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
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • 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
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Markus Niggli of Markus Wine Company
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Michael Phillips of Michael David Winery
Lodi wines are the new disrupters, dedicated old-timers and fired-up young winemakers, both looking to shake up what you think you know about California wine.  Over three days, I visited several producers and tasted lots of wine, and was blown away by the cornucopia of varietals, sheer quality and relatively low price that these wines represent.  I was so impressed by the dedication and passion of a community where wine is a way of life.
Michael David Winery
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If there is one Lodi winery that most people can identify with, it’s Michael David Winery.  Brothers Michael and David Phillips, fifth generation Lodi grape growers, realized in the 1990’s that they were selling more wine than grapes, and jumped into the winemaking business in a big way, becoming the largest premium winery in the area.
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Seven Deadly Zins put them on the map, an experimental blend of seven different growers’ Zinfandel fruit, which became wildly successful.  Easy drinking at a lower price point, it served as an inspiration for more wines in the same vein, catchy names and colorful labels, such as Freakshow, Sixth Sense Syrah, and Petite Petit.
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Michael Phillips conducted a grand tasting of his Michael David wines
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Over lunch at The Farm Cafe at Michael David Winery, Michael Phillips shared why he thinks his wines are so well-received.  “We make what I call “Lodi-style”, well balanced wines with a purity of fruit, some complexity, touch of spice, and not too much oak.”  But even though Phillips eschews the use of too much oak, Michael David uses the finest French oak barrels, which adds an elegant spin to the wines.  And now, with the purchase of Bare Ranch, almost 1000 acres of vineyards produce fruit exclusively for the brand, in addition Michael David buys grapes from over 40 other Lodi growers, all 100% farmed according to Lodi Rules.  With an annual production of over 700,000 cases, there is something for everyone.
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Outside of the flagship everyday wines, which are the meat and potatoes of the operation, higher quality wines are crafted, in the guise of the Earthquake and Inkblot series of red wines, such as Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, and Petite Sirah, along with a small lot production of Lust Lodi Zinfandel and the occasional, only in an exceptional vintage Rapture Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Michael Phillips tasting his Ancient Vine Cinsault in the Bechthold Vineyard
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There is also an Ancient Vine Cinsault and Carignane, a nod to Lodi’s original winegrape plantings, in addition to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Symphony white wines.
Oak Farm Vineyards
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Although Oak Farm Vineyards has been around since 1864, the Panella family are the relative newcomers on the Lodi winemaking block, officially launching the label in 2009.  With a sleek new winemaking facility and tasting room, Oak Farm is an expression of modern Lodi, currently producing 14 white and red wines.
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Dan Panella of Oak Farm Vineyards
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Head Winemaker Chad Joseph
Dan Panella, owner and winemaker, comes from a farming family, which has grown cherries, nuts, and grapes in the area for decades. He outlined their goals, “We have 14 different varietals we grow on our 70 acre property.  We’re trying to do our best job, just trying to push the envelope on what Lodi can do.”  Head winemaker Chad Joseph observed, “What’s special about Lodi, you get that perfume type of character, for example, with the Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll get some citrus at first, but after a bit of age in stainless steel barrels, that perfume will come out.”  To develop that complexity, Joseph picks the Sauvignon Blanc from Mohr-Fry vineyard at two different times, one pick more grassy and subtle, the second one, more tropical fruit, when blended together, it reminds him of his wife’s perfume.
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Chad and Dan are pushing the envelope on Lodi wines
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Panella is focused on evolving Lodi winemaking, tinkering with different yeast strains, blending different vineyards and AVAs, French and American oak aging, and what he considers his secret weapon, stainless steel Italian barrels.  In addition to producing wine, Oak Farm has added hospitality areas, to facilitate wine tourism and tasting, and renovated the historic barn to host private events.  Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, and Chardonnay make up the whites; Barbera, Grenache, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, and Petite Sirah comprise the reds and blends.
