Ballard Canyon - Wine Region of the Day

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Ballard Canyon received its designation as an AVA in 2013. Situated on 7,800 acres, Ballard Canyon is a sub-appellation of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and is centered around the Santa Ynez Valley. The soils in the Ballard Canyon are made up of sand and clay loam with good drainage. Cool ocean breezes flow into the Santa Ynez Valley from the Pacific Ocean via a gap between the Santa Rita hills, but the hills surrounding Ballard Canyon protects the vineyards here from the harshness of the winds. Ballard Canyon has more gentle weather patterns than the windy, cool-climate in its neighboring Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Ballard Canyon is known for its production of Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Roussanne.

Alta Mesa - Wine Region of the Day

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Located within the Lodi AVA, Alta Mesa is one of 7 sub-appellations approved in 2006.   Located on 55,400 acres, Alta Mesa is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento County. The decision to create the sub-appellations was done through the Lodi AVA Steering Committee.  This group formed by 16 members of the committee and over three years looked at the area through scientific and historical perspectives as well as community outreach.  Led by chairmen Markus Bokisch of Bokisch Ranches and Duarte Nursery and Keith Watts of Watts Vineyards steering committee backed the sub-appellation plan because it allowed winemakers and growers to differentiate between different microclimates and soils within the greater Lodi Area.

The name, Alta Mesa refers the the relatively high, flat land the area formed by the alluvial fans and terraces created bythe American and Cosumnes river.  The term “Alta Mesa” has been used since California was a Spanish and later Mexican possession.

The soils of the area are predominately the San Joaquin series (90%).  These soils are the official state soil of California and consist of brown to red loams and clays with clays and hardpan limiting the depth that root systems can reach.  The temperature of the region is warmer than the majority of the Lodi area appellations and it is cutoff from the cooler, ocean breezes from the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta.  In the winter this leads to fog as standing water meets cold air running off the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east.  The dense soil and low rainfall force the vines to grow smaller and focus all of their energy in producing their fruit, giving it a robust deep flavor. 

Alta Mesa AVA is unusual in that there are no bonded wineries operating within its boundaries.  Instead the appellation is most known for its fruit. The most common grape varieties are Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Paicines - Wine Region of the Day

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Paicines received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Sitting on 42,882 acres, Paicines is a sub-appellation of the San Benito AVA. The proposal for this appellation came from the Almaden winery which operates in the area.  The name Paicines was well documented as having been in use, including the name of the town in the center of the region. Confusingly enough, the original name of the unincorporated town was Tres Pinos which switched names with the original town of Paicines located further south down Airline Highway.

The Paicines that we are discussing is located east of Pinnacles National Park and takes its name originally from the Rancho Cienega de los Paicines (still in operation today as Paicines Ranch) a land that was granted in the 1840s.  Reports indicate that viticulture in the area began as early as the mid-1850s.

The soil of the region consists of a sandy loam which include alluvial deposits and feature fanned materials and benches which may act as natural terraces. The temperature is akin to that of the high desert and often will see daily temperatures north of 100 degrees in the peak of the growing season. As the sun sets, the temperature will drop dramatically, sometimes by as much as 40 degrees as cool Pacific air sweeps into the region.  The Paicines region tends not to feature fogs associated with that marine air.  Though on days that are particularly foggy some will move into the valley and will linger longer that surrounds regions.  Without this swing in temperatures, the region would be too hot to produce vines. The diurnal shift and fogallows the grapes will cool off and extend its growing season. Grapes will stay on the vine longer than in neighboring AVAs. The region is known for producing Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah.

2013 Oak Cliff Cellars Wild Diamond Syrah - Wine of the Day

2013 Oak Cliff Cellars Wild Diamond Syrah

$45

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The grapes in this wine all come from the Wild Diamond Vineyard in southern Lake County. At an elevation of 2,200 ft., this vineyard sits high above the fog line, with 5 – 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and then cooled by Pacific breezes at night coming across the Mendocino wind gap. Its red loamy soil is the result of ancient pre-civilization floods and contains rich nutrients that contribute to the density, acidity and color of these grapes.

Syrah is known as the king of Rhone: single varietal for northern Rhone red wines and one of three primary grapes for the blends from southern Rhone. As a softer alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah still is known for its thick skin and big tannins, resulting in wines that are age-worthy and stand up to heartier dishes. This Syrah is elegance in the glass, with predominant notes of blackberry and black pepper and hints of anise, earth and leather.

