Vine to Table

Domaine Paul Mas produces some of the best value wines in all of Southern France.

Three new wines and a brand-new look for a few others. These guys produce some of the best value wines to come out of Southern France, and more specifically Languedoc, a region known for its white wines and medium bodied reds. Château Paul Mas consists of three Estates: The Castle- a 25-ha vineyard in Conas, near Pézenas, The Cellar- an 80-ha vineyard in Nicole, near Montagnac and 40 ha Vineyard in Caux.

Reserve White Blend 2019 – “an over achiever if I’ve ever seen one”

The Paul Mas Reserve White is a blend of Vermentino, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc and is not only new to the market but features the newly designed label and raised glass on the bottle. The aromatic nose has immediate appeal delivering delicate floral notes, white stone fruits and tropical fruits. The palate is silky smooth with a rich almost creamy texture wrapped around apple, peach and honeyed melon with subtle notes of banana skin and spices on a long finish. You can’t help but smile after swallowing your first sip. This is an enticing wine with wonderful balance and loads of appeal that draws the best out of the three blending grapes with impressive results, and a perfect wine to share with friends. Pair with seafood, crab or lobster or chicken dishes. I suspect this will cellar out to 2025 but it is drinking so well now I would drink it in the next year and hope the next vintage is as good as this.

Paul Mas Reserve Red Blend 2019 – “an absolute delight to drink”

The Reserve red is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Carignan and also features the newly designed label and bottle. Big jammy dark fruits on the nose with a promise of more to come. The plate is smooth and inviting with loads of cherries, dark raspberries, blackberries and a hint of vanilla and spices. Nice long finish. Improved with a few hours decanting. Great wine for grilling out or if you prefer, pair it with beef or veal. A delight to drink. Cellar out to 2027

Paul Mas Reserve Carignan 2018 – “great example of a 100% Carignan”

Originally from northeastern Spain, Carignan found its way into neighboring Languedoc and Cote du Rhone and is used as a blending grape and rarely shows itself in a single varietal form. They are rare but this is a wonderful example of how good this grape varietal can be on its own. This has all the typical traits with an enticing nose of dark fruits and spices to a bold balanced wine displaying layers of ripe blackberries, black current, raspberries, plums with secondary notes of licorice and spices. Tannins are evident but not obtrusive. I would recommend decanting this for few hours and would benefit from cellaring until 2027 and beyond. Pair with any hearty red meat dish.

Is it possible to find two Awesome Reds- 95 and 99Pts under $50?

Yes it is, read on …

DAOU Winery ‘Sequentis’ Reserve Merlot 2019

Daou is by far one of the picturesque Wineries in California occupying one of the highest peaks in all of the state with spectacularly 360-degree views. I visited 10am Sunday morning in October 2019 and had an extraordinary experience and can personally recommend this as a must visit winery.

This is a new project for winemaker Daniel Daou and this initial release stands up to the high level of anticipation this wine received. Intoxicating notes of black cherries, dark chocolate, expresso coffee and sweet herbs are openly flaunted on the nose. One sip and you can tell it’s Paso Robles but there is a relaxed attitude and finesse which caught me off guard. Tannins are evident but not intrusive. Mouthfeel is smooth and desirable with impressive layers of dark cherries, plum, raspberries, chocolate, expresso coffee notes with cranberries and spices rounding things out. Exceptional length with beautiful balance.

Exceptional length with beautiful balance. Give this wine an hour or two decanting to bring out the best and will definitely cellar out to 2035 without a problem. Buy a case and drink one a year until they are gone. Pair with tomato based Italian dishes- chicken, red meat dishes with a rich sauce, Chinese Duck and anything with mushrooms or a mushroom sauce. BTW, this is the 95pt wine.

K Vintners Grenache ‘Powerline Vineyards’ 2019

Charles Smith is the owner and winemaker and there are several names and phrases used to describe his winery- ‘wines of substance’, House of Smith and K Vintners. Whatever you decide on, Charles Smith has produced some of the best, and highest scoring wines to come out of Walla Walla, Washington and his 2019 ‘The Boy’ Grenache is another shining example scoring an impressive 99 pt from James Suckling. His 2018 vintage Syrah received 98 pt- JS and his 2019 Charlotte Red Blend received 97 pt- JS

He started his dream of growing vines and making wine back in 1999 with a $5,000 loan and a truck load of determination to support his dream producing 330 cases of Syrah which he sold out of the back of his 1987 Chevy Astro Van. The wine showcased the underlying potential of both Charles Smith as a winemaker and Walla Walla as a wine region and from these

humble beginnings sprang 7 separate brands and dozens of impressive wines.

