Q4 2023 Daily Drinker Club

Zeitgeist Cellars

• There is no public tasting room
• Produces 1,200 cases annually, across Trousseau Gris, Chenin Blanc, 6 different Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley and 1 Cabernet Franc
• Both owners (Jennifer Williams and Mark Porembski) are consulting winemaking for other projects.  Zeitgeist has been their personal project since 2005  

2022 Russian River Valley Trousseau Gris

• 100% Trousseau Gris from Fanucchi Wood Rd Vineyard.
  • Planted in 1981, this Russian River Valley vineyard is home to the last plantings of Trousseau Gris in the US. Gaining access to Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard’s scarce fruit is like finding the holy grail.  It is dry-farmed and has been hand-tended by the Fanucchi family for the last 30+ years.
• 400 cases produced
• Fermented in stainless steel. No oak was used.

Tasting Notes:
As usual, the Trousseau Gris is your “lean and mean” choice.  Bright, tightly focused and super vibrant, the 2022 Trousseau Gris is the holy grail for paring with food.  Works with everything from seafood, to spicy soup to french fries. Or pair it with absolutely nothing and savor with one of your favorite companions. Already it reminds us of freshly cut lemons, stone fruits and bergamot. A clean and concise minerality anchors the mid palate.

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Meadowcroft Wines

• Based in Sebastopol, CA with a tasting room on Arnold Drive in Sonoma (open daily 11am – 5pm) 
• Produce ~15,000 cases per year across 25 different wines
• Meadowcroft Wines are sustainably sourced award-winning wines that are vineyard specific and limited in production, expressing both European wine heritage and California creativity.

2019 Speedy Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

• 100% Zinfandel
• Aged in 35% new oak (French, Hungarian and American) for 18 months
• 160 cases produced

Tasting Notes
On the nose, candied blueberries and nutmeg are framed by clarified butter and shortbread. On the palate, ripe blackberries are followed by secondary flavors of wild mint, fennel, chicory and tangy dried cherry with a jint of black pepper on the back palate. Best now through 2027. 

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Carr Winery

Located in Santa Barbara, with two locations for tasting: The Barrel Room in downtown Santa Barbara and The Warehouse in Santa Ynez.
Produce 4,500 cases per year, across an average of 10 SKUs.

Owner & Winemaker, Ryan Carr established the winery in 1999. All of the wines made by Carr are sourced from Santa Barbara County vineyards and are made in a traditional winemaking style to capture the essence of the grape varietal and region. In addition to winemaking, Ryan Carr also owns a vineyard management and development company.  Carr Vineyards currently manages over 100 acres across Santa Barbara County. Ryan incorporates organic farming practices into all of the vineyards he works with and because the vineyards are operated under his supervision, the grapes are grown to his exact specifications making sure that only the finest grapes enter the winery. 

2020 Los Olivos Grenache

• 176 cases produced
• 100% Grenache
• 18 months in neutral French oak

Tasting Notes:
This Grenache is a delightful and well-balanced offering, showcasing a delicate nose with lavender, dark berries, plum, Swiss milk chocolate, and dried leaves. On the palate, it delights with ripe blackberry and plum, accompanied by hints of vanilla and a burnt sugar finish reminiscent of toasted marshmallow. The medium tannins, strong acidity, and lean texture further enhance its appeal, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a graceful and harmonious wine experience.

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Pine Mountain Vineyards

• Based in Cloverdate, CA.  Private tastings and tours by appointment only. 
• Produce under 2,000 cases per year 
• Pine Mountain Vineyards is focused on Bordeaux varietals, producing Sauvignon Blanc, Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeaux Red Blend, Cabernet Franc and a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Built in 2008, Pine Mountain Vineyards is in a newer AVA called Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak. The AVA straddles the Mendocino and Sonoma County boarder and starts at 1,600’ elevation. The winery sits at 2,400′ with the highest vineyard elevation of 2,800′.  They have 45 acres planted on rough hillside terrain, which produces amazing mountain fruit. 

2018 Estate Classic Red Wine

• 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc. 
• Aged in 30% new French oak for 22 months
• 385 cases produced

Tasting Notes
Black currant, plum and cedar aromas give way to a to a full and juicy mouth feel with a long, lively finish.

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Sequum

• Winery located in Saint Helena, CA
• At his Kidd Ranch Vineyard, Paul Skinner works in a tradition common to turn-of-the-19th-century Europe, when vignerons lived in their vineyards and knew them well. He sees his vines every morning and evening and continually assesses their viticultural characteristics such as the light infiltration into the fruit zone, vine nutrient and water status, crop load and ripening rate. This hands-on approach is augmented with Paul’s scientific expertise. It’s all part of Paul’s ongoing quest to grow the best possible grapes at Kidd Ranch. The resulting Sequum wines are produced and bottled at Pride Mountain Vineyards under supervision of Sally Johnson.
• No public tasting room.
• Produces 800 cases annually including Zinfandel, Syrah and Red Blend.

2020 Napa Valley Mixt Red

• 250 cases produced
• Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel
• 16 months in 40% new French and American oak barrels

Tasting Notes:
Lots of blackberry and dark cherry nuances are accented by spicy notes of white pepper and black olive. Deep and rich, the blend has a long finish with a nice balance of acidity and tannin.

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Westerly Wines

• Based in Buelton, CA. No public tasting room. 
• Produce ~3,000 cases per year across 5-6 different wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Franc

Westerly Wines is a small family owned winery that uses no machines.  Hand Harvest, Hand Sorting and No Additives.  

2018 Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

• 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Merlot
• Aged in 45% new French oak for 24 months
• 300 cases produced

Tasting Notes
The 2018 Westerly Spring Mountain District Cabernet sauvignon is a wonderful expression of a classic California wine. On the nose, hints of blackberry, dark chocolate, plum and a touch of French oak are present. To the palate, the wine is balanced, expressive and weighty with full body. Hints of anise, coffee and dried fruit give way to a beautiful textured finish with subtle tannins.