Acquiesce Vineyards
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Winemaker Sue Tipton (Second from left) sharing her wines and story over dinner at Towne Housee Restaurant with wine writers
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Acquiesce Picpoul Blanc
Winemaker Sue Tipton’s epiphany wine was a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape blend.  In fact it made such an impact that she decided to plant the same Rhône white varietals in Lodi, and played at recreating that same magic in a bottle.  Focused mainly on the white Southern Rhône grapes of Picpoul Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Clairette Blanche, and Bourboulenc, Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards makes a small production, in fact so small that Tipton sells out of wine within six months of release and has to close the winery until the following year.  Advised that she would never stay in business unless she had a red wine in her lineup, she added a Grenache Rosé but stood firm in her conviction that Lodi’s future was in white wines.  Tipton felt vindicated when wine author Oz Clarke identified Lodi as a potential source of great white and rosé wines based on their soils and climate, capable of producing mineral wines with bright fruit, high acid, and a long finish.  So Acquiesce became Lodi’s only dedicated white wine winery, winning acclaim and awards along the way, a Gold Medal Best of Class of the Region for the 2016 Grenache Blanc and Best Viognier in California for the 2015 vintage.  And the Belle Blanc is Tipton’s interpretation of the French wine that started it all, a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier.
Fields Family Wines
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Ryan Sherman introduced wine writers to Fields Family Wines over dinner at Towne House Restaurant
Small lots of wine, made from estate grapes that are lovingly tended to, is what the team of Russ Fields and Ryan Sherman wanted to do from the beginning with their Fields Family Wines.  Focused on Rhône varietals in their own vineyard, they buy fruit from well-regarded local vineyards to make the kind of wines that interest them.  Mostly it’s a minimalist approach that really spotlights the vineyards, native yeast fermentation and neutral French oak as an example, but eclectic experimental winemaking is what Sherman enjoys.
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And no better wine to illustrate this than the Bechthold Vineyard Cinsault, picked early, foot treaded, chilled, semi-carbonic maceration, whole cluster pressed, native yeast fermentation, aged in neutral French oak, and bottled in March following the vintage.  It seems like a lot of tinkering but it’s fresh and vibrant, a purity of fruit that is truly perfume in a bottle.
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Sherman didn’t start out as a winemaker, but developed a love for wine through his travels, falling hard for Vermentino in Sardinia, and now makes one from Delu Vineyard, in addition to a Grenache Blanc.  The Estate Syrah channels the Northern Rhône, Sherman explained, “ This is a Côte-Rotie inspired version, with Viognier to give a little lift, a lot of people don’t identify this 2014 as a Lodi wine, it’s pretty, with violets, red and blue fruit, for Syrah, it’s a happy place.”
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He also thinks that Tempranillo might be the next big thing for Lodi, “If Napa Cabernet is king, I think Lodi Tempranillo deserves a rightful shot at the title, it has structure, elegance and ageability.”  Fields Family’s version fits the bill, aromatic with a dusty rose petal elegance, not Rioja style but something special in its own right.  In addition, a highly rated Old Vine Zinfandel, GSM Blend, and Big Red Proprietary Blend rounds out the current Lodi lineup.
Harney Lane Winery
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Kyle Lerner of Harney Lane shows wine writers what's left of the Lizzy James Old Vine Zinfandel morning harvest
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Harney Lane Winery & Vineyards embodies the transformation of Lodi from a farming community to a wine region.  For over 120 years, these 100 acres have been farmed by the Mettler family, one of the original founding families of Lodi.  When Kyle Lerner married Jorja Mettler, they joined her parents in transforming the family business to something that was entirely their own, from winegrowers to winemakers.
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Kyle Lerner in the middle of a morning harvest
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Kyle Lerner pours fresh pressed Lizzy James Old Vine Zinfandel juice for wine writers
Lerner noted that the journey started in 2006, “The Lizzy James vineyard is what started us in the wine industry, it was neglected, and we couldn’t get anyone interested in buying the fruit out of there.  We asked Chad Joseph to come make a barrel of wine so we could market the vineyard, we knew the potential of it, and after, we decided we're going to open a winery.”
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Harney Lane makes an Old Vine Zinfandel port
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Starting with the Lizzy James Old Vine Zinfandel, a bold, brambly, spicy beauty, Harney Lane has expanded its award-winning lineup, producing two whites, an Albarino and Chardonnay, a rosé, and nine reds from Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Primitivio.