This 100% Grenache is sourced from his Powerline Vineyard, one of his first vineyards. The nose is full of promise with cherries, herbs with an interesting earthy, mushroom note whilst leaving you with an impression of sweetness. Not the potpourri of red fruits you would expect but there are bright red cherries and raspberries evident inter twinned with plum, dry herbs and ripe orange peel. Impressive depth and complexity with wonderful balance and restraint- what you would expect from high elevation fruit- 1,200’. Everything is where it should be with excellent length on the finish. A total package that promises rewards with extended cellaring- 2035. This will pair with so much great food- stews, pork, lamb, rabbit, Moroccan Chicken, Indian goat dishes, British Pub food and of course Mediterranean style vegetable pizza. This got the 99pt rating.

A White and a Red For Your Consideration.

Freemark Abbey was one of the first Cabernet’s I tasted and have always been impressed by their wines. I was fortunate to visit the winery PC- pre covid, in October of 2019 and definitely intend to revisit on my next trip to Napa. The Winery is unpretentious and a delight to walk around, friendly staff and excellent wines- see photos. Definitely worth a visit next time you’re in Napa. They make a Cab Franc that is pretty much only available thru Cellar Door that is to die for. They also have a Rutherford Cabernet that is highly allocated that is most definitely worth drinking if you ever come across a bottle.

I have a few bottles of each in my cellar and I consider them in the ’prized possession’ category- for special occasions only.

Kristy Melton (ex Clos du Val) took over the reins as winemaker a few years ago has done a superb job with the 2018 Cabernet and I’m sure has had a lot to do with the winery’s resurgence as one of Napa’s best wine producers.

Napa Cabernet 2018

This is classic medium bodied Napa Cab with aromas of blackberries, black currents and cherries that is appealing and ‘morish’ (an Australian expression meaning you can’t have just one sip, you want more). Palate is smooth, inviting and delicious with ample servings of dark cherries, blackberries and plum with secondary notes of spices, mocha, and licorice with an interesting creamy texture through to the finish. Drinking beautifully now but will cellar till 2032 without a concern. Great balance and finesse- very appealing and very drinkable!

Diatom Winery

Diatom Wines and Greg Brewer are synonymous, one is a Santa Barbara Chardonnay that is an exceptional pure expression of the grape varietal, made to reflect the terroir with minimal interference and one is Winemaker of the Year and Founder. “Diatom is named for diatomaceous earth, which is a plankton fossil found in the oceanic landscape of Santa Barbara County” Source: www.diatomwines.com. The 2021 vintage isn’t rated as yet but the 2020 vintage achieved a 96 pt rating from Vinous and as good as this is, I would expect similar ratings.

Possibly the best Santa Barbara Chardonnay I’ve tasted and definitely one of my all-time favorites from California.

The nose is seductive with honeysuckle, lemon and pretty floral notes dominating. As impressive as the nose is, one sip and you’ll realize just how good this Chardonnay is. One of the best Chardonnays I’ve tasted out of California, period. Palate is rich, smooth and focused with exceptional balance with acidity, fruit and minerality all where it should be. The result is a rich enticing mouthfeel with almost seamless layers of lemon marmalade, orange peel and honeysuckle leaving very little room for lime, floral notes and a subtle note of saline- no doubt from the vineyards terroir and proximity to the ocean. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, if I didn’t know better this could be a French Chablis.

Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.

Masseria Liveli Passamante 2019

The vineyard the grapes are sourced is next to a forest called Passamante which drew its name from couples that would sneak off for amorous rendezvous there. Pass meaning to pass by and amante meaning lover and quickly became known as the Forest of Lovers. An inspiring name for an inspiring wine.

This 100% Negroamaro is an awesome Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday wine, light, medium bodied, enticing nose of red fruits and way to easy to drink, especially after an hour or so decanting. Palate showcases loads of ripe red fruits- cherries and raspberries, black current with some baking spices evident on the finish. Great balance with tannins and acidity evident. Will definitely improve with a little aging and definitely pair with something hearty and Italian.

Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf du Pape 2017

This vintage release is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and the 5% balance made up of Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse and Cinsault.

