He called it an "incredible value and a must buy" at $14. Cindy gave it four out of five stars and said it "tastes more expensive." Tony thought it drank more like a $30 or $40 bottle.
Elena and her team are highly conscious of the environment and make sure the winery meets or exceeds every standard for emissions. Water is re-used for irrigation. The goal is to have a completely sustainable winery.
We walked around, exploring every nook and cranny we could. Attention to detail is evident everywhere. There's a sense you've stepped back in time and you can almost hear the sounds of the old west. We gathered inside the intimate chapel. We soaked in the magnificent views. We picked up a wine glass and met in front of the carriage house and sipped on Homan Ranch 2012 Sauvignon Blanc before heading down the hill for dinner at Will's Fargo Steakhouse, a restaurant and bar that dates back to the late 1920s when it was owned by Will Fay.
We ended the evening with a yet to be released wine, 2011 "The Phantom" from Lorenzi Vineyards in Temecula. Al loved the nose and the wine. Chris commented on the dark ruby color with chocolate and dried cherries on the nose and thought it was nuanced.
Flavors include "Pompous Pomegranate", "Giddy Garlic Cracked Pepper", "Oh My Yum Orange" and several others including seasonal offerings like "Classy Clove and "Wild Cherry" made with Maraschino cherries and bourbon.
Brian called it "superb, unbeatable at the price." Kim called it smokey, leggy and oaky. I liked the expressive nose and picked up cherries and berries.
"The farmers come in the back door with dirt still on their hands." It just doesn't get any fresher. The culinary team takes field trips to farms, not just locally, but around the country.
