2009 De Angelis Wines Viognier

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Mission Codename: Heaven Scent

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Infiltrate De Angelis Wines, a San Luis Obispo winery that has been creating quite a stir on California’s Central Coast. Taste their sought-after Viognier. If the wine is as good as its reputation suggests, procure an ample allocation for our Operatives’ Spring and Summer enjoyment.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Swanson Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2009 De Angelis Viognier

Winemaker: Jerry and Marsha De Angelis

Backgrounder:

Viognier, is a very shy grape that is difficult to grow and was once an endangered species worldwide. Today, skillful growers and winemakers tend the grapes with great care, closely monitoring their progress and picking at the pinnacle of ripeness. Viognier, when perfectly produced, is a delightful wine that can range from fully dry to demi-sec as is the case in today’s delicious example.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Brilliant yellow gold with color that extends evenly, right out to the very edge. When swirled, this wine spins in the glass for a very long time, giving clues to its weight and viscosity. When the wine settles, tall, slow-moving columns move slowly down the inside of the glass.

Smell – Bright white peach, pear and golden apple leap from the glass. Tropical notes follow, as the wine warms slightly. The more you spin the wine, the more it releases aromas of orange blossom honey, white flowers and a hint of sweet light spice.

Feel – Ultra-soft and velvet-smooth, this wine has a decidedly sexy feel. It takes on added dimension at the mid-palate where soft acids and a hint of minerals add complexity and weight. A soft dryness follows the fruit.

Taste – Fresh, full, dense flavors of apricot, citrus, pineapple, orange zest and honeysuckle provide a bold, delicious initial rush of flavors. These are followed by pear, golden delicious apple, Asian pear, soft, sweet white spice and subtle minerals.

Finish – Extremely long with sweet fruit and flowers taking a long time to fade. Long after the wine is swallowed, flavors persist, gradually replaced by a softly spreading dryness. Minerals and soft spice ultimately give the wine a softly chewy feel, but not in the way that a highly tannic red wine can. This chewyfeel is soft and light.

Conclusion – The 2009 De Angelis Viognier is a tremendous wine! We were really blown away by how fragrant, delicious, complex and tender this wine is. Bursting with lush aromas and complex, delicious flavors, this is the best Viognier that we have featured in a very long time. This tender wine is packed with life, flavor and smooth feelings. Enjoy it all on its own, or pair with fresh fruit, creamy cheeses, Charcuterie, or a summer salad with mandarin slices and goat cheese. Enjoy this highly recommended treat!

Mission Report:



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Jerry & Marsha. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Viognier today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

WINEMAKERS: We are happy to be a featured wine in Wine Spies. We feel that this is a great opportunity for us, and for folks to access a handcrafted wine made in very small lots.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

WINEMAKERS: Like many winemakers, we started with a small personal winery and vineyard. As our knowledge grew, and our wines became more appreciated, we were asked to make wine at a number of wineries, and eventually to become the winemakers and general managers at a larger winery and Custom Crush facility in Paso Robles, CA.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

WINEMAKERS: We have had a number of great teachers and colleagues. Probably the most influential was Harold Osborn. Harold was, and is, an incredible resource, as well as a fine winemaker. During his many years in the field, he has made wine in California, and consulted to wineries in New Zealand and Australia.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

WINEMAKER: We make wine for ourselves – De Angelis Wines – as well as for a number of clients. These clients are located in Northern and Southern California, and as far away as New York. We handcraft our wines paying great attention to detail, and to developing wines that are true to the variety. The wines we produce taste like they should taste and reflect the region, and the terroir of that region.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

WINEMAKER: This wine – our 2009 Viognier – was made from fruit of exceptional quality. The alcohol level is 13.5%. That is consequential because many Viognier exhibit much higher alcohol levels. In our opinion that masks the flavors, and can upset the acidic balance of a white wine. Stone fruit characteristics are evident in this Viognier, as is a well-balanced acidity. The mouthfeel and the long finish add to this wine’s appeal. Approximately 70% the wine was aged in Hungarian oak, and the rest in stainless steel. The wine in stainless was stirred on the lees for 4-6 months to increase its creamy aspects. The wine was bottled in April of 2009 following cold stabilization and sterile filtration. Sterile filtration was necessary because this wine was not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. This is a white wine which, in our opinion, should not be poured very cold. Temperatures below about 45° F. usually inhibit the nose of Rhone whites, and negate the floral tones of this style of wine.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

WINEMAKER: This Viognier is balanced, and can be served with any number of appetizers or main dishes. For instance a lighter pasta, a roasted fowl or fish dish, with or without mushrooms, may be served with this wine. We especially enjoy a seared Tuna salad, as well as a well-constructed Nicoise salad with this wine.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Central Coast so special?

WINEMAKERS: The climate here is conducive to growing fine Rhone varieties.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

WINEMAKERS: We are bottling 2010 red wines, and beginning to prepare for the 2012 harvest.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

WINEMAKER: We recommend that people approach our wines, and wines in general, with few, if any, preconceptions. There are thousands of labels in California, many of which are produced in small lots by dedicated winemakers. What makes winemaking so interesting is that there is no singular way to make a particular wine variety. That is there is room for many wines and wine styles.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

WINEMAKER: That’s about it! Thank you for the opportunity.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

2010 Bradford Mountain Winery Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

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Mission Codename: Fortune Favors the Bold

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Ahead of the release of their 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, send Agent Red to Bradford Mountain to infiltrate the winery and acquire all available cases for our Bradford-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: VML Winery

Wine Subject: 2010 Bradford Mountain Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Winemaker: Virginia Lambrix

Backgrounder: Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley is a treasure trove of great wines. Arguably, the region is best known for producing some of the finest Zinfandel in the country. For today’s wine Agent Red returned to Bradford Mountain Winery, a Wine Spies favorite. There, he was able to negotiate a small amount of their 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, nearly a full month ahead of the wines general release into the wild. Quantities are limited, though, so act fast as we are certain to sell out.

