February 26th - This Date in Wine History

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Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history. 

  • Samuel Pepys drank a draft of wormwood wine with Sir William Batten at the Steelyard in 1662.
  • Musician Jonathan Cain was born in 1950. He is owner of Finale Wines in Sonoma County.
  • California's Fair Play AVA was designated in 2001.
  • Oregon and Washington's Walla Walla Valley AVA (shown above) was designated in 2001.

February 9th - This Date in Wine History

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Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history. 

  • English Protestant martyr, Rowland Taylor died in 1555.  He was a supporter of Lady Jane Grey who was overthrown by Mary.   He tried and found guilty of heresy for objecting to the doctrine of transubstantiation where bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.  He was burned at the stake. 
  • Max Schubert, Australian winemaker responsible for Penfolds Grange Hermitage was born in 1915.
  • Race Car Driver, Kevin Buckler was born in 1959.  He owns Adobe Road Wines in Sonoma.
  • Connecticut's Western Connecticut Highlands AVA was designated in 1988.
  • The Australian Geographical Indication "Adelaide Hills" was registered in 1998.
  • New Jersey's Outer Coastal Plain AVA was designated in 2007.

February 8th - This Date in Wine History

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Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history. 

  • John Ruskin, writer, critic, artist and social thinker was born in 1819.  He was the son of a sherry and wine importer.  His father was the founding partner of Ruskin, Telford and Domecq.
  • Jack Lemmon was born in 1925.  He starred in the movie, Days of Wine and Roses.
  • The Morgon AOC and the Saint-Amour AOC were created in 1946. 
  • Vince Neil of Motley Crue was born in 1961.  He owns Vince Neil Vineyards in Sonoma.
  • The Bianco di Custoza DOC and the Colli Lanuvini DOC were created in 1971.
  • The Salaparuta DOC was established in 2006.

February 2nd - This Date in Wine History

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Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • "Wein, Weib und Gesang" ("Wine, Women and Song"), Op.333 by Johann Strauss II was performed for the first time in 1869.
  • In 1659, Jan van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town, produced the first known wine in South Africa.
  • Tom Smothers of the Smothers Brothers was born in 1937.  He owns Remick Ridge Vineyards in Sonoma.
  • Spain's Méntrida DO and Ribeiro DO was created in 1976.
  • New Mexico's Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA was published in the Code of Federal Regulations  in 1988.

2013 Agnitio Chardonnay Sun Chase Vineyard - Wine of the Day

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2013 Agnitio Chardonnay Sun Chase Vineyard

2013 Agnitio Chardonnay Sun Chase Vineyard

$50

Our first vintage of Sun Chase Chardonnay is a distinctive wine with exuberant character and ageability. The nose expresses subtle aromatics ranging from white flowers, Meyer lemons and crushed rock. Best comparted to a classic Meursault from Burgundy, the mouthfeel is at once laser-like, mineral and complex. While still in its youthful stages, with time this wine will blossom to express its mature balance of unctuousness and freshness.

Our grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed for over four hours (Press cycle used in Champagne). The juice was racked off its lies after it had a chance to settle down in a tank for at least 24 hours at 50°F. It was 100% fermented in barrels with a blend of 25% new French oak and 75% neutral oak. Only 25% of the wine was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the brightness of the wine and gain just enough roundness on the palate. Aged "sur lies fines" for 12 months, this wine will cellar for years.

Sonoma Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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Sonoma Mountain

The Sonoma Mountain AVA is located in Sonoma County, California. It is centered on the Sonoma Mountain a folded volcanic uplift.   The appellation is included in the Sonoma Valley AVA, but due to its unique elevation and geology, it was granted status as its own AVA in 1985. 

