Happy New Year

2014 Game Changers

A profound 2014 it was - the good, the frustrating, the brilliant... blah blah blah. However, the biggest Game Changer in 2014 for this gal was the photograph and 2 Apps that fueled the game. 

I snapped over 15,000 photos in 2014 and posted a few thousand for the world to see.  In many ways photos helped me understand myself a little more, provided insight to others and gave birth to a new non-profit organization under my watch.

Instagram: I've been @texacaliali since the very beginning of Instagram and have used it almost daily since. This year @smithstorywines, @sandwichthedoodle and @socksforsandwich all went live. Instagram is full of interaction with a curious twist, a simple networker perhaps, an impactful storyteller of sorts.  I've made hundreds (well maybe thousands of new friends), observed new babies on earth, happy times, sad times and traveled to remote places I'll most likely never see in person...too many things to type really, just login and notice. 

Look up, look around, look what's right in front of you. Share. 

SIDE BAR: Socks for Sandwich and  @socksforsandwich was born on Instagram and went live during the Thanksgiving Holiday. For every #socksforsandwich photo tagged with a living-thing that is wearing a pair of socks -  we'll donate a NEW pair of socks to anyone in need.  Near 400 pairs of NEW socks were donated (mailed!) to us in less than 6 weeks - thanks to Instagram for providing a platform to show how giving to others can be easy and fun. We are just getting started here...

The Delectable App:  Of all the wine-apps and tools I've clunked around on over the years, by far Delectable is the best of the best.  The App can be used for many reasons, I began this year to catalog wines that I've tasted. But in 12-months time, Delectable has become so much more in terms of helping in business. A week hasn't passed in months that I haven't found myself looking at Delectable with a wine buyer about a wine or two.  

The Delectable App is a powerful tool both for the wine consumer and the wine trade for certain.  Not just for wine geeks who find pleasure in big-word wine descriptions - create an account, post your wines, read, click around...learn something new.

I'm closing 2014 (such an ass-kicker of a year) with big plans ahead -  2015 is already shaping up to be a sweet one. Thanks for coming along...Best wishes to you all for a kind, beautiful, generous and fabulous New Year.  See ya around, TexaCali Ali

You probably aren't drinking...

these 4 California white wines because they are made in tiny amounts. However, they can be purchased from your favorite fine wine shop or through the winery website...finding them will be worth your while! 

What a year, I probably tasted 600+ wines over the last 12 months... here's a short list that stood out - a few wineries that I officially help via TexaCali Wine Co., a few I help by drinking every drop I can get my hands on. 

Alder Springs Vineyard

This is a VERY short list! Soooo many great bottles are on my long list, but  for now I must share a few with you since #sharingiscaring at the very least.  
Cheers!  - TexaCali Ali


Alder Springs Apex 39 -  only 156 cases produced from 100% Estate fruit from vineyards that grow near 3000 ft. above sea level. I've always fallen for a well made white Rhone wine, this blend of 54% Roussanne, 29% Marsanne and 17% Viognier never disappoints. Glad to see Alder Springs Vineyard in National distribution in 2015. $45

2013 Mark David "Transitus" Sauvignon Blanc:  I first had a sip of this beauty in the heat of summer, sweating bullets down my face and the "Transitus" saved the day. It continued to save dinner as well, perfect with roasted lemon chicken. A richer style Sauvignon Blanc made from beautiful single vineyard Rutherford fruit in the Napa Valley. Mark and David made about 315 cases...thankfully, I have 2 bottles left in my stash.  $24


2012/13 Farmers Jane Field White - about 19 barrels produced from a combination of old vine Grenache Blanc, Albarino and Verdelho from the Suisun Valley. Perfect on the beach...like the Sonoma Coast pictured here.  Man that was a great afternoon with my dear friend Angie too! $24



2012 Liquid Farm White Hill Chardonnay - 
I drink a fair amount of really good chardonnay, this bottle blows my mind each time I am lucky enough to have a glass full. There's something about the texture that I completely love...it's a good "tweener" for those who like a full-bodied white and those who don't. I'm sure the 2013 is just as brilliant and I can't wait to taste. $40

Alder Springs Vineyards - Knowledge is Power!

Oh heavenly day... I thought of this awesome Patty Griffin song while visiting Alder Springs Vineyards a few weeks ago.   Each time I'm standing on their sacred ground among the vines I pinch myself.  No wonder why they've been one of the most sought-after vineyards to source fruit from from over the past few decades now. Truly - such an amazing place to see.

So I'm having a blast helping Alder Springs Vineyards establish their National Distribution Network this year, here's an interesting list of facts below that have simply been wonderful to talk to people about when showing Alder Springs Vineyards to new customers and media alike. Cheers - TexaCali Ali

12 Cool Facts About Alder Springs Vineyard

1) The vineyard totals 140 acres of vines and is surrounded by an undeveloped and pristine 6,000 acre ranch.  There’s no exhaust or pollution affecting our vines.



