San Miguel District - Wine Region of the Day

---

The San Miguel AVA is located in the north central portion of the original Paso Robles appellation and is named for the Mission San Miguel Arcángel, the Franciscan Mission created in the late 1700s.  Marine influence is not much of a factor in the San Miguel appellation.  Precipitation is relatively sparse due to the region being located in the rain shadow of the the Santa Lucia mountain range.  It receives 11.4 inches of precipitation per year.  The area is also warmer than many of the Paso Robles sub-appellations and averages 3,300-3,400 Growing Degree Days.  This makes San Miguel the third warmest area in the region.  The elevations in the region range from 580 to 1,600 feet above sea level and is crossed by both the Estrella and the Salinas River.  The geology at some of the higher elevations are characterized by granites and Monterey Shale which are then eroded into alluvial soils which are deep in the benches, terraces and floodplains.  Grapes being produced in the region include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend

$86

---

Our bold, fathomless, Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc is the collective soul of the vineyard. Barrel fermented and hand-racked for thirty months in French oak barrels. Testament has an inky dark hue and it’s intense nose heralds black and red currant, lavender, cola and black cherry followed by mocha-laced layered flavors of dark chocolate, cassis and baking spice in every glass.

Testament compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, beef bourguignon, lamb and hearty stews.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

The San Antonio Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. The San Antonio Valley is located in Monterey County and is bordered to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Unlike many of the wine regions in the United States, there is a long history of viticulture in the San Antonio Valley.   It was home to the Mission San Antonio de Padua that was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra.  Franciscan Missions in Alta California could not rely on supplies from Spain and were required to be self-sufficient.  This meant making flour for bread and grapes for wine.  The Mission is still in operation as a parish church and visitors can see the original wine pressing vats and wine cellar.

The valley is located in the southern part of Monterey County and is located between the Santa Lucia Mountains near the Salinas Valley and includes San Antonio Lake and Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation.  The terrain contains gently rolling hills which form a basin or bowl shape.

The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean.  The region averages approximately 3,000 GDD on the Winkler Index indicating that it is the prime climate for Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.  The cool marine air that is so common for Monterey County is mostly absent. The region tends to be hotter and drier during the growing season but cooler during the spring and autumn.

Soil composition is also unique in San Antonio Valley.  Nearby Hames Valley is primarily composed of soils from the Lockwood series that are alluvial fans and terraces of siliceous shale.  San Antonio Valley has a more varied soil profile with 40 different types being represented.  The soil is primarily gravelly loam and clay that are mostly alluvial but with more gravel, sand and clays in the mix.

The region is known for its production of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals but is becoming home to Spanish and Portuguese grapes as well.  You can find Albarino, Barbera, Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Dolcetto,  Grenache,  Malbec,  Marsanne,  Merlot,  Mourvedre,  Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Grigio, Primativo, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tinta Cao, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel being produced in San Antonio Valley.

Carmel Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

Upriver from the other Carmel, the one on the ocean that once had Clint Eastwood as a mayor is Carmel Valley.  Located in Monterey County,, southeast of that more famous Carmel is found in the Santa Lucia Range north of the Ventana Wilderness. The appellation was created in 1982 after a petition from David Armanasco of Durney Vineyard (now Heller Estate).  The Carmel River which runs through the valley was discovered in 1603 by Sebastian Vizcaino and was cited as the justification for using the name “Carmel”. 

The area has been home to viticulture since the late 1960s when Durney Vineyard was established. The defining qualities cited by the petitioner includes soil and climate.  The climate of the valley is characterized by Growing Degree Days of 2317  placing it in the Amerine-Winkler scale as a  Region I, cool climate growing area.  Most of the surrounding regions are warmer using the same scale.  The exception is the nearby Salinas Valley with 2148 GDD which is also a Region I growing area.  While slightly cooler than Carmel Valley it is lower in elevation allowing for more fog from the oceanfront to enter the valley.  Another result of that higher elevation is a higher level of rainfall.

Soil is the other defining characteristic of the AVA.  The petition for the AVA lists ten separate soil types in the area which to the uninformed may seem less that definitive.  The soils are largely loams which are mixtures of sand, silt and clay.  The soils also have another factor that separates them from soils in the other nearby appellations.  They are all found on hillsides with slopes (in a mathematical sense) over 30% making them quite steep.  As a result runoff and erosion potentials are high and the soils are well to excessively well drained. There are only 300 acres planted with vines, and those vines sit at an elevation above 1,000 feet on hillside terraces.