Nose is seductive and inviting with smokey notes and layers of red fruits with a hint of cedar and floral to complete the initial impression. The palate is rich and complex displaying beautiful balance with tannins evident but not obtrusive. Mouthfeel is smooth but it will need an hour or so’s decanting. Lovely core of red fruits supported by blackberry, raisins, cassis with secondary notes of baking spices, pepper and dark chocolate. This is an absolute delight to drink now but has another 10 years before it fully reveals itself.

The wine of Chateauneuf-du-Pape takes its name from the relocation of the papal court to Avignon. The lore says that after moving in 1309, Pope Clément V (after whom Chateau Pape-Clément in Pessac-Léognan is named) ordered that vines were planted. But it was actually his successor, John XXII, who established the vineyards. The name however, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, translated as “the pope’s new castle,” didn’t really stick until the 19th century. Source: www.wine.com

Adobe Road Carbon Red Blend 2018

A new addition to the Racing Car Series this red blend sourced from Sanoma and Napa Counties is called Carbon and is a blend of 48% Petite Sirah, 26% Malbec, 22% Cabernet and 4% Petit Verdot. This is a rich luscious decadent red wine that ticks all the boxes for fans of Caymus or Orin Swift, just a little more appealing.

Enticing nose of floral notes, blackberry jam and crème de cassis and black cherries. The palate is big and bold and lush and is a testament to the blending abilities behind the Racing Series. Ripe blackberries, black raspberries, crème of cassis dominate at the core with secondary notes black current, plum and chocolate. Absolute pleasure to drink. Cellar out to 2030 without a problem.

Something For Everyone- 3 wines I’ve tasted in the last week that are worth a look- and a taste.

A by Acacia Pinot Noir 2019

Set in the heart of Napa Valley’s Carneros Wine Region, it was established in 1979, long before there was an AVA or any real interest in the region. Just a belief and a Pioneer spirit that great Pinot and Chardonnay can be grown here and was one of the first to release a vineyard designated Pinot Noir in California.

If you’re looking for a totally enjoyable, light bodied, easy drinking Pinot Noir at a ridiculously affordable price, look no further.

Nose is dominated by dark cherries, plum and just a hint of cola. Palate is bright and inviting with a welcoming mouthfeel with ripe cherries as the main attraction (no surprise there) with a hint of raspberries, plums and red currents to round things out. Nice balance between fruits and acidity and good length on the finish.

I’d pair this with Salmon cakes, chicken, turkey and salads with strawberry or raspberry dressing. This is drinking well now but will cellar out another 3 – 4 years.

Drouhin ‘Roserock’ Chardonnay 2018

The Roserock Series of wines showcase all the elegance and finesse you would come to expect from a first-class Winery unabashedly displaying its French roots at a price point that is accessible to everyone.

Sourced from their Eola-Amity Hills Vineyard this just could be the best Chardonnay to come out of Oregon under $40

The nose is all honey and peach with hints of apples, cashews and floral notes rounding things out. Enticing- definitely. The palate could be mistaken for French but that reflects a combination of Robert Drouhin at the helm, French clones, volcanic soils, cooler summers and higher elevation, all wrapped up in good old fashioned Burgundy wine making know how. Wonderful combination of honey nougat, cashews, apples and pears with just a hint of lemon and orange peel on a long finish. Absolute delight to drink at super value price point. Excellent balance should see this cellaring out to 2028.

Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018

“The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades”. – Decanter Magazine.

Originally three separate vineyards established in 1873, the Draper Vineyards (La Perla) consisting of 435 acres was the first site of Cabernet plantings on Spring Mountain. Interesting side note: part of the La Perla estate incorporates the first vineyard planted by Fredrick and Jacob Beringer in 1882. All that being said, there is some serious winemaking history behind this winery not to mention numerous accolades.

Considered to be one of the best vintages in two decades, surpassing the 2012 and 2016 vintages this is excellent opportunity to grab yourself a great Cabernet made from Mountain fruit (restrained and elegant) from an excellent vintage by a great winery. Sounds like an unbeatable combination to me.

The nose opens with cherries and floral notes of violets and lavender with some dusty blueberry notes and spices to round things out. The palate is bright and full of character showcasing an array of cherries, cassis and blueberries with secondary notes of plum, tobacco and spices. Nice bold structure and tannins evident. Hints of olive and savory notes evolving on the palate after some much needed decant time- 2 hours plus.

This wine will age beautifully over the next 10 years and will reward your patience. Given the anticipated shortage of wine out of Napa from the 2020 and 2021 vintages, this is a must buy for any serious Cabernet lover.

Robert Craig Winery- A Piece of History and the End of a Great Beginning.

