Friday, January 25, 2013

2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Santa Clara Valley Winners


Santa Clara Valley also had a great showing in the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. There is no shortage of good wine regions here in Silicon Valley. We've only been in the area once, which is sad given how close we are, so I'll reserve any ratings.

Castillos Hillside Shire Winery

  • 2010 Castillos Winery, San Benito, Chilbec $30.00 - Silver (All Red Blends - $25.00 - $34.99)
  • 2009 Castillos Winery, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Franc $28.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Franc)
  • 2010 Castillos Winery, San Benito, Malbec $25.00 - Bronze (Malbec)
  • 2010 Castillos Winery, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $26.00 - Bronze (Merlot - $25.00 to $29.99)

Fortino Winery

  • 2008 Santa Clara Valley, Charbono $40.00 - Gold (All Other Red Varietals)
  • 2010 Estate Bottled, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon $28.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • NV Red Table Wine, Central Coast, Maribella $18.95 - Best of Class (All Red Blends - $15.00 - $24.99)

Guglielmo Winery

  • 2009 Private Reserve, Santa Clara Valley, Charbono $25.00 - Bronze (All Other Red Varietals)

Jason-Stephens Winery

  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon $28.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2008 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon $28.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Meritage $34.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99)
  • 2008 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $24.00 - Silver (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Malbec $30.00 - Silver (Malbec)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Mourvedre $28.00 - Silver (Mourvedre)
  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Petit Verdot $32.00 - Bronze (Petit Verdot)
  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Franc $32.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Franc)
  • 2011 Estate Reserve, Santa Clara Valley, Chardonnay $30.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $30.00 to $34.99)
  • 2011 Estate Select, Santa Clara Valley, Chardonnay $20.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $20.00 to $24.99)

Martin Ranch Winery

  • 2009 Therese Vyds Dos Ninas, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah $28.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2008 JD Hurley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $25.00 - Best of Class (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2009 JD Hurley Merlot, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $23.00 - Gold (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)
  • 2010 JD Hurley Carignane, Santa Clara Valley, Carignane $25.00 - Silver (All Other Red Varietals)
  • 2010 JD Hurley Griva, Arroyo Seco, Riesling $25.00 - Silver (Riesling - RS<1.49)
  • 2009 Therese Vyd Lester Family, Santa Cruz Mountains, Syrah $35.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $30.00 to $39.99)
  • 2011 Therese Vyds Griva, Arroyo Seco, Sauvignon Blanc $27.00 - Silver (Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $20.00 & Over)
  • 2010 JD Hurley, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $24.00 - Silver (Zinfandel - $20.00 to $24.99)
  • 2008 Therese Vyds Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $45.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Sauvignon - $40.00 to $49.99)

Sarah's Vineyard

  • 2011 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Chardonnay $29.99 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2009 Central Coast, Zinfandel $19.99 - Silver (Zinfandel - up to $19.99)
  • 2011 Central Coast, Pinot Noir $19.99 - Gold (Pinot Noir - up to $19.99)
  • 2011 Central Coast, Chardonnay $19.99 - Silver (Chardonnay - $15.00 to $19.99)
  • 2009 Santa Clara Valley, Cote de Madone $30.00 - Silver (Rhone Blends)
  • 2011 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Pinot Noir $34.99 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $30.00 to $34.99)
  • 2011 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cote de Madone Blanc $25.00 - Silver (White Blends Over $15.00)

Satori Cellars

  • 2008 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Petite Sirah $24.99 - Gold (Petite Sirah - $20.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Joyous $34.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Franc $29.00 - Silver (Cabernet Franc)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah $29.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2010 Estate Zen Zin, Santa Clara Valley, Primitivo $28.00 - Double Gold (Primitivo)
  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Harmonic Convergence $30.00 - Bronze (All Red Blends - $25.00 - $34.99)
  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Petite Sirah $24.99 - Silver (Petite Sirah - $20.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $28.00 - Bronze (Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $24.99 - Double Gold (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)

Solis Winery

  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $28.00 - Bronze (Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $32.00 - Gold (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)
  • 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah $24.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $20.00 to $24.99)
  • 2010 Santa Clara Valley, Seducente $24.00 - Bronze (Italian Blends - Up to $24.99)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Sangiovese $24.00 - Bronze (Sangiovese)
  • 2010 Santa Clara Valley, Baciami $30.00 - Silver (Rhone Blends)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Santa Cruz Mountains Winners


Santa Cruz Mountains wineries had a great showing at the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Cheers!

