Champagne Henriot’s Chef de Cave on Sustainability & Making Great Wine
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Straddling the Mayacama mountain range are 20 stunning acres of well-refined vineyards cultivated with meticulous care. The location is Sonoma County’s Santa Rosa high atop Spring Mountain. Cornell Vineyards is perched between 1600 and 1900 feet. This is the land where clouds pass so close you can almost reach out and touch them. Where terrain and weather are untamed. A frontier of wild yesterdays where stagecoaches once traversed.
The vineyard was re-established in 2001. Cornell focused efforts on a number of developmental and exploratory years. This due in part to the difficult and diverse terrain. With modest terracing, strategic planting with vines in balance with the land.
To get to this remote area, you must travel the narrow & winding mountain roads where one careless move could propel you over a cliff. The original vines existed well before prohibition when the Russian settlers were first making wine. It’s a history almost lost to nature with wild overgrowth peppering the land. Cornell Vineyards has a unique location many would envy. It’s advantages of proximity to the sun & UV rays with the wild, untamed weather maintains a consistency of cool. It’s located at the top of Spring Mountain, accessible from both Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
The wine is 18 years in the making. I’m meeting with winemaker Graham Wehmeier to talk about this relatively new wine and the challenges he and the vintners had to contend with in this remote location.
"Quite simply, these are gorgeous mountain Cabernets endowed with real class and pedigree."
Antonio Galloni
With an altitude of 1900 feet, the vineyards of Cornell are amongst the highest in Sonoma County. The land is wild, lusty and peppered with beautiful wildflowers, brush and an abundance of trees. Taking in the landscape one can see what Henry and Vanessa Cornell imagined when they purchased the 200-acre parcel that would soon become Cornell Vineyards. The weather is fascinating. Solid sun all summer long, but there are moments of literally heart-pounding conditions. I experienced my first bout of real brain freeze shooting in the outdoors at Cornell Vineyards with a squall of wind, hail and something close to snow. This weather lends credence to the unique nature and taste of the wine. Like many of the best places to grow grapes in the world, their soils are diverse. The terroir contains a generous mix of prehistoric seabeds and volcanic rock to loamy clay and sandstone. The hills are rich in possibility.
It is the solitude of this location that is most impressive. The only sound you hear from the top of the mountains is wind screaming by or on other days raindrops. The clouds reveal the heavens with sunlight and rainbows as they pass by at eye level. Here the grapes linger on the vine longer than in the valley while developing more intense flavor at an altitude almost unheard of for Cabernet Sauvignon in Sonoma.
"Rustic tannin and roughness is not acceptable for us."
Graham Wehmeier
Cornell Vineyard’s strategy is not for the faint of heart. Over the past 18 years, different rootstock & clones were planted to determine those that would thrive in the diverse soils and rolling terrain. The warm afternoons and cool, fog-free mornings are a plus. No scorching 100 degree heats like the valley floor gets. Bud break is later than the valley floor, as is the harvest. Stylistically Cornell picks earlier than many others.
The winemaking is under the tutelage of one Françoise Peschon. A sought-after wine consultant in Napa & Sonoma, she is a San Francisco native. Peschon found a passion for wine through her trips to Napa and later enrolled in UC Davis earning a degree in Fermentation Sciences. Wine travels took her to Bordeaux where she attended the University of Bordeaux. She is known in the wine industry for her light touch, finesse, and understated elegance.
"It's all French Oak for us. We find that the mountain brings enough power to the wine."
Graham Wehmeier
Considered relatively small in terms of wineries in Sonoma, Cornell Vineyards are structured in 20 blocks for a total of 20 acres (approximately 30,000 vines). Bordeaux varietals are their focus: Cabernet Sauvignon (17 acres); Merlot (1 acre), Petit Verdot (1 acre); Malbec (one-half acre), and Cabernet Franc (one-half acre). Like many wine producers creating exceptional wines, Cornell Vineyards uses only a small percentage of the very best vineyard lots.
"The special sauce is patience and dedication."