Borden Ranch - Wine Region of the Day

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Borden Ranch received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Sitting on 70,000 acres, Borden Ranch is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties. The soils in Borden Ranch is alluvial with cobbles, clay pan, and clay loam. The terrain of Borden Ranch varies from around 50 to 500 feet above sea level, and the region is spot by the Dry Creek River. The climate features long sunny days with cooling breezes off the river. Borden Ranch, like much of Lodi, is populated by vineyards producing grapes to be sold outside the region. The varietals that are produced here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

GV Cellars 2014 Syrah Solano County Green Valley - Wine of the Day

GV Cellars 2014 Syrah Solano County Green Valley

$25.68

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This Syrah benefits from Solano County Green Valley's  afternoon winds which sweep over the vineyard from San Pablo Bay.  This makes an intense but balanced wine. This Syrah has a definite fruit-forwardness which will intensify over time, but will work well with stews and meat dishes right now!  We recommend pairing with spicy foods like Shakshuka or tagine though it is divine with lamb kabobs or crispy roasted chicken.  Enjoy!

High Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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High Valley AVA is located in the most eastern part of Lake County, California and contains an extinct volcano. The valley sits between elevations of 1,600 feet to 3,000 feet. The High Valley AVA has a wide variance of growing regions between the valley basin and elevated hillsides. The valley in inundated by cold winds which keeping the valley cool. Like much of Lake County, the High Valley is known for its alluvial fans in the valley and hilltop benches, which provide a the area with a variety of growing regions. The warmer volcanic soils of the hillsides are known for their Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon while the cool sandy valley floor provide well-drained beds for varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Atlas Peak - Wine Region of the Day

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Atlas Peak received its designation as an AVA in 1992. Sitting on 15,000 acres, it is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Atlas Peak's signature feature is its higher elevation than most of the growing regions in Napa Valley, allowing the vines to sit above the fog line and receive a few extended hours of direct sunlight daily. The warm sunny days and cool nightly breezes create a diurnal temperature variation of 30 degrees allowing the grapes to take longer to ripen, giving the fruit its signature depth of flavor and balanced acidity. The soil is volcanic, porous, and well draining which forces the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into the fruit, concentrating the flavors. The area is known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay.

Cienega Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Cienega Valley in San Benito County, California received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Located at an elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level, the soil of the region is divided by the San Andreas fault. Soil to the east of the fault consists of granite and sandstone, but to the west, the soil consists of granite and limestone. The Cienega Valley has warm, sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop bright flavors and even tannins while retaining acidity levels. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Salado Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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Salado Creek received its designation as an AVA in 2004. Situated on 2,940 acres, the region is located in northern Stanislaus County, California, near the town of Patterson. The creek as well as many other geographic features in the area were named by Spanish explorer, Gabriel Moraga who explored the San Joaquin Valley from 1806-1811.

The wine region lies at the eastern base of the Diablo Mountains at the western edge of the valley.  Salado Creeks flows from the mountains and crosses the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal eventually ending in the San Joaquin River. The viticultural area is part of the flat, flood plain from Salado Creek and its tributaries and is made of the heavier alluvium.

The soil in the region is an alluvial fan of clay and sandy loam which come from shale and sandstone parent materials. These Ensalado soils are well draining and deep which forces the vines to dig deep, strong roots in search of water. This process forces the vines to concentrate their efforts into the fruit, making a deep, robust flavor.

The region is protected from marine air by the Diablo Mountains and exist in a “thermal belt” at the edge of the larger San Joaquin Valley making this belt zone the only places where citrus grows in the San Joaquin Valley. The climate of Salado Creek has warmer cool season temperatures but consistent cooling breezes do flow from the north making its warm season cooler than the rest of the valley. Salado Creek is known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier.

Santa Ynez Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Santa Ynez Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 42,880 acres, the Santa Ynez Valley is the largest growing region in Santa Barbara County. The soils range from gravelly loams and clay loams to shale and silty clay loams. All soils in the valley have excellent drainage. The topography of the growing regions varies from 200 to 1,500 feet above sea level, with the differing climates following the changing elevations. The western end of the Valley is cooled by morning fog and breezes off of the Pacific Ocean. The eastern end of the valley is considerably warmer and higher in elevation. Cool climate varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the dominant vines on the western side of the valley while Rhone varietals, namely Syrah, thrive in Santa Ynez Valley's eastern end.

