My Anti-Automated Twitter Million Dollar Idea

I don't talk a lot about the quirks of social media on this blog. But I must admit I kind of love me some Twitter. Whether it is meeting new people, or watching the train wrecks that occur when people drink and tweet, I find a frequent Twitter check-in to be generally informative, entertaining, and even engaging.

There is one thing however that gets under my skin. I follow a couple of wine related accounts that regurgitate automated, random, and mundane wine facts that are so obviously canned (and repetitive) that it, in my opinion, denegrates their brand. Examples of said tweets, and please don't fall asleep while you read them, include:

Cabernet sauvignon grapes make big, red, tannic wines suitable of aging.

Riesling is sometimes from Germany.

Wine can be drunk in glasses or paper cups.

Alright, so maybe not that bad, but you get the point. I refuse unfollow these accounts because I can't help but watch how long before the people behind them get the clue. Time will tell. In the meantime I have come up with my million dollar idea. I will gladly start a service that wineries can subscribe to, very similar in nature but with a twist. While the above twits, or tweets, or whatever they are come across as boring and unmemorable what if your brand constantly tweeted out things that drive consumers away from other peoples wines toward yours. They would be wine insults designed specifically to turn people off from regions and varietals that your winery has nothing to do with. Over time they would get noticed and work their way into the psyche of your followers, and I guarantee you will start to see a specific uptick in your sales. Here are some examples of what your automated tweets could say:

Pinot noir grapes from Burgundy can make beautiful wines that smell like horse's ass.

For an expressive and inexpensive example of Lodi zinfandel mix 3 parts Robitussin with one part water. Add a Twizzler and enjoy.

Riesling is to wine geeks what Pabst Blue Ribbon is to hipsters. Not worth the money, and only purchased to be ironic.

When will Oregon Pinot Noir drinkers realize that $45 pine-scented mudpuddle water is not necessarily a good value?

I wish I had invented cheap Argentina malbec during an economic downturn (talk about being in the right place at the right time). Who is with me?

Sherry is making a rightful comeback!!! So are moo-moos and inappropriate slurred comments to your great great nephews!!!

Come to Rutherford! We'll glady overcharge you and make sure you leave realizing you know less than you think you know!

Of course these are just examples. As my client you would get to choose what varietals and regions you produce from, and then the tweet deck from which your auto-twirps generate would be custom suited to you. Let me know if your interested (or just want to invest).

In the Bottling Room with Eagles Nest Winery

Obviously as a Californian I live in a great wine producing state. But living in L.A. I am not exactly surrounded by fine wine destinations (talking production, not Wine Spectator Award restaurant lists people). I'm not complaining as I do have relatively easy access to much of the U.S.' great wine (easy direct shipping, 4 hours to Paso Robles, 1 hour flight to Napa/Sonoma). I'm just saying that Southern California is not exactly where a lot of this stuff is going on. There are however a few regions locally that are trying, with some success (and many struggles) to grow great grapes in Southern California. Malibu has a few wineries, Temecula is becoming quite a wine tasting destination, and more recently a small band of determined souls have started making wine in the Ramona Valley, in northern San Diego County.

One such maverick couple is Dennis and Julie Grimes. Owning property in the west Ramona Valley, and having a desire to something outside of their day jobs that would take advantage of their agriculturally zoned land, the Grimes planted several acres of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, picpoul blanc, viognier, zinfandel, and tempranillo. They call their winery Eagles Nest Winery, and had they known the amount of time, money, and sweat such a venture would be they may have thought twice. But the Grimes are committed to doing things correctly, and very committed to seeing the Ramona Valley into a place of success for themselves and the increasing number of wineries in the area.

Having met Dennis and Julie at the Wine Blogger's Conference in June I accepted an invitation to spend the day with Dennis bottling some of his 2008 Ruby Cabernet, and 2007 Picpoul Blanc Port-Styled Sweet Wine. Knowing very little about the production side of wine (except what the tours that start and end in a tasting room have shown me, and what I can read in books) Dennis was very gracious to give me a glimpse at what his life is like as he and Julie fulfill every role on the farm: vineyard management, winemaker, marketing, and all while both having full-time day jobs.