Graham Wehmeier
Just their 2nd release, the 2014 Cornell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is already a standout. Made up of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. It was aged 19 months in 70% new French barrels (lends to a softer influence of oak than its American counterpart). It has an intensity rarely found in a wine this young. Deep purple in color, there is a brilliant play on acidity. Black fruit, a touch of vanilla, and the wildness of its terroir come through as a light herbal quality. The finish is long and lusty with tannins that tantalize, not overwhelm. Priced at $150, 642 cases, cellar for 20+ years.
Visit Cornell Vineyards
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
With every sip, a symphony unfolds,
a harmonious blend of fruit, oak, and spice, a sensory experience that enthralls,
a moment of bliss that`s hard to replicate.
What to Drink NOW:
@SimonFamilyEstate
A new venture. A serious launch. And the presentation of a beautiful brand. Consulting winemaker Maayan Koschitsky`s masterful fingerprint in every bottle. Koschitzky’s experience in Napa Valley began at Screaming Eagle and culminated into Director of Winemaking at Atelier Melka. There he creates Napa Valley’s most memorable wines.
The Simon Family began their wine journey in the 1980s and took it across Europe and into South America. These experiences gave them the vision and fortitude to realize this dream. Of family, creating wine they love. Their collective passion for wine and the process culminated into a meeting with Koschitzky and a collaboration bringing two families together.
This is @simonfamilyestate
2) Sam Simon
3) Nada Simon & Maayan Koschitzky
4) Peter Simon
2021 The Tigress Rosé, A delicate Rosé of Grenache, is a beautifully poised, refreshing low-alcohol beauty you can sip for days.
2019 Golden Ore, A bright and layered beauty of Sauvignon Blanc with notes of citrus, white flowers, and sapidity. Delicious.
2019 Double Blessings: Two very different Cabernets influenced by the Simon’s very different twins. Each a match made in heaven. The Sword: Robust and powerful, the second, The Key more floral and brooding. Each is delicious in its own right.
2019 Simon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Distinctly lovely. Multi-dimensional and affordable, made to drink now or you can hold. Lovely crushed dark fruit, rich and brooding with spice notes.
2019 Simon Reserve: Swoon-worthy. I couldn’t get enough of this stellar Cabernet Sauvignon. Textural, ethereal action on all fronts of the palate. Complex structure. Incredibly memorable.
The pairings were outstanding. From the wagyu beef to the pea soup with feta and the pasta with black truffle. Each setting the tone for the experience.
This is a wine brand to buy. Not “to watch”. If you watch you’ll miss out on these incredible wines. They are already reaching the stars.
#napavalley #sustainable ...
**Full interview on YouTube.com/@TheWineSiren
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:15 About Vik Wine & What Makes it Special
03:14 The Terroir and Vik`s Sustainable Winery
06:19 Creating Community with Local Producers
07:56 Programs Enhancing Wine & Sustainability at Vik
08:23 Making Wild Yeast on Site from Flowers for Wine
09:12 Saving Fuel on Barrels from France
09:57 Making Their Own Amphora with their own Indigenous Clay
12:41 Discovery of Rocks Older Than the Andes
13:10 Toasting Barrels Using Indigenous Rock
14:58 The Wine of Vik
15:17 Piu Belle wine with Original Art
17:16 Tasting Notes and Dynamics for Piu Belle
22:23 VIK Wine VINTAGE 2018 TO PRESENT
24:36 Tasting Notes Vik Wine 2021 Vintage
26:02 VIK Wine Now Available in France
26:56 Cristian`s Connection with Napa
Dive into the fascinating world of Cristian Vallejo, Vik Wine`s enigmatic winemaker, as he takes us on a captivating journey through his creative process. From tending to the sun-kissed vines nestled in Chile`s Millahue Valley to mastering the alchemy of blending, Vallejo`s passion for crafting exceptional wines is truly contagious.
In this exclusive interview taking place in Napa Valley, we explore the heart and soul of Vik Wine, uncovering the secrets behind their eco-luxurious philosophy and the inspirations that drive Vallejo`s innovative winemaking approach. An intriguing story of a winemaker who, with every bottle, weaves sustainability, tradition, and artistry into a harmonious symphony of flavors.