2) Alder Springs Vineyard is split into 3 vineyard blocks, which sit several miles apart from each other. Each block has its own microclimate.  The lower block starts at 1,700 feet and the upper block reaches 2,700 feet. 



3) Warm day temperatures are moderated by our proximity to the coast, high elevations, and cool nights (not fog). 



4) The vineyard is 13 miles from the coast.  The coastal stretch just north of the vineyard is often referred to as the Lost Coast because of its desolate and undeveloped location. 



5) Alder Springs Vineyard is an hour drive from any other vineyard or winery area.  Because of our unique location, the vineyard produces a specific flavor profile unlike any other in California.



6) Alder Springs is 3 hours north of San Francisco and 2.5 north of Napa.



7) Alder Springs sells 90% of their fruit to a group of über talented California winemakers who specialize in non-classic California wine styles (list of winemakers available via email).



8) Alder Springs grapes are some of the most sought after fruit in Mendocino and when deciding to make wine, had to put themselves on their own wait list.  As a matter of fact, had to wait years to obtain some of the fruit they wanted.  



9) Stuart Bewley, the owner of Alder Springs Vineyard, has been described as "one of the most meticulous viticuluralists in the business".  



10) Winemaker Byron Kosuge, specializes in cool climate wines and worked for Saintsbury Winery for 17 years before moving to boutique productions. 



11) Tom Piper the Master Viticulturalist, had 16 years of organic and sustainable viticultural experience before joining the ASV team.

12) The Black & White Labeled wines represent the very best fruit among the vineyard. Row 5 Wines represent a bit more volume vines & blends – both labels are wines made from Alder Springs estate fruit! 

www.alderspringsvineyards.com 

On the Road Again

Ahh a familiar route is taking place next week SFO - DFW - HOU - AUS & - SFO for the Favorite Brands Texas Road Show.  I've been road-showing with Texas distributors since 2005, going on 10 years now and have survived each time.  This time is very special however, an entire new group of beautiful wines at the TexaCali Wine Co. table all week long:

Alder Springs Vineyards: Stop by to taste brand new inventory that just landed in Texas, Marsella from the Alder Springs Ranch will be along for the ride too.  Bring your inner geek!  Both Alder Springs Estate and Row 5 wines will be open for tasting.

Cobb Wines: 2012 Mags. Need I say more? Allocations for his 2012 releases have arrived in Texas, this is your chance to taste and reserve a case or two.

The GRADE CELLARS:  Looking for a Thomas Rivers Brown Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley?  This lovely & rare 2010 will be opened for all to taste. Only 300 cases produced.

Teira Wines: BTG PARTY PEOPLE!!  Anyone who's known me for years, knows I've been a big fan of the Teira wines for their high-quality to price point ratio. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot & Zinfandel from a very special place in Dry Creek Valley!

Inizi: ONE WORD: CHARBONO.  From the Napa Valley. Limited production so get this new-kid-on-the-block while you can.

Winemonger Imports: The darling of the Austrian wine world.  I'll have a few iconic wines from Moric open, as well as my very favorite Rosé from Umathum.  There's so much more to this portfolio, look out Texas because we're just getting started!

See you on the road!

 - TexaCali Ali



PS: I'll also have a ZALTO Universal Glass at the table along with direct to account pricing!

Celebrating Cabernet Day

Today marks the 5th Annual Cabernet Day!  A day of celebrating the beautiful Cabernert Sauvignon Grape.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate than telling the world about my two favorite Cabernet bottles produced by wineries who are also clients of TexaCali Wine Co. and friends!

Denier Handal Vineyards

Their 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley (hello all you Silver Oak fans, here's a bottle for 1/2 the price from the same neighborhood) is exactly what I like in Cabernet Sauvignon, smooth and silky sipping! I've been showing this around America for new distribution with wholesalers this summer, so get ready to find it in DC, VA, MD, NC and Texas!  Denier Handal is also available in Sonoma County at The Cheese Shop in Healdsburg and now available in New Mexico at your favorite wine shop and restaurants around the state. $35 a bottle.  Oh and If ever visiting the Healdsburg area, please reach out to them (or me) directly for a chance to taste together too.


From their website: Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect example of the wonderful wines produced in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. The aromas are lush and complex with hints of cassis, French oak, black pepper, anise, black olives and dark red stone fruits - plums and black cherries.

On the palate, its a powerful yet easy drinking wine with soft tannins giving it a soft velvety feel. Flavors of blackberries, black cherries and plums. It is a balanced wine with the soft tannins and acidity in perfect harmony. The finish is long and lingering with flavors of the fruit along with the presence of the soft tannins.

