Enobytes Wine Blog

Independence Day 2010 brought big expectations from the start to the finish — activities, wine and cuisine. No let down here. A yellowfin tuna appetizer with pickled ginger, tamari and wasabi led to a seriously grilled Kobe steak and a Port demi-glace served with all the accompaniments any great steak should have like a baked potato with fresh chives, apple wood smoked pepper bacon and sour cream served with grilled fresh corn on the cob.

A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Stonestreet’s winemaker Graham Weerts move to Sonoma County took him to the far side of the globe. However, the similarities between the two areas’ climate, soil-type and arduous growing conditions made him feel immediately at home. ~Stonestreet Wines

The 2006 Stonestreet Christopher’s Alexander Valley Cabernet was a perfect pairing for the steak; a bit of a bruiser with enough elegance to get the job done. This wine rocked it in a serious way; strong and solid the Alexander valley fruit brought the terroir of Sonoma greatness and will rival all challengers from Napa.  I ‘ve personally experienced the rift between the two AVA’s recently and was surprised at how deep this annoying but prevalent dispute goes on. Read the rest of this entry »

If you have not seen or heard of Eric Guerra wines, you soon will. Inspired by passion, his new line offers prestige small-lot artisan wines that represent the diversity of what Sonoma County wines have to offer. In his lineup, he offers wines that balance between elegance and intensity.

Guerra’s 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, also released this month, is rich and complex with fruit picked from Demattei Vineyards on Pine Mountain. The estate is located on the southwestern slop of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. The Pinot Noir eludes delicate yet complex characteristics, which displays how this varietal can thrive in a microclimate produced at JMT Vineyards in Russian River. The Pinot Noir is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2008.

Entering into the professional wine business as the Brand Manager at Kendall-Jackson, it was there where Eric gained a phenomenal amount of experience in the wine industry. It was also there where he experienced a moment of inspiration; a revelation that would change his life forever. His journey leads him to an ever-challenging venture of opening his own winery and creating wines that inspire.

In this interview, Guerra answered questions about his journey leading up to building his own brand as he shares his passion for his new endeavor. Read the rest of this entry »

The driving question going into 2008 about wine, for me, revolves around integrity. Wine producers have surprised me this year in their ability to market wines that happened by mistake or the cellar rat mixed two tanks. Oreana’s Red Table Wine, from Santa Barbara (available at Trader Joe’s), the label reads mistake or fate, and then they launch into a tale of two tanks being mixed. Wasn’t that the story behind the Non-vintage Chardonnay from the Paso Robles Winery "Eos" (Novella)?

Regardless of the story behind the wine, the bottom line becomes, is it good wine at a price-point that represents value? The value of integrity continues to be challenged regarding consumers and wine producers. It does not only reflect on the producers. Consumers have their own concept of marketing integrity now believing the best quality can be mirrored at any level. A good example would be this scenario; the most asked for wine this year was Rombauer Chardonnay. Well not actually – the question usually goes like this, “My favorite wine is Rombauer Chardonnay”. I always reply, “Regrettably, we do not carry that wine” and most often the customer replies with “what do you have at less than $10 that will taste like Rombauer”? My response is always the same, “nothing", at its current asking price of $30 there is a reason I do not sell anything as good at less than $10. The wine is phenomenal and undervalued. Rombauer continues to make wines that represent integrity year after year.

Hands down, the favorite Cab people ask you to mirror would be Silver Oak “Napa
Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon again at less than $10. Read the rest of this entry »