In a little over thirty years, Carmel Valley has grown from one winery to twelve, not including those wineries that source fruit from the region. Carmel Valley is best known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Syrah.

2013 Ascension Cellars Soul Shaker Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

2013 Ascension Cellars Soul Shaker Bordeaux Blend

$66

---

Incredibly inky hue with layers of perfumed plum, dark berries, cedar, mocha, coffee, and graphite aromas followed by hints of spice box. The texture on the palate is ultra-concentrated and silky with blackberry flavors and a touch of pepper, cocoa and Indian spice leading to the lush, lingering and focused finish that echoes on the palate. Enjoy now or be rewarded if allowed to cellar for 5 years or more.

2013 Soul Shaker compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, roasted pork, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, lamb, hearty stews and the company of dear friends.

V. Vineyards 2012 Audace - Wine of the Day

V. Vineyards 2012 Audace

$120

---

The 2012 Audace, Block 4/Ruby Vineyard, is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. 100% barrel fermented and barrel aged for 28 months on 80% new French Oak. The alcohol content is 14.2%.

Color:  Nice shiny garnet with touches of eggplant and magenta on the rim

On the nose:  Touches of cedar, Tobacco, cherries, cinnamon bread, cassis, blackberries with touches of black pepper, tomato sauce and tea leaves

On the palate:  Soft but fresh entrance evolving on granular tannins with great structure. Touches of red cherry yoghurt, boysenberries, lingering on basil, dark chocolate, strawberries and lilac.

V. Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine of the Day

V. Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

$85

---

The V. Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep dark ruby with mashed strawberries and Ferrari red on the rim.  It has the aroma of strong fruit like cassis, cranberries, strawberries and cherries with touches of clay, rosemary, paprika lingering on chocolate, lavender and tobacco.  Excited yet?  When you sip this wine you will enjoy the soft entrance evolving on present silky tannins with some ripe red fruit like red currant, red cherries and touches of coriander and juniper berries. Wow.

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. 100% barrel fermented and barrel aged for 22 months on 80% new French Oak. 

Every once in awhile an unparalleled vineyard site is quite literally stumbled upon. Gina and Steve Viets purchased their Sonoma home designed to give their children more room to roam and to escape foggy San Francisco. Little did they know, but their passion for seeking the perfect bottle of Cabernet, along with their interest in farming, was about to converge. While exploring the property and it’s history the Family discovered that the land was once a vineyard in the late 1800’s, they began seeing their hillside in a whole new light, inspiring them to establish V. Vineyards dedicated to single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Diamond Mountain District - Wine Region of the Day

---

The Diamond Mountain District received its AVA designation in 2001. The region sits on 5,000 acres and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located in the Mayacamas Mountains, Diamond Mountain's unique feature is its higher elevation than most of the growing regions in Napa Valley. The higher elevation allows the vines to sit above the fog line and receive a few extended hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil is volcanic, porous, and well draining which forces the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into the fruit. Given the warm sunny days and cool nightly breezes, the area has a significant diurnal temperature variation. The region is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Paicines - Wine Region of the Day

---

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.

Atlas Peak - Wine Region of the Day

---

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.

Yountville - Wine Region of the Day

---

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.

Howell Mountain - Wine of the Day

---

Howell Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983, and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Howell Mountain is located on 14,000 acres in the Vaca Range on the northeast side of Napa Valley. Most vineyards on the Howell Mountain are planted between 1,400 feet and 2,200 feet placing them above the fog and cool winds from San Pablo Bay. The soil in the appellation is volcanic with good drainage, causing the vines to struggle and place all of their efforts into the fruit. The region is known for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

Guenoc Valley - Wine Region of the Day

View fullsize

---

The Guenoc Valley AVA is in Lake County, California, north of the town of Calistoga. The AVA sits on 23,000 acres, and its grapes are grown at an elevation of 400 ft. It is name for the Mexican Land Grant, Rancho Guenoc that was given to George Rock in 1845.  Viticulture began in the valley in 1887 when Lily Langtry, mistress of the future Edward VII purchased part of the original Rancho to raise racehorses and make wine.