The 2010 won a few prestigious medals too:

Silver medal winner in the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Silver medal winner in the 2013 Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Silver medal winner in the 2013 Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Click here to see my favorite view from a Wine Country Porch and to read more about my dear friends & their Denier-Handal wines: http://texacaliwinetrail.blogspot.com/2014/07/texacali-wine-co-in-2014.html

THE GRADE CELLARS

Here's a real gem for any Cabernet Sauvignon drinker  - especially the Napa Valley lovers!  I've chosen their 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon for a few reasons today. 1) it's perfectly aged 2) silly good 3) their first release 4) my dear friends Loren & Annie are getting hitched in a private ceremony at the Winfield Vineyard - where this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon is grown.  I first had the 2004 over dinner with the owners and Loren a few years back - and just fell in love with this STUNNING WINE!

The 2004 was made by the fabulous Rudy Zuidema in Calistoga, 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Block #1 – Clone 337, Rootstock 110-R & Block #2  - Clone 7, Clone 337, Rootstock 101-4. It was aged in 60% new French Oak & 30% Neutral French Oak. First released in 2008 with 240 cases available.  

Best way to purchase this special 2004 is directly by calling the winery:  707.963.9838, $120 a bottle. Also call to reserve a special tasting with them at their Library location in downtown Calistoga or if you're lucky, a sip above the vineyard.

From their website: 2004 Tasting Notes...This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with the essence of Calistoga. Its dark purple and blue pigments seem to stain the glass, while the aromas of slightly dusty raspberry, cherry, white chocolate and brown sugar jump out. On the palate, its very complex flavor profile is driven by ripe strawberry, chocolate and crisp black cherry pulling along more subtle flavors including leather, spice and fresh earth. Oak only plays a supporting role here, allowing the focused Cabernet fruit to take center stage. The texture is solid and rich – true to the 2004 growing season. 

THE GRADE is also distributed direct in California and available in Texas, NC at this time. 

Happy Cabernet Day Everyone!  - TexaCali Ali

#cabernetday 

The State of the Hustle

No truer words written in regards to creating a life in the wine business.  So many folks have asked me over the years "so how'd you get into the wine industry?",  I've always replied "I just did it, wine was a big hobby for me and I made the jump one day guessing the wine business needed passionate marketing and sales people".  And the rest has been history in the making...with one helluva hustle attached.

Last weekend I volunteered in Dallas for the 10th Anniversary of Texsom and am still floating from all the awesome people surrounding me.  I thought a lot about leadership in this industry while working Texsom behind the scenes this year.  The leadership qualities I noticed were abundant not only by the executive teams and captains, but also by the entire Texsom community.  I saw many leaders who are also great teachers, many leaders who listened and gracefully solved issues, but the leaders who stood out the most had the hustle!

The younger set of leaders among the Texsom community are smarter than ever before and more grounded than I ever imagined. These Young Guns are incredibly passionate not only about their own personal well-being in the community but deliberately passionate about giving and sharing their knowledge of wine to anyone that crosses their paths. They work hard, the study hard and they have the hustle it takes to turn them into real leaders among our spectacular wine community. Refreshing and welcomed.

As I've now entered into a "veteran" slot within the wine buiness, I'm thankful for so many people and places that have inspired me over the last decade.  But I'm most grateful for the gift of the hustle.  Thank you Texsom 2014 for putting another gust of wind in the TexaCali Sail!

See ya around - TexaCali Ali

New Partnership Created by Instagram!

2014 has been a new year for this gal, a bit of dusting off and relaunching TexaCali Wine Co. within the National and International Markets.  Another big focus of our services this year is social media strategy, website creation and communications management.  

I’ve also partnered with a design firm “Sketchbook Creative”, Devin the owner and I have the same sensibilities as to why wineries need to care about their online image. Sketchbook provides affordable and super cool website design and development, email marketing, photography and print design. 

A recent little Q & A between Devin and myself as we were getting to know each other’s core business…

D: What IS TexaCali Wine Co.?  A: We are a sales and marketing consulting firm, always have been, always will be.  2014 has presented a solid mix of client needs from opening national distribution to writing emails to their wine club members. Currently I’m working with a handful of wineries and one importer…oh and there’s the fantastic Zalto (stemware) sales that come along with it too.

D: What isn’t TexaCali Wine Co.? A: Great question, seriously do not come to me with 1000 cases of wine you bottled a few years ago that you didn’t have a sales plan for then…there are people in this business that feed like sharks on others’ misery and mistakes, this is not for me. It’s best to utilize TexaCali Wine Co. in a positive situation, where you want to strengthen your current working plans and/or begin planning for the first time ever.

D: So do you live in Texas? A: Not anymore, I’m basing operations from Marin County (proximity to airports is KEY!) but am always up for a visit to Texas, Germany, NYC – you name it.  I basically live behind my Mac and in my car…thank goodness for our view from the deck at home in Marin!