The area is known primarily for its high elevation benches.  These contain folds that create diverse micro-climates which are home to cooler climate grapes.  Primarily the area is known for thermal flows of cooler, moister air that moves down into the valley.  A southern aspect, meaning the vineyards get a more sunshine during the day.  The region sits above the fog which also increases that sunlight. This makes the area perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The region's soil is a mix of basalt, ash and ancient marine deposits that were uplifted along with the volcanic rocks.  They typically consist of the Goulding Series and are cobbly to gravelly loams and are well draining.  

Sonoma Mountain is home to relatively few wineries but is the source of high-quality fruit.  The combination of the terror and the climate make this region perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is the region's signature wine. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, the region known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Zinfandel.

V. Vineyards 2012 Audace - Wine of the Day

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V. Vineyards 2012 Audace

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.

June 14th - This Date in Wine History

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Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • Bear Flag Revolt begins in 1846.  Anglo settlers in Sonoma, California, start a rebellion against Mexico and proclaim the California Republic.  
  • The US Patent Office granted a patent for the Montebello & Co of Mareuil-sur-Ay, Marne, France for Champagne.
  • California's Chalone AVA was designated in 1982

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma

Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.

Fort Ross - Seaview - Wine Region of the Day

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The Fort Ross - Seaview AVA is located on 27,500 acres in Sonoma, California. The region received its designation as an AVA in 2012, and as such is one of the newest AVAs in the state. The soils in the region are typically loamy, but range from rock and gravel to dense clay. The AVA permit limits vine growing to at least 920 feet above sea level. Given the elevation of the region and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, there is an excellent blend of sunshine and cool ocean breezes which make this area ideal for growing cooler climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

2011 Oak Cliff Cellars Sonoma Chardonnay (Unoaked) - Wine of the Day

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 2011 Oak Cliff Cellars Sonoma Chardonnay (Unoaked)

$24

Because this wine is made and aged in stainless tanks, the fruit is crisp and clean: initially notes of Green Apple and Pear are predominant when served chilled properly, and give way to Melon notes with a hint of Citrus as the wine warms in the glass. The mouthfeel is especially creamy due to the fact that it has undergone 100% malolactic fermentation, converting harsh malic acids to softer, milky ones.

Grapes from this wine come from two Sonoma vineyards: one from southern Sonoma County in Carneros and the other from the Russian River area. Carneros is the cooler climate, with wind and fog prevalent conditions, meaning longer growing time, higher acidity and leaner fruit, while Russian River fruit tends to be riper and fatter in style. By blending fruit from the two distinctive areas, this wine results in high acidity and clean, crisp fruit leaning toward green apple and citrus, but with a nice, plump mid-palate of pear and melon.

Russian River Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Russian River Valley AVA is located on 155,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. Situated on the Russian River, the appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and has over 10,000 acres currently under vine. The soil of the Russian River Valley varies by region. Layers of volcanic ash and eroded bedrock have created a sandstone that cover most of the region. Near the Russian River itself, there is alluvial soil, and in the northern most region, clay soil is abundant. The variety of soils gives the Russian River Valley a great range in the profiles of its varietals. The Russian River Valley's feature characteristic is its cool climate, generated by fog and coastal breezes due to the valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The area features varietals known to grow well in cool climates. The region is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production.

2013 Agnitio Chardonnay Durell Vineyard - Wine of the Day

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2013 Agnitio Chardonnay Durell Vineyard

$60

Rich gold color in the glass, with aromas of green Anjou pear, guava, and white peach blossom, this wine offers an aromatic complexity that can only come from the unique site of Durell Vineyard. The depth of the minerality in the mouthfeel is juxtaposed with a creamy and smooth mouthfeel. Hints of French pastry and spicy oak highlight the long, luscious finish.

Our grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed for over four hours (Press cycle used in Champagne). The juice was racked off its lies after it had a chance to settle down in a tank for at least 24 hours at 50°F. It was 50% fermented in a concrete egg and 50% in barrels, with a blend of 50% new French oak and 50% neutral oak. Only 25% of the wine was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the brightness of the wine and gain just enough roundness on the palate. Aged "sur lies fines" for 12 months, this wine will cellar for years.

