A Collaboration with Wine Paths Travel. #Sponsored
Located one and a half miles from Hwy 29 in St. Helena and a thousand miles away from the hustle and bustle of Napa Valley. Fantesca Estates is in the Spring Mountain District AVA. This AVA (America Viticulture Area) straddles both Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. The Mayacama Mountains separate the two. Climate fluctuates with influence from the sea and fog providing an optimal climate. The mountain starts at 200 feet and goes up to 2,600 feet in elevation at its highest point.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for most of the vineyard designation here. The elevation and diurnal shifts lend beautiful acidity & structure to the wines.
Perched on 53 acres rolling hills, Fantesca has dedicated 10 acres to vineyards. The vista framed by sweeping views of the valley below. The winery is a nest of peace and solitude.
Duane Hoff is the co-founder who along with his wife Susanne started the winery as a project 10 years ago. The dream was to evolve into a family business that each member could be a part of. While Susanne joined a start-up of sorts while still in college, Duane came on board later. The start-up would later become Best Buy. Their experience there would fund their dream.
Today the team includes Master Sommelier D’lynn Proctor who came on board as a Director at Fantesca. He’s best known for his roles in the Somm Series movies.
For most guests, the greeting will be with a beautiful glass of Lallier Champagne. A perfect way to kick off this rich laid back experience. As I arrive, a jewel of a Fantesca’s Chardonnay graces my hands. The Chardonnay contains fruit hand-selected by coveted winemaker Heidi Barrett She’s been working with Fantesca from the beginning. A world-class winemaker, she described to the Hoff’s how she envisioned making wine. Her palettes are the parcels in the vineyards and the fruit within. The palette she uses to create the wine, much like an artist paints a painting. Her’s is the guiding hand of elegance and quality that exists in the wines of Fantesca.
Mass production is pervasive in the wine space. Not so at Fantesca. Duane explains how they make the Chardonnay. Using grapes from the Russian River Valley in this case. And how they get that beautiful texture in the wine. On the lees, using the battonage technique (stirring of the lees). This method gives a creamy mouthfeel to the wine while maintaining its vibrancy. A Burgundian style of making Chardonnay.
Sitting on the terrace is the perfect place to taste when the weather is favorable. I’m taking in these sweeping views of the valley floor below and the rolling hills of their vineyards. A stack of cut vines piled high pops out amongst the bright green of the lush ground cover. The vines pruned, stand at ready for bud break after their deep sleep. These vines are old Cabernet Sauvignon. Bearing less with far more complex and intense fruit than its younger counterparts.
My next taste is the 2015 King Richard’s Reserve Pinot Noir in the caves. The caves offer a cool respite from the sun. The barrels carry their treasures of wine while it matures inside. The 100-yard long tunnel serves as transport for the family to go from home to the winery each day. Some tastings take place in the cool stillness of the caves. Others in their tasting room above the winery itself.
Spring Mountain is known for its bright and vibrant wine. At Fantesca it’s got it all. This is an experience with wine you won’t soon forget. A destination with memorable wine, incredible scenery, and serenity. After one visit you’ll feel like part of the Fantesca Family.
For information on visiting Fantesca, contact Wine Paths Travel the luxury destination company.
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Somm Foundation Receives $25,000 in Support Pouring of Chateau Montelena’s stunning 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Over 200 people descended on Napa Valley’s Meritage Resort & Spa
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
Decadent, delicious and luxurious. Chocolate made for pure indulgence and a very special offer for you. (Link in bio)
Picture this. When Chardonnay grapes are harvested and pressed for juice, the remains are a mix of nutrient-rich by-products which, to date, have been going to-at best, compost--at worst, to waste.
Winemakers focused on eliminating waste discovered the taste attributes of Chardonnay grapes work in symphony with dark chocolate. Specifically by adding both brightness and a natural sweetness which utterly complements and tempers the dark chocolate's bitter notes.
The results are incredible. Smooth taste, a decadent creaminess and flavor that is so remarkable you'll be coming back for more. Science endorses dark chocolate as a potent antioxidant.
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I’m pairing this beautiful sunset with a crazy good Sangiovese by @bibigraetz
Casa Matta means ‘crazy house’ which seems very fitting after this wild week.
This Tuscan beauty is a lovely sip with a bounty of red vibrant fruit and an affordable price. Beautifully understated Sangiovese with all the best Sangio attributes.
Love the bright taste and the easy on the pocketbook price. $20
This is how you kick off the weekend!