Varietal Backgrounder: Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels, which are characterized by their balance and juiciness, are gaining in popularity with our Operatives.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

 

Look – Darkest magenta, with a darker core of deep garnet. At the rim of the glass, beautiful ruby hues catch the light. After a hearty swirl, tall columns of ultra-thin legs fall from high up on the glass. After this first round, a second round starts from very near the surface of the wine. This set of legs is far thicker and just as slow.

Smell – Dark blackberry and blueberry jam lead the way. These are closely followed by smoky black cherry, leather, dark chocolate dust, black plum and mixed sweet brown spice. As the wine opens, it also reveals subtle dried tobacco leaf and black pepper.

Feel – Soft, round and cool on entry. At the mid-palate, it takes on a plush and softly drying feel. A gradual, darkly mineral dryness spreads all around the palate, eventually drying the lips and cheeks.

Taste – Bold blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and dark leather lead the way, followed by juicy Bing cherry, Oregon black raspberry, soft cedar, subtle tobacco, sweet brown spice and a hint of flinty black pepper.

Finish – Berry fruit persist for a long time, dwindling as cedar, spice tobacco and black pepper take even longer to fully tail off. At the very end, flinty pepper lingers as the palate slowly dries.

Conclusion – First, please note that today’s wine will sell out. Last year we featured a previous vintage of this wine – and it set a record, becoming our best-selling Zinfandel at that time. Today’s 2010 Bradford Mountain Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is every bit as great as that wine, with most on our tasting panel declaring it to be even better. With more berry fruit than the 2007, this wine also posses more greater balance, with flavors of leather, tobacco, spice and soft cedar rounding out the palate. On the nose, the wine is simply bursting with berry and sweet spice. Despite its relative youth, this wine is ready to drink, now. Be sure to stock up, though, as this may be your only chance to get your hands on this fantastic, highly recommended wine.

Wine Spies vineyard Check:

The location of the Bradford Mountain Winery vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.

2010 Lazy Creek Vineyards Rose of Syrah

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Mission Codename: Artisanal Beginnings

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: In time for Summertime sipping, return to Ferrari-Carano Winery and retrieve their Lazy Creek Vineyards Rose.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Lazy Creek Vineyards (Ferrari-Carano)

Wine Subject: 2010 Alexander Valley Rose of Syrah

Winemaker: Christy Griffith-Ackerman

Backgrounder: The Anderson Valley AVA in Mendocino County runs long the Anderson River, which flows northwest from near Boonville towards Navarro. The west side of the Anderson River rises to a region known as the Mendocino ridge, a higher elevation aspect than much of the inland wine growing regions in Mendocino County. It is one of California’s coolest wine growing regions with the climate most influenced by proximity coast. The region is also well known for having a diverse alluvial soil structure that supports a wide variety of grapes, especially Syrah. Rose, when made from Syrah, can exhibit a lovely fruit character and complexity that is not found in other varietals.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark pink hues, with perfectly even coloration from core to the edge of the glass. Spin the wine and it catches the light, glinting with light pink sparkles. As the wine settles, tall columns of wine-stained tears fall slowly down to the wine, below.

Smell – Bursting with aromas of strawberry, yellow raspberry and fine citrus fruit that jump out of the glass to greet you. As the wine warms, even slightly, it releases additional aromas of fresh pink rose petals, white peach and a hint of watermelon.

Feel – Very soft and round on the attack, then a very gradual dryness spreads from the edges of the palate, radiating inward. Eventually, the lips and cheeks are left with a very pleasant dryness.

Taste – Bright strawberry, raspberry and sweet lemon-lime are the first flavors present on the palate. Toward the rear of the tongue, watermelon, tart cherry, peach, rose and acacia spread inward, travelling just ahead of the spreading dryness.

Finish – Ultra long and dynamic, with the initial fruits fading as a second round of flavors move slowly, leading the soft dryness that follows closely behind.

Conclusion – Another stunning accomplishment from Don and Rhonda Carano, owners of Ferrari-Carano Winery. Their 2010 Lazy Creek Rose of Syrah is a fun, delicious, refreshing wine with plenty of character, flavor and intrigue. Really aromatic, sweet and lush on the nose, our tasting panel found itself sniffing this wine for a long time before ever taking a first delicious sip. Flavors are the right balance of sweet and slightly tart, and the dynamic quality of the finish is really intriguing. After sipping, the wine reveals a second round of flavors that seems to surf your tongue, just ahead of a gradually spreading dryness. At just $15 a bottle, this wine is also an exceptional value, easily beating out wines of a higher price. Highly recommended!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Christy Griffith-Ackerman

WINE EDUCATION: B.S. in Food Science, Enology from California State University Fresno

