Poseidon Vineyards & Obsidion Ridge

This is a unique winery that sources from both sea level of Carneros/Napa and the high altitude in the Red Hills AVA Lake County.  This gives a truly diverse array of wines to taste from.  Not only that, but the owners happen to own a cooperage in Hungary and all their wines are aged in their own oak. This adds even greater separation from other wineries.  I don't know any other wineries that own their own cooperages.

You will find this place on Arnold drive just south of the Hwy 116/121 cutoff, commonly known as the crossroads.  It is in between Anaba and Cline vineyards.   There is a conclave of winery tasting rooms, art exhibits, shops and a restaurant.  This makes an easy one stop shop to satisfy your food, shopping needs, art and, of course, wine.

The owners are three guys (two brothers and a friend), who are farmers, coopers and winemakers.  They started farming the Carneros area in mid 1973, and purchased the lake county property in the 90s.  From Carneros they grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are exceptionally elegant, complex, with a nice light touch of oak.  I get apples, lime, and a minerality that shines through.  "The Bench" Chardonnay has notes of lemon curd and pear tart characteristics.  Sounds like that doesn't work together, but it goes to the complexity of this chardonnay.  I'd add that the pear tart would have nutmeg in the crust, owing to the earthy nuttiness that is deep in the finish.
The Pinot Noir had a nice garnet color, yet somewhat transparent. Aromas of strawberry and rhubarb.  The palate was of red berries with a nice balanced acidity, with a nice soft spice lingering at the end of the finish.
The chardonnay and pinot noir are the Poseidon vineyard line.  That is an homage to the king of the sea, as the vineyards are at sea level.
Climbing into the sky, we find ourselves in Lake County and with the Obsidion line.  The reason why it is called the obsidion line, these vineyards are in a high elevation above 2300', in red volcanic soils littered with large chunks of obsidion.  The vines struggle in the arid conditions, high elevation, and produce a smaller berry.   This gives a higher skin to fruit ratio and imparts completely different flavors that lower elevation irrigated grapes.  It also imparts more minerality and a noticably deeper color than you would expect.   The varietals they produce there are Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and some Petite Verdot.

All of these wines are big, full of flavor, and rich in color.

What I liked the most was the 2012 Syrah.  It had it's own thing going, with blackberries and black pepper coming to my mind, with a cocoa finish.  I thought I got some mint on the nose when it opened up.
We tried two different Cabs that were amazing.  The Obsidion Estate 2011 held deep dark color, with roasted red pepper, black plum and just a touch of caramel.  "The Slope" Cabernet 2012 was more fruit forward, more fruity aroma, less vegetable-y, red stone fruit, and baking spices and vanilla.

I also tried the 2011 proprietary blend, "Half Mile Red Blend".  It is a nice blending of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot.  I can't call this wine red.  It is so dark it is black.  You can call it what you want - I declare it to be black.  :)  We'll both agree that it is amazing.

I look forward to returning and bringing some good friends to experience this gem.

http://www.tricyclewine.com/

Cheers!
 

Campovida

I have been here many times.  Was once owned by Fetzer, but now independently owned.

My wife and I found this place while heading to Lake County to explore.  And we have returned many times.

What I love about this place is that due to the microclimate of the area they are able to produce a wide range of varietals.  From Cabs and Zins, to a few Italians, and a few Rhones.  This place is close to my heart, as they carry Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne and some blend of Syrah.

As you drive up 128 outside of Hopland you will see a sign that draws you in.  Parking will be a little confusing at first (hint:  keep to the left all the way in and it takes you to the correct parking lot.)

In front of the winery is a wonderful big pergola with picnic tables beneath.  Vineyards surround the entire property.  And then you realize after looking around that it is not only a winery and tasting room but a vacation resort.  There is plenty to explore on the resort, as well.  There is an organic garden with hidden picnic tables, a very nice trellis covered with the same varietals that grow around the property, a little lake, and many pathways to meander with your glass of wine.  The landscaping though out the entire property is immaculate and pristine.  They take real pride in the grounds.

I have been here many times with friends and family.  One of my favorite things is to bring a group, get a bottle of wine, and have a picnic out on the grounds.

Now, I should probably focus a little on the wines and winery experience.  I come back here because I am treated well and the wines are good.  The tasting room decor is barn/industrial with reclaimed wood, nice beams, copper countertops that patina changes every time, a big stump table and nice seating.  There is a display of the local produce from the property depending on time of season, local honey and olive oils from the property.  So you truly get the experience of farm to table and taste of terroir, from produce to the wine in your glass.  Their tagline is "Taste of Place" and it certainly fits once you get to know Campovida.

The vintner, Sebastian Donoso, is Chilean and is wildly talented.  He came over from nearby Saracina Vineyards and was hired by the new owners to create wines in line with their vision for Campovida.  He brings a wonderful touch to his wines, nurturing the grape to its full potential without overworking the wines.

The winery is sustainable, biodynamic and very family friendly.

Want to like more of Campovida?  They also have a pizzaria in Hopland and a tasting room in Oakland.  Cheers!