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Kyle Lerner reflects on his family's connection to the land
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The fruit is all estate grown, and Certified Green through the Lodi Rules program, something the Lerner/Mettler family is very proud of.  Lerner affirmed, “We live on the land that we farm, we drink the water that’s underneath it, we eat the fruit that’s grown on it.  We already knew that we were sustainable, we didn’t have to change anything that we were doing, other than a lot of paperwork.”  Since Harney Lane still sells 90% of its fruit to other winemakers, adhering to Lodi Rules is a bonus.  Lerner explained that this multi-faceted program has been good for business, “Lodi is motivated by family concerns, economics, and how to sustain for the long run.”   And for the Lerner/Mettler family, they hope to be making wine here in another 100 years.
m2 Wines
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A sleek new winery and tasting room among the vineyards belies the dedication to old world winemaking craft at m2 Winery.  Layne Montgomery is leading the artisanal charge, making uncommon wines that taste of the specific vineyards.  Afficionados of characterful single vineyard bottlings appreciate the Soucie Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel, highly regarded for its plush, earthy and layered palate.
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Layne Montgomery (L) and Ryan Sherman (R) discuss their Lodi Native wines with wine writers
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Montgomery participates in the Lodi Native program along with five other winemakers, and a tasting of six 2014 individual vineyards, bottled under the Lodi Native label, provided an interesting study of Old Vine Zinfandel fruit.  Maley’s Lucas Rd, Wegat, Soucie, Marian’s, Lot 13, and Stampede vineyards exemplified the differences in Zinfandel from the East Side and the West Side; the East more red berry fragrance, acidity and structure, the West more floral and spice, rich and earthy.  The winemakers feel that this approach is educational for them and the consumers, making them better winemakers in the future, as they can change what they do in the winery that will bring out the best of the vineyard’s fruit.  Since no winemaking techniques are used, such as fining/filtering, and only native yeast for fermentation, what you get in the bottle is pure vineyard expression, with no winemaker interference, it makes for fascinating drinking. ​
Bokisch Vineyards
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Liz and Markus Bokisch
From humble beginnings to today’s shining winery on the hill, Bokisch Vineyards characterizes the spirit of Lodi, an avant-garde approach to winemaking in a region of history and tradition.  Markus Bokisch grew up with a love of Spanish wine, spending his school summer breaks with his family in Spain.  These experiences left a lasting impression on him, and he eventually returned with his wife, Liz, to work in the Spanish wine business in the early 1990’s.
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Graciano in Las Cerezas Vineyard
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Fired up with their appreciation of Iberian wine grape varietals, the couple returned to Lodi, and bought Terra Alta Vineyard in the Clements Hills area, where in these foothills overlooking the valley, a variety of microclimates and warmer temperatures seemed the perfect fit for their business plan.  Bokisch explained, “ These volcanically derived soils here in the vineyard are good soils for Mediterranean varietals, that’s why we’re here, we sought this site for its soils.”  Initially planting Tempranillo, Albariño, and Graciano from Spain in the Las Cerezas Vineyard alongside their home, the Bokischs added more vineyards and varietals, Verdejo, Verdelho, and Garnacha Blanca for the whites, Garnacha and Monastrell for the reds.
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They’ve ramped up their production, garnering legions of fans and awards along the way.  Within twenty years, Bokisch has expanded and evolved, farming over 2000 acres of wine grapes across most of the Lodi region, and selling most of those grapes to over 60 winemakers, broadening their range to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec and Pinot Noir.
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For their own brand, 15 wines are produced from this bounty of grapes, including three single vineyard versions of Albariño, an Old Vine Zinfandel, and a Red Blend.  Bright and aromatic wines, multi-layered with fruit, structure and spice, zesty whites, a captivating Rosado, sophisticated reds with complex flavors, it’s easy to see why Bokisch is so widely admired.
