Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Angelo Gaja, owner of Gaja Winery, began a new venture - Ca'Marcanda, Piedmontese term for “house of endless negotiations”-Blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Cabernet Franc, not blended with this mix again. A rich Gaja style wine. Aromas of fruit and earthy spice. On the palate blackberry and cherry flavors with cacao, tobacco and oak notes. Full body, fine tannins, lingering, elegant balance and structure, ending with sweet earthy mineral. Tasting Sample. — 5 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

A wine I’ve enjoyed mostly upon release or near it. I vowed to wait six years and nearly made it. At least it is 2018...just! It’s worth waiting this/that long for it to develop. On the nose; sweetly, baked fruits of; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, and notes of blue fruits. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium, beautiful spice, black fruit tea, limestone minerals, loamy, dry, brown top soil, fresh dark florals and violets. The mouthfeel is full, rich & lush. The tannins are round, still have some teeth and possess velvety round edges. It’s fruit driven but not a bomb and showing elegance & grace. Fruits are perfectly ripe; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, notes of blue fruits and dry cranberries dip in and out. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium beautiful spice that is more pronounced on the palate, black fruit tea, touch of melted brown sugar/molasses, limestone minerals, touch of rich dark sweet turned soil, loamy dry brown top soil, soft understated eucalyptus/mint, dry fresh florals and violets. The round acidity is just right, just a slight very small alcohol burn, the length, structure, tension and beautifully balanced finish are in a very good place. Even better in 2-3 more years in bottle; which is when I’ll have my next one. Photos of; the winemaking duo of Gary Franscioni (left) and Gary Pisoni, Rosella’s Vineyard on the right. As well as, Garys’ Vineyard at the bottom. Producer notes and history...The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is known for its rich, vibrant Pinot Noirs. However, that wasn’t always the case. The first Pinot was planted in 1973, but results weren’t all that great. Chardonnay was the appellation’s early star. Much of the area’s current fame for Pinot Noir arguably can be traced to Gary Pisoni, a free-spirited wine enthusiast who grew up in a Salinas Valley vegetable farming family. Pisoni decided to plant a few acres of Pinot Noir in 1982 on his family’s horse ranch, at the southern end of what was to become the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation but his horses started eating the grapes. So, they had to go. His initial planting were limited by a lack of water until he dug a well on the property. Pisoni started planting even more Pinot Noir. The vineyard is now around 45 acres and nearly all of it Pinot. By the late 1990s, word had spread about the success of his vineyard, and a number of Pinot specialists from around California had started lining up to buy his grapes. He started producing his own wine in 1998. Pisoni isn’t the only Gary who has become a force in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Gary Franscioni, a childhood friend, followed Pisoni’s lead by planting grapes and started Roar Wines in 2001. The two of them now have five vineyards between them...all farmed meticulously with the same crew. They are best of friends...sort of a Mutt & Jeff. They have become a formidable presence in the Highlands, attracting interest from top winemakers and Pinot Noir lovers from all over. Franscioni is also from a vegetable farming family; Pisoni figures they’ve known each other since they were 3 or 4. Franscioni saw his friend’s success and once he got some money together, decided to plant grapes of his own. Franscioni’s property is farther north and cooler as it’s closer to the Monterey Bay. He was going to plant Chardonnay. He woke up and Franscioni recalls imitating Pisoni, and shouted, “plant Pinot!” Franscioni planted what became Rosella’s Vineyard, named for his wife, in 1996. He took Pisoni’s advice and planted four acres of Pinot Noir, although he still planted 12 acres of Chardonnay. It’s now a total of around 50 acres with three-quarters of it Pinot Noir. The next year, they decided to become partners and planted Garys’ Vineyard, a 50 acre parcel where they grow Pinot and a little Syrah. Since then, Franscioni has developed Sierra Mar, 38 acres of Pinot, Chardonnay, Syrah and a tiny amount of Viognier. The two teamed up again to establish Soberanes Vineyard, 35 acres of mostly Pinot Noir, with a little bit of Chardonnay and Syrah. That last vineyard was developed by Pisoni’s son Mark. The Garys might seem an unlikely pair. Pisoni is colorful character to say the least and has an outspoken manner. Franscioni comes across as more serious- minded. However, the collaboration between the two, who often address each other as “partner,” clearly works well. The two are good on their own, but better together. Pisoni being more gregarious acts as the frontman. He is the Ambassador. He’s a check on the rest to keep the quality high. Franscioni and Mark Pisoni run the farming on their own vineyards and work together on the joint ventures. The family involvement doesn’t stop there. Jeff Pisoni makes his family’s wines, which are under the Pisoni and Lucia brands. Franscioni’s son, Adam, joined the family business in time for the 2011 harvest. He handles sales for Roar and helps his father manage the vineyards. The grapes from all five vineyards are in huge demand, because the two families are such careful farmers, constantly tweaking and improving. Prominent customers include; Testarossa, Siduri, Kosta Browne, Copain and Bernardus. When a new vintner approaches them about buying grapes, the partners examine the winery’s track record and the Winemaker. If they like what they see, the winery is put on a waiting list. There’s not very much movement in their vineyards. When Franscioni planted Sierra Mar, he and Pisoni had 62 wineries waiting to buy fruit. Soberanes was developed with the idea of working with some new winemakers. There was some concern, even among the two families, that quality might suffer as the vineyard operations grew. However, there’s no indication that’s the case. In fact, with each new venture, they build on what they’ve learned in their older vineyards. Eventually, there will be even more vineyards. The Pisonis and Franscionis have purchased a 100 acre cactus farm in the Santa Lucia Highlands. There’s still a lease on the property. So, prickly pear cactus will continue to be grown for five more years. But at some point, the land will be planted with vines. Both families understand the importance of continuing to build for the future. The Garys looking back tell a story of being in the same spot some years ago and looking at a field of broccoli out back. He told Franscioni that the field would look a lot better with Pinot Noir vines. Now that parcel is part of Rosella’s Vineyard, and it’s planted with Pinot. Everybody thought he was crazy...most people usually think that when someone makes a bold decision. He’s a person who has always had vision and creativeness. He also has tremendous passion. Good things only happen when a person possesses all three of these qualities. Their wines are primarily available by mailing list. However, Nepenthe in Big Sur, CA acts as a quasi tasting room for some of their wines. — 6 years ago

