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The Colour And The Shape

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  • Posted: 7/16/2017
  • Categories: Wine
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Sometimes, the planets align and everything falls into place.  In this job, on certain days, a rep will amble into your store, and bring you a lineup of wines that just says, “Have a nice day, my friend.”  Such it was when we got a visit from the Spire Collection, the wines the Jackson Family represents that are the all-star team of California wines.

Nestled in the cellar, with rest of the Four Horsemen of wine (JJ’s Beer & Wine Director, Ed Vinson, Eastgate Beer & Wine Manager Todd Wiggs, Fairfield Assistant Beer & Wine Manager T.J. Askren, and of course, yours truly), we sat there, jaws agape, at a roster of amazing wines from Jackson Family’s Spire Collection, wines we don’t normally get to try that often.

Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder 2013.  A little something from Napa Valley that just shines.  Winemaker Chris Carpenter (of Lokoya and Cardinale fame) accentuates gorgeous mountain fruit with this bold, luxurious red.  Considering its pedigree, the price tag is quite paltry in comparison.  

Galerie Latro Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley 2013.  Winemaker Laura Diaz Muñoz learned a lot from Chris Carpenter, yet her talent soars on her first solo venture.  This well-structured, deeply concentrated red highlights the often-overlooked richness and beauty of California’s Knights Valley.  Amazing stuff!

Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard 2013.  Pierre Seillen is one of my heroes, I must concede.  This Bordeaux winemaker came to the states and unleashed a majesty on California winemaking to which I have found difficult to compare.  This gorgeous, mountain fruited Cab is rich, layered and absolutely stunning.  

Verité Le Désir Sonoma County 2013.  I said it before and I’ll say it again – Pierre Seillen is one of my heroes.  This Cabernet Franc-driven wine is transportive, emulating Saint-Emilion’s structure and grace like no other in California can.  Each and every time I try this wine, I feel like I catch the ever-slightest glimpse at what the Elysian Fields may look like.  If stranded on a deserted island and this was all there was to drink, I wouldn’t have a care in the world, not one until my dying day.

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