Years….they used to take forever! No longer. Now they often seem to speed by in a blur. The coming of the New Year makes me nostalgic. I sit warm, happy with a full belly and I remember that this is not to be taken for granted. Time for a little reflection and gratitude.
I head to social media to reflect on the year. Remember the days when we had journals or diaries or a box of photos? Well, technology has allowed us to share those memorable moments, both big and small.
Instagram is my go to photo journal. So I’m sifting through to give you an idea of my year…holy crap there are alot of wine photos! LOL!
The Quiet Time
My photo essay of the beginning of my year…snow, studying, a Valentines Day on the ice, new Ramen places, hiking at Mount Charleston, beautiful sunsets, reading by the ocean in Carlsbad, high tea with friends, the super bloom in San Diego, a blind tasting event and of course, Loki. Okay…that gets us through the quiet months.
Double click on any of the photos for a larger picture and perhaps a bit more information.
The Scenic Route
We did our typical drive a million miles summer vacation. This year it was named “The Scenic Route”. It took us from Vegas to Tahoe, to Mount Shasta, to Southern Oregon, through the Columbia Gorge to the Yakima Valley, Walla Walla and then back through the Willamette, down to the Applegate Valley and finally to Yosemite before traveling home. We met incredible winemakers, saw beautiful scenery and vineyards and while we shared the overall story of our trip this year, you can look forward to many more in depth pieces on the places we visited this year.
Studying
Then we rested…that should be what I write next. But no. This was crunch time for me. I had been studying all year to take my test to become a Certified Specialist of Wine. After a 13 week course and then months of additional study I hoped I was ready. I was…
#OurAussieWineAdventure
Now was it time to rest? Nope. We were off to the Wine Media Conference in October. Social media got to see much of our trip…there are still interviews and articles to be written in the new year. Here is a glimpse of our travels through New South Wales Australia. We dubbed it #OurAussieWineAdventure.
So, exhausted and exhilarated, we returned. At this point the holiday’s approached and our 2nd Annual 12 Days of wine celebration was at hand.
12 Days of Wine
Here is a link to that page. 12 Days of Wine 2019. You’ll find fun video reveals and details about each of the wines there.
Now we’ve come to the end of the year. It was a full year. We have writing to do video’s to create and tons of content to share with you. And…there will be new adventures. For right now…I’m going to relax and then day dream about what the New Year might hold.
At the Wine Media Conference, they have an events called “Wine Socials”. Sounds like something you would expect, right? It’s a wine conference, they will drink wine and be social. But if you caught our Speed dating for wine – Red Wine Social at the Wine Media Conference piece, you know that it’s a different play on the word “Social”. Well, they do the lighter version also, the White/Rosé Social.
So today we revisit those wineries and winemakers that we had a brief 5 minutes each to speak with, and share with you again, our instagram posts from this tasting. It was 50 minutes, 10 wines, 5 minutes each for them to tell us all they could about their winery and the wine…and for us to post about it on social media. It’s alot to fit into 5 minutes.
I did my posts on InstaGram, so …
Here we go….
Tulloch 2018 Verdelho Hunter Valley
Tulloch 2018 Verdelho #wmc19 White/Rosé Wine Social
Matt pouring the 2018 Tulloch Verdelho
Tulloch 2018 verdelho one of 5 verdelhos (including a fortified) that you can find at their cellar door #wmc19 @huntervalley @visitnsw
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Tulloch Wines poured in the Red wine Social and I told you about them then. Here is the synopsis: early winery – 122 years & 4 generations making wine – vineyard owned by other companies for a bit – 2003 bought back from Rosemount – now again family run.
This wine is part of their Tulloch Range, which sits at a very affordable $16 au per bottle. If you look online, they are now on to their 2019 release. This wine is lush and tropical with a zesty finish.
de iuliis fiano two thousand and nineteen special release
2019 Special Release de Iuliis Fiano #WMC19 White/Rosé Social
Mike De Iuliis pouring his Fiano
This fiano was bottled just 10 days ago! From Broke Fordwich…pretty nose! @huntervalley #wmc
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So as I mentioned before…(he poured at the Red Wine Social too), we got to hang with Mike a bit during the Dinner Excursion. He had our bus off roading in a vineyard on our way to tasting Semillon and oysters. James Halliday (the Australian wine guru) has only the nicest things to say about Mike. He’s making amazing wine and does not take himself too seriously (I never saw him wear anything fancier than a t shirt).
The De Iuliis Fiano he brought us was under their special release label and had just been bottled. This variety from northern Italy does well here in the Hunter Valley. Mike let this sit on it’s lees (the dead yeast) for 6 months before bottling, which gives it a creamy texture, but it still retains great acidity, with white peaches and herbs on the nose. This sits at 12.5 abv and runs $35 au.
Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley Semillon 2019
Tyrrell’s 2019 Hunter Valley Semillon
161 year old vineyard. This glorious sem is just $25. #wmc19 @huntervalley
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Tyrrell’s has been family owned since 1858. It is the old dog in these woods.
They are well known for their Semillon. This one comes from 4 blocks in the HVD vineyard (planted by the Hunter Valley Distillery back in 1903). They hand pick and sort in the vineyard and press with a small percentage of whole cluster. This sees very little time on lees, to keep it crisp and fresh and there is no oak use. This sits at 10% abv and runs $25 au.
Thomas Braemore Semillion 2018 Individual Vineyard Hunter Valley
Thomas 2018 Braemore Semillon #WMC19 White/Rosé Social
Pouring the Thomas Semillon
this one (oops that should have been “was”) one of my favorite wines from last night. 2019 sem! #wmc18 @huntervalley
crushedgrapechron IG post October 11
Okay…the name on this probably needs a little explanation. The Winery is “Thomas” with wines made by namesake Andrew Thomas. Braemore is the vineyard. Sadly, he was one of the winemakers we were unable to meet. We did indeed taste his Semillon, both this and one that was 10 years older, on our vineyard dinner excursion. With Semillon there is often a note of “lanoline”. On a personal level, I find this slightly offputting. Some people enjoy it, for me…I tolerate it. But these wines did not have that note. I found them crisp and clean and with a vibrancy that I really enjoyed.
As I mentioned the grapes for this wine come from the Braemore Vineyard. Planted in 1969, this vineyard is known to be one of the best sites in the region for Semillon (some say handsdown the best). This wine is bright with lemon & lime zest. I’m not sure of the abv, but I would imagine it to be around 10%. It was brilliant with the oysters. It runs around $31 au.
Taylor’s St. Andrews Riesling Clare Valley 2017
Taylor’s 2017 St. Andrews Riesling, Clare Valley #WMC19 White/Rosé Social
Stunning Clare Valley Riesling from Taylor’s in the Clare Valley. #wmc
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So Taylor’s is one of the few wines we tasted from outside the Hunter Valley. I had met Anna from Taylor’s on the Dinner Excursion and we hit it off. This winery is located in South Australia in the Clare Valley, where they have been making wine for three generations. The area is known for it’s riesling.
This wine is in the St. Andrews line, named after the historic property that was established by Scottish immigrants back in 1892. This is their flagship line and it is only released in the best vintages.
This wine was delicious with great acidity and notes of lemon & lime. It runs around $37 au.
Tamburlaine Reserve Semillon 2013 Hunter Valley New South Wales
2013 Reserve Semillon Tamburlaine #WMC19 White/Rosé Social
Aaron Mercer Winemaker Tamburlaine
2013 sem from Tamburlaine poured by winemaker Aarom Mercer #wmc19
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Okay…first off, his name is Aaron Mercer…speed tasting leaves no time for spellcheck. I had the opportunity to meet and speak with him at the Welcome event at Brokenwood. He is charming and passionate about his wines.
Tamburlaine is an organic winery and proudly so with vineyards in the Hunter Valley and in Orange. The winery was founded in 1966, but was purchased in 1985 by a group of friends who turned to contemporary organics.
Aaron poured for us their 2013 Vintage Reserve Semillon. This wine recieve 96 points from James Halliday. The nose has floral notes, green apple and a hint of pinapple. It has good acidity with citrus notes and a little creaminess from resting 4 months on the lees. This one is not currently available from the winery, but you can find the 2018 which will run you $33 au.
Scarborough “The Obsessive” Chardonnay Gillards Rd Vineyard Hunter Valley
Scarborough 2017 “The Obsessive” Chardonnay #WMC White/Rosé Social
Jerome Scarborough of Scarborough Wines
Terra Rossa Soil from Scarborough’s Gillards Road Vineyard
The Obsessive chardonnay with Jerome Scarborough from Scarborough wines. #wmc19
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We had the opportunity to do an interview with Jerome Scarborough before the conference and did their Chardonnay tasting at their Gillards Road Vineyard. So this was a revisit for us.
The Obsessive from Scarborough is their cellar door exclusive range that is single vineyard. The fruit for this wine comes exclusively from their Gillards Road Vineyard which holds their tasting room that was previously the family home. The soil here is red/brown terra rossa, and Jerome brought a soil sample for us.
This wine exhibits notes of butter, roasted nuts and spice from the 15 months it spends in new french oak. It’s creamy texture comes from the monthly lees stirring while in that oak. It sits at 12.7% abv and runs $40.00 au.
Peterson House 2007 Sparkling Semillon
Peterson House 2007 Sparkling Semillon #WMC19 White/Rosé Social
10 year sparkling Semillon stunner! #wmc19
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Okay…I am a sucker for bubbles. These were 12 year old Semillon Bubbles! This Peterson House wine was a Museum Release that they broke out for us. Toasty but fresh, you get all those warm brioche notes and fullness in the mouth and then a clean fresh citrus finish. It is available on their site at $60 au.
