MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Join us during the entire month of March as we shine a spotlight on women-run or owned vineyards. We will be celebrating women in wine and highlighting wines from these vineyards.
On March 28th, join us for a special dinner featuring Master of Wine, Mollie Battenhouse. Check back soon for more information!
Week One: Cambria Estate Winery
As one of the first wineries in the Santa Maria Valley, in fact, the part of the estate that was initially called the Tepusquet Vineyard was one of the first vineyards planted in the region in 1971. In 1986, founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson bought that vineyard and established Cambria. After 34 years of cultivating grapes and people, the estate has a lot of love and pride. Learn more about Cambria Estate Winery
Katherine’s Chardonnay
Fresh fruit and floral aromas dominate the nose and palate; white peach, lemon zest, pear, Granny Smith apple, and citrus blossoms. The oak influence creates a nice mid-palate, and the wine shows a balanced acidity that carries through in the long finish.
Julia’s Pinot Noir
Bright red fruit dominates the nose; pomegranate, dried cranberries, and black cherry. Spice notes of cinnamon, sage, and clove complement the balanced tannins that add structure and a long finish to the wine.
Week Two: Matanzas Creek Winery
Matanzas Creek Winery has focused on creating site-expressive wines for the past four decades. Throughout the years their methodology has remained the same: utilize a range of vineyard clones and fermentation vessels, and explore new farming and winemaking techniques, to produce thoughtfully crafted, expressive, and balanced wines. Marcia Torres Forno became Matanzas Creek’s winemaker in 2010. Since her arrival, Marcia has dramatically influenced the style, character, and quality of the wines produced at this renowned estate. Learn more about Maria Torres Forno
Chardonnay
Aromas/Flavors: Grilled white peach, lemon blossom, lemon meringue pie, and candied pineapple.
Palate: Balanced acidity, bright creaminess, medium plus body, and medium length with full middle palate.
Merlot
Aromas/Flavors: Black plum, crushed blackberries, slate/ rock, anise, black licorice.
Palate: Savory graphite, black tea, black currant, delicate smooth tannin, bright but not cloying acidity.
Week Three: Stonestreet Estate Vineyards
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards and Winery in the Alexander Valley stands as one of the most extensive mountain estates in the world and is a testament to the quality of high-elevation wine growing in California. Raised in Sonoma County, the youngest son of Barbara Banke and the late Jess Jackson grew up surrounded by wine, and naturally cultivated a deep respect for the challenges and unique rewards of high-elevation winegrowing. Together with his wife, Ariel, Christopher leads Stonestreet Estate Winery on the enduring quest to craft wines of distinct character and complexity. Learn more about Stonestreet Estate Vineyards
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon starts out with savory aromas of raspberry, dried blood orange, violet, and black tea. As the wine opens, deep fruit flavors of black currant, bramble, red plum, and milk chocolate begin to show. The palate is rich and inviting with purposeful tannins, considerable length, and plenty of concentration.
Estate Chardonnay
The 2018 Estate Chardonnay exhibits notes of caramel apple and pineapple upside-down cake with subtle salinity. The rich and round palate is highlighted by fresh tropical fruits, salted caramel, and a clean inviting finish.
Week Four: La Crema
La Crema Vinera means “best of the vine” and that set the standard for the vineyard since 1979. The family-owned and operated winery focuses exclusively on cool-climate appellations. Samantha Poehlman has always been fascinated by fermentation microbiology. In her current role, Samantha enjoys solving the challenges that each new vintage in Oregon brings. Growing season and harvesting conditions can vary drastically from year to year, keeping Sam on her toes as she works to ensure each vineyard produces the best possible wine. Learn more about La Crema
Russian River Valley Chardonnay
Aromas of lemon, pineapple, and nectarines are supported on the nose by subtle hints of Brioche, spice, and oak and flavors of pear, tangerine, and honeydew melon. Heady flavors of apple galette adds a vein of richness.
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and spice cake are followed by flavors of fresh cherry, boysenberry, and pomegranate. The 2021 vintage presents layers of flavor and a generous mouth-feel.