Dave McIntyre’s latest column in The Washington Post explores how consumers can experience a similar character and style of wine found in some of the world’s benchmark wines – think Bordeaux first growths, Burgundy’s grands crus, Italy’s top “super Tuscans,” and Napa cult cabernets – without breaking the bank as much. He provides strategies to navigate this quest, and includes both Chateau Montelena and Gary Farrell Winery as two wineries to look out for. **This story was also syndicated to SFGate and The Telegraph.**
One of his tips is to focus on the appellations you’re interested in, and find smaller districts. “Want to explore Napa cabernet sauvignon? Chateau Montelena, a venerable estate, makes a Napa Valley cabernet that sells for about $50. The estate cabernet, from the winery’s vineyards near Calistoga in northern Napa Valley, costs up to three times that.” He continues, “Pinot noir is notable for expressing the flavor of the place where it’s grown, and winemakers love exploring these nuances…In Sonoma County, look for Gary Farrell Vineyard’s Russian River Selection. If you like it, consider ordering some of the winery’s single-vineyard wines from Hallberg or Rochioli vineyards.” Read the full story HERE
Related Wines
Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Napa Valley, California
The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium-bodied wine offering notable raciness up front, compelling freshness and depth of flavor. The earthy, complex and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon is softened by the judicious addition of Merlot. This is a wine that delivers immediate pleasure upon release.
Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017
Russian River Valley, California
The Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the region’s top vineyards, taking advantage of varied climates and unique site characteristics. Undoubtedly showcasing a beautiful expression of the varietal and of the appellation’s unique terroir, this Pinot Noir blend captures the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks.
Related Producers
Chateau Montelena
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who's-who of the French wine establishment gathered in Paris for a blind tasting of French and American wines. When the scores were tallied, the top-ranking white wine was Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay. Montelena today continues to be a quality benchmark in Napa Valley, producing some of the finest Cabernet and Chardonnay in California.
Gary Farrell Winery
Russian River Valley, California
For over 40 years, Gary Farrell Winery has crafted small-lot artisan wines capturing balance and stylistic elegance from some of the finest vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. Since 2014, the current owners have been dedicated to enhancing Gary Farrell’s legacy with a single-minded focus on quality, relying on rigorous vineyard selection, outstanding grower relationships and superior quality fruit.