D: Who’s your favorite client? A: Now now, you can’t ask me that, they’re all special in many different ways. My best clients have a focused vision for the business, are organized for me to step-in and lend my strengths and are already implementing “best practices”. First you must be making wine that I love to drink…seriously matters. Oh and don't be an asshole, my #1 rule in life from now on...

D: What do you think your best strengths are then?  A: Oh my enthusiasm for the “business of wine” and the art of story telling to make sure anyone I’m reaching out to feels the passion that went into those bottles! I’ve been known to move a few truckloads and containers of wines too…the best part!!

D: Weakness – come on, spill it... A: I loathe projects that are full of time wasting minutia, I love to sell BIG, kills me to wrap my talents around selling a handful of cases at a time for someone, I’m not very good at staying on target with that task.  Make me work for a solid BTG placement and for a special feature any-day!  Oh and I wish I was a Master of Excel, I blame it on my age, but man I'm such a Excel dummy. 

D: Describe a perfect day in the life of TexaCali Wine Co. A: Easily begins with a handful of Purchase Orders from Wholesalers, news of a big weekend of wine club/mailing list purchases right up there with hearing from buyers and sales reps throughout the day about how the wines are working for them.  Getting text messages from my Inner Circle makes my day!  My day starts early, the East Coast is rockin’ by 8am Cali time, so is my email/iPhone by that first cup of coffee in the morning.  The rest of my perfect day is tooo long to finish in this Q&A…but meeting folks in the vineyards and/or wineries are my very favorite part of the job! I dream of ending each day at Three Dog Yoga in Santa Rosa for a 90 minute class…but haven’t made that happen in a couple of years now. Le sigh.

D: How do you see this new partnership with Sketchbook Creative working for TexaCali Wine Co.?  A: Oh, you guys bring such valuable expertise and resources that I can not provide technically.  I was the project manager of a website in 1998 and I’ve hardly stopped with my online focus since. I code just enough to mess things up, but have clear and precise ideas that Sketchbook can easily help to execute for my clients. I’ve been spoiled in my roles prior to TexaCali Wine Co. to have a creative resource team within arms-reach, so shazzam, now I do finally in 2014!

D: What’s on tap for Fall 2014 for you then?  A: Besides having my clients in active distribution across the USA for the big OND season, the www.texacaliwinetours.com division will be in full-swing with wine country visitors and then there’s a new project I’m working on with my husband Eric www.smithstorywinecellars.com that’s ramping up this Harvest 2014.  I hope to walk the dog (Lord Sandwich) a few times inbetween my market travel and vineyard visits too.
 

D: Speaking of Dogs…isn’t that how we met on Instagram?  A: Oh yeah, you follow @sandwichthedoodle then the “Dog Gods” connected us with @thedogsofwine ...that’s business done the right way, love it.  I'm really excited to be lending my expertise to Sketchbook and watch all of our dog-loving (we do like cats to) clients grow with our help.

Cheers to the Art of Wine, indeed Devin!

 - Ali

TexaCali Wine Co. in 2014...

I've now put in the time over the past decade learning, living, building and breathing the wine business. Years full of beautiful successes, wines and travel but the beautiful people who've crossed my path have meant the most to me.  Now's the time to make certain that all the niche skills I've honed along the way are put to the best use yet - helping those in the wine business that are truly among my circle of friends.

The first winery on-board is owned by my dear friend Dick Handal, Denier-Handal Wines, a small but rewarding winery that produces vineyard driven Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County.  Dick and his wife Lisa have known me longer than I've been in the wine industry and have seen me through all the ups and crazy downs over the years.  Dick's daughter Doralice and I were roommates living in the Presidio years ago  - well before she opened The Cheese Shop in Healdsburg.  I often refer to Dick as being my "California Pops".

Denier-Handal Wines have developed a cult following over the years, you'll often find Dick giving personal tastings on their back porch overlooking the Dry Creek Valley. Perhaps my favorite porch of all time too.  Can't wait to spread the word and have you all experience what's in the bottle...

Drink Well.

- TexaCali Ali  (repost from http://texacaliwine.com/blog/blog/texacali-wine-2-0-yes)

TexaCali Wine Co. is officially in the business of helping friends in the business.

Dick & Lisa Handal pictured here as special guests at my recent wedding celebration.

On the Road in Austria

Get Ready to here a lot from me soon about FURMINT!

Written on June 20...posted on the 25th thanks to wonderful wifi access in the Mosel (and a day off from meetings for me!).

Right this very minute, I'm typing from the back seat from a rental car on the way to visit Neumayer in Traisental and then onto the Wachau to visit Holzapfel Day 9 of travel, grateful for hot cappuccinos at the Autogrills at this point. It's been much easier to post photos and fun facts through my phone while connecting to wifi along the way than emailing & firing up the laptop to write unfortunately.  Find TexaCaliAli on Twitter & Instagram if you like.