Scott Stewart

9.0

A new venture for Chambers & Chambers; heading back into Bordeaux with the Sichel family. What a stunning property and a great story. It helps that the wines deliver the goods too... Soft and giving right now, with the structure to age well over the next 10-15 years... This makes me happy to be retreating Bordeaux for the first time. — 8 years ago

Raul Puga

8.9

For a bubbles neophyte I wanted to venture out to Italian Sparkling wine. Pleasantly surprised #happythanksgiving — 8 years ago

Mark Lindzy

9.2

I got a taste of this from Ed Dewitt while also working the same market. Quite a beautiful nose, with silky tannins, black cherry and fresh herbs. A touch of graphite too. New venture, very small production. — 9 years ago

Christian Gysin

9.2

Joint venture of santadi (terre brune)
and san guido (sassicaia) — 10 years ago

Gilles de Chambure

Master Sommelier & Educator

9.7

michael Havens venture with morgan twain peterson from carneros fruit — 10 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

8.9

I have been liking the Chenin grape for a number of years, but mostly from the Loire Valley of France particularly the area around Vouvray. I thought I would venture to the southern tip of Africa to try the Chenin Blanc of this region. The South African Chenin has the typical straw color and the nose is of good fruit, honeydew melon, lemon, and mineral. At first taste there is a good sharp acidity and citrus on the tongue. The flavors last a good long time on the palate. This wine is well balanced with wet rocks and a metallic taste on the backend. This is a good serviceable wine. — 11 years ago

