sauvignon blanc Archives - AWINESTORY.COM https://awinestory.com/tag/sauvignon-blanc/ Learn Wine Fast! Mon, 24 Aug 2020 02:31:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /files/2016/01/cropped-wine-glass-fav-100x100.jpg sauvignon blanc Archives - AWINESTORY.COM https://awinestory.com/tag/sauvignon-blanc/ 32 32 Matanzas Journey Red Blend and Chardonnay Wine https://awinestory.com/matanzas-journey-red-blend-and-chardonnay-wine/ Mon, 22 Apr 2019 15:49:00 +0000 https://awinestory.com/STAGING/?p=18770  Matanzas Journey Red Blend and Chardonnay wine  I received three fabulous examples of red wine (as well as the expected Chardonnay, since the AVA is Sonoma) coming from Matanzas Creek Winery the Bennett Valley area in the Sonoma AVA. This is one of the most picturesque wineries in Sonoma. You will find beautiful gardens and […]

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Matanzas Journey Red Blend & Chardonnay

 Matanzas Journey Red Blend and Chardonnay wine

 I received three fabulous examples of red wine (as well as the expected Chardonnay, since the AVA is Sonoma) coming from Matanzas Creek Winery the Bennett Valley area in the Sonoma AVA.

This is one of the most picturesque wineries in Sonoma.

You will find beautiful gardens and great views.

Since its launch in 1977, the winery has built its reputation on Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot grape varieties.

These two varieties that thrive in Sonoma’s temperate climate.

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Today the winery is owned by Jackson Family Wines.

The winemaker is Marcia Torres Forno.

All of the winery’s fruit comes from sustainable – farmed, estate vineyards scattered throughout the mild interior and cool coastal AVAs of the county.

Let’s start with the Chardonnay first,

Matanzas Journey Red Blend and Chardonnay

Marcia Torres Forno has been at the helm at the Matanzas winery since 2010.

More than 25 years ago, the 1990 Matanzas Winery Journey Chardonnay was considered one of the highest priced Chardonnay in Sonoma.

At that time, the retail price was $70.

Today the price is just slightly higher.

Yet the quality and especially the quality to value remains high.

Chardonnay grapes are selected from blocks known for their quality.

Blocks are located at different altitudes.

This gives more acidity and complexity to the wine.

The must is transferred and fermented and new and neutral French barrels.

There is a great deal of richness in this wine, yet also vibrant acidity.

2012 Matanzas Winery Red Blend

This is a rich and decadent red Bordeaux blend with a majority of Merlot.

Flavors are intense with blackberry, black currant, and spice.

It offers exotic aromas of black fig, black cherry, and chocolate. Incredible structure and a long length of finish.

The wine has velvet tannin and high acidity, as well as complexity and a long length of finish.

Even at nine years of age the wine is fresh and vibrant.

2015 Matanzas Winery Red Blend

This Merlot-based red Bordeaux blend is barrel aged for 20 months.

The Merlot was sourced from two blocks of the Jackson Park vineyard, planted with the Petrus clone.

Very rich and elegant.

Tours and Tasting Events at Matanzas Creek

You will find an assortment of tours and tastings at the winery to suit your interest and budget.

It is interesting that there is even a “black glass” tasting for “wine geeks” so that you are not influenced by the color of the wine.

As of this writing, this is also a “dog friendly” winery so you can bring your pet (on a leash).

How to Prepare for your Matanzas Journey Red Blend & Chardonnay Visit

  1. A hat, especially for sunny days.
  2. Sunglasses for the same reason.
  3. Sunscreen very necessary in summer.
  4. A charger for your device so not to miss once-in-a-lifetime pictures.
  5. Your favorite bottled water
  6. A cup for expectorating wine in case it is not provided.
  7. A small notebook to record details about the wine or vineyards.
  8. Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard visits

How to Prepare for Your Picnic

  1. A picnic blanket
  2. Bottles of water
  3. Disposable or real plates
  4. Cutlery
  5. Trash bags
  6. Large sun umbrella
  7. Wine glasses
  8. Napkins
  9. Purchased or Home Made Food

The Picnic Grounds at Matanzas Creek

The unique character and beauty of Matanzas Creek’s winery, vineyards, lavender field and gardens have earned the Estate worldwide recognition as a premier California wine country destination.

