Tercero Wines — this is a new one on me. And no wonder since Larry Schaffer, owner and winemaker of Tercero has only been working under his own label since 2006 and “really did not put 100%” into the brand until 2012. But Larry is no stranger to the winemaking business. Though originally in the educational and trade publishing industry, he made the courageous career leap to enology and is the former Enologist for Fess Parker Winery where he was once dubbed “Winemaker to Watch” by my very own SF Chronicle. But Larry’s real dream was to make his own name in wine with his own label. Again, Larry made a bold decision — he left the big-name brand and started Tercero.
Tag: white wine
Balletto Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2013
This is just another story of me discovering Sonoma wines. There are just so many — the adventure will never end (that’s a good thing in my book). Balletto is a name I’ve hard around in my world of wine chatter, but have never had the opportunity to taste. So when I found this reasonably priced Chardonnay at the local grocery store, I thought — well, why not?
Kunde Family Winery Sonoma Valley Chardonnay 2014
I feel like Kunde is one of those big family names that has now become synonymous with Sonoma County wines. And it’s no wonder, since the Kunde’s have been harvesting grapes in the area for over a century. But despite their well-known name and prosperity, the Kunde Family Winery is still, in fact, a family winery, run by 4th and 5th generation Kundes. And as such, each wine is an estate-grown and 100% sustainably farmed. Maybe that’s why this seemingly simple Chardonnay provides not just depth of flavors, but depth of soul.
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2013
“Any time you drink Grgich Hills,” I told my partner in wine crime, “you’re drinking a bit of California wine history.” So much more so when sipping on their Chardonnay seeing as how original owner and winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich has been called “The King of Chardonnay” since founding the estate back in 1977. So, needless to say, this wine’s reputation preceded itself and I was (probably over-) eager to see what “The King” is producing today.
Crux Winery Alexander Valley Viognier 2014
On a recent visit with Steve and Brian at Crux Winery, I was reminded of how and why their wine is so amazing. Of course I couldn’t leave my visit without a bottle (or two, or three, or four…). One of the stand-outs, for me, is their 2014 Viognier. It’s unlike any other Viognier I’ve come across in taste, texture…and sight.