Fallbrook Winery in a Sweet Microclimatic Spot
If you have ever traveled through the Italian Tuscan Hills as I have, finding the storied vineyards can be a challenge. You may encounter dirt roads, signage that disappears and tucked away villas hidden by hilly vines. Cell phones are a must in these situations, and as I got within a few miles of Fallbrook Winery, the call for help went out.
It was my first journey to Fallbrook Winery and was I glad I made the visit.
This is a profoundly different winery that has a business plan and knows where they have been and where they are going. The owner, Ira Gourvitz, who came from Sonoma where he made some notable Chardonnay, purchased the winery and made his first wine here in 1998. He hired Duncan Williams as his winemaker in 2001.He had success at Robert Mondavi, Montevina and Shenandoah.
Duncan had a knack for purchasing great grapes from other appellations in the state for Fallbrook Winery’s list, while cultivating estate grapes for the future. The duo have entered a large number of competitions with outstanding results, while boosting production to upwards of 30,000 cases with emphasis on the Fallbrook Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Reserves.Pricing is very attractive in comparative shopping. 12 acres have been planted on the property, about 1000 feet above sea level, with northwest exposure. Last year, they planted a large area devoted to that ubiquitous Italian varietal, Sangiovese, which will be harvested this year. An additional 19 acres has been purchased for future growth. The upscale bottling and label machine can put out one thousand cases a day and is a sight to see.
Although the Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and Chardonnay have picked up platinum and gold medals, I focused on a truly delicious Merlot, the 2005 Reserve, with 80% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet and 4% Syrah. Grapes come from the Central Coast vineyard of Fess Parker in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara and are aged 14 to 16 months in French and American Oak Barrels.
This is an unusual, penetrating deep cherry flavored Merlot, very smooth to the palate with easy to handle mouthfeel. Its finish begs for more, in the finest tradition of this noble grape. The cost is an equally easy $16 dollars.
A tasting room is located in the aging cellar bulding and is open by appointment only. Call the winery at 760-728-0156. More information is on the web at www.fallbrookwinery.com.
One person who will be sure to get to know Fallbrook Winery is Linda Kissam who has just been named Executive Director of the Fallbrook Area Visitors Bureau. Linda and I became friends when she led the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association for 8 years. She is a great addition to the Fallbrook area and its future plans.
Aussie Winemakers Face a Tough Harvest
The worse drought in over a hundred years will lead to a significant drop in grape volume for Australia’s harvest this year. This ends a grape glut that has flooded the market with an ocean of wine from Aussieland. Some observers say this will be a good thing in the long run for the country’s wines, which in my judgment had suffered in quality while putting downward pressure on pricing.
The U.S. is Australia’s biggest market and now ranks second in wine imports just behind Italy. The weather hit is likely to also affect 2008 as the stricken vines won’t be budding anytime soon.
The Local Sip
Wine Street in Carlsbad is planning a special 2003 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet tasting Friday August 3rd from 5:30 to 8pm. This in-demand 2003 is an amazing vintage. It goes for the introductory price of $59.99. Call 760-431-8455 for cost of the tasting. In other WS news, Chuao Chocolatier will occupy a section of the shop with fine Venezuelan Chocolates. And on Friday July 27, they will be tasting wines from Chile and Argentina. Cost is $15 per person.
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High end Italian wines will be served at the bustling Bacchus Wine Market and Tasting Room in the Gaslamp in downtown San Diego, Friday July 27 from 4pm to 9pm. It’s all about Brunello, Barolo, Amorone and other greats. $35 per person. Make contact at 619-236-0005.***
The important Critics Challenge wine face-off is Wednesday August 1 from 6pm at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. It’s an international wine competition result, from April of this year. You’ll taste the winners along with a finely created dinner. Cost is $69 per person. RSVP’s at 619-557-3723.Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