Guests can play a game of bocce or enjoy our picnic areas.

In addition to its wines, Matanzas Creek is also famous for their spectacular lavender gardens.

Now I never have cooked with lavender, yet after reading this recipe (made to pair with their Sauvignon Blanc)  I am going to start!

rock shrimp from Matanzas

Rock shrimp from Matanzas

Coconut and Lavender Rock Shrimp Ceviche

Serve with Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

INGREDIENTS

  • For the lavender poaching liquid:
  • 1 qt. water
  • 1 C. white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 lemon, juiced and sliced
  • 1 sprig of fresh thyme
  • ½ tsp. culinary lavender
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 lb. fresh rock shrimp, cleaned and rinsed
  • 2 qts. ice
  • For the ceviche:
  • ½ C. coconut milk
  • 1 Tbsp. culinary lavender
  • 1 tsp. granulated sugar
  • ¾ C. lime juice (approximately 4 limes)
  • ½ C. red onion, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lb. rock shrimp, cooked in lavender poaching liquid
  • Kosher saltYou May Like These Related PostsDominus EstateGable Family Wines

 

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]]> 3 Powerful Secrets: Gamble Family Vineyards https://awinestory.com/gamble-winery/ Fri, 19 Apr 2019 00:01:36 +0000 https://awinestory.com/STAGING/?p=18710 3 Powerful Secrets: Gamble Family Vineyards Gamble Family Winery is one of the most powerful wineries in the Napa Valley. The reason is the high quality of Gamble Wine. The Gamble Family has been farming here for many decades. The family’s Gamble Vineyards are among the best in the valley. Yet when you visit a […]

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]]> Tom Gamble of Gamble Family Vineyards
Tom Gamble of Gamble Family Vineyards

3 Powerful Secrets: Gamble Family Vineyards

Gamble Family Winery is one of the most powerful wineries in the Napa Valley.

The reason is the high quality of Gamble Wine.

The Gamble Family has been farming here for many decades.

The family’s Gamble Vineyards are among the best in the valley.

Yet when you visit a winery, you are not really in the position to understand the “secrets” behind the glitzy label and the showy winery facade.

 

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Lunch with Tom Gamble of Gamble Family Vineyards

So during my lunch with Tom Gamble of Gamble Family Vineyards, I could understand the three secrets that really made Gamble Family Winery out.

First though, know that one of my favorite things about writing about wine is the opportunity to hear storytelling from passionate winemakers.

Tom Gamble is one of the best and most passionate storytellers in the wine world.

As Gamble Family Vineyards is such a successful company–and Napa Valley real estate is so valuable–it is easy to think he is “to the manor born.”

Gamble Family History in the Napa Valley

The Gamble family has a long history in the Napa Valley.

Early History

In 1916, Tom Gamble’s grandfather Launcelot Gamble came to the Napa Valley and bought several acres of the best land and devoted it to agriculture and livestock (cattle ranching).

The cattle ranching came in handy at the onset of WW II, when canned meat was essential to feed the troops overseas.

Launcelot Gamble gained a piece of land in Oakville in 1955.

This would become the Family Home Vineyard and foundation for the family’s entrance into the wine business.

Gamble Family Vineyard wine served with cuisine of Jean-Georges Vongerichten

Tom Gamble’s Boyhood Dream

“My longest memory of childhood was playing in the dirt,” says Tom Gamble, recalling his youth. (Secret #1)

During lunch, he says that when was a child he would look at the vineyards from the bus on the way to school and dream they would one day be his.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”And then, when he was in 8th grade, he stopped taking the bus in favor of riding his bike the ten miles to and from school.” display_tweet=””]

And then, when he was in 8th grade, he stopped taking the bus in favor of riding his bike the ten miles to and from school.

The reason?

So he could get home faster and work in the vineyards!

“I loved working in the vineyard,” he says, adding that since he came from an agriculture-based family he had lots of other chores as well.

These included herding cattle, working irrigation lines and other activities.

An education at UC Davis followed.

Then Tom took over farming Family Home vineyards, which were planted by his mother and stepfather in 1997.

After many years of growing and selling his own grapes to other companies.  Tom sold the wine made from their own grapes.

He also began acquiring other vineyards.