Bargetto

  • 2008 Regan Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains, La Vita $60.00 - Bronze (All Red Blends - Over $35.00)
  • 2009 Reserve Regan Vnyds, Santa Cruz Mountains, Merlot $40.00 - Silver (Merlot - $40.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $25.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2010 Reserve Regan Vnyds, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
Tasting Room: B, Wine: A, Cons: Reserves Expensive

Beauregard Vineyards

  • 2010 Beauregard Ranch, Ben Lomond, Zinfandel $45.00 - Silver (Zinfandel - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2011 Ben Lomond, Ben Lomond Mountain, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2011 Byington, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot noir $40.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2010 Zayante, Santa Cruz Mountains, Merlot $35.00 - Bronze (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)
  • 2011 Bald Mountain, Ben Lomond Mountain, Chardonnay $45.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $40.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Nelson, Santa Cruz Mountains, Syrah $45.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $40.00 & Over)
  • 2009 Bald Mountain, Ben Lomond Mountain, Chardonnay $45.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $40.00 & Over)
  • 2011 Muns, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
Tasting Room: A, Wine: A, Cons: Expensive

Domenico Wines

  • 2007 Napa Valley, Miscela $39.00 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99)
  • 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $35.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
Tasting Room: C, Wine: B, Cons: Urban Winery

Kathryn Kennedy Winery

  • 2010 Small Lot Cab, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $38.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Sauvignon - $35.00 to $39.99)
Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A+

Kings Mountain Vineyards

  • 2007 Kings Mountain Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Meritage $60.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $50.00 & Over)
  • 2009 Kings Mountain Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $60.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A

La Honda Winery

  • 2010 Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $19.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $15.00 to $19.99)
  • 2010 Sequence, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $24.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $20.00 to $24.99)
  • 2011 Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc $19.00 - Bronze (Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $14.00 to $19.99)
  • 2009 Lonehawk, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $34.00  - Bronze (Cabernet Sauvignon - $30.00 to $34.99)
  • 2010 Salinian Block, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $29.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2010 Exponent, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Blend $21.00 - Silver (All Red Blends - $15.00 - $24.99)
Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A, Cons: Urban Winery

La Rusticana d'Orsa

  • 2009 La Rusticana d'Orsa Cinqu, Santa Cruz Mountains, Bordeaux Blend $45.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $40.00 to $49.99)

McHenry Vineyard

  • 2010 Estate Swan Clone, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $32.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $30.00 to $34.99)
Tasting Room: B, Wine: A

Muccigrosso Vineyards

  • 2008 Santa Cruz Mtns, Pinot Noir $34.99 - Double Gold (Pinot Noir - $30.00 to $34.99)
  • 2008 Lyn Zin, Santa Clara County, Zinfandel $19.99 - Bronze (Zinfandel - up to $19.99)
  • 2008 Stan Zin Moniz Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $24.99 - Silver (Zinfandel - $20.00 to $24.99)
  • 2005 California, Table Two $24.99 - Bronze (Italian Blends - Up to $24.99)
Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A, Personal Service A+

Muns Vineyard

  • 2009 Muns Vineyard Estate, Santa Cruz County, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2010 Muns Vineyard & Estate, Santa Cruz County, Syrah $25.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A, Personal Service A+

Naumann Vineyards

  • 2010 Estate, Santa Cruz County, Bordeaux Blend $29.95 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $20.00 to $29.99)
Tasting Room: A, Wine: C

Perrucci Family Vineyard

  • 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $34.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $30.00 to $34.99)

