The Cellar: First look at 2014 California
Friday, April 29, 2016
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalWorcester Wine Writer
Despite the continued influx of new and interesting wines from across the world, wines from California continue to dominate the domestic wine market with 60% of all wines sold in the US being from California. This week I have decided to head back to California to feature two readily available wines that for under $20 per bottle offer great value, as well as easy-drinking pleasure. Both of these wines are from the 2014 vintage which, with respect to grape growing, was near ideal; dry and warm with moderate precipitation at just the right times.
Along with Pinot Grigio Chardonnay remains the most popular white wines on the market and California produces a lot of it. If you’re a Chardonnay lover you know that the grape expresses itself very differently depending on where it is grown and how the wine is treated inside the winery. This week’s featured Chardonnay is the 2014 Napa Valley Chardonnay from Franciscan Estate. In making their Chard the folks at Franciscan look for richness and opulence. To achieve this they barrel fermented the juice and allowed the wine to sit in the barrels after fermentation for 7 months with the occasional lees stirring to add richness.
This wine also underwent a complete ‘malolactic fermentation’ which is a conversion of the acid structure. During this process the tart malic acids one would associate with a granny smith apple were converted into the much softer lactic acids that are found in milk. As one can imagine this procedure seriously changes the mouthfeel of the wine. And because 17% of the barrels the wine were aged in were new the wine also displays noticeable nuances of toasty oak to go along with the creamy mouthfeel. The fruit profile is ripe with notes of pear, vanilla and toasted caramel with a slightly tart apple lingering on the finish.
This week’s other featured Californian wine is a Pinot Noir. As with Chardonnay, Pinot also has many faces depending on where it comes from and how it is made. The Californian expression has typically been more fruit-forward, a result of a warmer and longer season, with more obvious oak. Some producers are even adding Syrah, Malbec or Zinfandel to their Pinot. While this does add color and (some would say) complexity to the wine, most wine nerds aren’t fond of that sort of manipulation – especially not when the wine still says ‘Pinot Noir’ on the label.
Thankfully Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards doesn’t blend anything into this delicious Pinot Noir which is made from 100% Central Coast fruit. During the open-top fermentation period winemakers punched down the tops twice daily to increase contact between the juice and skins (where all the color and flavor is). After settling, the wine was aged for 9 month in French oak barrels of which 20% were new. An interesting medley of dark and red fruit dominates the palate with hints of savory herbs and sweet oak and vanilla lingering in the background. The wine finishes with a nice and bright grip.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Follow him on Twitter at @SteffenRasch or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings at the Providence Wine Academy.
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Hardwick
Hardwick Vineyard & Winery
Central Mass’s own Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, open March-December, is a close to home treasure that produces 3,000 gallons of wine each year. The winery, which grows 6 varieties of grapes, is built on a quiet road in Hardwick that abuts the Quabbin Reservoir. Located on the property is a majestic 200 year old mansion. This weekend, take the trip to the vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Favorites include Massetts Cranberry and Yankee Girl Blush. If you head out on a Sunday; you’ll be in luck—the winery is hosting Sangria Sundays for the rest of the month.
3305 Greenwich Road, Hardwick, MA. (413) 967-7763.
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Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
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Coastal Vineyards
A relatively young addition to the Massachusetts family of wineries and vineyards, Coastal Vineyards in South Dartmouth opened its doors in 2004. Coastal Vineyards grows eight varieties of grapes on their property, including Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and more. For a special treat, head over on Sunday for their Ugly Sweater Wine Party featuring acoustic musician Ryan Thaxter. Don your ugliest sweater to get 35% off your purchase—and a chance at a prize.
61 Pardon Hill Road, South Dartmouth, MA.
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Amherst Farm Winery
Head out to one of Massachusetts’s favorite college towns this weekend to check out Amherst Farm Winery. Enjoy a wine tasting set in a cozy 19th century post and beam dairy barn. For only $5 receive a logo glass and a taste of 5 of their 15 wines, including unique flavors like chocolate raspberry, pumpkin frost, cranberry, and more. Bring a picnic and cozy up on their leather sofa by the fire to enjoy your wine with a snack.
529 Belchertown Road, Amherst, MA. (413) 253-1400.
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Nashoba Valley WInery
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
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Mill River Winery
Mill River Winery, located in Rowley, is the perfect wine destination for a mini-getaway. Enjoy the gorgeous winter scenery of Western Massachusetts as you wind through country roads to the winery. Mill River’s tasting room is housed in a refurbished cider mill, complete with eclectic décor that provides for an excellent tasting and shopping experience. Try their delicious Naked Chardonnay, a full bodied chardonnay with aromatic notes of lemon zest and pear. If you would like to get a “Dirt to Bottle Tour,” make sure to be at the winery at 2pm or 4pm Saturday or Sunday.
498 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA. (978) 432-1280.
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Black Birch Vineyard
For only $6, get the full Black Birch Vineyard experience—tasting and a tour! Enjoy the great mix of contemporary and rustic décor of the tasting room and the local culture of this Massachusetts winery. While you’re in, be sure to try their award winning selection of reds and whites.
155 Glendale Road, Southampton, MA. (413) 527-0164.
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Taylor Brook Winery
Located just over the border, Taylor Brook Winery in Woodstock, CT, is a hidden gem. This winery tends to over 2,000 vines of the finest grapes in the region. Head down to enjoy the country hospitality of this great local business, which offers tastings, bottles of their wine, and other great gift items for purchase. For a delicious winter wine, try their Winter Pomegranate.
848 Route 171, Woodstock, CT. (860) 974-1263.
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Obadiah McIntyre Farm
Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery
The Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery is located on the Charlton Orchards Farm property. The winery is owned and operated by a family that has been in the business of growing fruit for over 50 years, and began making wine in 1999. They are dedicated to making the best tasting wines around. Every weekend until the end of December, join them for a tasting and see for yourself.
44 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA. (508) 248-7941.
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Puttney Mountain Winery
Just over the Vermont border, Putney Mountain Winery located inside Basketville, has been making delicious local wines since the 1990s. All of their wines are crafted from local produce, which makes for the best tasting wine possible. If you’re toting the kids along for the day, the winery also sells juices made from locally grown produce, like their Putney Bubbly Vermont Sparkling Black Currant.
8 Bellows Falls Road, Putney, VT. (802) 387-5925.
Along with Pinot Grigio Chardonnay remains the most popular white wines on the market and California produces a lot of it. If you’re a Chardonnay lover you know that the grape expresses itself very differently depending on where it is grown and how the wine is treated inside the winery. This week’s featured Chardonnay is the 2014 Napa Valley Chardonnay from Franciscan Estate. In making their Chard the folks at Franciscan look for richness and opulence. To achieve this they barrel fermented the juice and allowed the wine to sit in the barrels after fermentation for 7 months with the occasional lees stirring to add richness. 
This week’s other featured Californian wine is a Pinot Noir. As with Chardonnay, Pinot also has many faces depending on where it comes from and how it is made. The Californian expression has typically been more fruit-forward, a result of a warmer and longer season, with more obvious oak. Some producers are even adding Syrah, Malbec or Zinfandel to their Pinot. While this does add color and (some would say) complexity to the wine, most wine nerds aren’t fond of that sort of manipulation – especially not when the wine still says ‘Pinot Noir’ on the label. 