To Cristian Vallejo - the charismatic visionary who is redefining the world of fine wines.
#wine #ExoticWine #Chile #Winemaker #Sustainable #NapaValley #VikWine #WineTasting #wineart #winemaking #ExiticDestinations #Winegrowing #Terroir #Amphora #CristianVallejo #winetime #TheWineSiren #SouthAmericanWine #winelife ...
Epic performance with her latest song @liveinthevineyard Ms Hannah Ellis singing Wine Country in #NapaValley #litv #litvgc #liveinthevineyard
#liveinthevineyardgoescountry #musicfest #napavalley #Wine ...
There is only one event in Napa Valley that seamlessly brings together some of the most delightful wine and country music. That is Live In The Vineyard @liveinthevineyard .
From the first DT mini concert just outside of the doors of premiere sponsor @visitnapavalley to the three full days of incredible music packed with talent, this event is a highly coveted event.
Here a few if the artists who graced the stage and stole our hearts at the launch @nickelandnickelwinery .
Featuring: @hannahgreyellis @warrenzeiders @chasemcdanielmusic @aaronwatsonmusic
Want to listen to the music? Check out my reels!
#litv #litvgc #liveinthevineyard
#liveinthevineyardgoescountry #napavalley #party #musicfestival #winecountry #countrymusic #getyourbootson #wine ...
A sneak peek into @pineridgewine #EarthDay experience. Their extraordinary caves, the partnership with the National Parks and their extraordinary giveaway of a Sequoia tree you can plant yourself.
Exemplifying all things sustainable. Both in the vineyards and the winery, this experience was in both the vineyard, the winery and their exquisite caves .
When you are looking for a winery please seek out sustainable makers! And reach out to Pine Ridge to get on board one of their tasting experiences. This is one of Napa Valleys most cherished tasting experiences for visitors and locals alike!
#earthdayeveryday #sustainableliving #sustainability #greatwineries #Napawineries #napavalley #winelife #winewalks ...
The grand kick off is here for @liveinthevineyard @nickelandnickelwinery and @visitnapavalley ... Incredible emerging country artists are featured, fantastic food and a plethora of delicious wine. It`s time to get this party started!
Who is with 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren?
#NapaValley #litvgoescountry #litv #winetasting #thewinesiren #wine #napaevents #countrymusic #winecountry #winetasting #kellymitchell #kellymitchellwine ...
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
10 Responses
We are such big fans of Sonoma and while we haven’t tried Cornell (yet) speaking to winemakers about working with difficult terrain makes you appreciate the wine so much more. Great article/interview, we’re looking forward to finding some this wine.
Thanks so much Allison. This is definitely a winery to watch. While they don’t host tastings on the property, knowing where it comes from gives one such respect for their wine.
To choose a location like this, spend the time finding the right clones to grow here, and then choose to pursue an elegant style…is real dedication. It will be interesting to see how these wines age. Here’s to the special sauce!
They are poised to be incredible. Delicious acidity, tannins with the finesse of a dancer. Looks like they’ll age very well…
So fascinating!
I recently spent some time up on the Napa Valley side of Spring Mountain – with Christopher Howell of Cain. Even got to prune a bit (!).
The landscape up there really is unique. If one woke up announced on Spring Mountain, one might not know they were in CA!
Very wonderful piece- thank you!
Thank you very much Jill. I truly love all aspects of Spring Mountain. Sonoma and Napa. So beautiful! Not been to Cain yet. Must add to the list!
This sounds like an amazing spot. I’ve added it to the list for when we finally make it over to the US!
It’s an amazing spot Casey. Stay in touch and let me know when you get closer. I’ll put you in touch with those that can coordinate that for you!
Sonoma is one of my favoite new world areas for Bordeaux blends. These grapes at elevation with the unique micro climates and soil… sounds like Françoise and Graham are going to really enjoy honing their craft here. You make me want to visit now!
Thank you Greig! It is definitely a delicious wine. You must taste… Sonoma is waiting for you!