It was 16 years ago on my first job here and I got to taste their Cabernet for the first time. One sip of Robert Craig’s Cabernet and I was convinced that this was not only a great producer but Napa did, indeed produce awesome Cabernet.

Let’s fast forward to today and celebrate the release of the 2018 vintage- an impressive vintage to say the least and I believe will be looked back at as one of the greats this century (to date). Both Howell Mt and Mt Veeder are high altitude vineyards with wonderful restraint and elegance displaying exceptional balance and complexity. Winery founders Bob and Lynn retired in 2018 after 3 decades of passion and commitment- talk about going out on a high. On a side note, Bob passed away Sept of 2019 and is considered ‘one of the most important figures in Mountain Cabernet development and production’ sourced: http://www.robertcraigwine.com, and will be missed.

Amentet Vineyard, Mt Veeder Cabernet 2018.

Aromas are intoxicating as they whisper from the glass drink me with layers of dark fruits and chocolate with just a hint of blue fruits and sweet tobacco. This blend of 90% Cab and 10% Cab Franc is lighter on the mouthfeel that one would expect but it gets back to the restraint and elegance that is so evident in high elevation Mt. fruit. So soft and pleasing on the mouthfeel, everything is where it should be- wonderful balance. Almost seamless layers of blackberries, black raspberries, cassis, blueberries, dark chocolate and sweet tobacco. Tannins are precise and hold everything in place with just a hint of sweetness. Great length on the finish. Definitely a highlight of the 2018 vintage. I’d pair this with red meat dishes from Filet Mignon, venison stew, roast lamb and duck to burgers on the grill, just as long as you enjoy this wine.

Howell Mountain Cabernet 2018

This is a totally different beast on the nose, bramble, crushed stone, earthy notes, spices with just a hint of dark fruits. The palate is an entirely different matter with black current, black cherries and blackberries dominating with a healthy side serving of plums, chocolate and spices. This is a bigger wine than the Mt Veeder release but equally enjoyable- just needs a little more decant time. Tannins more evident but doing their job contributing structure and body with the same impressive balance.

Both wines will need 5 plus years to show their character and will age beautifully over the next 20 years. Pair with your favorite red meat dish with bold flavors to match.

As Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery- 145 years.

Beringer Napa Cabernet 2016

As Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery with 145 years under its belt, you know they have to be doing something right, or to be more accurate many things right. A tour of the majestic grounds will give you a glimpse into Napa’s past- it’s almost like stepping back in time. From the impressive 19^th century architecture and the tranquil grounds with vineyards fanning out in all directions to the hand dug out cellars and caves. It sets the stage to taste some wonderful wines. In fact, the entire estate was designated a Historic District on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

Beringer is the only winery to have both a red and a white wine feature in the #1 position in Wine Spectator’s Top 100.

Quick comment about the wine before we get into specifics, this has 6 years of aging already done for you with a wonderful mouthfeel that is both silky-smooth and inviting.

Has a distinctive Beringer/Napa nose of blackberries and chocolate that is enticing. The palate is restrained with impressive depth and complexity with a core of blackberries, chocolate and cassis with secondary layers of plum, vanilla that coats your mouth from the first sip. Got another 5 – 7 years cellaring time.

Salentein Gran VU Blend 2012 – Library Release

If your looking for something special from South America, look no further.

The winning combination here is Bodegas Salentein’s unswerving commitment to making world standard wines, José Galante’s winemaking ability and the Uco Valley’s unique conditions, considered by many to be the finest site for growing grapes and making wine in all of South America.

This is a blend of 62% Malbec and 38% Cabernet and aged in French Barrels for 24 months with the result of making one of the most impressive wines I’ve tasted from Sth. America. Did I mention the vintage is 2012 so a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of cellaring has been done already?

Enticing nose of dark fruits but it’s the palate that will convince you just how good this wine is. Give this wine a little breath time to open up and reveal its true complexity and appeal. Integrated layers of ripe blackberries, blueberries, plum, chocolate, coffee and spices all work together with impressive results. Drinking beautifully now but will cellar out another 5 years.

Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018- some altitude with some attitude.

“The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades”. – Decanter Magazine.

I’ve been fortunate enough to taste several vintages of this wine since moving to the States and I have to say the 2018 is an absolute delight to drink, I have a soft spot for this wine, it has never disappointed me and the 2018 is no exception. Considered to be one of the best vintages in two decades, surpassing the 2012 and 2016 vintages this is excellent opportunity to grab yourself a great Cabernet made from Mountain fruit (restrained and elegant) from an excellent vintage by a great winery. Sounds like an unbeatable combination to me.

