Tag Archive for: cabernet franc

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Phillip Titus on His Napa Legacy and Crafting Acumen Wine

Phillip Titus is a likeable winemaker whose exuberance is youthful, yet he has been in the business for a long time. As you’ll hear, he’s had a stellar career, working with his family’s Titus Vineyard, Napa’s iconic Chappellet, and his latest opportunity, Acumen Napa Valley.
He helped plant the Titus Vineyard as a young teenager, entered the acclaimed wine and viticulture program at UC Davis at age 18, and has been making some of Napa’s most sought-after wines since graduating. You’d likely expect him to have a swelling ego, but no, he’s one of the most pleasant, easy-going guys you’d want to meet. He delves into his storied career and shares details of the iconic vineyards from which he makes wine for Acumen.

 

 

Attelas Vineyard

Edcora Vineyard

 

Now you know why Acumen wines taste so good.

The taste relates to the beautiful settings in which the grapes grow.

 

 

Here are the wine tasting notes.

2023 Acumen PEAK Sauvignon Blanc

2021 Acumen PEAK Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Acumen PEAK Edcora Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Acumen PEAK Cabernet Franc

2022 Acumen PEAK Cabernet Franc

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Napa Assistant Winemaker Opens Up – Mike Tracy

I met Mike Tracy at an industry party on a cool February evening, prior to the coronoavirus altering our social activities. It’s common to meet people of various winery positions at these after hours gatherings. I’ve struck up the occasional friendship during one of these evenings. He’s a pleasant guy, smart, and when he told me which wineries he works with it raised my eyebrows. Not one, not two, but FOUR high-end Napa Valley wineries. That’s what led to this interview.

Mike Tracy’s boss (bosses)?  Married winemaking couple Mark Porembski and Jennifer Williams Porembski. The three of them have an enviable business, and friend, relationship. What are the duties of an assistant winemaker? (Often they do as much or more hands-on work than the winemaker).

Which esteemed wine brands do the three of them craft? Well, you’ll just have to listen to discover the answer. And when this whole virus era settles down, I can’t wait to try more of them with Mike. Press play to join us safely on the wine road.

 

 

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The Mountain Men of Schweiger Vineyards

I traveled 2000 feet above Napa Valley to the peak of Spring Mountain to meet up with the mountain men of Schweiger Vineyards. You’ll find peaceful, picturesque views from their tasting room in the center of their rolling mountaintop vineyard.

As father and son, Fred and Andy have been working the property, with wife and mother Sally, since the 70s. As you can imagine, they have plenty of stories to tell. You’ll find their wines are an excellent representation the complex soil of Spring Mountain – full, flavorful and complex.  I am impressed with the close relationship with their club members – who’s suggestions often get put into action by the family. For more details, visit their website here.

As it was planned, this interview aired on Father’s Day weekend. Here’s to the mountain men of Schweiger Vineyards!

 

Schweiger VIneyards

The Tasting Room that Fred Built

 

Schweiger Vineyards

Inside the tasting room during our recording

A portion of their vineyard, looking west

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their palate pleasing Bordelais blend, Dedication

Introducing…John Fucking Caldwell

Now, a guy who calls himself “John Fucking Caldwell” is likely to be brash…probably be a risk taker, and likely one of a kind. In John’s case, yes, he can be described by each of those descriptors, as well as pleasant, inventive, philanthropic, and one who can make the best of a situation.

So it may come as no surprise that he’s the kind of person who would consider, and accomplish, smuggling grapevines into the U.S.

And that’s just half of the story of John Fucking Caldwell of Caldwell Vineyard.  In this interview he also talks about his wine, the cave and his barrel-aged Apple Juice (bourbon) and tequila. Tasting 4 samples of each was a nice surprise I wasn’t expecting.

Join us in the kitchen of his south Napa Valley home as John shares the compelling tale he’s told many times…because it’s one worth hearing.

 

John during the interview.

Rocket Science Proprietary Red. Members of this club receive Intelligence Briefs about science and technology. Every year they donate wine to raise funds for the Astronaut Science Program.

2015 Caldwell “Silver” Proprietary Red Blend

 

One of John’s newest ventures, tequila. The Añejo on the left was aged in a used Cabernet barrel. All 3 Añejos and the one Silver were smooth and easy to drink. I want more!