<![CDATA[ Patland Vineyards ]]> http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.bloglist Patland Vineyards Blog en-us Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:57:42 -0800 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:00:00 -0800 Loosely Based On Ray Camden's BlogCFC http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss hpatland@patlandvineyards.com hpatland@patlandvineyards.com The Wine Culture http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=5f62c446-020b-1d41-7d45-0d4e0cb784aa
Times are changing, the world is growing, people are adapting, and soon our generation will be lost. The youth of today are growing up in a fast-paced, ever-changing society. The world is being shaped by a superficial community of pop-culture and much of what is considered “in” today contributes to the devolution of the global community. On a daily basis, we take our queues from technology and an ambiguous cloud of social media. Yet, there was a time when people were not consumed by the media spot-light. People used to be able to slow down in a day and admire the nuances of life. They could appreciate what is so commonly taken for granted in our day to day lives. A large number of those people belonged to what is called the “wine culture.” The wine culture dates back to Old World Wine, the period in time when wine had just begun in early Europe and even ancient Greece. Since then, wine has long been associated with intellectualism, considered a catalyst for discovery. In a world of gourmet food, fine weather, and quality company, wine has served as the inspiration for literature, music, visual arts, and much more. It is difficult to say now whether the wine culture is growing or dying. On one hand, wine has been eclipsed by a generation of binge-drinking. On the other, the New Wine World is booming. Throughout the major wine regions, from France to the Napa Valley, wine is a delicacy that continues to thrive, especially as new wine markets begin to open in global consumer giants, such as China and India. Regardless, it is critical that the life-style and art that is wine continues to grow. It is our responsibility to preserve the wine culture and acknowledge its major contributions to the global society, ranging from its inspiration of creative pursuits to its unification of the modern community.

Thanks for Reading!
]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:00:00 -0800 http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=5f62c446-020b-1d41-7d45-0d4e0cb784aa 2008 Vintage Release http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=14df5a6a-0bb3-7956-afda-c8e17404750e
For those of you that know me, you’re probably aware that I’m attending Santa Clara University. So it goes without question that I had to bring some friends with me to such a momentous event. After a long night of “revelry” on Saturday,  I recall waking up Sunday morning to an obnoxious, piercing, stream of sunlight crossing my bed. In my dazed state, I wandered out to the balcony. After an excruciating few minutes, my vision finally adjusted and I was able to fully realize the beautiful day that lied before me. I proceeded to wake my friends and bring them up to the main house for breakfast. They didn’t make it much past the pool. Astounded by the view, the three of them simply sat and looked.

The four of us were quickly lost in Napa’s panorama, as the hills seemed to roll out boundlessly. We snapped out of our trance when we heard the first car driving up the mountain. After the arrival of that first couple, the party just grew. As the people seemed to multiply, the music played louder. Sounds of the Gypsy Kings and Frank Sinatra flooded the vineyard. Everyone comfortably toured the property, wine in hand. But of course the wine couldn’t be drunk alone. Head-Chef at Brandon’s Restaurant, Philippe Reynaud, created a delectable assortment of wood-fire pizzas, complemented by bacon-wrapped prunes. All together, it was quite the delicious experience.

I have a belief that the wine culture is not simply about wine. In fact, it is the intricate interplay of people, wine, food, atmosphere, music, art, and so on. There is no place more in tune with the wine culture than Patland Estate Vineyards.

Thanks for Reading!
    ]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:28:00 -0800 http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=14df5a6a-0bb3-7956-afda-c8e17404750e Château Beau-Séjour Bécot http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=5f668d7f-b95d-c995-4637-6f0c07bc1f19
We were driving along a dirt road, for about ten minutes, before we arrived at the winery. It was a tall, white building. I recall the way one wall served as a canvas for the golden sign that read, Château Beau-Séjour Bécot. We walked in and were immediately greeted by a man named Michael, who introduced himself to be our tour guide. After reviewing the Bécot family history and once again spelling out the wine making process, it was time for the tour. From the vineyard I could see the bell-tower of the St. Emilion Church, as well as the neighboring Chateau Canon. We took our time walking the grounds, as Michael explained to us about the limestone terroir, the eighteen hectare property, and the varietals of grapes grown (70% - Merlot / 24% - Cabernet Franc 6% / Cabernet Sauvignon). But none of it compared to the wine cellar.



Michael led us back inside and then down a stairwell. The light grew dimmer and the air crisp, and moist. It occurred to me I wasn’t just entering a cellar, it was a cave! I looked up and could see the vine roots digging down through the ceiling and I could hear the echo of my own footsteps resounding through the caverns. Just then my eyes were drawn to a magnum bottle, set just beside a lamp. Next to the bottle, four skulls. It just so happened that back in the day, these caves served as limestone quarries. After that, they were used as dumping grounds for bodies. We made our rounds through the twists and turns of the cave and then, finally, came up for air.



Our next and last stop was their tasting room, and all the while we were drinking, I couldn’t stop thinking about that wine cellar. I rarely see caves that feel so undisturbed. Still, there is something to be said for the wine. We only tried one; it was a 2007 Premier Grand Cru. I recall it was a bit tannins forward and if I had to divide the flavors into two parts, I would say cherries and almonds. Delicious.