Vie Vinum in Vienna was incredible, beyond the hundreds of wines tasted, it was a fantastic time with many of the Top Wine Writers,  US Sommeliers, Wine Buyers and Importers.  I'm traveling with Winemonger Imports, who is celebrating over 10 years of representing a premium selection of Austrian, German, Italian and French wines - along with Zalto from Austria in the USA.

Winery Dog at Moric with Winemaker Roland...

Many reviews and photos to come soon,  hoping we'll have a bit of a break while taking a train from Salzburg to Munich on Sunday, then a 5 hour drive on Monday to the Pfalz for a week of visiting German wine producers.

For now, here a few of my favorite photos from the past week in Austria. - TexaCali Ali

The Styria Region in Austria, well known for Sauvignon Blanc.

Vintage Albuquerque

Reporting from Vienna today while attending the fabulous Vie Vinum along with American's top wine pros!  It's been an exciting few days and we've only begun.  Taking a little break this morning to catch up on TexaCali Wine Co. correspondence and happenings...

This week is also exciting back in the states for Denier Handal Wines, June 18-22 is Vintage Albuquerque! 

A few reasons why this so cool I say! Owner Dick and Lisa have actually called Albuquerque home for many years, it's also the first state outside of California their wines are distributed AND they are co-hosting a fantastic dinner at Season's on Thursday night.

I tell you, it's been awesome to hear the feedback around the US about these small production wines made in the heart of Sonoma County.  What a treat for all attendees of Vintage Albuquerque this week to meet the dear owners and taste their wines.  Their Rosé, Cabernet Sauvigon, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah are featured throughout the week.

Thursday night - please contact Seasons for the Vintage Albuquerque wine dinner featuring Denier Handal.  Wish I could be there too!

Cheers, Ali

White Wine of the Weekend

Every single time I hear "Domaine Jean Louis Chave" dance into conversation my mind goes straight to the first sip of Hermitage Blanc I ever had, not their legendary Syrah.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Chave Syrah - but that unbelievably beautiful sip of Marsanne and Rousanne was truly breathtaking, a welcomed memory indeed.  

Fast forward to 2014, so very honored to be working with Alder Springs Vineyard and their gorgeous Row 5 White, a blend of their estate grown Marsanne and Viognier.  A cousin in style, certainly not as complex as the great Chave Blanc, but not to be missed by fans of Northern Rhone whites.

At $30 a bottle, the Row 5 White over-achieves in quality with classic Rhone white wine layers of aromatics and elegant flavors of lemon oil, white flower pedals and a tiny hint of anise. A true California white Rhone blend providing a much lower-priced alternative to the wines of the Northern Rhone.

Where exactly is Alder Springs Vineyard?  About an hour North of the town of Healdsburg, California. The property is a 6,000 acre forested wonderland, approx. 120 of which are devoted to vines.  The vineyards are planted above the fog line, between 1700 and 2700 feet in elevation.

Really Cool Fact: An incredible 140 MILES of bird-netting is placed over the vines to protect some of the most sought after rows of grapes in California from feathery predators. A huge job for this sustainable vineyard and their loyal vineyard workers each year.

What to pair?  Well, this bottle goes incredibly well with great conversation among friends while hanging out this summer on a porch or by the pool.  I'm not kidding.  A simple spread of mild cheeses along with a little fig jam and a fresh baked baguette will compliment the Row 5 White.  Better have a few bottles chilled!

For those needing a recipe, try this Pork Tenderloin suggestion from William Sonoma, it looks delicious, might have to give this a try over the weekend.  So don't forget to look for Alder Springs at your favorite wine shop and/or ask your local Sommelier for one of the most exciting white wines I've fallen for this year...  Alder Spring Vineyard, Row 5 White  (purchase direct from the winery). 

Cheers - TexaCali Ali

Auction Napa Valley with THE GRADE Cellars

It's that time of year folks, the 2014 Auction Napa Valley is this weekend. A weekend that the worlds biggest collectors of Cabernet Sauvignon convene together to share in the bounty of Napa Valley.  To keep up with all the instant happenings follow the hashtag #anv14, it'll be quite a show!

So here's the important part...THE GRADE Cellars participation can be found 2 ways:

1) Barrel Lot #290- THE GRADE Cellars

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Release Date: March 2015

• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Winfield Vineyard, our estate property in the Calistoga AVA
• Aged in French oak; this vintage will have spent about 18 months in barrel as of 2014 Auction Napa Valley
• A blend of two favorite vineyard blocks; reflects the significant soil variation in our vineyard

Winemaker: Thomas Brown

 

2) E-Auction Lot #449: Stevenson’s Silverado: A Journey up THE GRADE

Put on your hiking shoes, grab your camera and join THE GRADE Cellars in retracing the steps of Robert Louis Stevenson to the site of Napa’s historic mining town of Silverado! This adventurous history lesson is coupled with a cook-out afterwards on THE GRADE’s estate vineyard at the foot of the mountain.