You can infer then that their production is relatively small, and they rely heavily on the volunteer assistance of friends and family (hence my presence). What this does however is make the whole production a rather joyful and collaborative effort. The property is homey and comfortable, with great views, a very neat little cottage available for rent, and a real family-like atmosphere.

As for the wine, I had an opportunity to taste the 2008 Ruby Cabernet, and the Cabernet Sauvignon Sur Lie as they were going into the bottle. Both need some time to sit back, but both were delicious and offered at a very fair price point for a small botique winery in an unproven region. I also tasted the Picpoul Blanc (a rare grape in California) made in a port style. This wine had some nice acidity and cool prickly minerality that made it quite enjoyable. I am encouraging Dennis to make a dry picpoul blanc one of these years, but we will see. He says "Unfortunately people love sweet white wine, and it sells really well for me." I say that it is not unfortunate if people enjoy it, but I certainly know what he is saying.

I have several more of Dennis and Julie's wines to try and will report back here as I do so. In the meantime if you want to check out Eagles Nest Winery you will have to call them directly to order or inquire further about their wines (the area is in the middle of quite a battle over allowing tasting rooms) or you can order wine directly from them on their website.

While it will take years to grow an area into a reputable wine producing region (and realistically the Southern California options may never completely make it) it is the heart and determination of the few that will get them there. Dennis and Julie are certainly pioneers in this cause, and my day was a great one for having spent it with them.

Ridge Vineyards: An American Icon

I suppose that me writing about Ridge Vineyards is a bit like your average sophmore doing a book report on The Catcher in the Rye. Any praise I may have for my experience with Ridge only serves to highlight my late arrival to this game, and much criticism (of which I don't have any) would be akin to uninformed attention seeking. Instead I can only hope to put some of California's finest wines back on reader's radar, and possibly introduce a few of you to something you must experience.

Ridge began in the Santa Cruz Mountains with some cabernet sauvignon vines planted originally in 1885. Changing hands a few times (with a period of abandonment during Prohibition) this property eventually found its way into the hands of three partners from Stanford University's Research Institute who rebonded the winery and produced Ridge's first Monte Bello cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. This Monte Bello was one of the wines that competed in the Judgement of Paris and its continued and consistent quality has cemented its reputation as one of America's finest examples of cabernet sauvignon.

We tasted the 2006 Monte Bello and found it to offer comlex layers of dried black cherries, plum, bits of tar and suede and strong tannins. This was a young wine, but showed me why Monte Bello is one of America's wine treasures.

In 1966 Ridge produced its first zinfandel from Geyserville, followed eight years later by a zinfandel from Sonoma fruit, Lytton Springs. These wines still make up the backbone of Ridge's ubiquitous zinfandel program. It was these zinfandels that first made me take notice of Ridge, and these wines that continue to make me such a huge fan. Ridge produces eight different zinfandels for their zinfandel program (a few more special ones for their ATP club) each of which is a distinct blend from a distinct region. If you like a bit more fruit expression you can drink their Paso Robles zin, or if you prefer the minerality and depth that some field blended carignane provides you can have the Geyserville. Each is distinct, and yet each has balance. All of the zinfandel goes through fermentation in yeast that occurs naturally in the vineyard and winery, and goes through complete secondary fermentation in American oak. The lots are fermented separately, in small batches, to allow for blending for the best possible expression of that vintage's fruit. This similarity in vinification allows a Ridge drinker to really get a sense of how the blend and terroir influences the wines they enjoy drinking.

We tasted the 2007 York Creek Zinfandel, finding lots of raspberry and strawberry, a touch of spice, and some great minerality. This was provided with a very rich yet soft mouthfeel.