Los Carneros - Wine Region of the Day

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The Los Carneros AVA is located in both Sonoma and Napa counties and received its AVA status in 1983. The Carneros region covers 90 square miles and is centered along the low-lying hills of the Mayacamas range north of San Pablo Bay. The region features a sloping elevation ranging from 400 feet in the foothills to near sea level at San Pablo Bay. Los Carneros is settled by morning fog and moderately cool afternoons with strong winds off the bay. The soils are made of clay and are very shallow allowing for poor drainage. The winds coming off the San Pablo Bay and shallow soil force the vines to struggle and can delay the grapes from ripening, occasionally causing losses in yield and production. The slower ripening allows the grapes to develop complex flavors and balanced acidity. The cooler climate has made Los Carneros a premier region for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

2014 Petrified Forest Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - Wine Region of the Day

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2014 Petrified Forest Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

$23

The 2014 Vintage was warm and sunny from April on. That compounded with almost no rain contributed to early ripening and concentrated fruit. Reds will benefit from some bottle age and cellar well, this white wine is drinking beautifully right now.

Pale yellow with a tinge of green, gooseberry , melon rind on the nose with a touch of Serrano pepper. The palate is lively with vibrant acidity and finishes seamlessly with flavors of kiwi and lime zest

Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak - Wine Region of the Day

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Photo of Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Pine Mountain-Cloverdale AVA is located on 4,750 acres at the top of Pine Mountain in Sonoma, California. It received its AVA designation in 2012, making it one of California's newest. Pine Mountain, which rises between 1,600 feet at its lowest point to 2,600 feet at its highest, is one of the highest grape-growing regions in California. Pine Mountain has rocky shallow well-draining volcanic soils located on the steep hillsides of the mountain. With its lowest growing plot at an elevation of 1,600 feet, the vines sit well above the fog line that permeates much of Sonoma. The region is known for its high-quality production of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Photo of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA is located on 19,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. The Green Valley of Russian River Valley received its AVA distinction in 1983. The area is known for its sandy and well-draining soil and low fertility, causing the grapes to develop slowly on the vine and retain balance and acidity. The region is a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA, and its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean breeze and fog make it one of the coolest appellations within Sonoma County. The cold climate in the Green Valley favors the cultivation of cool climate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

V. Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine of the Day

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V. Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

$85

The wine is deep dark ruby with mashed strawberries and Ferrari red on the rim.  Strong fruit like Cassis, Cranberries, strawberries and cherries with touches of clay, rosemary, paprika lingering on chocolate, lavender and tobacco are scents on the nose.  In your mouth, there is a soft entrance evolving on present silky tannins with some ripe red fruit like red currant, red cherries and touches of coriander and juniper berries.  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. The alcohol content is 14.4%  

2010 Calstar Chardonnay Cuvee Ann - Wine of the Day

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2010 Calstar Chardonnay Cuvee Ann

$35

This bottling is dedicated to my mother Ann Davis, who passed away in February 2012 from complications with Alzheimer’s. 

Golden straw in color with aromas of rich ripe Gravenstien apple and Bosc pear with notes of lemon cream, soft vanilla and toasted shortbread.  On the palette, the juicy acidity carries notes of green apple peel, lemon blossom and wet rock.  Very focused minerality and bright citrus notes balance the barrel richness and spice.

Sonoma Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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SONOMA MOUNTAIN

Photo of Sonoma Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Sonoma Mountain AVA is located in Sonoma County, California. It is centered on the Sonoma Mountains. The appellation is included in the Sonoma Valley AVA, but due to its unique elevation, it was granted status as its own AVA in 1985. The area is known for its high elevation benches and its diverse micro-climates. The region's soil is volcanic and well draining. Due to the high elevations, the region sits above the fog and receives plenty of sunlight. The combination of the terror and the climate make this region perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is the region's signature wine.