This weeks flight features some of the most iconic and important families of the west coast wine industry. Gary Andrus, founder of Pine Ridge in Napa Valley will forever be known for this weeks featured white blend, but his biggest impact on the industry came from Archery Summit which he opened in Dundee Hills, Oregon. He was a pioneer of premium Pinot Noir of the the Pacific Northwest, and the first to prove it deserved true recognition in the global market. Our red blend this week comes from the Wagner family. Perhaps Joe Wagner has garnered the most attention in recent years after selling the Meiomi wine brand for $315,000,000, but the family hit the map originally when Joe’s Grandfather Charlie started Caymus Vineyards in 1972. Now, father Chuck, and his kids Joe, Charlie II, and Jenny all operate their own wineries. Lastly, we finish the tasting this week with the Parducci Cabernet Sauvignon. I don’t even know what Mendocino wine would be without the Parducci family. Pioneers of sustainable farming, and ambassadors for its importance in California agriculture. Enjoy these wines, but consider the history and impact the families have made on the American wines industry today!
Grab your flight for only $5!
Featured Wines:
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier 2020
Clarksburg, California; $12.99
This has grown to be an iconic white blend of the United States. Replicated by many other wineries over the years since its inaugural release in 1995. Though not a traditional blend, the two grapes work perfectly together. Chenin Blanc adds more acidity, citrus, and stone fruit, while the viognier keeps the blend soft and easy drinking while adding floral character and depth. Extremely easy drinking and pairs with tons of different dishes! – Sample $1.00
Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2019
Mendocino, California; $7.99
Castle Rock Winery works with approximately 40 grape growers throughout the Pacific coast. After gaining fourteen years of experience at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, she brought her winemaking talents to Castle Rock where she excels as producing high quality, complex wines (At a darn good price!)
“Fruity and savory flavors mingle well in this full-bodied, smooth-textured wine. It offers ample black-cherry and black-plum notes along with hints of tasty mushroom and beef jus.” Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy” - Sample $1.00
Conundrum Red Blend 10th Anniversary Edition 2019
California; $23.99
Wagner Wines… Certainly one of the most important wine making families in America. Patriarch Chuck runs Caymus and Bonanza, while his kids all have their own projects. Conundrum is run by the eldest son, Charlie who also manages Red Schooner, Sea Sun, and Mer Soleil. The 10th Anniversary bottling is a blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich dark fruit with lots of barrel shining through; dark chocolate and vanilla. Silky and smooth finish. - Sample $2.00
Parducci Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Mendocino, California; $12.99
Parducci is the longest running winery in Mendocino and a pillar of California winemaking, and are an industry leader in sustainable wine making practices. Many of their wines (this one included) see some aging time in 100+ year old redwood wine tanks. Bright red fruit; Dried cherry and cranberry. Some new smaller French oak barrels add some hints of vanilla and coffee. - Sample $1.00