Today the Gamble Family Vineyards encompass:

– Gamble Vineyards
– Confluence Block
– Family Home Estate
– Winery Vineyards
– CC Ranch Vineyard
– Mt Veeder Vineyard

Gamble Family Vineyards
Spring cuisine of Jean-Georges Vongerichten

Gamble Family Vineyards

Today the Gambles own a sizable amount of vineyard acreage in the valley spanning some of Napa’s most well-known terroir.

This includes Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, Mt. Veeder and St. Helena.

They also farm significantly more land, selling grapes to a number of premium producers in the valley. Their first vintage was from 2005.

The Gamble Vineyard is bordered by both the Napa River and Conn Creek in the northern part of the Yountville appellation.

Creeks are important as they produce rich silted flood-plain deposited soils.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”He farms the vineyards organically and harvest spans a two-week period.” display_tweet=””]

Gable Family Vineyards
Jean Georges dessert with Gable Family Vineyards wine

The Heart Block

During the lunch, Tom seemed particularly proud of the Sauvignon Block called “The “Heart Block.”

This is an appropriate name because of its geographic position in the center of the vineyard.

They plant two clones originating from France, including one from Graves and other originating in the Loire Valley. (Secret #2)

The Gamble Family Vineyard micro manages these vines and thins the vines to only one cluster per shoot increasing the intensity of the fruit.

This allows them to harvest at maturity with lower sugar levels.

The wine is barrel fermented in 40% new French oak and spends 18 months on the lees.

Delicious.

I tasted this single vineyard 2016 Heart Block Sauvignon Blanc side by side with their 2017 Gamble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has 13% new French and Hungarian oak. Both fabulous.

Jim Close, the winemaker, has done an exceptional job in delivering a complex yet easy to enjoy wine.

Both had finesse and a long length of finish.

And though both had a great deal of complexity, because of both the terroir and also tender loving care the Heart Block had even more complexity and length of finish.

The Red Wines

It is a rare opportunity to have the luxury of tasting a flight of top end Bordeaux blends.

Here at Gamble Family Vineyards these wines have the fantasy name “Paramount.”

They describe Paramount as a harmony of the most distinguished vineyards. The blend is “typically” a rough third of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with a tiny percent of Petite Verdot for spice.

But this can change with the vintage.

2014 Paramount

The growing conditions in 2014 were favorable with a warm, dry, and steady season.

This was one of my favorites, as it had fresh red cherry fruit, black truffle, and also aromas and flavors of hazelnut and leather.  It is great to drink now and can age at least another decade.

2012 Paramount

In 2012 the four varieties were all harvested, fermented, and aged separately. Different strains of yeast were employed to improve mouthfeel and complexity.

This wine has more aromas of thyme, black cherry, and plum. It can also age for another decade.

2009 Paramount

This is a delicious wine with silky tannins, bright acidity, and rich fruit. It has a long length of finish and a great deal of finesse.

For a wine ten years on, great to drink now.

Then the excellent 2015 Family Home, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville aged for 20 months in 45 % new French oak.

Conclusion

This was a magical introduction to the wines of Gamble Family Vineyards.

It is rare to meet a winemaker so knowledgeable about every aspect of his business, from farming to vilification to the wine selling platform.

Gamble Family Secrets
Tom Gamble and Marisa D’Vari

Visiting Gamble Family Vineyards

So the last secret is this:  even though Gamble Family Vineyards is a small family operation, it is possible to visit, taste the wine, and maybe if you are lucky tour the property.

Typically this is reserved for wine club members..

Yet you can call or email the winery via the contact information below, and see if you and your group can get an appointment.

To find out more visit the Gamble Family Vineyards website 

707) 754-4825 or email wine@gamblefamilyvineyards.com.

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]]> Quintessa Winery https://awinestory.com/quintessa-winery/ Mon, 09 Oct 2017 21:32:07 +0000 https://awinestory.com/STAGING/?p=16310  Quintessa Winery Quintessa winery is just off the Silvarado Trail in Rutherford, Napa Valley. It is about 90 minutes from San Francisco by car. It’s considered  one of the best small wineries in the Napa Valley. It is also one of the most fun wineries in Napa for wine tours. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”Many will agree that […]

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]]> Quintessa Wine Tours Rutherford Tasting Room
Ambassador Desiree of Quintessa in Rutherford Tasting Room

 Quintessa Winery

Quintessa winery is just off the Silvarado Trail in Rutherford, Napa Valley. It is about 90 minutes from San Francisco by car.