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Assistant Winemaker at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Healdsburg, Associate Winemaker at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery and current Winemaker at Lazy Creek Vineyards.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: I work with a diverse range of vineyards so I like to let the uniqueness of each come through in my winemaking, with little intervention

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Wines are like people, some just take a bit longer to show their colors”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 2006 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Ferrari-Carano



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Welcome back, Christy. I am so excited by today’s wine, your 2010 Lazy Creek Vineyards Rose of Syrah today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

CHRISTY GRIFFITH-ACKERMAN: Hey, Red. Great to be back with you, today!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

CHRISTY: Not a specific experience but an overall appreciation for, nature and science. Many things in nature; colors, textures, and aromas influence my winemaking and it all happens with science.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

CHRISTY: I would say the wines of Burgundy and Rob Davis, Winemaker at Jordan Vineyards and Winery

RED: Who do you make wine for?

CHRISTY: For the person who celebrates that food and wine are meant to be enjoyed together in our everyday life.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

CHRISTY: This refreshing, crisp, dry Rose of Syrah is a pretty pink hue with nice floral, berry aromas and flavors of strawberry and raspberry.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

CHRISTY: The Rose of Syrah pairs well with mild cheeses, crabcakes, and my favorite – oysters.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Anderson Valley such a special place for Syrah?

CHRISTY: Anderson Valley is unique in that we have morning and evening fog that rolls in and cools the vineyards down quite quickly. We retain nice acid profiles in the grapes which is particularly good for a rose wine.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

CHRISTY: Currently, the 2010 Pinot Noirs are going to bottle and we are assembling the 2011 blends.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

CHRISTY: I believe everyone should enjoy wine with food. I love to see someone taste a wine and then taste that same wine with food and really see the subtle complexities come out.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

CHRISTY: Please visit our estate and tasting room in the Anderson Valley when we re-open in the spring and you can always purchase our wines on our website.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Lazy Creek Vineyards winery can be seen in this satellite photo.

2007 Calstar Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

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Mission Codename: The Cool Cats

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Calstar Cellars and raid their supply of their Chronicle Wine Competition Double Gold-winning, vineyard designate Pinot Noir, from the famous Londer Estate in the Anderson Valley.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Calstar Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 Pinot Noir Londer Estate

Winemaker: Rick Davis

Backgrounder: The Anderson Valley AVA in Mendocino County runs long the Anderson River, which flows northwest from near Boonville towards Navarro. The west side of the Anderson River rises to a region known as the Mendocino ridge, a higher elevation aspect than much of the inland wine growing regions in Mendocino County. It is one of California’s coolest wine growing regions with the climate most influenced by proximity coast. The region is also well known for having a diverse alluvial soil structure that supports a wide variety of grapes.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deepest ruby hues, with a slightly darker heart. At the edge of the wine a fine ring of pink encircles the glass. After swirling, short, evenly-spaced, wine-colored legs move very slowly downward.

Smell – Lush black and red cherry jump from the glass. Just behind these appear tart young strawberry, dried orange peel, dried pink rose petals, soft spice, supple leather and the most subtle hint of bergamot.

Feel – Ripe and soft, with a bright acidity and plush tannins that all combine to give the wine a softly dry, and medium-bodied feel. The wine finds a nice balance between lively and complex.

Taste – Bold, bright Bing cherry and flinty strawberry lead the way. As the wine settles onto the palate, additional flavors are revealed, including dark dried cranberry, black tea leaf, spiced raspberry candy, dried orange peel, forest floor, oak and a piquant punctuation of white pepper at the very end.

Finish – Bright acids and plush tannins drive the flavors to the far corners of the palate. Tart fruit yields to sweet fruit and then, as the palate dries, leather, spice and other more earthy flavors persist. At the very end, after all fruit has dwindled, a lovely hit of white pepper remains.

Conclusion – This Double Gold Medal winner, is a juicy, bright, bold and delicious wine that packs plenty of character, complexity and bold fruit. 2007 was such a stellar year for California reds (Robert Parker gave the vintage a whopping 96-point score!) but we haven’t featured too many ‘07 Pinots. Today’s 2007 Calstar Cellars Londer Estate Pinot Noir is a complex treat that had our tasting panel spending a great deal of time with, identifying the myriad aromas, flavors and textures. Ready to drink, now, this wine should continue to improve for the next few years. Recommended!

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Richard (Rick) Davis

WINE EDUCATION: On the Job since 1988

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Assistant Winemaker: Flowers Vineyard and Winery, 1997-1998; Hahn Estates, 1998-2000; Gainey Vineyards, 2000; Tandem Winery, 2001-2002, 2004-2005. Winemaker, Calstar Cellars, 2001-Present; Halleck Vineyards, 2005-Present; Londer Vineyards, 2005-2011

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Buy good fruit and figure out what it wants to be/ Buy good fruit and do as little as possible

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “Man makes wine, god(s) make vinegar.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 2002



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Rick. We are thrilled to be showing your [wine] today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

AGENT RED: Great to be back with you and your Operatives, today, Red!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

RICK: I got interested in wine out of my love of cooking and food. So the I had a 1964 Mouton Rothschild in 1974, I was hooked.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

RICK: Jim Moss and Greg Lafollette

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

RICK: Lamb or Tuna

RED: In your opinion, what makes the [REGION] so special?