Picchetti Winery

  • 2010 Santa Cruz Mountains, Brut Rose $49.95 - Silver (Dry)
  • 2011 Truchard, Carneros-Napa, Pinot Noir $39.95 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A

Rexford Winery

  • 2009 Regan Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Merlot $24.00 - Silver (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)
  • 2009 Regan Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2010 Regan Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Gris $24.00 - Bronze (Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio - $15.00 & Over)

Sante Arcangeli Family Wines

  • 2010 Split Rail, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $35.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
  • 2010 Hidden Mesa, Sierra Foothills, Syrah $25.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2010 Split Rail, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $26.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)

Savannah Chanelle Vineyards

  • 2010 Muns Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Armagh, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Coastview Vine, Monterey, Syrah $28.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2010 Tondrgs Grape, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Regans, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A, Cons: Reserves Expensive

Silver Mountain

  • 2008 Muns Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
  • 2007 Central Coast, Syrah $28.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2007 Central Coast, Alloy $28.00 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $20.00 to $29.99)
  • 2010 Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $28.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2008 Tondre's Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A, Say hello to Gerald

Sonnet

  • 2010 Tondre, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
  • 2010 Muns Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
Tasting Room: C, Wine: A, Cons: Urban Winery

Soquel Vineyards

  • 2010 Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2010 Luna Matta Vineyards, Paso Robles, Nebbiolo $50.00 - Silver (Nebbiolo)
  • 2009 Luna Matta Vineyards, Paso Robles, Sangiovese $40.00 - Silver (Sangiovese)
  • 2010 P.Reserve Lester Family, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
  • 2010 Reserve, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
  • 2011 Schmierer Vineyard, Lodi, Zinfandel $25.00 - Silver (Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2011 Olivia's Reserve, Edna Valley, Chardonnay $25.00 - Gold (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2011 Lester Vnyd, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $25.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
Tasting Room: A, Wine: A, Cons: Expensive

Storrs Winery and Vineyards

  • 2008 Christie Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $42.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2007 Rusty Ridge, Santa Clara County, Zinfandel $30.00 - Bronze (Zinfandel - $30.00 to $34.99)
  • 2007 BXR, San Francisco Bay, Bordeaux Blend $44.00 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $40.00 to $49.99)
  • 2010 Viento Vineyard, Monterey, Gewürztraminer $16.00 - Bronze (Gewürztraminer)
  • 2011 Viento Vineyard, Monterey, White Riesling $17.00 - Silver (Riesling - RS<1.49)
  • 2009 Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $36.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
  • 2009 Central Coast, Grenache $26.00 - Gold (Grenache)
Tasting Room: B, Wine: A

Thomas Fogarty Winery

  • 2011 Scheid Viento, Monterey, Gewürztraminer $18.00 - Silver (Gewürztraminer)
  • 2011 Skyline, Monterey, Riesling $15.50 - Silver (Riesling - RS<1.49)
  • 2009 SCM, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $29.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
Tasting Room: A, Wine: A, Cons: Expensive

Villa del Monte Winery

  • 2010 Regan Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $28.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $25.00 to $29.99)
  • 2009 Moon Vineyard, Carneros, Merlot $30.00 - Silver (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)
  • 2008 Moon Vineyard, Carneros, Merlot $33.00 - Bronze (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)
Tasting Room: C, Wine: B

I'm already planning a number of tastings. Get out there and taste some wine!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Soquel Vineyards

This past summer, we headed up the road from Hunter Hill to our second stop: Soquel Vineyards. The hostess at Hunter Hill said we couldn't miss it, and if we did the road dead ended so we couldn't go too far past them. She was right, it was very easy to find.



We were offered two tastings: A $5 general tasting, which took  place inside in the tasting room, or a $10 reserve tasting, which took place outside. We chose the outside in the beautiful sun option. I can't imagine anyone not choosing this option, unless it was crappy out, but what do I know.

The outside area was cosy and beautifully surrounded by flowers and vines.


All the wines were excellent, though a little pricey.

