road and the legends of winemaking in Lodi were started.

Fast forward to a few years ago; Steve was ready to retire. And since his kids didn’t want to make wine, he decided to concentrate on the more profitable area of his family business; growing prize winning grapes and selling them for other winemakers and wineries. Markus and Partner Jon Bjork were the perfect fit to purchase everything for the winemaking side of the business,  and they began their own Lodi story.

Swiss born Markus Niggli started his wine carrier near Perth, Austalia where he studied viticulture, learning that the best wines are truly made in the vineyard.

“I’m a firm believer that you need to understand what is going on in the field”.

Later he arrived in Santa Rosa, CA where he started as a Viticulture Technician for Atlus Peak Winery.  While he started at the bottom. He didn’t stay there long. Talent, hard work, and a desire to learn have served Markus very well.

“As a winemaker, you must listen to the vineyard. You need to know the story of the fruit to make a great wine,” Markus Niggli

LoCa The Wines Of Lodi, Ca!

He moved to Lodi, California in 2006 because he knew he could learn and move up quickly in the up and coming Lodi AVA. He was hired by Steve Borra as as Cellar Assistant at Borra Vineyards. Steve Borra recognized his skills and work ethic and put him to work, increasing his responsibilities until eventually turning over the Winemaker title.

Soon afterward Markus convinced Bob & Brett Koth, owners of nearby Mokelumne Glen Vineyards to let him experiment with their unsold German grapes such as Kerner. That is when Markus really began pushing the envelope of Lodi wines, blending them with Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Bacchus grapes. It wouldn’t take long before the wine enthusiasts were beating a path to Lodi to try his unique dry, acidic, and incredibly aromatic white wines.

Wine Writer W. Blake Gray of the Gray Report said of the 2011 Intuition:

“This is a great wine, one of the best California white wines I’ve tasted this year. It’s delicious. And complex. And constantly interesting. Every sip was worth savoring. And it was even more delicious the next day”  

I first met Markus in September of 2016 when I was invited by the Lodi Winegrape Commission for a Press Trip. You can read more about that trip by clicking HERE. I tasted some damn incredible wines, and met the 4-5 generation Grapegrowers of Lodi off and on for 3 days. Markus so graciously hosted us under a grove of shade trees right next to the vineyards, and poured his aromatic white wines for us. I was blown away and an instant convert.

Markus pouring his wines for us on Press Trip

So when Markus contacted me and announced he was expanding to make four red wines all under his label Markus Wine Company, you can imagine I was beyond excited and asked him to send me samples ASAP!

Markus Wine Company

Here are my thoughts:

2015 Markus, Lodi Domo: 75% Carigan 15% Petite Sirah 10% Sirah. This is true OLD VINE Carignan from Borra Vineyards Church Block planted in 1920’s. Light weight and semi translucent in the glass. Cherry pie, Cranberry, clove, and spices. Great acidity and depth, and med tannins. Long finish.

2015 Markus, Lodi Zeitlos: 76% Syrah with just a dash of Viognier at 4%. The Syrah and Viognier were picked and co-fermented the same day in the old Rhone Valley tradition of France. The remainder of the blend is 12% Old Vine Carignan  and 8% Petite Sirah. This is a big wine, and possibly my favorite (see below). Deep purple in the glass. Med-heavy weight and firm tannins beg for lamb chops or roasted meats! Raspberry, Floral, Cherry, and Herbs dominate the nose and on the palate. I wish I had several bottles to cellar. I would love to taste this wine in 10 years, It should age beautifully.

2015 Markus, Lodi Blue: 90% Zinfandel from the Borra Vineyard planted about 50 years ago, with 5% Petit Sirah, and 5% Petit Verdot. THIS IS A BIG WINE! At 16.5% Alc , BLUE is reminiscent of big Zinfandels from Lodi, but more layers. Black Cherry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Spicy Pepper,  Plum, with a hint of Cedar. Tannins are velvety, and Blue will reward you with a long, long  finish of Pepper, Cedar & blue fruits! Well done.

2015 Markus, Lodi Sol:  42% Petite Sirah, 37% Syrah, and 21% Mourvedre all blended from the three best barrels of each varietal. Amazing nose of Blue fruits (Blackberry, Blueberry), Cocoa, and Wet Forest Floor. “SOL” is French for soil, and the name is perfect for this wine. As juicy & succulent of a red wine as this is, the earthiness that is so intertwined with the juicy fruits is brilliant. It begs for a big juicy sizzling ribeye steak fresh off the grill. I know I said I thought Zeitlos may have been my favorite of the 4 wines, but I could easily change my call to SOL… YES, It is that great.

As I stated earlier, I love Markus’s aromatic and acidic white wines. They are NOTHING like typical California butter bomb Chardonnay, and that is a good thing. I will still continue to love them. But understand the Markus Red Wines are outstanding, and even more outstanding is the suggested retail is $39  for each! That is a great price for red wines of this caliber. THAT is the beauty of LODI! The values that are coming out of the Lodi AVA are astounding. If you are ever in the area please send me a note and I will send you taste damn special wines made by damn special people!

Go to his website here for more information and to purchase his wines: http://markuswine.com/

Thank you again for taking your time to read my article. Please leave a comment below so I will know you were here, and feel free to let me know your thoughts.

Terry Hill is the Texas Wineaux!

 

 

 

 

 

Willamette Valley Oregon

It is Willamette Dammit!

Willamette Damit Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley Oregon is 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 Store in 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 Vineyard and 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 comment below to let me know you were here.

Terry Hill is the Texas Wineaux!

 

 

 

Evening with Martin Ray Vineyards and Winemaker Bill Batchelor

 

Martin Ray and Angeline wines poured tonight!

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 Batchelor and 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”.

Angeline Vineyards

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!

2016 Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir

Martin Ray Vineyards

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.

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Terry Hill is the TEXAS WINEAUX!