It’s considered  one of the best small wineries in the Napa Valley. It is also one of the most fun wineries in Napa for wine tours.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Many will agree that Quintessa Winery is possibly the most picturesque winery in the Napa Valley.” display_tweet=””]

Many will agree that Quintessa Winery is possibly the most picturesque winery in the Napa Valley.

Quintessa Winery Tours

Quintessa Winery is an organic winery. Two of the winery tour options at Quintessa Wine Estate include a delightful vineyard tour. In this way you can see the health of organic vines.

Then after the tour you can taste the corresponding quality in the wine.

The “Ambasssadors” at Quintessa Winery (this is their word for guides) in Rutherford encourage guests to book a “tasting experience.”

Yes, I know, the word “experience” is a nebulous word.  The concept alludes to the reality that your visit will include more than tasting the wine.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”It involves the concept of understanding the goal of owner Agustin and Valeria Huneeus and their philosophy.” display_tweet=””]

It involves the concept of understanding the goal of owner Agustin and Valeria Huneeus and their philosophy.

We will discuss the different tour and wine experience options below.

Tree in Quintessa Winery in Rutherford Napa Valley
Tree in Quintessa Winery Rutherford Napa Valley

Quintessa Winery : History in Rutherford, Napa Valley

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”The Quintessa Winery owners Agustin Huneeus and Valeria Huneeus purchased the gorgeous vineyard to become Quintessa in 1990.” display_tweet=””]

You can imagine that it takes a lot of money to buy such expensive land for wine vineyards. As Agustin Huneeus is responsible for the success of Concha Y Toro, one of the most popular brands in Chile, he can afford the land and the costs of its development.

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Quhttp://shopintessa Winery Vineyards in the late 1990s

So in the late 1990s, Agustin Huneeus looks at the 280 acres of land that is now Quintessa. He sees the potential of the land, as well as the amount of  work that must be done to plant vineyards.

Experts arrive to advise on the best grape varieties to grow. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are planted in addition to others.

Quintessa Winery  Harvest and Vinification

After the three required years, grapes are harvested and vinified at the Franciscan winery. At the same time, Agustin is building the state of the art Quintessa Wine Estate. 2002 marks the opening of the new Quintessa Rutherford winery. Aaron Pott is the first winemaker.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Michel Rolland joins the team as consultant in 2010.” display_tweet=””]

Quintessa Winery : Booking a Tasting Visit

As Quintessa Winery Napa Valley, you can taste red wine from Bordeaux varieties and white wine from Sauvignon Blanc. The Cabernet based red Bordeaux wine, Quintessa also includes the varieties Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère.

It is possible to have a simple tasting in the Quintessa tasting room. Yet having visited this picturesque Rutherford winery, you will want to consider options that include vineyard visits below. The reason is that you will have a much richer experience and understanding of the Quintessa Wine Estate.

Please continue to read about the various tasting experiences, and the essential items you are strongly suggested to bring with you, below the jump.

Quintessa Winery: Tasting Experiences

Quintessa is one of the best Napa wineries to visit because of the quality of the wines and the incredible scenery.  The wine experiences must be booked in advance. The price range as of 2019 begins at $75 and goes up  to $150.

Some may consider the fees high. One reason for the fee to taste wine is because the owners want you to have a wonderful experience.[socialpug_tweet tweet=”This means a very comfortable experience without crowds.” display_tweet=””] They want to make sure you understand all about Quintessa wine, both the viticulture and the winemaking.

When you make an appointment you and your group will have your own personal Ambassador to explain the wines as you taste them. And also answer all questions.

Quintessa Winery : Premium Tasting Experiences

The Salon Tasting Experience showcases the famous Illumination Sauvignon Blanc, the new release and library vintage. It is a 45 minute seated flight including three wines.

The Estate Tasting is an immersive look into the Estate. The semi-private visits begins with a guided walk through the vineyards. It concludes with a relaxing sit-down tasting showcasing current releases and library vintages.

Quintessa Winery Experience

The Quintessential Quintessa Winery Experience includes the scenic walk to the vineyards and then a tasting in the private pavilion overlooking the vineyards. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”You will taste exclusive barrel selections and library wines paired with cheese.” display_tweet=””] Your ambassador will tell the wonderful story that is Quintessa. You will also enjoy the Quintessa caves and gravity flow winery.

