Every time I’m introduced as a wine consultant I am immediately asked, “So, what is your favorite wine?”
And why not? It’s a natural response. People want to be in the know. Whether it’s a stock tip, sports information or even an astute weather forecast. People look for insider information. So it is with wine. If you are among the hoards who have ever purchased a bottle of wine based entirely on someone’s recommendation… a brand name… a pretty label… or just a low price – and have been greatly disappointed, you should appreciate the value of insider assistance.
The Role of the Winemaker
Over the past few months we have driven home the key factors that determine the quality of wine. Terroir, fruit quality and production methods are all critical. But the role of the winemaker should not be underestimated.
The best winemakers are like great chefs. They are dedicated to creating a wine experience that surpasses expectations. To accomplish this, they begin by using top-quality grapes. It is truly said that, “You can make a poor wine from great grapes, but you cannot make an exceptional wine from poor grapes.”
The winemaker must assure the grapes are harvested at just the right moment of ideal ripeness, pressed and crushed to maximize natural freshness and flavors. She must analyze chemical composition balancing a dizzying array of factors to assure ideal character. He must design and execute an aging process in a variety of strategically designed aging vessels.
It takes an enormous amount of natural talent, combined with years of education, hands-on training and practical application to become a successful winemaker.
In the United States we are fortunate to have many excellent winemakers. But there is a big difference between excellent and extraordinary. The latter consistently produces vintages that exceed all others. Their inherent skills are recognized and regarded with great esteem. Not surprisingly, their creations are often so coveted, and/or priced so high, as to keep them out of reach from we mere mortals.
Emerging Brands
But great winemakers sometimes experiment with new products. They expand their horizons with “new, emerging brands” that may fly under the radar – in the beginning – allowing for everyday consumers with insider information to experience them. But as the old joke says, “If you want to walk on water – you better know where the rocks are.”
With that advice in mind, here is a short list of some new brands being introduced by legendary winemakers. Their approximate local price is listed as well. Enjoy them now, before they go from a hot new stock tip to accepted blue chippers!
Andy Erickson – Leviathan Red Blend $99.99 (1.5 liter)
Pictured Above
Erickson grew up in the Midwest developing an interest in wine. He worked and studied in the Mendoza Valley of Argentina and then worked for top California producers like Kongsgaard and Cakebread. He began as Associate Winemaker at Harlan Estate, then moved on as Chief Winemaker at Staglin before founding his own Favia Winery. As if that were not enough, he replaced Heidi Barrett as Chief Winemaker at Screaming Eagle in 2007, considered by most to be America’s cult-in-chief Cabernet Sauvignon.
You will have to wait on a long list for many years to purchase Screaming Eagle directly from the winery, and you will likely never get any. However, you can occasionally find it on-line from a reputable retailer for anywhere from $700 or more per bottle.
Erickson also consults for Hartwell, Ovid, Dancing Hares, Dalla Valle and Arietta. Folks – it jes’ don’t get no loftier than that.
Leviathan is a hand-crafted Napa Cabernet, a full-bodied powerhouse in both flavor and texture. Featuring a luscious, ripe blackberry and black raspberry flavors with undertones of dark chocolate and toasted oak. The initial surge of raspberry is stunning but balanced by the regal tannic finish.
Chuck Wagner – 1858 Napa Cabernet $69.99 (.750 liter)
Mr. Wagner is the Owner and Chief Winemaker at Caymus Vineyards. Caymus is a two-time winner of the Wine Spectator “Wine of the Year” (the only winery twice recognized) and Wagner was awarded the magazine’s “Life Achievement Award for Distinguished Service” in 2007. He created the Conundrum wine series as well as the Mer Soleil brand.
Named for the year that Wagner’s great-great grandfather first purchased a parcel of land in Napa, 1858 is a hand-crafted Paso Robles Cabernet and a powerhouse of flavor. Featuring luscious, ripe blackberry flavors with undertones of dark chocolate and toasted oak. The initial surge of raspberry is stunning but almost outdone by the regal tannic finish.
Phillipe Melka – Moone Tsai Hillside Howell Mountain Red $129.99 (.750 liter)
Pictured Above
A native of Bordeaux, France with a master’s degree in agronomy and oenology from University of Bordeaux, Melka is widely regarded as the #1 winemaker in the world. He interned at Chateaus Haut Brion, Petrus and Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux and then came to California to serve as Chief Winemaker at Dominus and Lail Vineyards. He also founded Melka Wines in 1996.
His wines have frequently received 100-point (perfect) scores from world renowned wine critic, Robert Parker who officially named him one of the “World’s Best Winemakers.”
Moone Tsai is ruby red and fragrant blend with dark Bing cherry and plum, hints of vanilla, nutmeg and coriander. Its Howell Mountain DNA provides concentrated flavors of ripe black cherry and black plum, pomegranate and baking spices. Silky tannin and pleasing minerality for a structure that is layered, balanced and bold, closing to a finish of persistence and resolve.
Paul Hobbs – Black Condon Chardonnay Reserve $64.99 (.750 liter)
Hobbs is already a legend in the California wine industry. Growing up on his family’s orchard in upstate New York he later transitioned to viticulture. He received his bachelor’s in science in chemistry from Notre Dame and then a master’s in science in viticulture & oenology at the University of California at Davis.
Hobbs was hired by Robert Mondavi to help produce the first legendary “Opus One” Meritage vintage and then served as Chief Winemaker at Simi, Peter Michael, Lewis Cellars, Bodegas Catena and others before founding his own winery in 1991.
This is an expertly crafted Russian River Valley Chardonnay with nuanced flavors of pear, vanilla, oak, white flowers, and honeysuckle. Its full-bodied profile is both captivating and delicious, finishing with an exceptionally long length.
Obviously, none of these wines are inexpensive. But all may be on their way to greater glory and higher pricing. So, if you have the itch… this may be the time to strike. Just sayin’!
Cheers!