Roman Sukley

9.3

2012 Cirq "Treehouse Vineyard" Russian River Pinot Noir from an amazing red-soiled Vineyard at an elevation of approximately 750 feet. I like to think of it as a more elegant Kosta Browne. Flowery, raspberry nose giving way to rose petal, cola, chocolate covered cherries and licorice on the mid palate. Vibrant acidity. Nice texture. Beautiful finish. Best showing to date, but I would say leave it in the cellar for a while. Built for aging, me thinks. Personally, I can’t wait to taste Michael’s new venture. Very talented winemaker. — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 14 Almaviva Cabernet is 68% Cabernet, 22% Carménère and 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The vines are 38 years of age. The wine spent 18 months in 75% new oak. The nose shows some slight funk at first. Blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, black cherry cola/licorice and dark florals. The M+ tannins are soft and a little sticky. The fruits are slightly candied in style. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark chocolate, soft leather, crushed rocks, dark moist turned earth and dark fresh florals. The structure, length, tension, balance and finish are quiet beautiful. Producer history and notes...Almaviva began in 1997, as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro. With the strengths of both families pedigree, they achieved international recognition with the the launch of their very first vintage. Their goal was to create the equivalent of Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé in Chile. Patrick Leon is their Winemaker and also makes Opus One & Mouton Rothschild. Almaviva is located in the Maipo Valley in Chile's central zone. Puente Alto has ideal conditions for growing the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Almaviva has 85 hectares. The climatic features of Puente Alto include its; stony soil, cold, rainy winters, and the hot days and cool nights of its summers. Maipo is considered Chile’s Napa Valley.
— 7 years ago

JKT

9.0

Tasted at Venture Cafe event courtesy of BW 4/27/17. Shockingly good for MA sparkler, who knew! Golden hew in color and nutty Sherry notes due to age and balanced palette with good length. Savory notes. Would be great to throw in a blind tasting! — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Medium to Deep Ruby. Aromas of ripe red and black fruits, coffee with spicy oak. Woody notes. A Shiraz drinkers Pinot! One of the bigger Pinots I have tried and certainly one of the first from South Africa. Latent Power and maybe tasted a little young even at 8 years of age. A joint venture between Burgundian house Bouchard Aine et Fils and Peter Finlayson. Would love to try this in 5 to 10 years. Bought this 1 bottle at a shop in Stellenbosch in SA in 2012 but the wine is from Walker Bay. Enjoyable but unPinot like. One of the 1001 wines. — 7 years ago

Gordon L Bennett

9.2

Very good cab. Not terribly complex but very smooth and easy to drink — 8 years ago

Michael Elmore

9.2

First venture into I Vigneri Bianco and a fun ride it was. Pretty opulent; round, cheese rind, lychee, and lees-y. 👌 — 8 years ago

Erik Helms

Sommelier/Wine & Beer Buyer Whole Foods Oakland

9.1

Can only be described as incredibly unique and diverse. 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Gris. Aromatic, but not exquisitely so, merely hints of floral and spice. Initially white fruits grab you on the palate - grapefruit & white peach. Then it takes an unorthodox turn and heads toward rhubarbs and sea brine on the mid palate and lengthy finish. Could venture drinking this with all sorts of dishes. To add to its uniqueness, it is merely 11%. — 8 years ago

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.1

Deep, dark and elegant. Like a Black Stallion. It's so cool how the variety of #tempranillo #tintadetoro can be so different from its brothers and sisters. #smoky #meaty with touches of #paprika and #roastedredbellpepper one of the great #toro originally made by #eguren now a #vuitton #hennessey venture. — 9 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.6

On the recommendation of my store of choice I decided to purchase a couple bottles of the Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley which I tend to love because they tend to follow the lines of good Burgundy wines. They tell me this is the best they have tasted from Oregon. This new wine making venture is being run by winemaker Mike Etzel Jr. Son of Mike Etzel of Beaux Freres fame. The also have wine consultant Louis Michel Liger-Belair of Vosne-Romanee. Sounds like a great pairing. On the nose I am getting strawberry, cranberry, red raspberry, hints of mint, vanilla and forest floor. On the palate there is a light mouth feel with red cherries, cranberry, young strawberries, and clove. There is a nice medium acidity, medium low tannins, minerality and a long finish. A very nice QPR at $23.99. I am very pleased with this find. Highly recommend. — 9 years ago