I’d say that sums up the highlights of Château Beau-Séjour Bécot. Hopefully I’ve even inspired some of you to take a deeper interest in French wine and Chateaux.

Thanks for Reading!
]]> Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:48:00 -0800 http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=5f668d7f-b95d-c995-4637-6f0c07bc1f19 Château Valandraud http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=3af78209-0692-21a0-cef4-6a7594273f92
First we were taken around the establishment, so I’ll tell you a bit about that. When the family originally bought the property in 1989, it was approximately half a hectare (1 Hectare = 2.4 Acres). Personally inspired by Chateau Petreuse, the family worked twice as hard to succeed in the wine world. What they lacked in contemporary technology, they made up for with diligence. Despite working out of a garage, Murielle was constantly out in the fields with the workers, cropping her vines as delicately as if they were bonsai trees. In 1993, Parker recognized them as one of the best wines of Bordeaux. Since then, their success has wildly taken off, with the original winery growing, as well as new ones erected under the same ownership.



After the tour, we were led further into the town and directed to a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, owned by Chateau Valandraud. We stepped in and immediately four bottles were pulled out for us to begin tasting. The first was a 2008 Merlot called Chateau Bel-Air-Ouÿ. While a few pleasant flavors did arise, I ultimately found it too young. The nose was missing, the color was too dark, and it simply needed time to mature. The second bottle, also a 2008 Merlot, was called Chateau Fleur Cardinale. While I found it more drinkable, a trait I attribute simply to its being a Merlot, I still found an undeveloped and blunt taste. It lacked complexity. The third bottle, however, impressed me, a delicious bottle of half and half Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The label was simple, a drawing of a rooster in an old suit framed by the words, “Clos Badon Thunevin.” For a 2008 vintage, I found it drinkable right away. But more interesting than the taste, was the smell. This wine was marked by such a refined aroma of coffee and crème that I might as well have been sitting over a cappuccino. We finished off with a bottle of Chateau Sansonnet, a 2009 Merlot. Amongst almond flavors and a tannic quality, I found this wine to have potential. But for now, it needs time to round out. Our experience was not over.



Browsing the wine selections, we were told about two white wines the vineyard had in production. The first was €75 and the second was €25. The bartender told us she preferred the second, and offered for us to taste it. The wine was fantastic! A Burgundy-style Sauvignon Blanc. It was crisp, straight, and had  flavors of salt, minerals, and peaches! In addition to what I tasted, there was a sort of rebel enjoyment in trying the forbidden fruit of Bordeaux wines. Well, maybe not forbidden, but certainly not recognized by the appellation. The production of this wine was both an ambitious act by Chateau Valandraud, as well as a prohibited one by the appellation. For me, it was this white wine that made the experience.

So now you’ve heard about my first tasting in Bordeaux, next time I’ll share some notes about the others. In case anyone is interested, the name of that Sauvignon Blanc was JTL No. 2, I imagine for Jean Luc Thunevin (the owner).

Thanks for Reading!
]]> Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:57:00 -0800 http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=3af78209-0692-21a0-cef4-6a7594273f92 Sales, Marketing, and Wine http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=2183dc54-978d-276c-e67f-3de12449992a
Well first of all, the flaws aren’t so obvious. Politics tends to cloud peoples judgement, and in this case it’s done just that. The chateaux on top, whether they merit their place or not, will not give up their titles. Just as well, they’ve done an excellent job fooling the general public into believing that they continue to be on top based on quality of wine. This is not to say that all Chateaux no longer deserve their ranking; as the system did originally rely heavily on terroir, there is a valid basis for the general rule. Most of the problem is in holding back new wineries. For the most part though, these titles, such as Premiere Grand Cru Classé, have become little more than price indicators. Caliber of wine has become a whole other story completely.

Simply put, the result of French classification was mass confusion. Note though, something positive did come from this. As new wineries came about, and wanted recognition for the quality of their wines, they broke apart from the system. These unclassified wineries were called “garage wineries,” named literally after the garages in which they were started. A pioneer of this movement in the Bordeaux region was Chateau Valendraud, the first winery I visited on my tour. The significance of such stand-alone wineries is that they could make a name for themselves, regardless of the system.

The logic behind that comes from marketing strategy. The majority of Bordeaux sales depend on classification. A wine called Grand Cru specifically will sell better than one called simply Bordeaux. On the other hand, supply and demand dictates the sales of garage wineries. While a large Chateau must depend on négociants and the bulk of foreign market, a small-production winery can rely on focused and local sales and marketing. Careful not to misunderstand, this is not how it began. Originally, these wineries were launched by Robert Parker and international press, with export sales pushing their success; the result being the ability to stand alone. The difference between French wine country and Napa Valley, is that Napa adopted that idea whole-heartedly.

