Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
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Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant


A historic vineyard, a chance encounter, and a shared vision of the wine that could be, Crocker & Starr of Napa Valley is celebrating 20 years of harvests in 2016.  An artisan, small production, all estate wine portfolio reflects the excellent soils of the property.  You’ll find the five Bordeaux varietals here, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, in addition to Sauvignon Blanc.  Winemaker and co-owner Pam Starr shared her wines and her journey with wine writers over lunch at AOC in Los Angeles.


What started as a field trip and scouting expedition for Pam Starr, almost 20 years ago, led to a vineyard discovery that forged a partnership.  In 1997, Starr, with a soil map in hand, found herself at the Crocker Vineyard in Napa Valley.  A self-proclaimed “dirt connoisseur”, Starr, winemaker for Spottswoode Winery, recognized this St. Helena vineyard had the right stuff.  After all, wine grapes had been grown on the property since 1872, under the Dowdell & Sons Winery, which produced brandy, wine, and hops in its heyday.  Fast forward to 1971, when San Francisco businessman Charlie Crocker bought the estate and set about returning the property from fruit and nuts to wine grapes.  Crocker loved Bordeaux wines, and replanted the estate with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  Tinkering with winemaking and vineyard development for other wineries, Crocker recognized a kindred spirit in Starr at a fateful meeting two weeks after her field trip.  Anxious to spread her wings across Napa’s winery landscape, Starr was enamored with a Cabernet Franc vineyard within Crocker’s estate, which sealed the deal, and their partnership was born.    


Crocker & Starr has woven a tapestry of success, Crocker’s grapes with Starr’s winemaking expertise.  Much has been done to improve the soils, with organic and sustainable farming practices at the top of the list, incorporating wildflowers that attract beneficial insects, bees, and lady bugs to keep the vines healthy.  All vineyard work is done by hand, including harvest, which is done at night, to protect the berries from heat.  Gentle vinification methods are used, with various techniques depending on the vintage.  For Crocker & Starr, this is Old World winemaking with New World fruit.  Released three years after the vintage year, the rich and dense red wines reflect the sense of place and care they receive.
    
Sauvignon Blanc was a late add to the roster of Bordeaux grape varietals grown on this 85 acre vineyard.  Planted in 1998 on four sites from cooler lower valley and warmer upper valley vineyards, Starr has had great success with the wine, with the 2004 vintage coming in at #12 of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2006.  Starr notes, “A lot of people have tried to copy the Crocker & Starr style of Sauvignon Blanc”.  What she describes as “my guava limeade pure version of Sauvignon Blanc” has brought many  “anti-Sauvignon Blanc people back to the Sauvignon Blanc table.”   And although a lot of attention has been given to this Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Starr says, “I don’t think anyone’s ever going to get famous on Sauvignon Blanc, but I believe we can bring fame to the grape by bringing great, delicious wine to the table.”  The 2015 Sauvignon Blanc is juicy and ripe, with tropical fruit aromas of guava and mango, pear, and lemon peel, refreshing in its acidity and minerality, it finishes long and round.   


The grape varietal that really captured her heart is Cabernet Franc.  Tasting Bordeaux barrel samples in the early 1980’s, Starr marveled at how delicious Cabernet Franc was on its own, and wondered why the Right Bank Chateaux were hiding it in their blends.  She came away with a desire to make Cabernet Franc wines at home, and found a chance to fulfill that dream with Crocker.  She made a Cabernet Franc that first year in 1997, and continued to improve the wines each year.  Tasting through an evolution of vintages, the 2004, 2011, and 2013, you’re struck with how excellent the wine is as a straight varietal, with its powerful aromas of ripe blueberry, violets, and clove and cardamom spice.  The 2004 Cabernet Franc, with its savory bouquet, good acidity, and integrated tannins, is a captivating wine, whose earthy notes on an extra long finish is fabulous for those who love a wine with some age on it.  The 2011 Cabernet Franc, a challenging vintage across California, slowly reveals its charms.  An elegant and complex wine, with aromas of ripe black raspberry, violet and rose flowers, nutmeg spice and tea, it’s powerful, yet lush and velvety.  Balanced acidity rounds out the berry compote, cocoa powder, and baking spice flavors, with a nuanced, lingering finish of red fruit, leather, and earth, a really spectacular wine.  The 2013 Cabernet Franc, in relation, is a young wine, with raspberry and blackberry fruit, tobacco, and spice.  Starr notes that 2013 was “a very luxurious vintage”, a winemaker’s dream where everything goes right, producing textbook quality fruit.  Powerful and balanced, this wine will age well for the next decade or two, improving upon its texture and depth in the glass. 


“The Casali” 6th Edition 2013, a Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc blend, is a fantastic wine, redolent of black plum and exotic spice at first whiff.  Dark berry compote, tobacco, and a savory note of beef jerky follow through on the palate, with silky tannins framing the dark chocolate and licorice finish.  “The Casali” series of exclusive wine blends are crafted as a thank-you for wine club members.  “Casali” is Italian for “farmhouse” but translates to party barn for Crocker & Starr members!  The original brandy house on the property has been renovated and annointed “Casali”, or “House of Celebration”, a gathering spot where good friends and great wine come together.
  
The Crocker & Starr Cabernet Sauvignon “Stone Place”, made from 25-year-old vines, is what both partners feel is their crowning achievement.  Napa Valley Cabs are renowned world-wide for their elegance, power, and finesse, and this wine provides the holy smokes moment of the tasting.  Rich blackberry fruit, with rosemary, vanilla, and dark chocolate accents floating on a sea of smooth and complex tannins, this is a slightly mineral, concentrated wine whose finish resonates for a long time.           


Starr is very proud of what she and Crocker have built, noting “I created a winery that has never had a cash infusion and is actually built by the public.  My customers have built Crocker & Starr and I owe them a huge thanks.”  Every year, Crocker & Starr throw an appreciation party for their Casali Wine Club members.  In addition, she encourages people to come visit the estate, to see the magic for themselves.  “We’ve created what I call ‘Touch the Vines, Taste the Wines’ so that people can experience why these wines are so distinctive.  When you take them to a vineyard, they get to touch a plant, they get to understand how that plant becomes that wine, and you sit them down to a table that’s made from trees that have fallen on the property, and everything is organic.  Organically elegant”.