Now listen up! Your experience begins at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in St. Helena with a privately guided tour through its collection of “Stevensonia” – the largest of its kind in the world. Louis, as he was known to friends, was a world-renowned writer of such memorable works as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Silverado Squatters, written during his honeymoon with Fanny Stevenson on Mount St. Helena near Calistoga. There will be no quiz!

You will then be transported to the side of that mountain, driven up a secret road to the panoramic site of Silverado and escorted to the end of its famous “Silver Street” for a sparkling wine toast to the author at the monument built to memorialize the cabin where he spent his honeymoon. After all this book-learnin’ stuff, Tom & Brenda, owners of THE GRADE Cellars, will take your group back down to their stunning vineyard for a chuck-wagon barbeque served with multiple vintages of THE GRADE Cabernet Sauvignon.

After dinner, and as the sun fades in the West, you’ll kick back at their vintage Airstream and enjoy some films – including of the California’s Forty-Niners (the old-timer ones) and what Silverado mining was really like. That’s as good as gold! To be arranged during the warm season by mutual agreement.

 - TexaCali Ali

TexaCali Wine Trail 2.0 - here we go!

I've hit a social media content wall of sorts, a level of obnoxiousness has been reached on my Facebook page with my daily chatter - SO reviving the TexaCali Wine Trail Blog is a must!  So many great things to share with the world - those who follow TexaCali Ali and those who might discover all things TexaCali Wine Co. because of this dear old blog.  After a little remodeling on the design, I'm ready to rock this back to surpass past popularity.

I did begin writing on my consulting website earlier this year - so please don't miss these two important posts.   I can't hold back any longer all of the wonderful stories, wines and TexaCali Wine Tales!   Let's start off with an insider's review of last Saturday night...

"Russian River 2nd Annual Paulée Dinner" presented by the

 Russian River Valley Winegrowers Association 

Anytime I'm in the Russian River Valley Region, memories of when and why I fell in love with wine flood my mind and my heart.  Driving through the Russian River Valley is sorta like pulling out that comfy pair of jeans you've had forever - and they still fit and feel great to wear! 

This night was nothing short of a spectacular gathering of fantastic people and passion for Pinot Noir.  Clearly the event to be at if you have an ounce of love in your soul for the Russian River Region. Elegant, delicious and a classic night of great conversation and sipping of course.

A few of my personal highlights truly began once I walked into the beautiful dinner pavilion on the grounds of DeLoach Vineyards.  Such a classy setting, complete with lighting from an epic Russian River sunset.  A glass of Hartford Court Rosé of Pinot Noir filled my glass - first time I'd tasted this wine and was very pleased with the flavor profile and drinkability - a perfect example of a dry rosé!

Dinner guests were a large mix of winemakers, winery owners, grape growers, professional wine buyers, wine writers and very passionate pinot noir collectors who flew in as far as from Japan for the event.

Oh but the wines!!  One of the very first wines poured from me was a 1979 Bacigalupi Vineyards Chardonnay. Seriously, the wine was extraordinary - notes of delicious caramel filled my mouth, I could have stopped with this first sip.

However, the night was just beginning. Mark McWilliams of Arista Winery so generously stopped by my table with a sexy bottle of 1999 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru, France.  I'm gonna be bold here  - this was the BEST Lafon Charmes I have ever had. Vibrant, with a mix of citrus and mineral - a real freshness with superb balance - it took me back, oh how I love white Burgundy!

So it's a tradtion to bring bottles to share with others at the Paulée gathering, I've never attended the dinners that are usually attended by old guys in suits with a scattering of young guys in suits showing off their trophies...bottles that is.  This night was such a comfortable setting for everything I believe, by mid-dinner just about all the guests had fluttered around all the tables to pour, sip and chat up other lovers of this great wine region we were all honoring together.

Many older RRV and Burgundy Pinot Noirs were opened, shared and tasted. I have to announce that I didn't get to taste every bottle opened, but the Benovia pictured below was my WOTN (wine of the night), it was also the first time I had ever tried a Benovia wine.

I sat with owners Joe and Mary along with their winemaker Mike Sullivan.  To be honest, I've probably driven past Benovia a few hundred times over the past few years, while taking a short-cut to Olivet Rd. The 2012 Benovia "Martella" RRV Pinot Noir was full of expression, layers of fruit and spice that went on for quite some time after drinking.   Exactly the flavors I felt after drinking my first California pinots over a decade ago, a true classic Russian River Pinot Noir.

The dinner was the eve of my birthday, so I did allow myself to enjoy the evening more than I usually do - it was great to catch up with old friends and meet many new ones that share my passion for fine wine and people.  More taking in the moment than snapping photos this time.