Also the 2007 Pagani Ranch stood out with a very expressive nose of cherry and vanilla. This wine had great complexity with hints of cigar and an almost briny minerality mingling with loads of bright red fruit.

All of the zinfandels were excellent, with the Geyserville (both 2007 and 2008) stealing the show for my palette.

Finally Ridge experiments with much smaller lots of zinfandel and a few Rhone varietals in a wine club program they call the Advanced Tasting Program. This program offers a wider diversity of wines that are still produced with the same care and winemaking philosophy as the more well known Monte Bello and zinfandels. Common varietals include carignane, syrah, mourvedre, and of course other zinfandels.

We tasted the 2004 Lytton Estate Syrah, which was 82% syrah, 10% viognier, and 8% grenache. This wine had an awesome nose of plum skin, violets, and some obvious peach influence from the viognier. The wine was earthy up front, a bit of fruit (integrating well with age), and a delicious herbal savory finish with mild hints of cherry and a backbone of acidity.

So while I walked into Ridge expecting great things, I walked out somewhat enamored. For my money the Advanced Tasting Program is an exciting way to experience a wide array of what Ridge winemaking can offer. Whether the wines are something you collect (the Monte Bello is VERY cellar worthy), rely on at restaurants (the carignane and zinfandels are frequently found at discerning restaurants and go beautifully with food), or experiment with surprise shipments (ATP) I encourage you to include Ridge in your domestic wine experience. This is certainly one of the most consistently outstanding wineries America has to offer.

Lost and Found

The story: I have been using the same little moleskin notebook for all my wine notes since I started this adventure in January. And then I lost it. I lost it on my trip to Sonoma, and honestly felt for a few moments that I would have rather lost my wallet. At least credit cards I can reorder. I was really upset but chalked it up to what it was, and started a new notebook.

The other day I found it, stuffed in a random pocket of my camera bag (a bag that I did not take on my trip to Sonoma). So while I have absolutely no clue where my memory and mind is serving me wrong I am thrilled to have it back. And you should be thrilled because it reminded me of a nice wine that I tasted and have not commented on.

The wine: Cornerstone Cellars 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc was poured at the Wine Blogger's Conference by the General Manager (and General Nice Guy) Craig Camp. Since I got involved with wine related social media I have seen Craig be very involved, hosting tweet ups, and maintaining an active blog and twitter account for the winery.

The sauvignon blanc is grown on the Talcott Vineyard in St. Helena, and was aged in old oak sur-lie. This gave the wine a richness that is not always found in sauvignon blanc, but the fruit was acidic enough to make it work. It had a tropical fruit profile both in aroma and flavor, but with the expected citrus components to keep it focused.

The score: The wine was delicious, and had a very strong tasty finish. I think the wine would pair really well with some richer, fattier seafood dishes such as crab or lightly seared tuna. My only complaint about the wine is that I think there are many great sauvignon blancs available (maybe a bit less rich in profile) for less than the asking price of $25. That does not detract from the quality however, and this wine scores a 3.5/5.

Breaking Out of Self-Induced Molds

While I understand preference, and each person is certainly entitled to their own taste, I have heard a lot of statements about what people will and won't try lately that make me cringe. I also have to say that as I watch those that are open to new experiences, I certainly see people who have more fun. This is true in wine as well. There is such a diversity of what one can buy and drink out there that completely eliminating broad categories is really a loss to the individual. This post is dedicated to the idea of branching out, revisiting what it is that you think you do not like. Below are some things I hear frequently that make me cringe, and my suggestions to combat the preconceived notions that are really only limiting to your own experience:

"I don't drink white wine" - I'm not sure if this is primarily driven from a fear of residual sugar, or the idea that white wine is inherently feminine. Both of these are blatantly false. My suggestion for someone who thinks they do not like white wine is to try a dry Australian riesling, like St. Hallett Eden Valley Riesling. The wine is crisp, slightly complex, and bone dry. While it is nothing like the profile of a red wine, it surely can be appreciated for its food worthiness, and interesting flint components.

