Recap of 2011 Family Winemakers of California Tasting - San Francisco
Fort Mason Center - Festival Pavilion
Tasted Sunday, August 21, 2011 by Martin Redmond with 1,073 views
Introduction
Last week I attended, as a media guest, the Twenty-first Annual Family Winemakers of California ("FWC") tasting held at Fort Mason. The event was held over two days, August 21st, and 22nd. Alas,duty (work) called on Monday, so I opted to attend Sunday only. This is a huge event, even bigger than Sonoma In The City, which to date had been the largest tasting I've attended. There were over 300 producers (probably about 1000 different wines would be my guess) from throughout the pouring at the event. On Sunday the event was from 1:00-6:00p (trade/media from 1-3p, open to the public thereafter), so I needed a plan to maximize my time there. After considerable teeth gnashing, I decided to focus on red Rhône wines.
Red Rhônes wines are primarily comprised of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre (a.k.a. "GSM") sometimes as blend, sometimes on a stand-alone basis (for a pdf of red Rhônes click here), and they are certainly on the rise in California. I once saw Rhônes describes as the vinous equivalent of a "primal scream". That along with their affinity for food, is why I chose to focus on red Rhônes.
I thought the event was very well organized, although there was a bit of a challenge with a long line, and a bit of chaos getting in when the doors opened at 1. The wineries were arranged alphabetically, which made it easy to find the wineries I was looking for. The good news is that the FWC had a helpful website, that included a list of participating wineries, and a sortable Varietal map showing who was pouring what. The not so good news is that the Varietal map wasn't as accurate as I hoped. As I worked my way through my red Rhone list, I discovered some wineries listed as pouring red Rhônes were in fact pouring either a Rosé made with red Rhône grapes, or red wine blend that may have included red Rhône varietals. Additionally, wineries pouring Petite Sirah were counted as red Rhônes, when technically Petite Sirah isn't considered to be a Rhône varietal (at least not in France, though the California based Rhone Rangers list Petite Sirah as a red Rhone varietal) That didn't create any heartburn for me because I enjoy Petite Sirah, and I consider them to be spiritually akin Rhône, if not genetically, or otherwise deemed to be Rhônes. In fact, for the first time, I came across a few "GSP" (Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah) blends which I found quite enjoyable! Purists...you have been forewarned;-).
Flight 1 - Carica Wine Company (1 Note)
Carica was established in 2005 by Charlie Dollbaum. I've visited the winery, which is one of several wineries at Rockwall Wine Company, a couple of times. In particular, I remember enjoying their Kick Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, and Temptation Rhone blend. 975 Cs/Yr. Range: $18-$36. Nice QPR on these!
Flight 2 - Core Wine Company (2 Notes)
This was a new to me winery our of Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. I've been to a couple of different wine festivals in Santa Barbara the last few year, but don't recall seeing them pouring. My loss...very nice wines. Founded in 2001. 4,000 Cs/Yr Range: $19-$61
Flight 3 - Enkidu Wine (2 Notes)
Another new to me winery. This one is located in Sonoma, and was founded in 2004. 5,000 Cs/Yr. Range: $20-$45
Flight 4 - Grey Stack Cellars (1 Note)
Santa Rosa based winery established in 2005. 2,000 Cs/Yr Range: $24-$45
Flight 5 - Harrison Clarke Vineyard and Winery (1 Note)
This is one of the wineries I stumbled upon during my "Taster Choice" time. They had several Rhone blend, but didn't turn on my search for red Rhone producers. The winery is in Solvang. They produce about 800 Cs/Yr. Range: $18-$52. I tried their flagship wine, but would have also like to have tasted their Grenache, and Estate Syrah.
Flight 6 - Jemrose (2 Notes)
This is one of the wineries I didn't get to at the last large tasting I attended, Sonoma In The City. Fortunately, my fellow wine blogger Richard Jennings didn't. After I read his recap, this winery hit my radar. They produce very good wines. The winemaker is Michael Browne of Kosta Browne. They are located in Santa Rosa. Range: $32-$65
Flight 7 - Justin Vineyards and Winery (1 Note)
This is a winery I sought out during my "Taster's Choice" time. The winery is located in Paso Robles. I didn't get a chance to go the last time when I was in Paso, but I'd heard nothing but good things about Justin. The wine I tried was a Bordeaux blend, and it lived up to the hype. The next time I'm in Paso, Justin will be a "must" visit. Founded in 1981. 50,000 Cs/Yr Range: $15-$62
Flight 8 - L'Aventure Winery (1 Note)
This is another wonderful Paso Robles producer. I had the pleasure of visiting last month. If you're ever in Paso, this winery is a must. Founded in 1998. 6,500 Cs/Yr. Range: $50-85
Flight 9 - Orin Swift (1 Note)
I'm familiar with Orin Swift, having enjoyed their "Prisoner" Zinfandel blend a couple of years ago. But it's been a years. They are a well known Napa based winery. Founded in 1998. 10,000 Cs/Yr Range: $25-$55
Flight 10 - Robert Biale Vineyards (3 Notes)
This is a winery that first came to my attention earlier this year, when I attended "Dark & Delicious", the annual Petite Sirah (a.k.a. "Pet", "PS") put on by P.S. I Love You. I really like their Pets, and Zinfandels. They are definitely on the rise! 9,000 Cs/Yr Range: $40-$75
Flight 11 - Stage Left Cellars (1 Note)
Stage Left is an Oakland based "Urban winery". They source fruit from throughout the state of California. I've been to their winery a few times, and am a fan. Founded in 2004. 1,200 Cs/Yr. Range: $22-$48
Flight 12 - Tablas Creek Vineyard (1 Note)
Definitely one of the gems in Paso Robles! The winery is a partnership between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucaste and Robert Haas founder of Vineyard Brands. The wine I tasted is their flagship red Rhone blend. Their vine were imported from France. They make great Rhone blends. Founded 1989. 20,000 Cs/Yr. Range: $20-$55l
Flight 13 - Turley Wine Cellars (2 Notes)
Another Paso based winery. They have a well-earned reputation for Zinfandel,and Pets so I was a bit surprised to see them pouring a Cinsault, which you don't find a lot on a stand-alone basis. According to Richard Jennings it's only distributed to restaurants. That's a shame, because it was excellent!
2008 Carica Petite Sirah Kick Ranch 90 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
Dark fruit aromas with rich blackberry flavors. Good balance with supple tannins and medium long finish
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