Enobytes Wine Blog

When I was a young man, I used to preach the atrociousness of the varietal of Merlot being produced as a stand-alone wine circa 1985-1989. I will actually admit that back then, I would hold up Bordeaux wines as an example where Cabernet ruled and Merlot took a back seat. How uneducated my claims were back then especially with the facts being St. Emilion and many St. Julien’s consist primarily of Merlot and these regions have continued to make standout wines vintage after vintage. That would make my limited education obviously challenged and all the rants ludicrous and unsubstantiated. To all the new-world produced Merlot and all the Bordeaux regions I may have slighted, I officially apologize.

Now on to new business, I recently weighed in on some wholesale grape price disparities in Napa, primarily the gap between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, $2300-4500 per ton on Cab and only $1400-2500 for Merlot. Some Cabernet even went for a whopping $39,000 a ton. In my opinion, the Merlot retailing in the $25 –$35 price range far outshines comparable Cabernet at the same price point. Who is getting rich here? Is the real joke 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 »