Lange Twins Family Vineyard & Winery
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Brad and Randy Lange, Courtesy Lange Twins Family Vineyards & Winery
From five generations of winegrape growers to today’s state-of-the-art winery, the Lange family is laser focused on the future of Lange Twins Family Vineyards & Winery.  Twins Randy and Brad currently helm the operation that has morphed into a multi-approach business model, beyond growing and selling winegrapes, they offer services such as vineyard management, bulk wine sales, custom winemaking, and production of private label wine.  Randy explained, “We have a lot of business dials that we dial.  The bulk wine business and making other wines is 90% of our business.  The generational investment is 10%, we are a big winery with a very small case program.”  This revolution in business as usual happened over a decade ago, as Randy observed, “We made a family decision for future generations to market the grapes that we grow.  The only way is to make wine.  So we made that decision as a generational one, as a generational investment as well.”  Going into winemaking in a big way, Randy is looking out for the future of his children and grandchildren, “ The goal of the family was to take the grapes that Lange Twins farmed and sell it as wine.  We will sell it as case goods, we will sell it to you if you want your name on it, make a wine profile to your taste, and bottle it here, using Lange Twins grapes.  We also sell bulk wine, if you drink Napa or Sonoma wines, you’ve probably tasted Lange Twins and Lodi wine, because Lodi is the blender and extender for a lot of different programs where we add a profile to their wine blends that they can’t get over there, so they come over here, and blend us into their programs.”
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Courtesy Lange Twins Family Vineyards & Winery
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Courtesy Lange Twins Family Vineyards & Winery
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Courtesy Lange Twins Family Vineyards & Winery
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Courtesy Lange Twins Family Vineyards & Winery
Today, this bustling empire has a lot to offer with their wines.  Currently, 23 varietals are grown, certified sustainable under Lodi Rules, with a rotating cast of wines, 16 under the Lange Twins label, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Moscato for the whites, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Nero d’Avola, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vine Zinfandel, Teroldego, and Bordeaux blends for the reds.
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The 2011 Centennial Old Vine Zinfandel is the 105th vintage of Zinfandel from the Lewis Family Vineyard, planted in 1903, and is supple and complex, reflective of what old vine fruit brings to wine, concentrated, rich, and velvety.
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Randy Lange and Patricia Decker exploring Lange Twins wines over a fabulous multi-course dinner
Randy is a food and wine pairing devotee, joined by winemaker David Akiyoshi in their desire to make food-friendly wines that are expressive in their aromas and flavors.  Lange Twins seeks to stand the test of time, as Randy envisions his legacy, “I’m sure my grandkids will see the day when we won’t sell bulk wine, because we will produce it all ourselves.”
Mettler Family Vineyards
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Courtesy Mettler Family Vineyards
One of Lodi’s oldest farming families, the Mettlers are winegrowers and winemakers of the highest caliber.  Certified sustainable with some vineyards organic, they also experiment with unusual varietals to Lodi, such as Aglianico and Pinotage.  Keeping 5% of the best of what they grow for their Mettler Family Vineyards label, the family produces three whites, Albarino, Chardonnay and Muscat Canelli, and eight reds, Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, a GSM, Pinotage, Aglianico, and a Red Blend, bottled under their label.
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Adam Mettler of Mettler Family Vineyards
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Winemaker Adam Mettler found the unique wines resonate with wine drinkers, “People are digging Pinotage, it is our most popular tasting room wine.”   Aglianico, grown next to the tasting room, is according to Mettler, “a testament to Lodi’s ability to grow a lot of varieties well, it’s very structured with a high acid component.”
Mokelumne Glen Vineyards
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Wine writers sneak a taste during a vineyard tour
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These vineyards along the banks of the Mokelumne River, farmed by the Koth family, are some of the most unusual vines in the Lodi area.  Like an encyclopedia of wine grape varietals, these rows of vines at Mokelumne Glen Vineyards, sporting signs of 51 different varietals and clones, offer a rare opportunity to taste German and Austrian wines through the lens of Lodi.  Affectionately called The German and Austrian Collection by the Koth family, many of these grapes are varieties most wine drinkers have never heard of, and some are crosses, christened with their original German names, such as Grauburgunder aka Pinot Gris.  It’s a living winegrape classroom, where maybe only 6-8 vines of each varietal grow, an experiment with what works and what can be improved.  This was not the path the Koth family originally chose, yet it is one that found them.