Santa Lucia Highlands - Wine Region of the Day

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The Santa Lucia Highlands received their designation as an AVA in 1990. Sitting on 22,000 acres in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the region is a sub-appellation of the Monterey AVA. The soil is a gravelly sandy loam, and the terrain consists of terraces around 2,000 feet in elevation. The high elevation grants the vines access to the daylong sun that is cooled down by breezes off the Pacific Ocean. The region is best known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

GV Cellars 2013 Queensland Solano County Green Valley - Wine of the Day

GV Cellars 2013 Queensland Solano County Green Valley

$29.96

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This estate blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Syrah - or Shiraz as the Aussies call it - has medium tannins and a robust structure. With a rustic nose of wet red bricks and a finish of graphite and currents, this southern hemisphere-styled wine will be a favorite with bolder dishes of lamb or beef.

Yountville - Wine Region of the Day

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Yountville received its distinction as an AVA in 1999 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. The AVA is sitting on 8,000 acres, centered on the town Yountville, California. Volcanic soils on the eastern flank are similar to the neighboring Stags Leap District but also features centuries-old coastal deposits, and both sedimentary and alluvial soils exist to the west, interspersed with sandy and gravelly loam, as well as a little clay. No other area in all the Napa Valley has this particular geomorphic combination and pronounced soil differences. The climate of the region consists of cool marine air currents from San Pablo Bay to the south, allowing for cooler temperatures year round. These milder temperatures allow the grapes of the region plenty of time to develop unique flavor characteristics. The region currently produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

2014 Troon Black Label Syrah Reserve, Applegate Valley - Wine of the Day

2014 Troon Black Label Syrah Reserve, Applegate Valley

$50

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It is stunning that a wine can be concentrated, yet light on its feet. Applegate Valley Syrah reminds of the wines of the northern Rhône in the way in blends power and elegance. Floral and spiced on the the nose with tart black pepper aromatics and butcher shop flavors. While this wine can be cellared for a decade it is enticing enough to drink tonight. Perfect with prime rib or grilled pork chops.

Willow Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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Willow Creek received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 6,000 acres, Willow Creek is located in Humboldt and Trinity Counties and is centered around the town of Willow Creek. Willow Creek soils are typically very rocky with little clay content. The terrain is dominated with rocks, sand, and a loose loam. The Trinity River cuts through the center of the region, offering a cooling element to an otherwise hot daily sun. During the peak of growing season, the temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees, during the day. During the height of winter, the region can dip well below freezing temperatures. The hot daytime temperatures allow this region to grow a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah.

2013 Oak Cliff Cellars Wild Diamond Syrah - Wine of the Day

 2013 Oak Cliff Cellars Wild Diamond Syrah

$45

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Syrah is known as the king of Rhone: single varietal for northern Rhone red wines and one of three primary grapes for the blends from southern Rhone. As a softer alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah still is known for its thick skin and big tannins, resulting in wines that are age-worthy and stand up to heartier dishes. This Syrah is elegance in the glass, with predominant notes of blackberry and black pepper and hints of anise, earth and leather.

The grapes in this wine all come from the Wild Diamond Vineyard in southern Lake County. At an elevation of 2,200 ft., this vineyard sits high above the fog line, with 5 – 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and then cooled by Pacific breezes at night coming across the Mendocino wind gap. Its red loamy soil is the result of ancient pre-civilization floods and contains rich nutrients that contribute to the density, acidity and color of these grapes.

San Bernabe - Wine Region of the Day

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San Bernabe received its designation as an AVA in 2004. Sitting on 24,796 acres, the region is a sub-appellation of the Monterey AVA. The most centrally located of all of the AVAs located in Monterey, San Bernabe is located between the Salinas River and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The soil of the region is a sandy loam and has excellent drainage. There are varying climates within the region, but it mostly has long sunny days and cool nights that allow for a well balanced but robust grape. The region grows over fifteen different varietals but is mostly known for producing Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

Diablo Grande - Wine Region of the Day

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Diablo Grande received its designation as an AVA in 1998. Situated across 30,000 acres, Diablo Grande is located in Stanislaus County. The soils of Diablo Grande are mostly clay and sand and are very well draining. The climate is hot and dry but receives high winds that blow across Stanislaus County. The hot temperatures make for a short growing season and high yields of fruit. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Syrah.

Temecula Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Temecula Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1984. Situated on 33,000 acres, Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County. The soils in the region are made from decomposing granite that are a light sandy loam. These soils contribute to clean, pure varietal flavors without odd or herbaceous flavors that wetter soil may cause. The region receives warm daily sunlight and has the benefit of the cooling Santa Ana winds. The Mediterranean climate makes the region perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah.