Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/628173
96 / the tasting panel / january-february 2016 The Wente family planted their first Chardonnay cut- tings in 1912. After that point, basically any California vintner hoping to grow Chardonnay had to go to the Wentes for plant material. The Wentes divided their clones based on their flavor profiles—some more driven by stone fruit, others by minerality or a musqué character. Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente finds the diversity of flavor remarkable, the clonal distinctions between the different vineyard blocks both apparent and fascinating. Beyond Chardonnay, Wente cultivates 25 other varieties. Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente attributes much of their success in growing such a vast spectrum of grapes to his uncle Phil Wente's keen understanding of the valley fog and how it will affect the vines. This helps the Wentes to determine what to plant and where across their property. —Bryce Wiatrak Wente Vineyards 2013 The Nth Degree Chardonnay, Livermore Valley Full-bodied, with aromas of ripe apple, apricot and nutmeg that integrate perfectly with flavors of tropical fruit, graham cracker and clove. The FIRST Wave Wente Family Estates' Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente. The Concannon story begins with James Concannon, who established his own winery in 1883 with cuttings imported from the most revered Bordeaux châteaux: Margaux, Lafite and d'Yquem. Nearly a century later in 1965, James's grandson Jim worked with U. C. Davis in selecting and propagating the Concannon Cabernet clones 7, 8 and 11. Fourth-generation vintner John Concannon now holds the reigns, expanding upon the winery's sustainability program. In 2015, Concannon celebrates the 50th anniver- sary of the original Cabernet cuttings. Anybody who loves California Cabernet should celebrate with them, and thank the Concannons for their 132 years of uncompromising wisdom. —B. W. Concannon Vineyard 2012 "Mother Vine" Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley Deeply gratifying with a dense swath of plummy, black- berry flavors, earthy with beautifully integrated new oak flavors, viscous, notes of tar, espresso and fire pit. —B. W. PHOTO: STEPHANIE SECREST PHOTO: STEPHANIE SECREST PHOTO: STEPHANIE SECREST When Steven Mirassou set out to develop his own property, he says he felt a "palpable excitement about Livermore." He set forth with one aim: to grow Cabernet Sauvignon in Livermore Valley on par with the great- est wines in the world. Nearly a decade after founding Steven Kent Winery, Mirassou crafted his first vintage of "Lineage," their flagship Bordeaux blend intended to demonstrate the best Livermore Valley can achieve. Mirassou said he wanted to be a part of what he believed to be "a region growing up." Mirassou is a sixth-generation member of a wine industry family with historical ties to Santa Clara, today at the heart of Silicon Valley, where in 1854 they founded a winery that today is owned and oper- ated by Gallo. —B. W. Steven Kent Winery 2011 "Lineage," Livermore Valley Cabernet's more savory qualities shine, with enticing aromas of pine needles, graphite and fresh spearmint. This clean herbaceousness carries to the palate, along with a shimmering acidity and a beautiful purity of dark berry fruit. —B. W. Fourth-generation vintner John Concannon. Steven Mirassou, founder of Steven Kent Winery. PHOTO: STEPHANIE SECREST