Time did not allow me to enjoy the Quintessential Experience, yet I must admit as I was walking through the vineyards I wished I could sit down in that fabulous Pavilion and sip the wine as I looked out at the vineyards. So for me, this is the wine experience that is most worth it. With this tour you can also see the caves and winery.

You can choose your Quintessa Wine Experience tour here

Quintessa Winery : What to Wear, Bring, and Expect When Visiting the Quintessa Wine Estate

Expect to have a wonderful time, taste great wine, and learn a lot about the famous Quintessa white and red wines.

Yet for practical measures you might consider the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need.

Though most wineries do provide a bucket for expectorating the wine you may not wish to swallow (for driving and other reasons),

I always take it upon myself to bring my own paper cup or plastic reusable cup. Many wineries have water available for seated tastings, yet you may wish to bring your favorite brand.

Essentials to Bring for Winery Visits

  1. A hat, especially for sunny days.
  2. Sunglasses for the same reason.
  3. Sunscreen very necessary in summer. Personally, I find this face covering more protective and less irritating.
  4. A charger for your device so not to miss once-in-a-lifetime photos.
  5. Your favorite bottled water
  6. A cup for expectorating wine in case it is far away or not provided.
  7. A small notebook to record details about the wine or vineyards.
  8. Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard visits

Quintessa Winery: My Experience

Desiree, pictured above, was my Ambassador during this visit.

The visit started with a visit to the vineyards, which was more gorgeous than I could imagine. I was very grateful for my walking shoes, as you will walk quite a bit uphill. I saw the pavilions along the way, reserved for the higher-end wine experience tours. How wonderful to book this tour category. The views are breathtaking.

During this outdoor excursion, Desiree explained the history of Quintessa. Then we toured more areas of the property and had a comfortable tasting in the beautiful Quintessa Tasting room.

The Tasting of the Quintessa Wines

The 2016 white Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is a signature wine at Quintessa. It is delicious.[socialpug_tweet tweet=”The Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of bright flowers and flavors of white peach and kiwi fruit.” display_tweet=””] The grapes are hand-picked and rushed to the winery while still fresh.

They ferment the grapes with mostly native yeast. The wine is aged in a variety of barrels (including a small percentage of French oak, Acacia barrels, and egg-shaped concrete fermenters). The objective is to give richness on the palate while retaining fresh aromas.

Quintessa 2014

They make the current release of Quintessa 2014 from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere.

These are traditional Bordeaux varieties. 2014 is a perfect growing season. This is despite the earthquake and drought. This wine is an attractive deep garnet color with flavors of fresh cherry and blackberry. Also layered notes of violets, graphite, and cedar spice. They age it for 21 months in 100% French oak, 80% new.

Then 20 days maceration on the skins.

Quintessa Estate: The Wines Tasted

The Quintessa 2012 is also from an excellent vintage. It is a classic Napa summer with warm days and cool nights. The wine is made with the same Bordeaux varietals as above for the same 21 months. This vintage 85% new French oak is used, with 20 – 26 days maceration on the skins.

The Quintessa 2011 is from a challenging vintage with a lot of rain. The Quintessa Wine Estate the team used selective picking and careful sorting. This ensures only perfect grapes are used.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”This wine has more aromas of crushed wet rock, sandalwood, and clove along with fresh cherries, currants, and red plum.” display_tweet=””]85% new French oak is used on this wine as well, but the maceration time was 28 days long.

The Quintessa Wine Estate follows organic and even biodynamic practices. You can almost taste the effect of these practices on the health of the grape through the wine.

Quintessa Winery : About Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg

Rebekah has worked at some of the most prestigious wineries in the world. She loves working at Quintessa because of its diversity of vineyard blocks and soil types. She loves working with the Huneeus family and is passionate about the organic processes of the Quintessa Estate Winery.

Very friendly and natural, Rebekah enjoys spending some time out of the winery at special dinners featuring Quintessa Winery Estate wines.

Quintessa Winery: Watch the Film

https://www.quintessa.com/the-experience

To make a reservation call (707) 286-2730 or email reservations@quintessa.com.

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If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

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About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

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