OK - After getting over a few technical delays, we are back on track and gearing up for a great fall season. The audio quality for this podcast is a little low, as it turns out one of our microphones died during the recording process. Our audio Engineer Tom Krymkowski did a great job with what we gave him, but there was only so much he could do. We decided to release the podcast as is, rather than leave you high and dry for a whole week. We hope you like it. Regardless of the quality of the recording, the Savannah-Chenelle is one of our favorite wineries thus far. Very family friendly (we both have young kids) and very scenic. Check it out if you are in the area.
00:00 Intro
01:01 Savannah-Chenelle
01:40 2003 Estate Chardonnay
05:13 2001 Pierre’s Ghost Red Table Wine
10:27 2001 Pinot Noir, Armagh Vineyard
11:45 2001 Pinot Noir, Laetitia Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley
14:12 Review of tasting room
16:05 Aroma Wheel
17:33 2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
20:17 2001 Estate Cabernet Franc
24:45 2001 Estate Zinfadel
27:23 2002 Syrah Port (Yummy!)
29:50 Wrap-up and summary of visit
31:37 Exit Music
32:11 Accident Hash Promo
32:16 The Reverse Engineers - The Same Path
On this trip to the Santa Cruz Mountains, we visit the Savannah-Chanelle Winery (http://www.savannahchanelle.com/index.html) located in Saratoga, only 14 miles from central San Jose. The Savannah-Chanelle Winery was originally founded in 1892 and currently sits on about 58 acres, comprised mainly of Pinot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfadel, and Chardonnay vines. Anthough they produce several different varietals, they are well known for their Pinot’s. Some of these vines date back as far as 1910, and the Cabernet Franc is reportedly the oldest stock in California. The winery is nestled in the hills of Saratoga at an elevation of 1200 feet in the Santa Cruz mountains. On site there are numerous picnic tables and a generous grassy area suitable for picnics. The wine shop sells cheese, meat, soft drinks, as well as other wine related nic-nacs. This is a very family friendly environment and kids are welcome, with a multitude of books and a few games to keep them occupied while you sample wines. During the weekends, a pianist adds to the atmosphere by providing background music.
The wines that we sample are:
2003 Estate Chardonnay, $28.00
This is an Estate wine, grown from a vineyard that was planted in 1976. The rare use of Hungarian oak brings a unique character to this wine.
2001 Pierre’s Ghost Red Table Wine, $9.00
This is a blend (70% Syrah and 30% Zinfadel) and “shows a fusion of its indiosyncratic components”.
This wine is named after the founder - Pierre Pourroy - who according to legend lurks in corners and checks up on his wine-making operation from the grave. It was this Red Table Wine, that his nephew Robert Pourroy was making when we was overcome by CO2 when punching down the grapes and fell into a vat, eventually drowning in 1942. Needless to say, the BODY of this wine is excellent.
2001 Pinot Noir, Armagh Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, $28.00
A three-time award winner (2005 CA State Fair-Bronze Medal, 2005 SF Wine Competition-Bronze Medal, 2005 SF Chronicle Wine Competition-Bronze Medal), this wine brings aromas of ripe red bing cherries, wioth a hint of nutmeg and vanillia and a hint of cinnamon on the finish. Moderately earthy, and very delicatable.
2001 Pinot Noir, Laetitia Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley, $25.00
Flavors of cherry and Tobacco start this wine off well. Also a three-time award winner. (2005 CA State Fair-Silver,2005 SF Wine Competition-Bronze, 2005 SF Chronicle Wine Competition-Gold).
2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $22.00
Deep rich color, “..in the mouth there is a burst of flavor arcing into a sublime finish. The mouth feel is Silky and Sensual, as it should be…” Bold, spicy and aromatic. A great pinot, and is Joe’s pick of all the Pinot’s that were available.
2001 Estate Cabernet Franc, Santa Cruz Mountains $28.00
Some of the oldest vines in all of California. The vines were planted in 1920. Sutble notes of Cedar and pine. Pomegranite and cherry undertones are also prevalent.
2001 Estate Zinfandel, Santa Cruz Mountains $28.00
Balanced with white pepper and jamminess. Oakiness scent is definitely prevalent.
2002 Syrah Port, $28.00
Winery Notes: Our first port after seven long, dry years. Decadent to the point of moral oblivion, this wine melts souls. In the glass, overwhemingly indulgent waves of Belgian chocolate and cherry fruit seem to some directly from some deep, dark place in the earth. On the tongue sinfully, silky expressions of berries, vanillia, carob, and sloe coat one’s mouth and make the outside world seem like a very silly thing indeed.
Anything that is “…Decadent to the point of moral oblivion…” needs to be sampled, caressed, and enjoyed, in our opinion!
Once again, special thanks to the Podsafe Music Network for turning us on to this next artist, The Reverse Engineers and their song is “The Same Path”. Influences of this band include Peter Murphy, The Fixx, and the Police.
Savannah-Chenelle Winery
23600 Congress Springs Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2934
Google Map
Tasting is available daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have the time, take a walk up the hill to the vineyards for a breathtaking view and a look at some old vine Zinfandel. Tours for 10 or more people are available for $15 a person, which includes an 18.5 ounce crystal bordeaux wineglass.
That’s all for today, as always, please let us know if you like what you hear, have suggestions, or would like us to review a particular winery. You can drop us a line at guyandgirl@gmail.com
-A Guy
Audio Engineering by Tom Krymkowski, podmixer@mindspring.com
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