Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/26650
Welcome to the Blogosphere: Karl’s Corner Fifth-generation Wente winemaker Karl Wente has come up with a solution that puts him in direct communication with the winery’s customers: a blog, which he updates frequently with everything from his tasting notes to refl ections on what it means to be “zen” at Wente Vineyards. Here’s an excerpt from Karl’s January 5 entry, which explores and compares the winery’s four current Livermore Valley Cab releases: I am extremely proud of our 2008 Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon ($15) because it is priced in the same comfort zone as the taste of the wine itself: plump with black currant varietal fruit aromas (that is, like dried, briary blackber- ries) with suggestions of black cherry and cinnamon toast. What makes it “Livermore” is the round, pliant feel to its plump fruit qualities—very straightforward, like an uninhibited adolescent—yet the wine fi nishes perfectly dry, medium body, with fi rm tannin underpinnings and a little touch of tobacco (ah, the indolence of adolescence!). We will follow Karl’s blog over the course of the year, but for full entries and insight into what makes this winemaker tick, be sure to check out www.wentevine- yards.com/blog. M ost winemakers would agree that the opportunity to communicate directly with the people drinking their wines is an invaluable gift—and one not easily attained outside of tasting rooms and private dinners. Karl Wente, Fifth Generation Winegrower at Wente Vineyards. Thomas C. Wilmer has just published a unique new book on Livermore Valley wineries, includ- ing Wente Vineyards. The Wine Seeker’s Guide to Livermore Valley (RiverWood Books, $18.95) is an invaluable guide to this region, which remains one of California’s best- kept secrets. Watch for future contributions from Tom in upcoming issues of THE TASTING PANEL. march 201 1 / the tasting panel / 61 PHOTO COURTESY OF WENTE VINEYARDS