I tell you this - I can't wait for the 2015 Paulée date to release, I'm assembling a table of friends now!

Special thanks for the following wineries who were also in attendance, organized the evening and were so very generous with their wines for the Paulée!

Arista Winery, Bacigalupi Vineyards, Benovia Winery, Bucher Vineyard, C. Donatiello Winery, Davis Family Wines, DeLoach Vineyards, Hartford Family Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, La Crema, La Follette, J. Vineyards & Winery, Joseph Swan Vineyards, Kosta Browne, Merry Edwards Winery, Russian Hill Estate Winery, Siduri Wines, Thomas George Estates, Trione Vineyards and Winery, and Williams Selyem.

See ya around,  - TexaCali Ali

12.12.12

And on this day I've decided to give the TexaCali Wine Trail blog a rest. 899 posts done.

Ali and Beloved Henley Modeling TexaCali Tees!

May 7, 2005 marked the first time I began to write about my incredible journey as an entrepreneur in the wine business.  As many as 40,000 visitors a week clicked through this blog when I began to reach the peak...it's not over, but the journey has changed course. 

I'm not disappearing. Social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, Pinterest and others that I'm active with have provided a quick look inside the world of TexaCali Ali over the past few years.  Many of my readers follow, "like" and post comments along these sites where I'll continue to be reached.

So I'm signing off today with highlighting my most important post of 2012 (and most viewed).

Friday, October 19. Start-up Mode

...So to you folks not in the wine-biz...I've been preaching this for years, but I will say it again...please pick your wines as though you are picking new friends, learn about them, become involved in their story, support them and be loyal to the wineries that are human from the ground up.  It matters.  And for you folks that are a piece of the supply chain...respect that a winery may be in start-up mode, may be sending their kid off to college for the first time, may need to mortgage their home to obtain funds for more grapes, purchase new barrels or whatever - please keep your word with your business promises and relationships, it matters. 

http://www.texacaliwinetrail.blogspot.com/2012/10/start-up-mode.html

Cheers to you, thank you for following the TexaCali Wine Trail, showing up at my wine events, buying the wines I've so passionately represented over the years and spreading the good word about great wines I so dearly love and believe in.  See ya around...TexaCali Ali

Attn. Burgundy Wine Snobs...

Cyprus Pinot on the Deck overlooking Mt. Tam

 yeah, you are and you know it. I am too when I can afford the Burgundy producers I so love to collect and drink...but here's a real "drink now and enjoy" Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast AVA for only $35 a bottle. 

I've been singing the praises of the 2010 Cyprus Pinot Noir all Summer and Fall, but think this beautifully well balanced bottle (low-octane!) of Pinot is drinking truly spectacular right now. From our website...2010 Cyprus Pinot Noir

Aged in 85% neutral French oak, this Pinot reveals a nose of dark fruits with forest floor accents and a sublte earth spice. Hints of exotic spices come forward on the palate, which is silken and focused.  The Pinot hails from the Sangiacomo Amaral Ranch vineyard on the southern Sonoma Coast (just above the San Pablo Bay) and Tobias Glen, located in the southwestern part of the Russian River Valley. 

Both sites experience the moderating effects of a cool, ocean-influenced microclimate to produce low yields of bright, fragrant fruit with excellent flavor concentration. The 2010 vintage was very cool, but the vines enjoyed a long growing season, yielding perfectly ripened fruit with bright acidity. 

Less than 400 cases produced.  I'm looking forward to opening this bottle tomorrow with family over Thanksgiving Dinner.  

Cheers & Happy Holidays, let the wine flow!  - Ali

Red and Rosé Right Now!

A few wines in my glass lately that rock...and lovely suggestions for the Thanksgiving Day table.

2011 Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon Rosé, Loire France $17 

Noblaie's rosé is produced from younger Cabernet Franc vines, which are planted in the deeper soils at the base of the hillside vineyard. It has a clear and smooth pink color, deep, rich aromas of watermelon and cranberry and loads of lovely fresh red fruits on the palate. According to my better-drinking-other-half at KandL - The 2011 is fruity, clean and refreshing, but with powerful volume. Without even a touch of sweetness, the finish is bracing and refreshing.

2011 Fable Rosé of Charbono, Napa California, $20 - available for purchase only on www.brackmountainwine.com.   I've been sipping on this one for months now, and it just keeps changing and getting more interesting as the time passes. From the Brack website: Cranberry red hued, the nose is of watermelon, cherry blossom and a dash of cayenne. The palate is full of cucumber, ripe pomelo, red cherries and a touch of rhubarb. The structure of this wine is reminiscent of the wines of Tavel. The acidity if high, yet there is a phenolic backbone that speaks to an ageability and even more interesting flavors to come.

