John and his wife Nancy acquired the property in 2002. They saw the potential of the place and undertook remaking a long neglected vineyard into a visionary winery. In 2010 they started production on the estate, and the following year opened the winery. But that is not where the story of their winemaking started. John and Nancy started making wine at their home in Sonoma in the 90's and giving it to their family as gifts. Their progression into world-class winemakers started with this very first effort.
As I mentioned earlier, the winery is fenced and gated. It is opened by appointment only. They specialize in mainly Rhone and Bordeaux blends and a field-blended Zinfandel.
The production that the winery chooses to go by is the best quality grapes. So, you have quality over quantity. Only a portion of the usable land is currently under vine, as they purposely utilize only the choicest parts for the best quality yield. They do not claim to be a biodynamic winery, but they use a lot of the best practices from that type of winemaking. They utilize owls for rodent control, cover crops for nutrient replenishment, and although they use water for a landscaping feature, are sparing in their use of excess water.
When you sign up for a tour they meet you at the front of the winery. You are greeted warmly by staff and offered a class to start your journey. Your guide tells you the history and starts the story of Lasseter. He takes you outside and you start the tour in the vineyards. He shows you the features and consideration taken for the grapes and land. Then takes you down into the winery itself and into the production area. Let me stop here for a moment. Although it is a small winery (ok, small, ultra-premium in my book) the barrel room is pretty stunning. High walls, perfect lighting, artwork, and that wonderful smell of grapes, oak, and perfect humidity. That room in itself is quite an experience for the senses.
Ok, moving on. While in the barrel room I had the pleasure of getting a barrel sample of their Malbec. Divine, especially when experiencing it in that room.
Then we moved upstairs into a very nicely appointed conference type room, dedicated to a wonderful tasting experience. We were seated in comfortable chairs and presented with carefully considered pairing snacks for each wine. (an aside, if you are gluten-free they are happy to accommodate you, just ask.) Each wine is presented with a specific pairing and you are guided through proper tasting technique without feeling as you are being schooled, merely guided.
They poured their entire offerings. All were delicious in their own right, but two spoke to me - Enjoué and Chemin De Fer.
Enjoué is a dry rose of Syrah, Grenache and Mouvedrè. It is made in a classic rosé style of saignèe. There is a wonderful crispness of fruit, with strawberry and mango interweaving with pleasing acidity and a long finish. The name Enjoué means "joyous" in French.
Chemin De Fer is a deep dark blend of Grenache, Mouvedrè and Syrah. What is wonderful about this wine is that it is not the big fruit bomb most GSM blends are made into locally. It is softer, approachable, with a wonderful feel. It is like wearing a nicely worn leather jacket that doesn't look it. I can enjoy this with or without food.
"If you go here you like wine. If you like wine, then you will go here."
http://www.lasseterfamilywinery.com/
Cheers! VinoBrotha
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