TASTINGS & EVENTS

Tasting Notes ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Robert Mondavi, Laura Catena, David Phinny, Kathryn Hall and Marcel Guigal. These are not just the names of people who have made wine. They are iconic figures who have shaped the wine industry, typically in more than one way, including making fantastic wine. What does it mean to be "iconic?" The Oxford dictionary states that it is "regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration." Stated differently, without the contributions made by such iconic figures, the wine industry would be a whole lot less interesting. 

 

Another name to add to this list is Joe Wagner, a fifth generation winemaker currently living in Napa, CA. Joe's relatives have been heavily involved in the wine industry. His grandmother's family settled in Napa Valley in the 1880s. His great grandfather, Carl Wagner, purchased farmland in Napa Valley in 1906 after emigrating from Alsace, France. In 1915 Carl built a winery and was producing approximately 30,000 gallons of wine per year when Prohibition disrupted the industry in 1919. Following the repeal of Prohibition, the Wagner's were back to making wine, including Carl's son, Charles (aka Charlie) and his wife, Lorna Belle Glos (Joe's "Belle Glos" wines are named after her as she loved Pinot Noir). Charlie, Lorna and their son, Chuck, established Caymus Vineyards in 1972.

 

Joe is Chuck's youngest child and by all accounts grew up among the vines. By the time Joe was 15, he had planted his first Pinot Noir vineyard, a grape varietal he believes could outshine Cabernet Sauvignon. After working for a brief time in Mexico, he started working beside his father (making Caymus) at the tender age of 19 and co-established Belle Glos Vineyard in 2001,which focuses on single estate Pinot Noirs from California’s coastal regions. His philosophy in making wine is to “Go With Your Palate,” which could be described as making wine that is enjoyable to drink. In 2006, Joe began crafting Meiomi, which took the industry by storm and resulted in the largest non-asset wine sale in history (now owned by Constellation). The sale expanded Joe's opportunities and saw an immediate expansion of his wine empire, which are held under the umbrella company "Copper Cane Wine and Spirits," that include such brands as Elouan (Oregon), Napa Valley Quilt, Boen, and others. Why the name Copper Cane?  It is a nod to one of the major methods of determining when to pick your grapes (other than looking at sugar content in grapes).  As Joe would describe it, as Fall arrives and ripening begins to peak, the green tissue canes start to turn pale yellow, starting at the bottom of the vine and moving up, until they have a coppery hue. The leaves will change to a slight yellow too. If the leaves are still green, the grapes are not ripe. 

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For Friday's tasting, we will taste and explore the following: 

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Threadcount Sauvignon Blanc - Joe created this wine for casual occasions. As a 100% Sauvignon Blanc, it may be the most inexpensive wine in our line up, but it doesn't taste like one. Made with the same care given to all of Joe's wines, it is fermented and aged (on fine lees) in stainless steel tanks.  No malolactic fermentation occurs in order to preserve the vibrant fruit and floral notes. Great for enjoying on its own, with oysters, a blue cheese pear tart and crab cakes. 

 

Napa Valley Quilt Fume Blanc - The use of French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation and fine lees aging all factor into the "wow" factor of this wine. A unique blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semionn results in a wine that is described as having "bright flavors of apricot, lemon cream, pear, and dried mango. Underlying minerality and hints of lemongrass, passionfruit, and nectarine contribute to this wine's refreshing, crisp finish." 

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Boen Chardonnay - Grapes sourced from the Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbara AVAs. According to the winemaker, this wine has a "nose (of) green apple, dried apricot, Sicilian lemon and white plum invite you to take the first sip.  Lively flavors of white peach and Asian pear are complemented by notes of lemon curd and brioche on the palate...rich and exceptionally well-balanced, with a bright acidity that drives a long, mouthwatering."

 

Belle Glos 'Oeil de Perdrix' Rosé- Described as "beautiful fruit aromas of nectarine, peach, and apricot (that) are joined by refreshing hints of citrus.  An abundance of delicate white plum, peach, honeydew, and ripe nectarine fill the palate with lively acidity. The brightness of this Rosé has a mouthwatering character that gracefully extends to a long-lasting, satisfying finish." This is a bespoke Rosé as the grapes were grown in Sonoma County with the intention of making Rosé, which the Wagners have been making in one way or another for the last 40 years.  

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Belle Glos Eulenloch Pinot Noir - Made exclusively from Joe's Eulenloch Vineyard in Carneros that straddles both Sonoma and Napa counties. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in French Oak (60% new) for nine (9) months results in "aromas of dried cherry, raspberry, blueberry and cedar.  A rich opulent wine offering flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, cocoa, black licorice and dried herbs. This wine is bold and well-balanced with lively acidity and refined tannins."

 

Boen Reserve (Haribach bottle) Pinot Noir - This etched bottle is a work of art (honoring Joe's grandfather), just like the juice inside. Grapes are sourced from the Santa Maria Valley AVA and aged in 100% French Oak (40% new). According to Joe, this bottling has "vibrant flavors of very ripe boysenberry, blueberry, and plum pie (which) are complemented by layers of rosemary and cocoa. These flavors are balanced by firm tannins that carry through to a long, structured, and mouthwatering finish."

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Napa Valley Quilt "Fabric of the Land" Red Blend - A blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot from distinct regions throughout the Napa Valley, including Oak Knoll and Calistoga, which leads to an extraordinary combination of flavor, color and texture.

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Napa Valley Quilt "The Grace of the Land" Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - Utilizing hillside, mountain and valley vineyard sites, this bottling represents the finest 2% of the juice produced that year that will leave you with a velvety mouthfeel and a long smooth finish. 

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Charcuterie, cheese and fresh bread will be served to enhance this special tasting experience.