Wine and Food Adventures

Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California
14.4 % Alcohol
Tasted 2017-05-29

Medium ruby red; some light rims. Restrained wild berries presented in a harmonious way. A little bit of bacon; in the background notes of an odorous smoking lounge. On the palate melting fruits I never recognized before. Long, animating with an aristocratic freshness. Terrific.

This reserve Cab improved dramatically since I tasted it the first time in October 2016 at the winery. Already at this time the wine was very good but far away from the "World Series" level on which it presents itself at the moment. The comparison with the MLB is not by accident. In case your team will reach the "World Series" in 2017 or in the next ten years the Cab is a nice alternative for celebration. Of course as part of an adequate BBQ.

Napa Valley, North Coast, California
14.8 % Alcohol
Tasted 2017-06-05

Deep, dark cherry red with some light rims. Extremely young. Lots of blackberries, very dark chocolate and a hint of mocha. The tannins are already well-integrated, but the youthfulness of the wine is obvious. While the wine offers nice creaminess, a certain aggressivity is given. Typical for young Napa Cabs. However the finish is long and smooth with an animating tone of Darjeeling. Fascinating.

The slogan behind this wine project is "AD VIVUM, where wine and life meet". Ad Vivum is a cooperation between well-known winemaker Chris Phelps and fifth-generation farmer Larry Bettinelli, who is the owner of the Sleeping Lady Vineyard just south of Yountville - the source of this Cab. The name shall express the "mystical intersection of wine and life" by the Latin words AD (toward) and VIVUM (Vivere, to live plus Vinum, wine).

One can argue that any new wine project is looking for a slogan for promotional reasons. But it seems to me that the situation here is different. Why? Because the Ad Vivum is not another big, bold Cab. Although the wine has nearly 15 % alcohol, a royal elegance is given. Far away from the usual "give me a lot of points after five seconds tasting" attitude. This wine needs time. A lot of time. And as I mentioned before patience is needed. Wait another two years or decant it for a minimum of three hours. Total lifetime 15 years plus.

At the moment I would pair the 2012 Ad Vivum with braised lamb shoulder. The hearty version!

Russian River Valley, North Coast, California
15.0 % Alcohol
Tasted 2017-06-03

Clear, medium ruby red. Nearly no maturity tones visible. Intensive aromas of ripe black cherries; a little bit like a Black Forrest cake. Or even better: A brownie with pickled cherries. Also some floral notes recognizable and in the background some cinnamon. On the palate: Fruit explosion! An insane mix of fruit acid and spiciness paired with an amazing freshness. Neverending finish. Bravo!

I bought this bottle on the winery years ago. The tasting at Martinelli was very remarkable for three reasons. First - of course - the quality of all wines. But even more the philosophy of the Martinelli people. The Pinots were poured before the Chardonnays. It was the first time for me that the wines were presented in that order, but it makes absolutely sense. Last but not least it was also the first time in California I discussed the microclimate topic in a tasting room - and I learned a lot about the microclimate situation in the Russian River Valley. And this helped me over the last five years to understand the relationship of this fascinating area and its grapes. Thanks for this.

Coming back to this outstanding bottle of the "Moonshine Ranch" Pinot. The wine is absolutely on the top. I don't think it will improve further. Drink it now and pair it with a rib eye steak. And forget any Cab recommendation for this kind of pairing.