Garage wineries began popping up all over Napa; soon they were called “boutique wineries.” Personally, I understand the small winery approach much better, as I am a co-proprietor of one. Our strategy was to build up our name on our own, from the ground up. But we were hardly the first ones to do it; almost every Napa vineyard has taken on this approach, one based solely on the reputation derived from the quality of wine. So I’d say Napa’s got the right idea.

With that, I’ll end my brief lesson in wine marketing. Next time, as promised, I’ll start going into some of the specific Bordeaux wineries, beginning with the one I mentioned earlier, Chateau Valendraud. I’ll comment on their wines specifically, but I’m also hoping to give a better idea of how a small production winery really functions.

Thanks for Reading!
]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:22:00 -0800 http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=2183dc54-978d-276c-e67f-3de12449992a Before Bordeaux http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=f48e471a-9e05-448d-ae45-d84b2ae4b27a
Among the first of the topics to be discussed was the French method of classification. For example, what is an Appellation of Origin or how does a wine become a Grand Cru? Well to give a brief definition, an appellation is a country, state, county, or any foreign equivalent. The significance of such labeling on a bottle is the following: 1) 100% of the volume of wine comes from grapes grown in the given appellation 2) The wine is fully finished in the appellation of origin 3) The method of production and designation of the wine conforms to the laws and regulations of the appellation. In short, the appellation of origin is a tool used to establish the hierarchy of classification.

Above I gave the technical description, but in reality, the appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) bears significantly more weight in the wine world. The AOC is a French quasi-government committee in charge of dividing regions into appellations. These appellations, as an organizational tool, then apply to most food products, not just wine. For the sake of wine though, this system was established to “protect the identity of and safeguard the purity of the character of the products of select regions.” After understanding all of this, it soon became apparent how this system was actually corrupting the hierarchy of wines.
   
A region (ex. Médoc) has sub-regions (ex. Pauillac). A sub-region can have sub-village appellations. A sub-village appellation has individual wineries (ex. Chateau Lafite Rothschild). Every so often, these appellations would be reevaluated. In 1855, trouble struck, because for some reason, the classifications of that year stuck. At that time, select Chateaux were established as Grand Cru, meaning “great growth.” There were five levels of Grand Cru, including first growth, second growth, etc. Over time, society dropped those levels and a Grand Cru simply became a Grand Cru. So back to the question, how does a wine become a Grand Cru? Well, it can’t. Regardless of the quality of the wines in the future, the Chateaux deemed Grand Cru have been dubbed a permanent reputation. Now, while other wineries may arise and yield fantastic wines, they can never bear the same pedigree. In that way, proper ranking of wines has become blurred.

I hope that as fellow wine enthusiasts you found this enlightening. As for next time, I’d like to compare and contrast some of these ideas with the philosophies of Napa Valley. Before giving my opinions of Bordeaux region wines, I think you could appreciate a background in the logic that typically backs my reviews. The central theme will be the influence of the AOC on the consumer, and perhaps how it led to the rise of garage wineries.

Thanks for Reading!
]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:52:00 -0800 http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=f48e471a-9e05-448d-ae45-d84b2ae4b27a Welcome to WineBoy! http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=cf657955-da40-c44e-d80a-e6b30a229431
Now, my first thought when deciding to take on this endeavor was, “who could find the opinions of ‘WineBoy’ credible?” The reason I can guarantee the validity of my ideas is, plain and simply, few people have been lucky enough to grow up with the same exposure to the wine world as myself. Just to offer a taste of my background, my family purchased a winery in 2007, Patland Estate Vineyards. That year I made my entry into the wine community with my own design for our family’s wine labels. Since then, the reputation of our “boutique winery” has sky-rocketed, and I’ve been there every step of the way.

To count another blessing, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn from such experts as Jay Bounacristiani and Jack Daniels. Jay is the head-winemaker for Patland Estate Vineyards, as well as his own family’s production. Not to mention, former head-winemaker at Hess Collection. Currently he is in charge of producing our Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Proprietary Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, and possibly a Malbec in the near future! Jack Daniels on the other hand, the same man we purchased the Terra del Cuorre property from, was a partner at the prestigious Wilson & Daniels wine import and export. This makes him not only an expert on the wine community of my local Napa, but also of wine countries around the world. Thus far it’s been a pleasure learning from such connoisseurs, and I hope to meet many more.

Lastly, anyone who’s known me long enough knows I have a reputation for traveling. So I pride myself on having visited some of the most prominent wine-countries in the world. I’ve sat in Argentina before the snow-capped Andes tasting fine Malbecs. I’ve stood before the Sydney Opera House enjoying the native wines of the “land down under.” I’ve even traveled across the various wine regions of France, experiencing the Grand Cru of Bordeaux and the Champagnes of Champaigne. But this is only the beginning, because I’m only a wineboy.

Hopefully that introduction was sufficient, and now I’d like to give you a heads up on what’s coming. Presently I’m touring the Bordeaux region of France with my family. We have plans to visit a variety of wineries here, both for exclusive tours and private tastings. After each one I’ll be posting my reviews for you to see.

Thanks for Reading!
]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:40:00 -0800 http://patlandvineyards.com//index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogentryid=cf657955-da40-c44e-d80a-e6b30a229431