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Bob and Mary Lou Koth
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Brad Koth gives wine writers a tour of the back end of the vineyards
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Bob Koth flanked by Mary Lou, Ann Marie, and Brad
Life changed for the Koth family in 1989, when Bob Koth visited his daughter, Ann Marie, who was attending college in Maintz, Germany.  He experienced an epiphany over lunch with a glass of Riesling, and felt compelled to learn more about German wine.  Bitten by the wine bug, Koth returned to his farm in Lodi, and studied and consulted with other home winemakers, determined to recreate that moment of discovery in his own backyard.  Over time, Bob, his wife Mary Lou, son Brett and daughter Ann Marie, found themselves immersed in winegrowing and winemaking, the proud owners of probably the most complete collection of German and Austrian winegrape varietals in one place, across the US and possibly the world.
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Brad Koth leads a tasting of wines from their vineyard
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Sidecar Kerner
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Uncharted Bacchus
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Markus Wine Co. Nimmo
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Phil Silver of PRIE Winery
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PRIE Dornfelder
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Markus Niggli of Markus Wine Company makes several wines from Mokelumne Glen
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Hatton Daniels Rosé of Dornfelder
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Hatton Daniels Blaufränkisch
Today, they no longer make wine but under Brett’s management of  the vineyards, Mokelumne Glen’s fruit is in high demand among small production winemakers, such as Markus Niggli of Markus Wine Company, Jason Holman of Uncharted, PRIE Vineyards and Hatton Daniels, to mention a few.  The white wines are beautiful; floral, mineral, and saline with an acid-sugar component that is so refreshing.   Under the trees, alongside the vineyards, a chance to sample several bottles, illustrating what Mokelumne Glen fruit can become in the hands of talented winemakers.  Markus Niggli poured two enchanting Kerner/Riesling/Bacchus blends, Nativo and Nimmo, and a captivating Bacchus.  PRIE offered a floral Gewurztraminer and inky Dornfelder, Jason Holman poured his perfumed Uncharted Bacchus, and a Hatton Daniels trio of wines, a fascinating, delicious and improbable Rosé of Dornfelder, a feral Zweigelt, and a funky Blaufrankisch, all so intriguing!
The Beauty of Barbera
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Barbera was explored over lunch at Pietro’s Restaurant, with several winegrowers and winemakers in attendance; Dan Panella of Oak Farm Vineyards, Stuart Spencer of St. Amant Winery, Steve Borra of Borra Vineyards, Tom Hoffman of Heritage Oak Winery, and Lani Holdener of Macchia Wines.
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Barbera wines from Oak Farm, PRIE, Heritage Oak, St. Amant, Borra Vineyards, and Macchia flowed, along with a Barbera Rosé from St. Amant, which demonstrated how food-friendly Barbera is.  It’s high acidity, balanced with full fruit flavors and a tart edge, perfectly pairs with Italian tomato-sauced dishes, allowing the food to shine.
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Additional Italian varietal wines were tasted, with Sangiovese by Oak Farm Vineyards and Macchio Wines, while Borra brought a great field blend, Borra Heritage, all co-fermented together, a melting pot of aromas and flavors.  Hoffman brought a rare Charbono, a rich smooth wine, very different in flavor, with dark fruit and hints of black licorice.
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Wine Tasting at Michael David Winery
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Winegrower Bruce Fry and winemaker Stuart Spencer in Marian's Vineyard
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From vine to the glass, writer Barbara Barrielle experienced the Bechthold Vineyard
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A warm welcome from Kyle Lerner of Harney Lane Winery
Fabulous wines that taste twice the price, an unassuming wine region that welcomes wine pilgrims, a place where winegrowers and winemakers share their knowledge and love of the vineyards, Lodi Wine Country should be on every wine lover's list.  It's exciting, and with so much to offer, it's a chance to drink varietal wines that you've never heard of, experience the exhilaration and passion of a new wave of winemakers, and feel the strong sense of history and community that percolates through their wines.