Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/19027
“Jim was planting vineyards at his high-elevation Wild Horse Peak Vineyard in the mid-‘90s,” McPherson tells THE TASTING PANEL. “He was producing a lot of fruit, and eventually we both knew it was time for him to start his own winery instead of selling his premium fruit—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah—to other wineries in the area.” In 2002, Carter not only started a win- ery (albeit in the midst of a grapefruit orchard) headed up by McPherson and his protégé Javier Flores, but also cre- ated a one-stop tourist destination for Temecula: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. And the fact that Carter owns all his vineyards is a plus for McPherson and Flores, who ensure the right clonal selection for the “picnic basket” of varieties grown on a total of over 300 planted acres on several of Carter’s properties. He no longer sells his fruit to any other winery. Marketing Temecula Wines As our readers, especially wine buyers, are already aware, Temecula wines are far from ubiquitous; indeed, they are undeniably missing on retail shelves and virtually non-existent on wine lists. Why? The reason lies in simple geography and economics. “This Devil’s Triangle—San Diego, Palm Springs and Los Angeles—sur- rounds us,” comments McPherson; “it encompasses about 15 million people, and they’re all going somewhere.” Temecula Valley has become a magnet for wine tourists. In fact, the region boasts more visitors than any other wine region in California. With this built-in flow of visitors, Temecula has been content to sell locally, from the tasting room and online. McPherson confirms that with steady sales from winery visits and wine club orders alone, why bother going to market? The wines certainly have the taste profile and palate status, as THE TASTING PANEL discovered on a recent visit, but the buck may stop at the tasting room when the expenses of distribution, sales teams and marketing are considered— not to mention the ultimate courage to venture outside of Southern California for the first time. Cindy and Nick Palumbo. Palumbo Vineyard & Winery “I am genetically programmed for this line of work,” says Nick Palumbo, owner/wine- maker of the stunning Palumbo Winery. Hailing from a family of restaurateurs, the San Diego native continues to be fascinated with all things culinary. He believes he fortuitously landed in Temecula. “I was at the right place at the right time,” he affirms, but he had no idea that the move would steer his career in the direction of winemaking. His small production Bordeaux blends, refined Viognier and Rhône reds are superbly balanced and noteworthy; and, although Palumbo’s wines can be found in high end properties in San Diego County, his growing wine club membership and huge sales through his charmingly rustic tasting room keep Palumbo’s portfolio a virtual hand-sell. “The consumer is the tail that wags the dog here in Temecula,” insists Palumbo. But THE TASTING PANEL believes that wine buyers need to open their minds and palates to these wines. Palumbo 2009 Viognier “Buon Vicino” Honeyed white flowers emerge in this crisp-textured white: no viscous body, no high-alcohol properties, but rather an ethereal nature with a stony back. SRP $18 Palumbo “Tre Fratelli” 2007 This Bordeaux blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cab Franc showcases a Pauillac nose, yet plunges into California’s sunny fruit. Sage and tobacco make a play and showcase Temecula as a rising star. SRP $38 www.PalumboFamilyWinery.com 70 / the tasting panel / november 2010 PHOTO: LiFT PROMOTIONS PHOTO: LiFT PROMOTIONS PHOTO: LiFT PROMOTIONS