Faith Ventrello

Partner Vintage Wine Marketing

9.2

Another Lagier Meredith Pott joint venture. Delicious! — 10 years ago

WineMascot

9.0

2016, a other tightly wound pinot I had the pleasure to try. A bit simpler than it's big sister by its side but has a total of 9 clones blended so I'm going to venture to say it will be ever evolving — 6 years ago

Kaitlin Ohlinger

10

I’m not sure Delectable knows which wine this is- 2010 MSR white label; a small low yield “crown of the hill” parcel of the estate. Been saving this guy and holy mother of god did it reward. I venture a guess that at 8 years old it could be in its “prime” window but it absolutely could go another decade. This wine made me a little sad that we might not get another cold vintage in Oregon. It was so stunning and so pure it took my breath away. Not an understatement in any way. — 6 years ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.0

Well made. My first venture into Tasmania wine. It was fleshier than I was expecting from a cool climate. Kind of peachy with some baking spices. Tried it over two days. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

In 2001 Alan Peirson, Lesley Warner-Peirson, Robbie and Shannon Meyer were enjoying a bottle of wine & discussed a future venture sketching their logo on a cocktail napkin. In the Fall of 2001 they produced their first vintage, 300 cases of RRV Chardonnay. Aged for 8 months in French oak, usual fruit and spice notes. Mellow and creamy, one of the few SB that are oaked, citrus and melon, great acidity, fresh and crisp. Lingering finish ending with a combo of fruit and flowers wrapped in cedar. Very nice — 7 years ago

Julia Weinberg

9.4

Press check & home stretch till my babies venture out in the world! 12s in such a vibrant place right now - floral, juicy and all that white rock structure. — 7 years ago

Marc On

Writer Originalverkorkt, Lobenbergs Gute Weine

9.0

My first Riesling from Australia out of a Joint Venture Egon Müller does in Down Under. Well made Riesling who doesn't let you feel the heat of the Australien sun. Nice acidity, a bit "hard" on the mid-palate. — 7 years ago

Melchor Peraza

9.5

Very interesting wine, promising venture between Vega Sicilia and Benjamin de Rothschild — 8 years ago

Pascal Levensohn

9.3

My favorite of the wines I have tasted in Lisbon so far. 2013 vintage. Mix of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca. This is a joint venture with the winemaker from Chateau Cos d'Estournel! — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Serrat is the private venture of Tom Carson and his French wife, Nadege. Tom runs iconic Yarra valley winery Yabby Lake and is a highly respected Wine Show judge. The 2014 of this wine sold out in minutes when it won James Hallidays Wine of the Year last year. This 2013 shows opulent blue and red fruits with mulberry, violets and dusty spices. A lot crammed into this delicious northern Rhone style. My kind of wine. Serrat is close planted with 4 times the average vine density. Tried another bottle on 3rd September 2016 with consistent notes to the above. Must post a 2015 tasting note. Bought 6 bottles recently. — 8 years ago

James Knoblich

8.9

Duckhorn Canvasback Cabernet Savignon Red Mountain 2012

Duckhorn's first WA venture with grapes from Red Mountain AVA in eastern Yakima Valley.

85% Cab Sauv & 15% Merlot

Notes of Cherries & Blueberries and would benefit from more time in the Cellar.

Aged 16 Months: 64% New barrels & 36% Neutral French Oak barrels — 9 years ago

Demetre Souliotes

9.1

First venture in this region... Very pleased! — 10 years ago

with Sarah

Robert Scoble

10

Drinking with Bob Ackerman, venture capitalist, who owns his own Napa winery and it is spectacular. Worth trying even on a non-drinking month. — 10 years ago