Backroads of California with Jay Youmans MW – In Person or Online

Orixe Sotelo “Albor” White Blend Calavaras County 2023

A wine that stacks layers of complexity like a well-made paella, utilizing multiple characteristics from the Spanish grapes grown in California.The Albariño, Godello and Treixadura blend shows a more floral side of jasmine flowers, white tea, chalky pears and a hint of malolactic fermentation (which was blocked). The mid palate shows a California fatness compared to the Galician versions, but the acidity hits every part of the mouth, and lingers, just like some of the best from Spain.

Orixe Sotelo “Nebola” Monterey County 2023

If you are an acidhead searching for a crisp wine that will march endlessly on your palate, then this is your wine. Made in a style similar to Txakali, this Arinto/Albariño blend is a stand-in while the Honduarrabi Zuri is being cultivated. Tart green apples, pears, grapefruit cut into wedges with a sprinkle of sugar, pineapple and jasmine. A low 11.5% ABV is evident on the palate, yet the intensity blankets the entire mouth. Hopefully this rendition will stick around when the Hondurrabi does mature.

Fieldhand Vineyards “Leaning Oak” Cabernet Franc Napa 2022

“LEANING OAK”

This is the type of wine discovery that makes our job rewarding. Sourced from a revived backyard vineyard in Browns Valley at the base of Mount Veeder, the vines are organically farmed by the winemaker. A light style filled with plums, dust and dark chocolate with blackberries and cassis bringing the fruit filling. Herbal aromas of alfalfa and lavender show a wild side of the grape while the overall wine is light crisp and refreshing.

Only 1 barrel produced.

Oxlee Graham “Alder Springs” Chenin Blanc/Picpoul Blanc Mendocino 2023

Sourced from Mendocino’s most famous vineyard, Alder Springs, two unlikely gapes come together to make a wine of crisp acidity, expressive fruit and creamy texture. The 67% Chenin Blanc shows its full spectrum of styles with malolactic weight, casaba melons, green apples and honeysuckle blossoms, while the Picpoul Blanc brings chalky pear aromas, honeydew melons and energetic acidity to which the broadness of the Chenin is brought into focus. Somehow the two grapes just work amazingly well together.

Presqu’ile Pinot Noir Santa Barbara 2021

There are moments we wish BRW was not located in downtown Napa, and we could represent the other amazing Pinot Noir regions of California, showcasing unheralded value. We must be discerning if it is not from here, but this made the cut with a gorgeous light red color, cherries, unopened roses, ripe cranberries, maraschino, tart watermelon and herbs. The cool climate leans into a more savory, crisper style with cleansing acidity and polished tannins.

Castelli Estate Nebbiolo Russian River 2018

California can grow any grape well, but for some reason it can never really duplicate the same essence of the Nebbiolo grape in Italy. Sure, California makes good Nebbiolo as wine, but it is not the same. Castelli is the only producer that changed our view, this wine has the earthy, wet barrelroom wall and soul that the wines of the Langhe possess. Red fruits, orange peel, petrichor and the professional grade acidity and tannins.

Gros Ventre Gamay Nolan Ranch Sierra Foothills 2021

“NOLAN RANCH”
If you are like us and drink California Gamay often, then you may be excited to find one that is not sourced from the Sierra Foothills.  The Nolan Ranch is from the newly approved Alisos Canyon AVA in Santa Barbara County. Slightly crunchy fruits of red plums, roses, Montmorency cherries and crisp red apples. Woodsy notes of cedar box, umami powder, and baking spices add a savory quality to the fruit.

Red Car Syrah Fort Ross-Seaview Estate 2018

This wine checks a lot of boxes. The cult winery Red Car, Fort-Ross Seaview AVA, 13.5% ABV, and it’s just delicious. Many claims are made of California cool climate Syrah’s having the hallmark white pepper of the Rhône, nearly all are frauds. Blueberries, pepper, light weight and restrained fruits of plums, violets and herbs. Absolutely beautiful to pop and pour. Drink on its own or pair it with meats, as the bacon side of the grape shows up on the palate.

Guthrie Family “Archival” Petite Sirah Napa Valley 2019

Notes from the winemaker: It’s not every day you find a wine with crispy pulled pork and cracked white pepper on the nose. But then we aren’t an every-day kind of winery. When treated with a gentle hand, the elegant and delicate flavors of Petite Sirah expose themselves on the palate. Grainy tannins make it chewy and moreish while the acidity keeps it fresh, bright and great for pairing with food. We suggest drinking this wine while listening to Santigold.

Olivia Brion “Shake Ridge” Grenache El Dorado 2019

“SHAKE RIDGE”

The famous Shake Ridge Vineyard in Amador is the source of this Grenache, more specifically two parcels, one gnarly head-trained vines and the other on an extreme slope. They combine for a wine filled with black cherries, fruit blossoms, Mexican chocolate, baking spices and strawberries. Light-to-medium bodied with soft fruits, mild tannins and juicy acidity. A refreshing example of the grape, spanning a range of flavors and textures.