Calmere Estate Winery: Outstanding Property Producing World Class Wines

Calmere(Calm Sea) Estate Winery is owned by the Peju family. This winery has a majestic location with outstanding views of San Pablo Bay and produces world class wines. 

Our host today was Derek. He was very knowledgeable and bursting with information about their ‘great’ wines.

We experienced an extensive tasting of these great wines on comfortable couches sitting outside overlooking their sensational and heavenly vineyard.  Some highlights of this tasting included a sparkling Rose that was a smooth blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.  We also enjoyed the 2017 Reserve Chardonnay that had a smooth and oaky finish.
In addition, we especially enjoyed the 2016 Clone 667 Pinot Noir from Carneros. Being a Cabernet lover, this is a rich full-bodied Pinot. All 3 of these wines came home to Danville with us.

After our tasting, we enjoyed lunch at nearby Boxcar. The fried chicken and waffles, fried oysters, root beer floats and honey pecan pie lived up to their reputation for ‘greatness’. It was also very fun enjoying these fantastic foodie delights in a casual setting complete with picnic tables. 

For more information and to make an appointment go to: 
 https://www.calmereestate.com/

Napa: Gemstone Vineyard

 

Recently, my wife Linda and I visited Gemstone Vineyard in Yountville. Long time Northern California residents, the Marks Family, purchased this Napa Vineyard in 2008.

Well known Napa Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown creates 3 worldly acclaimed wines, Heritage, Alluvial and Ruby Red Selection on this pristine 16-acre property. 
 
Per the web site, “Like every precious stone, every wine is unique.” 
 
Shauna was our knowledgeable host today. We enjoyed her passion and joy as she explained the details of these world class Cabernets and the history of the estate. We were treated to a side by side tasting in the newly remodeled tasting room overlooking their vineyard on a sun splashed morning. 
 
We tasted the 2016 Heritage and Alluvial 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were rich, full bodied wines with exceptional smooth finishes that were a joy to sample. The Heritage had an inky rich color and was bursting with multiple fruit flavors. The Alluvial was more complex with a sensational structure designed for any future special occasion. 2016 is being described by wine critics and vintners as a near-perfect growing season in Napa.
 
We especially enjoyed the Heritage and took a few bottles back to Danville with us. We would highly recommend tasting both of these wines to our wine enthusiast friends.

After the tasting, we enjoyed lunch at the famous Thomas Keller’s newest Mexican restaurant in Yountville, La Calenda meaning ‘celebration’.  

The decor and service were warm and friendly. It was also very fun watching these Mexican masterpieces being prepared in their open kitchen.

We especially enjoyed the mushroom and fish tacos, margaritas and churros for dessert. There are no reservations required and they are open every day for lunch or dinner. 

For more information and to make a reservation, go to: 
http://www.gemstonevineyard.com/