Peter Drayton Anomaly Vermentino 2019 Hunter Valley
Peter Drayton 2019 Anomaly Vermentino #WMC19 White/Rosé Social
Peter Drayton and his daughter Natalie
2019 Vermentino from Peter Drayton they grow 16 different varieties @huntervalley #wmc19
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The Drayton family goes back 5 generations in the Hunter Valley and Peter owns and runs a construction company in addition to his winery.
Peter Drayton and his daughter poured us this 2019 Anomaly Vermentino. I am a Vermentino lover, so I was happy to have this variety in my glass.
The fruit for this wine comes from the Upper Hunter Valley. Made all in stainless this wine has great minerality with notes of citrus and pear. 13% abv and $30 au.
Oakvale 2018 Rosé Hunter Valley
Oakvale 2018 Rosé of Shiraz #WMC19 White/Rosé Social
A lovely rosé of Shiraz from Oakvale Wines! Beautiful onion skin color! #wmc19 @huntervalley
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At last! A Rosé! Oakvale Wines believes in minimal intervention. They also make vegan friendly wines. This winery was founded in 1893 and was owned for generations by the Elliot family. In 2010 the Becker family purchased the vineyard and eldest son James became the winemaker.
This rosé of shiraz is a pale onion skin color. Notes of strawberry and cranberry and a crisp finish. 11.5% abv $26.00 au.
I will admit…the White/Rose Wine Social is decidedly easier than the red. Lighter wines that don’t blow your palate make life much easier. And…having the practice in from the previous day was helpful.
There was more, oh so much more, at the 2019 Wine Media Conference and you can look forward to hearing more…we can only write so fast!
As always be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date on all of our posts.
I will admit to a bit of snobbery. I really had no desire to go to Wilson Creek in Temecula. I mean you find bottles of their Almond champagne in Long’s Drug Stores (well you did when they were around). I figured how could they be creating wine I would like to drink? Well… there is a lot more to them then the Almond champagne.
Wilson Creek is located at the far east end of Rancho California Road and it is rare that you will get there and find the parking lot not full. While the grounds are huge and beautiful, a favorite for weddings and the buildings and event center large and impressive, this is still a family affair at heart.
Wilson Creek View
Gerry and Rosie Wilson acquired the 20 acre vineyard in 1996 with the simple intent of running a fun family business and making great wine. With the entire family, children and grand children as well as 5 golden retrievers who can be seen often on property, they have succeeded in making this a family affair.
The Lower Garden is open to parties of 10 or less for picnicing. They just ask that you don’t come to camp! No tents or shade covers, ice chests or animals and no outside alcoholic beverages.
The Creekside Restaurant offers a menu for lunch that can be enjoyed around the grounds. You place your order at the Concert Stage and it will be delivered to you in the upper garden. You can enjoy this in the lower garden also, but you will need to pick up your order. The menu includes a variety of lunch items as well as a full wine list, beer and other beverages.
With their Event Center Wilson Creek stays busy with Corporate Events and private parties. The Event Center includes 3 spaces that can accommodate 50-300 people each with a dance floor. In addition they have two stages that can accommodate up to 400 guests. Really this place can be party central for 6 or 7 large parties at time!
Bill Wilson is the son and owner. He works with his Mom & Dad, Brother & Sister, Wife, brother in law & sister in law. (Did I mention that this was a family affair?) Bill’s Mom and Dad can often be seen on the grounds with their two golden retrievers. They have 92 acres and grow 12 varieties on the estate and then source some grapes. The varieties used in their wines include: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah and Zinfandel. They also . When you listen to Bill you know that you are not dealing with a corporation, this is a joyful family affair. They incorporated what they loved about the wineries they visited when they created Wilson Creek. And it’s not just about their winery, they want to promote Temecula and encourage people to come and taste, enjoy and learn. Listen to the great interview with him at http://www.temeculawines.org/videos/ and see exactly what I mean.
I didn’t think it was possible that Wilson Creek used Methode Champenois for their almond champagne, and I was right. There is no way they could do that and sell it at that price! What I was surprised by, was that they do use the Charmat method which is fermenting the wine in bulk in stainless steel tanks! The final method they actually refer to as “cheating” on their site. In this method CO2 is injected into the wine. Typically this method causes very large bubble that can cause Huge headaches! They do not cheat at Wilson Creek. They do, by the way have a wonderful section of their website on wine education called Wine 101 that Mick Wilson put together with fascinating information on Barrels, Port, Champagne, Wine Varietals and much more. http://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/Wine-101/Default.aspx
Wilson Creek Picnic View
The next time you are in Temecula, drive all the way out Rancho California to Wilson Creek, taste some wine, stroll the grounds and say hello to the Wilson’s. You will know them by the golden retrievers at their sides!