What are you ‘getting into’ this weekend?!
#TheWineSiren
#Tuscany #winelover #Winecountry #sunsetphotography
2017 Adams Blend from @canardvineyard . Made with proprietary Left-Bank and Right Bank varieties this beauty captures the best of Napa Valley goodness. It’s hallmark? Cabernet Franc & French Oak.
A nose of violet, black fruit and red berries sets the tone for this luxurious sip.
Lovely soft tannins, a framework of good structure and balance render a sublime state for those enjoying it. And if you love a long decadent finish you are in for a treat.
Drink now or cellar…
Paired with ribeye steak, asparagus, purple sweet potatoes and aioli.
“Fermentation: Cold Soaked 3 days, for a total of 21 days on the skins.
Aging: 19 months in French Oak
(50% New)
Cooperages: Fouquet, Sylvain
Varieties: 91% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.8%”
#TheWineSiren #NapaValley
#winetasting #winewednesday
Angele means messenger of God or Angel in French. To 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren Angele means a beautiful sign of food, with French influence.
Their wine list has something for everyone. The location is on the Napa River which you know is a favorite viewpoint of mine. The waterfront patio seating is always warm and sheltered.
The food and cocktails are always appealing.
Whether you are a barfly and love a good brunch or looking for a high quality evening out, this is one of my favorite destinations.
I’ve had the luxury of dining on these stunning St. Edwards oysters and enjoying the evening with my lovely friend, @Teresa_
It’s the perfect place to catch up with old friends and new. Celebrating a special occasion or just catching up.
Opened in 2002 by Bettina Rouas, this is a destination to be added to your itinerary, seasoned Napa visitor or not.
@AngeleRestaurant
#TheWIneSiren
@Bistro.Jeanty is a beautiful family-owned restaurant in the heart of #Yountville.
Started by Phillipe Jeanty over 20 years ago, the adventurous menu along with the meticulously prepared food is always a great detour after wine tasting. The dish you see before you is Crême de Tomate en Croute (Tomato soup in puff pastry). It’s bold brilliant flavors are complimented by the flaky decadent crust. Perfect for a cool winter day in Napa Valley. Located in Yountville Bistro Jeanty has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Paired with this stunning dish, a beautifully made Chablis from Bourgogne’s Domaine Vincent Dampt. A perfect accompaniment with so many dishes. Lovely texture, vibrant, great balance and a refreshing finish! Vincent Dampt is a fourth generation winemaker who has worked in both Marlborough New Zealand and at one of my favorite wineries, @olivierleflaive in #Burgundy. He farms organically on 8 hectares and is in the process of getting his HVE Certification (High Environmental Value). Sustainably grown.
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Dry Creek Valley has the charm of old Sonoma County, and at the same time the beauty of some of Sonoma’s best wine. @DutcherCrossing continually exemplifies the mastery achieved by proprietor Debra Mathy.
While we all are riding the cool weather wave, there is nothing like robust wine giving its all to a meal or to your pure and utter enjoyment. Dutcher Crossing has achieved this with three luscious examples of beauty.
Starting with the 2017 Brother’s Reserve Zinfandel… A complex and well balanced array of exquisite flavor and the hallmark of a brutal year. Lively and succulent, a vibrancy and complexity that will give this vintage beautiful cellar time, but make you want to imbibe now. A favorite pairing? A rack of lamb . The full bodied beauty stands up to rich dishes!
Next the 2017 Taylor Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley. Considered one of the most important wines at Dutcher Crossing the rock hillside the Cabernet Sauvignon vines thrive on brings rich flavor, aroma and tannins. Blended with Syrah, it adds further complexity and softens its rigidity with balance and beauty. Incredible finish and brilliantly vibrant fruit celebrates this exemplary beauty of a Cabernet. And you know I’m pairing that with a big juicy porterhouse!
Finally heading to sweet side of life with this 2014 Zinfandel Port. While it’s ready to sip now, this is one you can cellar and forget as the flavor will only further accentuate it’s promise. Ripe dried and sweet fruit with a bit of oak spice and a burst of vibrancy. I paired this with my tiramisu and couldn’t get enough.
It’s time to get closer to Dutcher Crossing and taste these incredibly exquisite and complex wine. Ready?! Let’s do this!
DutcherCrossingWinery.com
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2 Responses
Looks like a great visit, and love that they greet you with Champagne!
Isn’t it the best!? You are going to love their wines Ryan. It is absolutely a lovely experience. Some of the best views in The Valley!