One of the the owner's, the Bargetta family, daughters had gotten married the night before and a couple groups of wedding guests were there, talking about this and that.

We ran into another couple that turned out to live very close to us. They lived very similarly to us too, winewise. While they liked the Pinots at Soquel, they believed where they really shined was in Sangiovese. We tried one that day, and it was very good. Their favorite Pinots were from Heart O' the Mountain. They especially loved the Pommard Clone and Triple Seven, joking how she would say how bad it was to try to get everyone else to not buy it all up. We've never been there. It's a tough one to get to. I've only seen it open on Passport days and one Groupon. They asked for our emails and said they would invite us the next event they went to. How awesome is that!

We also talked to an older woman out enjoying wineries by herself. Her boyfriend wasn't into wine, but he was busy, leaving her free to explore. She was looking for a good white wine. Unfortunately, we couldn't help there, though we did point her to some good Roses.


One the way out we picked up a Olivia Chard, Lester Pinot, 16 Clone Pinot, and the 2008 Nebbiolo. I joked that we were in the wedding party and should get the family discount, as everyone else was, but they didn't buy it. They also didn't reimburse the $10 tasting fee, a disturbing trend that day.

On the trip home we stopped at Summit Store to pick up some lunch. As we waited for our sandwiches to be made we browsed the wines, noticing a $20 Partner's Reserve from Soquel. I couldn't tell the difference between it and the $60 16 Clone I had loved at the tasting. I figured for $20 it was worth the risk that it wasn't the same.

While unloading everything at home I bobbled the wine and smashed one on the driveway. I was hoping it was the $20 bottle we had just picked up, but wouldn't you know it, it was the $60 16 Clone. As it turns out they are different.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Hunter Hill

This past summer, we headed over the hill on a beautiful Saturday to hit a couple of wineries that we'd never been to. The traffic was unusually light, making for a pleasant ride. Both wineries were on Glenn Haven Road in Soquel. We past Bargetto on the way, winding this way and that. It's a bit out of the way in AT&T No Service land.

We arrived at Hunter Hill shortly after opening, around 11:15. There were already cars in the lot, a group at the tasting bar, and another enjoying the outdoor area. I was a little surprised we weren't the first, but I took it as a good sign.

The tasting room was spacious and had character. One wall had a big buffalo head, taken by the winemaker Vann Slater. The Slater family winery came complete with pictures of the grandparents. The tasting bar was a tad small, with room for 3 smaller groups of tasters, but wasn't a problem given the size of the room and the access to the spacious outdoor area.




Lana served us and answered all our questions with a smile. The vineyard was once an apple orchard, but converted to grapes in 92. They now grow Pinot, Syrah, Merlot, and Zinfandel, sourcing Barbera, Sangiovese, among other varietals from other California regions. They are known for their Pinot, which I thought was pretty good. They also had a special Pinot: Warrior Pinot; all the proceeds from this $50 bottle go to a worthy cause: Widows and children of deceased Navy Seals; Van used to be a Seal. What a great way to give back! The wine was very nice.

Talk at the tasting bar was abundant and interesting due to the friendly wine tasters we found there. I would never have guessed there were mosh pits at Hank Williams III concerts, though apparently he has a metal band in addition to his country gig. While I had heard of people eating buffalo, I'd never heard of beefalo, a bison, cattle mix. One of the other patrons was ready to kill his pygmy goat which he claimed got rambunctious and buck the backs of the legs. Christine Slater, one of the owners, offered to take it off his hands, sighting how useful they were in a vineyard. I found all of this very interesting.

The outdoor area was gorgeous, very spacious, and surrounded by the vineyard. There were plenty of places to set and enjoy the wine and surroundings, including a cute koi pond and a waterfall. In and around were lucious flowers, including a number of sunflowers. It was very peaceful, a great place to enjoy as we tasted the wine.




The Waterfall Hides Behind the Flowers
We picked up a couple of bottles to sample later and headed up the road to Soquel. Unfortunately, the $5 tasting fee was not refundable, a practice I've never understood.

Sue Grips our Haul as We Head Out