I love to research wine country. Before a trip my planning stages can take more time than the trip itself. I’m a bit obsessive about this. Now don’t think that I’m also a control freak. I tend to also build in multiple options and once we are in wine country I go with the flow. Well in my research, one of the wineries that I have really wanted to stop by was Doffo. Last year when we were in Temecula they were only open for tastings on weekends, so they were a definite stop on my list this trip.
Doffo Tasting Room in Oil
Doffo is a family owned winery that is almost the last winery as you head east on Rancho California Road in Temecula. This is a newer winery that was founded in 1997 by Marcelo Doffo. The family decends from Italians who immigrated to Argentina in the early 1900’s. Marcelo grew up on his grandfather’s farm in Pampas Argentina. In the 80’s he traveled to Italy to the northern part of Turin and found his great uncle still making estate wines. In 1997 he bought the property in Temecula. The logo is an homage to the schoolhouse that used to be on the premises. If there is one thing Marcelo loves as much as wine it is motocycles. Be sure to stop by on weekend mornings to get to see the MotoDoffo exhibit in the barrel room.
Doffo Bottles behind Bar
We strolled the grounds a little when we arrived, they have a beautiful covered patio next to the tasting room and the residence. The tasting room was busy and lively and just the right size. It had a really warm feeling that is the essence of their motto “Visit us once and you are family forever.” We did a basic tasting and look forward to going back for a reserve tasting. All the wines here were beautiful and well balanced. We tasted their beautiful 2011 Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc as well as the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2010 Petite Verdot.
On the wall behind the tasting bar was a shelf filled with wines in gorgeous bottles. These are the higher end reserve wines. The Library reserve Zinfandel and the reserve Syrah both of which go for $150 per bottle. These were made it very small lots. We also tasted some of their chimichurry sauce and left with a jar.
After our tasting I asked for a map for their self guided walking tour. This lovely stroll around the property was relaxing and informative and is well worth the time. The tour takes you out of the tasting room past the residence and patio where some of Marcelo’s motorcycles are on display. You wind around and see the Doffo windmill some of the beautiful terracing they have done then stroll through the Malbec to the front of the property the original stairs to the old school house and the olive tree on the corner of the property before heading back up to the tasting room. They also make olive oil and infused chocolates.
This beautiful tiny winery has terrific wines and a great atmosphere. Next time you find yourself in Temecula be sure to stop by!
We have been to Temecula several times and I have done lots of research on the area and one of the wineries that our radar just kept missing was Baily. As you drive on Rancho California Road from Temecula it is on the left just past Europa Village.
Baily Tasting room
The grey stone building is dotted with vines and houses the tasting room as well as Carol’s restaurant. This is one of Temecula’s oldest wineries and produces all Estate grown wines.
Baily Vineyards lion sculpture
Walking in you notice the sculptures, the angels and gargoyles and then walking into the restaurant are greeted by a big warm fireplace, suits of armor and tapestries. It’s a little medieval. They also have a patio outside for al fresco dining, but the fire looked much better to us on this slightly chilly day. I had a lovely Sangiovese rose with lunch. They have Dog Day Sundays where they encourage you to bring your well-behaved pooch to enjoy lunch on the patio. They have music as well as a doggie menu! Decorated for the holidays the tree was up and some of the gargoyles were wearing Santa hats. They have a small stage in here for music. After lunch by the fire we headed into the tasting room.
I had no expectations here. I had read brief descriptions on their website and other than that all I knew was that they had been producing wines here for 25 years. We were welcomed to the tasting room and Bill took care of our tasting. Bill is full of great information on the Temecula Valley and the winery so we chatted it up during our tasting.
The Baily’s bought this property in 1982 and they mostly grow reds. All the grapes are estate grown and their wines tend to be dry. They produce about 5,000 cases each year. They do age in small oak barrels typically for 30 months which is a pretty long time. The wines were smooth and well-balanced without being fruit bombs or being over-oaked. We tasted the 2010 Montage which is 56% Sauvignon Blanc and 44% Semillon. This medium bodied white wine was rounded on the palate with a nose of lemon and lime and crisp granny smith apple. This had been used in my pasta sauce at lunch and was very nice. The Malbec is from newer self rooted vines planted in 2004. This wine gave you berries with deep flavor and a long finish. The 2009 Cabernet Franc was long and smooth and very well-balanced. Lighter than most Cabernet Francs it had a hint of chocolate. The 2009 Merlot was especially good and with a $20 price tag is a steal. The atmosphere the information and the wines will definitely bring me back here. We will also try to stop by their other restaurants downtown. Their son and daughter in law run Baily’s Elegant Dining and the Front Street Bar & Grill in Old Town.
So put Baily on your radar, these are wines worth stopping for.