RICK: It’s a cool region with great diurnal flux, leading to a long growing season and great natural acidity.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

RICK: These days, I’m getting ready to blend my 2011 wines.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

RICK: Think of them in terms of food pairings, though most of them are enjoyable on their own.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

RICK: Don’t take wine to seriously, it’s a beverage to be enjoyed.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

RICK: You’re welcome and thanks again for the opportunity.

2010 Corvalle Weka Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay

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Mission Codename: Little Birds

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Respond to reports that Corvalle Chardonnay is worthy of our Operatives exacting tastes. If the wine is as good as reports have led us to believe, procure an ample allocation for our Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Corvalle

Wine Subject: 2010 Weka Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay – Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley

Winemaker: Ryan Moreland

Backgrounder: A little over five years ago, the Oak Knoll District at the northern end of the Napa Valley was finally affirmed to be distinct sub-appellation of Napa Valley. This region is known for its relatively cool climate and for producing grapes with the perfect balance of acidity and sugars – resulting in delicious and very food-friendly wines. Read Red’s mission report and tasting notes, below, for the full intel on today’s great wine

Chardonnay is arguably the greatest of all white grape varietals, showing its influence in the legendary sparkling wines of Champagne, the great whites ofBurgundy and of course its expression as ’the’ white wine of California. Chardonnay represents over 50% of the planted white grapes in California with nearly 100,000 acres planted. With such a great number of wines made from this grape, it stands to reason that finding wines of immense quality would be hard, but look no further. Today’s selection from Rodde Family Vineyards is a richly delicious wine with plenty of character.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Light golden yellow hues, with color that remains perfectly even – from core to edge. Tall, skinny legs descend slowly, from high up on the glass wall.

Smell – After this wine warms, just slightly, it bursts with lush aromas. Pineapple, green apple and white spiced peach combine with more subtle aromas of lemon curd, soft sweetwood, dried white flowers and a hint of subtle white pepper.

Feel – Soft, round and velvet smooth, up front. At the mid-palate, soft tannins give the wine a soft crushed velvet feel, complete with a hint of dryness. Slate minerals, bright acids and a hint of spice add just the right amount of complexity.

Taste – Bright and flavorful, lead by mixed citrus, bright pineapple, dried Granny Smith apple, startfruit and yellow grapefruit. Beneath these, hints of acacia, subtle white pepper and flint give the wine a subtle complexity.

Finish – Long and flavor-filled, lead by sweet fruit that gently yields to tart and subtle flavors of flowers, soft spice and a hint of slate. A soft dryness then encroaches, spreading all around the palate, eventually puckering the lips and drying the cheeks.

Conclusion – Today’s single vineyard 2010 Corvalle Chardonnay is a bright and delicious with a fantastic softness – without being buttery at all. Winemaker, Ryan Moreland, used neutral oak and partial malolactic fermentation in making today’s wine, resulting in a Chardonnay that is fresh, crisp and clean. Without big oak to overpower the flavors, the fruit is allowed to really shine through, delivering a freshness that is rare among California Chardonnay. Aromatics, too, are bright and lively, presenting sweet, authentic fruits on the nose. This bright and balanced wine is an easy Summertime sipper that is a true delight all on its own. It has the structure and acidity, though, to be a fantastic companion to your favorite Summer meals. This wine get’s our highest Wine Spies recommendation!

Mission Report: 
WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Ryan Moreland aka Agent Tall Guy

WINE EDUCATION: A BS in Environmental Chemistry and getting my hands dirty in my family’s vineyard

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Entered the industry as a wine chemist, but realized I wanted to get more hands on. Went on to cut my teeth at some of Napa Valley’s finest wineries, including Etude, Rubicon and Salvestrin.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: “I focus on structure and balance. I like to think of wine as a table with many legs, each leg representing a different component – alcohol, tannins, fruit, acidity, body, etc. It doesn’t matter whether your table is 2 feet tall or 10 feet tall, as long as it’s all in balance.”

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “The wine tastes fine up here!”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Rutherford Runway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Spring 2011



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Thanks for joining us, Agent Tall Guy.

RYAN MORELAND: Thank you, I’m thrilled to be collaborating on this mission!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

RYAN: There are so many reasons I love wine, but what really sparked my love of winemaking was seeing how wine could bring people together, creating a sense of community and some great memories.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

RYAN: My ‘a-ha’ wine was a Syrah Cab blend from Rolando Herrera. I loved the way that it had a powerful core, but was wrapped in a silky approachable exterior, kind of like a cowboy in a tuxedo.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

RYAN: Corvalle is really about community, so I make wines for my friends and family to enjoy. My hope is that these wines will bring people together to create great memories.

RED: Please tell me a little about the wine we are featuring today.

RYAN: Today’s wine is my 2010 Weka Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Coming into harvest I was out in the vineyard daily, walking and tasting. Once I started noticing honeysuckle and bright pear flavors in the grapes, I knew we were good to go. We got them off the vine and into the winery, where we began with a gentle whole cluster pressing. The juice was fermented cold and slow in neutral oak barrels and small stainless steel drums, capturing the full aromatic potential of the grapes. This was followed by a partial malolactic fermentation and six months of aging on the lees. As a result the wine exhibits layers of bright fruit, rounded acidity, and a solid mid-palate.