"I hate Chardonnay" - I don't know if this comes from an aversion to oak flavors, or extra rich profiles, but to dismiss chardonnay out of hand is short sighted. Chardonnay is such a popular grape because it is so receptive to a winemaker's influence, thus there are many profiles that chardonnay takes on. Try C. Donatiello's 809 Clone Chardonnay for a more citrusy, almost spicy flavor profile that will show you a side of chardonnay you may not have experienced before.

"I don't drink California wine" - This one makes my blood boil. I think it is supposed to sound sophisticated, but to me it just sounds arrogant. I'm okay with someone saying that they don't drink overripe, high alcohol wines that are not balanced. It is okay to feel that you want to spend your money on food friendly, earthy wines, with great acidity. But you can find those in California as well. For my money I'm going with the Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane. Some may balk and say that there is still quite a bit of fruit forwardness to this wine, and I say 'yes' because I want to show that California wine (even in its own style) has a place on the dinner table, and below 14% alcohol. This wine is no fruit bomb, very drinkable, with great earthy elements.

"I don't care for any sweet wines" - If this comes from your diabetes, fine. But if it comes from a fear of bottom shelf domestic riesling, lambrusco, or white zinfandel then you have the wrong idea. You must splurge and try something like NW Totem Cellars Late Harvest Viognier. Don't drink this with dinner, drink it as a dessert. The aromatics and tropical fruit explosion is truly enjoyable. Please, it is not a replacement for your dry wines of choice, but will show you not to fear the sweet.

What wine 'absolutes' have you heard that you just know are limiting people, putting themselves into their own boxes? What recommendations do you have for those who only limit themselves?

A New Day, A New Grape

The story: I have had this nagging feeling inside that I am ignoring Italy on this blog. I can rationalize it away saying that I have had too many bad Chiantis and am scared of the prices on some of what Italy has to offer, but it is probably more laziness and miseducation. Luckily this little beauty was forced upon me recently at a dinner with friends. Albana is a white grape, from the Albana di Romagna region (which was made a DOCG somewhat controversially in 1987). The controversy surrounded the general idea that while Albana made some nice and distinct wines, they were possibly of a lower quality than some of Italy's more well known DOCG's. DOCG is Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita, and just represents that the given area uses given varietals under strict guidelines.

The albana grape is made into a variety of styles from dry to sweet, and generally is prized when offering smooth texture, crisp acidity, and a distinct nuttiness. Like many wines of distinct origin the wine is known to pair nicely with the food and cheese of Emilia-Romagna (cured pork products anyone?)

The wine: The Tre Monti 2009 Vigna Rocca Albana Secco is a substantial 14% abv and a quite brilliant deep gold, with hues of orange. The nose is lovely, and expressive with waves of peaches, white flowers, and honey. The wine tastes of caramel, zesty lime spritz, and a dry vanilla. The texture of the wine is surprisingly different with both the taste and mouthfeel of a gravelly minerality, and a long almost prickly stoney finish. There is an essence (not overwhelming) of bitter pithy citrus throughout the mid-palette and into the finish that keeps the wine from crossing into sweet.

The score: This wine was elegant without being verbose, fruity without being a bomb, and generally delicious. It was also quite distinctive (justifying the DOCG? Maybe?). It was a wine that I enjoyed with dinner, and on a hot porch with friends. The albana seemed to gently reprimand my ignorance of Italian wine both in its quality, flavor profiles, and price. Available for ~$14 this wine is one to try. I can't overemphasize the beauty of the color, and the distinctness of the flavors. This wine receives a score of 3.5/5.

Impressions of Washington: Cabernet Sauvignon

Here it is, the last of the series. The summer has wound down, and my Washington focus (inspired wholly by the Wine Blogger's Conference) should probably go down with it. How fully appropriate that the finally entry is on the precariously elevated king of grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon. I say precarious because the importance of Bordeaux and cult-like Napa Cabs ebbs and tides over trending tastes, and economies. These waves may never knock the grape down to second, but certainly bring decades in which one's devotion to pinot noir is considered more refined than a cellar full of cabernet.