2010 Terra Laura Cheverny Rouge, Loire France $18
I always look forward to this producer, thinking this wine should be bottled in Magnums for the ultimate party bottle too!  Also from KandL - Terra Laura is a 50-acre estate in the appellation of Cheverny. The estate was purchased by Laura Semeria in 2007 with her husband Léonard, and they aim to produce wines with the best possible expression of their unique terroir and 15-80 year old vines. This bottling is comprised of 60% Gamay, 35% Pinot Noir, 5% Malbec. It was fermented and aged in stainless steel for 12 months.

2010 Cyprus Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California $35

Also another wine that's drinking FANTASTIC right now from Brack Mountain, from the website: Nose is fragrant with mix of wildflowers, tangerine peel and bergamot. The palate is equally exotic with asian spice, enhanced by earthy flavors of dried fruits and loam. The mouthfeel of this wine is extraordinarily rich and supple.

2010 Jelly Jar, Old Vine Zinfandel, Nova Vineyard, Lake County California $24

I only drink really good Zinfandel, and Jelly Jar makes the cut for me almost every vintage release. Don't expect a big crazy high-octane Zinfandel here, this Zin is dripping with fall fruit flavors, black pepper and spices. If you like dry Italian reds, you will enjoy this style of Zinfandel too. Small production and very limited in Texas especially, look for it at Spec's stores!  http://www.jellyjarwine.com

Sorry for the brief notes and post this time around, I've got Sandwich the Dog waiting impatiently for more playtime (as always). Happy Thanksgiving to All - Ali 

Keeping it Personal

I spent the last few days leading consumer tastings in Whole Foods Markets across the great Chicago area. Honestly,  this part of the job is so invigorating to me - talking with wine shoppers always leaves me energized.  Wine is such a personal deal (well maybe not the lady who picked up a sample each of Bench Cab and L'Oliveto Chardonnay - mixed them together and threw the new "blend" down her throat).  I bet I spoke to at least 200 folks, eye-to-eye over the weekend, asking each "what do you like to drink", "what are you looking for today"...almost every single answer had to do with a great memory or emotion that provoked them to buy again from a certain region and or varietal or winery...  

 

On Saturday, a man walked near me so I asked him if he'd like to try a sample of wine...he stopped and said "I'm 86 years old, 2 years ago my wife cut me off from alcohol", he paused a moment and sorta rolled his eyes, "but she's not here at the store with me today, and I do love a nice Chardonnay".  He tried a big sip of the L'Oliveto Chardonnay walked away with a smile the size of Texas on his sweet old face. 

I just love it.  Heard about weddings in Sonoma, told people about how I was proposed to over the Golden Gate Bridge this summer (oh those store lights make my ring BLING!), was told that a baby sitting in the stroller was conceived in Napa, heard about how some grandparents celebrated a 50th Wedding Anniversary and toasted over their favorite Russian River wine, a proud dad told me about his daughter working on a local farming thesis in Sebastopol while attending UC Berkley, many folks telling me about their first time to San Francisco trips...all such personal reasons as to why they stop to discover more about what I was pouring in the middle of Whole Foods.  

Keep wine personal and you pretty much can never go wrong, drinking what you like & being open to wines you aren't so familiar with is key & is what it's all about...oh and the new memories to come from sharing bottles just may be the very best part. Cheers, Ali

Origine Sauvignon Blanc

Photo: Craig Lee, Special To The Chronicle / SF

Jon Bonné, the Wine Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle recently featured the 2011 Origine Sauvignon Blanc, RRV produced by Brack Mountain Wine Co., which I find so thrilling after following his tasting notes, reviews, tweets, FB posts for years now.  I feel like we have the same taste in wine for the most part and am so honored to have found the Origine Sauvignon Blanc in his Friday wine column last week! Jon has turned me onto loads of good wine over the years...grateful.

2011 Brack Mountain Origine Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($18, 13.2%):  "This Healdsburg-based partnership tapped the Louvau vineyard, with its Musqué clone plantings, for a pungent, deep effort, made by Dan Fitzgerald (Williams Selyem, Pellegrini). Fresh padron pepper and mint mix with rich lemon and fig flavors. Fermented in steel and neutral barrels, it's a compelling mesh of green-flavor austerity and ripe texture." Jon Bonné.

Here's the link for the full feature, I love that Spottswoode is also listed, their Sauvignon Blanc was opened during my birthday celebration in May, delicious!

http://www.sfgate.com/wine/wineselections/article/The-late-season-charms-of-Sauvignon-Blanc-3965375.php#ixzz29qxVv7mv

So, there are a few cases left to purchase direct from the winery here: http://brackmountainwine.com/store  Our Texas and California distributors do have current inventory and if you are lucky enough to be in the Austin area, stop by Whole Foods on Lamar to enjoy a glass of 2011 Origine Sauvignon Blanc on tap at Bar Lamar in the wine department.

Cheers! Ali