RED: What’s your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

RYAN: You know, it’s not very evolved, but there’s nothing better than a raincoast crisp topped with Piave, a northern Italian cow’s milk cheese. But, in general, it pairs well with fish, garden vegetables, and Asian flavors… pretty much anything zesty, fresh or spicy.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Oak Knoll district so special?

RYAN: The climate is well-suited for growing grapes with strong acidity and developed fruit characteristics, which is ideal for Chardonnay.

RED: What is occupying you in your time at the winery these days?

RYAN: Well, we just bottled our 2011 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc., and now that that’s finished I’ve begun going through and tasting the 2011 reds in barrel in order to evaluate them.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

RYAN: You can’t go wrong with pairing food and friends.

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our Operatives?

RYAN: Buy domestic! Without a doubt wineries in America are struggling against foreign imports. There are a lot of great wines being made on our own soil. I make wine for my supporters and I love to support local products. Without your support, we would just be a bunch of silly drunks swimming around in tanks of grape juice

2008 Starry Night Winery Alexander Valley Zinfandel 'The Caboose'

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Mission Codename: The Night Caboose

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: After more than a one year absence from our pages, return to Operative favorite, Starry Night Winery. Operatives have been clamoring for a big, juicy and delicious Alexander Valley Zinfandel, worthy of their exacting tastes. Secure the maximum allotment of their newest Caboose Zinfandel.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Starry Night Winery

Wine Subject: 2008 The Caboose Zinfandel

Winemaker: Todd Graff

Winery Backgrounder: Zinfandel is related to the Italian Primitivo grape, tracing its origin to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kastelanski. Zinfandel is one of the most versatile varietals with the ability to make wines, both rich to fruity, dark to light, and dry to sweet. Napa Valley Zinfandels, which are characterized by their big, extracted flavors, are gaining in popularity with our Operatives. Read Agent Red’s tasting notes and mission report below.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep ruby hues, with solid coloration from core to the edge of the glass. After swirling this pretty wine, two levels of thin, wine-colored tears move slowly down the glass. After this first unique round of tears falls, a third round appears higher up on the glass wall, before crawling slowly downward.

Smell – Dark and lush with a heady rush of spiced black cherry candy, blackberry, raspberry and sweet red plum. When the wine opens up, after some hearty swirling, it brings forth dried fall leaves, cracked light leather, blueberry, Bing cherry, soft spice and black pepper.

Feel – Initially light and soft, the wine gains a little weight and complexity as it settles onto the palate. Ripe tannins and a medium bright acidity frame the fruit beautifully. Gradually, the wine gains some texture and takes on a softly dry, softly chewy texture.

Taste – Dark and super delicious with bold dark mixed berries. Blackberry, spiced cherry take the lead. These are followed by dark strawberry, bramble, dried green tobacco leaf, dusty earth, dried fall leaves, brown spice and a hint of black pepper at the end.

Finish – Black and red fruit flavors linger for a very long time, gradually giving way to complex earthy notes with lovely hints of spice and pepper that punctuate the ending. A softly dry and softly chewy feel persist after the fruit and spice have faded.

Conclusion – Oh, how we’ve missed Starry Night Winery. Our Operatives went absolutely bonkers for the 2007 vintage of this wine, but today’s 2008 The Caboose Zinfandel is so much better. On first sniff, we could tell we’d love this wine, and as it opened up, it really began to shine. Aromas became far fuller and more rich, with a more authentic quality to the fruit. On the palate, ripe tannins and the balanced acids drive lush fruit to the far corners of the mouth. This juicy wine is balanced, delicious and just plain fun to drink. Starry Night continues to impresses us. Known particularly for their Zinfandels, today’s wine is a shining example of their winemaking prowess.

2010 Makia Estate Torrontés

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Mission Codename: Wholly Argentinian

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure a delicious and value Torrontés for our operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Makia Estate

Wine Subject: 2010 Mendoza Torrontés

Winemaker: Luke Branzanti

BackgrounderTorrontés, the white wine of Argentina is both distinctive and delicious. Known specifically for its aromatic profile it is similar in aroma and flavors to Viognier. Its balanced acidity and good weight makes it a great food wine to pair with spicy dishes.

Mendoza, is well known among lovers of Argentinian wine and is considered to be one of the nine cities worldwide as a Great Capitals of Wine. Located in the foothills and high plains of the Andes mountains, the regions unique soil and climate make it ideal for cultivating both wine and olive oil.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look: – Very pale straw yellow, with a soft greenish and golden hues in its core. A thin ring of nearly clear pale rings the edges. Randomly spaced medium legs ring the glass and then fall descend to the wine below.

Smell: – Bright and fresh in intensity but very pretty and aromatic with notes of yellow and white peach, honeydew melon and a touch of sweet and tart nectarine and Clementine citrus. Floral notes of orange blossom and honey suckle adds depth. A soft orange blossom honey hint and a very subtle green herbal note adds to the fresh and approachable nose of this wine.

Feel: – Smooth and dry, this white is soft at the edges of the palate and of moderate weight, lively but balanced acidity provides a supple and balanced feel with lingering soft textured minerality.

Taste: – Fresh stone fruit including peach and apricot lead off along with soft citrus, melon, green plantain. The floral orange blossom and honey suckle meld with soft minerality with a slightly tart citrus hint on the back of the palate.

Finish: – Bright and focused at first, leading to a long and soft and clean conclusion, with gentle citrus, apricot and other stone fruit lingering on the palate.