The Guenoc Valley is small and comprised of a mix of Arroyo Seco and Conejo Loam soils deposited by former rivers to make the region one large alluvial fan. The Guenoc Valley is isolated from surrounding areas by rocky ridges, creating a small valley. Compared to surrounding areas, the Guenoc Valley receives less rainfall per year, but greater temperature variance throughout the year. The region is known for its Syrah production, but also produces Petit Verdot, Malbec, Semillon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Paicines - Wine Region of the Day

View fullsize

---

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.

2012 Chateau Lane Petit Verdot - Wine of the Day

View fullsize

2012 Chateau Lane Petit Verdot

$90

---

Explosions of dark chocolate, currant liqueur and blackberries on the nose with giant dark fruit on the pallet, this sleek stealth bomber will make you grin with purple teeth at each round and voluptuous mouthful of supremely rich freshly ground espresso bean and chicory.  Watch out Cab. Sauv., make way for Petit Verdot.  

Santa Margarita Ranch - Wine Region of the Day

View fullsize

---

The Santa Margarita Ranch AVA is the most southern portion of the original Paso Robles appellation.  The Santa Margarita Ranch started as an agricultural satellite location for the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Mission, was responsible for producing wheat and wine grapes beginning in 1774.  The mission was then known as Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia.  It was later identified as a rancho or land grant.

The area is found between the La Panza and Santa Lucia Mountains in the Santa Margarita Valley with the Salina River running throughout.  The elevations in the appellation range from 900 feet at the riverbank to 1,400 feet at the highest point.  Santa Margarita Ranch receives moderate marine influences with ocean breezes coming through the Cuesta Pass but these are less than the air currents in the Templeton Gap AVA further downstream.  Santa Margarita Ranch averages 29 inches of precipitation per year, more than the majority of the Paso Robles sub-appellations as a result of these breezes and also because of the elevation of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The majority of vineyards in the environs are found on the valley floor where cooler temperatures tend to pool.  There is a small aquifer in the area that is used for frost protection as well as irrigation.  The soils overlaying this basin consist of alluvial loams and gravels and some clays created from the surrounding Monterey shale, Santa Margarita sandstones and older Cretaceous rocks.  Grapes being produced in the region include: Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel.

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

View fullsize

Ascension Cellars 2013 Testament Bordeaux Blend

$86

---

Our bold, fathomless, Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc is the collective soul of the vineyard. Barrel fermented and hand-racked for thirty months in French oak barrels. Testament has an inky dark hue and it’s intense nose heralds black and red currant, lavender, cola and black cherry followed by mocha-laced layered flavors of dark chocolate, cassis and baking spice in every glass.

Testament compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, beef bourguignon, lamb and hearty stews.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

View fullsize

San Antonio Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

---

The San Antonio Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. The San Antonio Valley is located in Monterey County and is bordered to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains. The soil is primarily gravely loam and clay. The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Leona Valley - Wine Region of the Day

View fullsize

Leona Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

---

Leona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2008. Located on 8,751 acres, Leona Valley is located in North Eastern Los Angeles County. Leona Valley features well draining nutrient rich alluvial soils. The Leona Valley is a high desert climate with hot days and cool evenings. The grapes receive daily sun during the height of the growing season, and the 2,700-foot elevation of the vineyards ensures a cool evening and a longer growing season. The region is known for its production of Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Malbec.

The valley was named for rancher, Miguel Leonis, a Basque shepard from France who bought a previously existing adobe in Calabasas, California which was eventually expanded into a Monterey style building with a Queen Anne veranda. Leonis eventually controlled most of the western portion of the San Fernando Valley and was considered the robber baron of the region.  The adobe is considered to be one the most haunted places in California with sitings of Miguel, his common-law wife, Espiritu Chujilla, a Chumash indian, who was forced to fight her husband's relatives in court when her 'husband' referred to her as his "faithful housekeeper" in his will.

2013 Ascension Cellars Soul Shaker Bordeaux Blend - Wine of the Day

View fullsize

 2013 Ascension Cellars Soul Shaker Bordeaux Blend

$66

---

Incredibly inky hue with layers of perfumed plum, dark berries, cedar, mocha, coffee, and graphite aromas followed by hints of spice box. The texture on the palate is ultra-concentrated and silky with blackberry flavors and a touch of pepper, cocoa and Indian spice leading to the lush, lingering and focused finish that echoes on the palate. Enjoy now or be rewarded if allowed to cellar for 5 years or more.

2013 Soul Shaker compliments medium to sharp cheddar cheeses, roasted pork, braised short ribs, grilled steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, lamb, hearty stews and the company of dear friends.