Croatian Wines- Pt 3

Let’s take a look at some of the wines from Slavonië (northeast- inland) and Dalmatia (southern coastal). The first two wines come from the Kutjevo Winery have serious history and pedigree dating back over 800 years.

Kutjevo Grasevina Dry White 2019

This is actually Italian Riesling probably originating in either Germany or Alsace but no one knows for sure.

It always amazes me that a wine this good can fly under the radar and be almost completely unknown outside of Croatia.

The nose is fresh and fruity dominated by apples, peaches, tropical fruits and floral notes. The palate is crisp, clean and inviting showcasing apples, citrus, melon and peach with impressive balance and minerality. This is way too easy to drink and will pair with seafood, pork, charcuterie and firm cheeses. Will cellar out to 2025 without a concern. Warning you now, when this wine is discovered by the drinking world the price will go up. We’ve all see it happen before.

Kutjevo Traminac 2017

Traminac has been grown in Croatia since 1710 after being introduced to the Ilok region, on the Danube, by Prince Odeschalchi from South Tyrol where it was named after the town of Tramin. What it actually is, is Gewürztraminer and one sip will confirm that fact. It actually rose to fame in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II fell in love with the wine and 11,000 bottles were ordered for her coronation. Just for the record it was the 1947 vintage of the Ilocki Podrum Traminac, which also highlights the difficulty in pronouncing some of the Croatian grape varietals and regions.

The nose is pretty and aromatic and pulls you in. The palate is smooth and round with wonderful balance and acidity dominated by white peach, apricot and delicate floral notes with secondary notes of lychee, ginger and subtle spices. This is an absolute delight to drink and about half the price of its German or Alsace counterpart making it even more enjoyable.

Just a warning: your palate will tell you there is some sweetness but its dry, not-withstanding you may think its sweeter than it is. Given that, I would pair this with mildly spicey Indian, Thai or Mexican chicken dishes.

Vinarija Peljesac 2019

This Plavac Mali is sourced from vineyards located on the Peljesac Peninsula in the southern part of Dalmatia coast. It is medium bodied and a delight to drink, especially coming into Spring, which is only a few weeks away.

The nose is enticing with floral notes wrapped in cherries and red berries. The palate is dominated by red cherries and red raspberries with interesting spices and savory notes. Delightful mouthfeel with impressive balance. If you like Pinot’s and looking for something different this is the grape for you. An hour or two decanting will help bring out its true character, after all, it’s only three years old. Will cellar out to 2027 and beyond. Pair with lighter fare including chicken, turkey, and of course fish.

Mediterano Plavac 2016

This Plavac Mali is sourced from the island of Hvar that is hose to several wineries, this being one of the best. It is also considered by many to be one of the prettiest islands in Croatia and is well worth a visit when you’re planning your next European trip.

The name means Plavac- ‘blue’ Mali- ‘small’ and is a product of two very old Dalmatian varietals. The nose is light and fruity with cherries dominating with subtle floral notes. The palate is velvety smooth with an almost Merlot and Pinot Noir feel. Approachable mouthfeel with a potpourri of cherry, plum and blackberry with secondary notes of vanilla and subtle spices. This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine to drink and should be paired with lighter red meat dishes, chicken, Tuna and Salmon as well as salads, pasta and pizza. A versatile, well-rounded wine for any occasion. This vintage is drinking beautifully now but will cellar out to 2027 without a problem.

Vinarija Dingać 2013

This is the same grape as the previous two wines: Plavic Mali but sourced from the steep slopes of the Zupa Valley in southern Dalmatia appellation and is considered the best of the best and most certainly the Flagship wine from Croatia. Dingać is both the winery and the appellation and arose from a collective formed in 1937 of approximately 550 wine growers. The donkey on the label is the only way to get the grapes down from the steep slopes.

This is definitely old world in style and lovers of French wines will appreciate this. The nose is dominated by notes of plum and black current with spices immediately evident. The palate is inviting and approachable (probably due to the 9 years in the bottle) with an abundance of plums and black current (no surprise there) supported by layers of blueberries, dark cherries with notes of chocolate, sweet spices and cedar. More richness, texture and weight than you would expect from a ‘medium bodied wine’. This well-kept secret is both a delight to drink and a gem just waiting to be discovered. Pair with your favorite meat dishes or something traditional from Croatia.