Conclusion – The 2010 Makia Estate Mendoza Torrontés is a delicious white (at a great price), reminiscent of the best qualities of Viognier. Nice balance of freshness and texture on the palate with a nose that is pretty and approachable. Fresh and vibrant fruit on the palate and a long clean finish. A lovely food wine that is perfect for spring and summertime enjoyment.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Luke Branzanti

WINE EDUCATION: I practically grew up in the wine world, my family makes wines for four generations, and almost a hundred years.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: A great wine is produced in the vineyard!

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Saracen fortress Sangiovese – Cantina Bartolini 2001



WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Luke. We are thrilled to be showing your 2010 Torrontés today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

LUKE: You’re welcome, we are pleased to have you show our delicious Torrontés.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

LUKE: I was born with a passion for wine,

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

LUKE: Tachis

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

LUKE: First of all the wine they produce to please myself, then I hope that my taste is shared by many wine lovers.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

LUKE: Makia Torrontes 2010, Mendoza (Argentina). And ‘the only true indigenous variety from Argentina. The wine produced from this grape is spicy, extremely seeking nose with floral and fruity, the palate is warm and enveloping, with hints of peach and yellow fruit with a long mineral finish.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

LUKE: With a beautiful woman aboard a large swimming pool.

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Mendoza so special?

LUKE: Argentina is an extraordinary land that unites all the characteristics necessary to produce great wines. The sun, earth, water and air are vital elements that reach, in the Rioja, their highest expression and untouched, characteristics that are found in our wines.

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

LUKE: The wine reflects who produces it and is an experience that everyone plays according to his mood.

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

LUKE: I think we share a lot already: a passion for good wine.

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Makia Estate just west of Vista Flores can be seen in this satellite photo.

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2008 Vitus Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: Saint of Good Fortune

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Revisit or friends at Vitus and secure a limited allocation of there delicious Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Vitus Napa Valley

Wine Subject: 2008 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: John Gilpin

Backgrounder: The Oakville AVA, centrally located and adjacent to Napa Valley’s famous Rutherford AVA, was established in July 1993. Oakville is considered on of the most diverse AVA’s in the Napa area and grows some of the best Merlot in California. Napa Valley is revered worldwide as the ultimate area in which to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2006 vintage, in particular, has produced some of the finest wines of the recent vintages.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark and dense purple and almost black with a dense but clear heart. Along the edges, the color becomes deep garnet and when swirled medium thick and color stained legs ring the glass and hang for several moments before descending to the wine below.

Smell – Fruit forward with rich and spiced black fruit including blackberry, plum, dark cherry and other dark berries are framed by sturdy spiced and toasted oak aromas. A touch of fennel, toasted vanilla, spice, floral violets and a subtle herbal component round out the complex nose of this wine.

Feel – Initially smooth and dry, this full-bodied wine becomes immediately chewy and expansive on the palate with firm and youthfully textured tannins. This wine’s lively acidity, spice and dark textured minerality provides an etched feeling on the palate that frames the rich fruit and lasts long into the finish

Taste – Ripe blackberry, plum, dark cherry and red currants and lead the way and blend with the spiced and toasted oak found on the nose. Tremendous depth of youthful flavors including toasted vanilla, anise or perhaps black licorice, herbal, spice and floral notes linger with savory and mineral flavors emerging as the fruit slowly fades.

Finish – Extremely long with the dark fruit lingering on as the other complex flavors found on the palate make their appearances in succession. This wine’s chewy and nearly rustic texture invites another sip.

Conclusion – The 2008 Vitus Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious and youth Cabernet that is drinking well now but will continue to evolve as it ages. Great dark black fruit and other complex flavors on the nose, a chewy and full mouth-feel, generous on the palate with fantastic fruit and other flavors that just last and last. Enjoy this wine right away giving it time to open up (or decant) cellar for five to ten years. This is definitely a grilled steak wine.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: John Gilpin

WINE EDUCATION: Cal Poly B.S U.C Davis – Oenology

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker for three labels

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Blending will always produce a better wine!

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ” Be Patient”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 6-1-04


We were unable to secure an interview with winemaker John Gilpin so here is the interview that Agent Red conducted when we featured the previous vintage of this wine.

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, John. We are thrilled to be showing your 2007 Oakville Cabernet today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

JOHN: Thanks, Agent Red, we are excited to be sharing our wine with your operatives.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

JOHN: My very first taste.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

JOHN: Helen Turley – she really got what Napa really was all about: Big, ripe wines.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

JOHN: I make the wine first for myself, because if I don’t like the wines I am making why bother.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

JOHN: Within all my years of winemaking the this is by far my favorite vintage. The 2007 Cabernet from the Oakville area of Napa Valley is truly the best vintage I’ve ever tasted.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

JOHN: Beef short Rib Bourguignon.

RED: In your opinion, what makes Oakville so special?

JOHN: The cool foggy mornings that preserve the acidity then warm afternoons that ripen the grapes.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

JOHN: Getting ready to bottle the 2009 vintage.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

JOHN: With an open mind and with no preconceived ideas about the wine. Let the wine speak for itself!

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

JOHN: I hope you enjoy the wine because there is a part of myself that goes into each bottle! Cheers!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

Vitus Napa Valley can be tasted at the tasting room of our friends at Napa’s Bourassa Vineyards, the location of which can be seen in this satellite photo. Be sure to mention you are a wine spy when visiting.

