TEMECULA – 45 WINERIES IN 45 DAYS (WEEK 7 – THE BABY WEEK)
Unfortunately our crazy ride through the wineries of Temecula has come to an end. Only 3 this week to cap off a very enjoyable project. Although these 3 are located quite close to each other, the experiences that each offer could not be any more different. Other than Altisima, you will need to make an appointment to taste, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Try them out and let me know what you think….Cheers, and thank you for coming along
BAILY WINERY ESTATE – We’re counting down the last few wineries in this wild ride. If you’ll recall, we stopped by the main Baily Winery on Rancho California Rd, a number of weeks back and truly enjoyed our time there. With your Baily Winery Estate visit, you will receive an entirely different experience. Utilizing their Meritage wines over the past half dozen years or so, you will experience what I believe, to be the only vertical tasting offered in the area (could be wrong, but I’m not aware of another) for 6 years of Meritagal bliss 😉 In my quick visit I did not go through the whole process, but I was able to try 2, which I describe below…
2016 Meritage –
Aromas of grape jelly and ground dried thyme. Velety smooth of the pallet with some raisin and white pepper notes. Finish is long and elegant
2012 Meritage –
Aromas of wet sage and green olives. Sneaks across the pallet with some plums and cracked pepper. Lightly coats the tongue with delicate tannins and an unassuming finish that lingers for some time
The vertical experience at Baily Winery Estate is by appointment only, and is not always available, so be sure to plan ahead. Don’t miss out on this unique experience
SWEET OAKS WINERY – I’m guessing for most, if not all of you, Sweet Oaks is the best winery in Temecula that you’ve never heard of. Open daily but by appointment only, Sweet Oaks Winery is located just south of the De Portola Trail and is definitely worth the effort to find. Bottling of some new and intriguing wines was occurring while I was there, so the hustle and bustle was in full swing. But based on the surroundings (a very serene ranch) I’m guessing it’s usually quite calm. My tasting was of 3 whites and 2 reds and my thoughts are as follows…
2017 Chardonnay –
This wine spent a good amount of time in stainless before being transferred to new oak to create a little warmth. Pear and green apple on the nose. The pear remains with a little added banana on the pallet. Nice rich finish.
2020 Pinot Grigio –
Gorgeous orangish hue. Tropical fruit and light honeysuckle aromas. Nice citrus tang on the pallet with a slowly fading finish
2016 Zinfandel –
Strong, rich fruit with a blast of pepper, a gorgeous aroma. Pepper coats the tongue with a splash of raspberries. The spicy finish completes the picture
2016 Malbec –
Very fragrant, notes of baby powder and black licorice. Nice fruit on the pallet with some tobacco. A deceptively sustaining finish
2019 Viognier –
Aromas of white peaches and pink grapefruit. Stone fruits juices on the pallet. Minimal sugars that taper off nicely throughout the finish
Tastings at Sweet Oaks Winery may run you a bit more than others, but you are provided with a personal charcuterie “box” (delicious) and an amazing selections of top flight wines. I invite you to seek out this hidden treasure
ALTISIMA WINERY – Altisima Winery is the newest winery in Temecula, and though not open quite yet, I felt it would be a fitting way to cap off the 44 Wineries in 44 Days Project. So cheers to the “newest kid on the block”! 🍷. Beginning life as De Portola Estate Winery, the decision to change to Altisima Winery was made quite recently, and in my opinion for very good reasons. Bottles (as seen in my images) still read De Portola however. I was able to tour this beautiful property with Chris and Haley and see just how close things are to opening. I was also able try some of the first wines made by Altisima (De Porotola Estate)
Perezoso –Freshly cut melons on the nose. More cantaloupe comes through on the pallet with a light creamy texture. Hints at sweetness but never goes there. Finish is longer than many of your typical whites. I believe Perezoso in Spanish means lazy or very relaxed. Hmmm…
2018 Enamorado –
A 50/50 Cabernet and Cab Franc blend. Aromas of tobacco, raspberries and white pepper. Some black cherry and fennel on the pallet accompanied by light tannins. Finish is tame but lengthy
2017 Tempranillo –
Aromas of ripe berries with tanned leather. Dried herbs and cherries on the pallet with no discernible tannins. Finish is light but has some length
These wines were created by a former winemaker, so styles and varietals have been changing and many of these “newer” wines will be available upon their opening. Look @boozepress for news of a full length feature piece on Altisima Winery and it’s history only on boozepress.com, as we move closer to the opening of this gorgeous winery