Washington can grow cabernet. Examples abound of their success, ubiquitous names like Cayuse, and Quilceda Creek, and the number 1 Wine Spectator wine of 2009 the Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (jumping from $35 to ~$115 due to press alone...) The cabernet sauvignons of Washington tend to have structure beyond belief, and the soils provided by the Missoula floods offer the grapes some amazing terroir driven complexities (think rocky minerality, leather, and tar). The acidity of the grapes, aided by long warm days to ripen the fruit without the exorbitant heat of some other cabernet areas, make these wines ageable and more food friendly than some California cabernets.

I will openly admit that I am not always a 'cab' guy. It is probably due to the outrageous price that cabernet can garner, to be honest. I find more value in equally exciting but less sought varietals, and my blog and cellar probably show it. However, the following examples of Washington cabernet were outstanding, and reminded me why the grape is king:

Pepper Bridge 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley - One of the larger family owned wineries in Walla Walla, Pepper Bridge is also one of the most respected. Focusing on their estate vineyards and primarily Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon this winery is a leader in 'green' farming and winemaking, and in showcasing the fruit of Walla Walla. An exquisite example of dark fruit, and minerals Pepper Bridge cabernet does the grape justice. Available from the winery for $55, (a great place to visit as well)

2006 Col Solare - A collaborative venture between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Italian winemaker Marchesi Antinori, this is the first vintage that was made in their winery on Red Mountain. This was one of the more lush version of cabernet that I tasted in Washington, with loads of berries and a bit of vanilla and chocolate. I was struck at how smooth this wine was, and how long the delicious finish lingered. This wine is available from the winery for $75.

Betz 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille - As I write this I am noticing a Red Mountain bent towards my choice of cabernets, and here is another. This wine combines amazing concentration with an elegance that is almost indescribable. Too young to be drinking now, if you like focused fruit that mingles with earth, and an intensely interesting minerality you will be blown away by this wine. I don't think you can buy it anymore, as it is a direct mailing list wine, but you can sign-up for the waiting list on future vintages here.

DeLille Cellars 2006 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon - A bit more cedar on this wine than the others, this cabernet also showed an intensity that was awe inspiring. This wine will impress for its berry fruit, and dusty earthiness. I really did love this wine, but have to say that for my money I would not fork over the $135 price tag. However, many cab lovers have come to accept such prices, and does the wine near perfection within the Washington cabernet profile? In my opinion, yes.

So here is where I leave you. I hope you have enjoyed my profiles of some outstanding Washington wine. I particularly hope that you have felt encouraged to keep your eye out for Washington wines available in your area. Many wines highlighted on my trip were small wineries, with limited availability and higher price tags. However, there are some stunning examples of value driven, widely available wines from Washington as well that you can surely find in your area. With their own set of strengths, making it a region unique to itself, Washington wine growers and makers should be proud of what they are doing, and consumers should be excited.

Signs of a Successful Tasting

The remnants of last night's Washington tasting:

Consensus favorites (as much as you can get a consensus from a group of perpetual overthinkers who just finished the pictures above):

Eroica 2008 Riesling - The collaboration between Dr. Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle, although the question fairly came up how CSM puts out a nice $8 riesling, and Dr. L puts out a nice $14 riesling, why must this one almost always be $20 plus (with acknowledgement that it is of high quality)

Seven Hills 2007 Columbia Valley Merlot - It was exciting to end up with a delicious example of WA merlot (as there are some lingering merlot skeptics) This one was juicy but had awesome coffee and toffee to help steal the show.

Amavi 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla - With some stiff competition from a less expensive Charles Smith cab and pretty damn fine Owen Roe Sharecropper's cab this estate bottling took the night (and on #cabernet day of all things)

Overall a great night, thanks to the Young Winos who came and enjoyed.