2009 Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery 'Acero' Chardonnay

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Mission Codename: Galleon de Don Miguel

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Marimar Estate Winery, a new Operative favorite, to acquire their delicious, no-oak, stainless steel fermented, Don Miguel Vineyard “Acero” Chardonnay.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Marimar Estate

Wine Subject: 2009 Don Miguel Vineyard – “Acero” Chardonnay – Russian River Valley

Winemaker: Marimar Torres

Backgrounder: Chardonnay is arguably the greatest of all white grape varietals, showing its influence in the legendary sparkling wines of Champagne, the great whites of Burgundy and of course its expression as’the’ white wine of California. Chardonnay represents over 50% of the planted white grapes in California with nearly 100,000 acres planted. With such a great number of wines made from this grape, it stands to reason that finding wines of great quality would be hard, but look no further. In this wine, we have found perhaps the ideal expression of the California Chardonnay.

The Russian River Valley AVA was officially designated in 1983, but many of the wines in the region used the designation as early as the 1970s (early in California’s wine history) with the many of the vines having been first planted in the early 1900s. The Green Valley sub-appellation, where today’s wine is carefully grown, is ideally suited to Chardonnay. Read Agent Red’s mission report and tasting notes below for the full intel on this exciting wine.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Lightest golden straw from heart to edge, this wine leave behind tall, branching legs that meander downward from high up on the glass wall.

Smell – Bright and light, with fresh with soft, sweet citrus, green apple, Asian pear and soft white flower. As the wine warms slightly (let it!), it really opens up and reveals aromas of soft pineapple, half-dried hay, honey and a hint of white spice.

Feel – Light-weight and cool, up front, with a soft and supple roundness at the mid-palate. Bright and fresh, with a soft acidity that telegraphs bright fruit flavors out to the corners of the palate.

Taste – Delicious and fresh with citrus, apple, pear and tropical notes. Flavors are sweet, light and authentic, reminding us of the actual fruits that we are tasting in this wine. Again, allow the wine to warm a bit and you will be rewarded with better, fuller and more realistic fruit flavors. As the wine approached something a little cooler than room-temperature, we detected hints of vanilla, honeysuckle, soft slate and a hint of creamed honey.

Finish – Long, bright and sweet, flavors are driven to the far reaches of the palate before they fade off, slowly. As the fruit fade, a soft slate minerality remains.

Conclusion – The 2009 Don Miguel Vineyard ‘Acero’ Chardonnay is a sweet, elegant, soft, approachable –fun wine. It is so easy to drink that we found ourselves refilling our glasses frequently. Fruit, on the nose as on the palate, are authentic, delivering aromas and flavors that were very similar to the actual fruits that we were reminded of as we sniffed and sipped. Today’s wine is a perfect summertime sipper that won’t overpower the palate with oak or heavy handed fruit. Instead, this wine is elegant, fun and easy to keep on sipping and sipping and sipping…

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Marimar Estatee can be seen in this satellite photo.

2009 Cornerstone Cellars Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc

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Mission Codename: One Giant Leap

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: With the introduction of its Stepping Stone label, Cornerstone Cellars, itself a producer of high-end Napa Valley wines, has created a budget-minded Cabernet Franc that truly lives up to the Cornerstone name.

We missed out on the previous vintage of Cornerstone Cellars’ excellent Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc. While the 2009 vintage is still in barrel, infiltrate the winery and secure an ample quantity for our Franc-loving Operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Cornerstone Cellars, Napa Valley, California

Wine Subject: 2009 Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley

Winemaker: Jeff Keene

Backgrounder:

Cornerstone Cellars, a Wine Spies favorite winery, recently introduced today’s 2009 Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc, a delicious and elegant high-valuewine that he recommends wholeheartedly. As you know by now, Cabernet Franc is one of Agent Red’s favorite red varietals. Perhaps this is because its flavors are often rich, layered, complex and elegant. Or, perhaps he loves Cabernet Franc so much because it pairs so exceptionally with many different foods. One of the most notable things about Cabernet Franc is the fact that finding excellent examples can be very difficult. Read Red’s tasting notes and mission report below for the full intel on today’s superb wine

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest ruby red hues, with a clear, dark heart of black cherry juice. At the edge of the wine, a pink ring cuts a fine circle around the glass.After a swirl, the wine leaves behind tight clusters of crooked legs that descend very slowly down the glass wall.

Smell – Lush and clean, with black cherry, blackberry and sweet black plum in the lead. As the wine breathes, it opens up and reveals additional aromas of dried violets, soft spice, dried meats, sweetwood, and a savory hint of dried herbs.

Feel – Crushed velvet and medium bodied, this wine quickly settle onto the palate. Flavors coat the palate and the wine takes on a softly textured, softly chewy feel. A gradual, pronounced flinty dryness spreads all around he palate as flavors remain.

Taste – Bold spiced blackberry and juicy cherry lead the way, closely followed by black currant, dried cranberry, red plum skin, raspberry, dried violets and soft spice. At the very end, an intriguing flinty flavor mixes with a hint of fine black pepper and very subtle pencil shavings.

Finish – Very intriguing, with fruit that is sustained for a very long time. Even after the palate is dried, slightly, by the wine, fruit sticks around for a long time. Then, at the tail end of the finish, a very interesting (and tasty) and very subtle hint of pencil shavings appears.

Conclusion – This young buck is a keeper! A little shy at first, we decanted the wine to see if it would open up. We were generously rewarded with more fruit on the nose and on the palate. I recommend that you spin the wine in your glass and continue to taste it as it opens up for you. We have always had great love for all of Cornerstone’s wines and today’s 2009 Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc Napa Valley lives up to the reputation. Cabernet Franc is one of the most food-friendly wines I know, but if you are looking for a pairing suggestion, I’d recommend a delicious pulled pork sandwich! Enjoy now, but be sure to buy enough to cellar for the next few years.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Jeff Keene

DATE OF BIRTH: 04/71

PLACE OF BIRTH: Waiouru, New Zealand

WINE EDUCATION: Postgraduate degree in Oenolgy and Viticulture from Lincoln University in New Zealand, with an undergraduate in Chemistry, because there needs to be a little science with this art.

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Havens Wine Cellars, Peter Franus Wine Company and Cornerstone Cellars.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: To produce wines that reflect site & appellation, respecting traditions and to make wines we like to drink.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Come back to me in 2 to 3 years time with this question, but I have to say that I have had the most challenges and rewards with Cabernet Franc.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Every day is a highlight, but honestly, the friends I have made and the wines I have drunk while in this industry are the highlights…and its not over yet!

WINEMAKER QUOTE: If it ain’t broke don’t fix it…I think you can apply this to most occupations


WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Jeff. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Steppingstone Cabernet Franc today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

JEFF: Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. It’s an honor to be given this mission.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

JEFF: My favorite grape variety to work with in the Napa Valley…Cabernet Franc.

The 2009 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Cabernet Franc comes from 2 outstanding vineyard sites, the cool climate Carneros region and the warmth of Oakville, each adding a unique personality to the wine. This wine is a beautiful example of this variety and showcases how spectacular Cabernet Franc can be from the Napa Valley.

This is a very fragrant and elegant wine which balances its satisfying acidity and brightness with a full well structured palate. Long and firm on the finish this wine has the mouth filling texture to be enjoyed now, but will also benefit and become more delicious with some age.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

JEFF: Our 2009 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Cabernet Franc has the right amount of acidity and brightness to be a ready companion for most meals, but my favorite pairing is a perfectly roasted leg of lamb with all the fixing’s.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

JEFF: Well, growing up in a house where there was nothing but the ‘bag in the box’ wine on offer, I can tell you this inspired me to find better wine…

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

JEFF: I can point to my education in New Zealand, but for all aspects of winegrowing, physically, mentally, spiritually I have to say the majority of my experience came from my time at Havens Wine Cellars where I had the opportunity to work with 2 great, but stylistically different winemakers, Peter Franus and Michael Havens.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

JEFF: I aspire to make wines that reflect the site and appellation they come from and also to make wines we love to drink, very challenging, but the rewards are a great bottle of wine.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

JEFF: All wines I try influence me in one way or another, but in terms of winemakers, once again, Peter Franus and Michael Havens…2 different winemaking heads. I have learnt a lot from these guys and I am still learning from them…

RED: How long have you been making wine?

JEFF: 11 years now…time flies when you are having fun, but then there is bottling…

RED: Who do you make wine for?

JEFF: You, me and all the consumers out there who enjoy great wines

RED: Tell me, what makes the Carneros and Oakville regions so special?

JEFF: Showcasing the authentic varietal character of Cabernet Franc is a very important goal in crafting this Stepping Stone selection. I feel the long growing season of the Carneros appellation which offers mouth filling, silky, textural tannins with slightly more acidity and refreshing fruitiness is balanced by the bold earthy aromatics and tannic structure offered by the Oakville appellation. Cabernet Franc can be a cantankerous variety, but find the right locations and as you can see something very special emerges.

RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

JEFF: Listen, learn, travel and have fun. What an amazing industry to be in. Wine is made in some of the worlds most beautiful regions. So many different styles, traditions and personalities. It’s a fascinating experience and one that you are always continually learning.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

JEFF: This is my favorite time of year in the winery, we are currently finalizing our 2010 red blends ready for bottling. It is amazing to see the evolution of a wine, how the aromas and flavors have developed over the past 2 years. Tannins, texture, richness, balance. Over and over again different red varieties are blended in different proportions to carefully piece together our vision of the perfectly balanced wine.

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know

WINEMAKER: My wife and 2 kids keep me sane in this profession.

RED: What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

JEFF: Being in this industry I count myself very lucky that I am surrounded by many great wines that I can enjoy everyday. So… many favorites, but I am always on the look out for new wines from new producers and regions.

RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

JEFF: I would recommend people approach these wines with great enthusiasm and don’t hold back…sorry that was the sales person in me…With wine in general…don’t be afraid to try new wines, new winemakers, new regions / new experiences. Let your own intuition guide you.

RED: If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?

JEFF: Not this question please…my answer to this question is always based on who, what, where and how…Who I am with, friends, family…What am doing, something, nothing…Where I am, inside, outside, hot, cold and how I am feeling…party or reflective…

RED: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

JEFF: Where and what is Waiouru…middle of the North Island of New Zealand, close to Lake Taupo…and not a vineyard to be seen in any direction.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

JEFF: Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity to showcase our 2009 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Cabernet Franc. Once again its a real pleasure to work with you guys.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the vineyards where today’s wine was born can be seen in this satellite photo.