Napa

Episode 29: Nicole Abiouness, Abiouness Wines

by
Abiouness Wines

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

On this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country, I am talking with Nicole Abiouness of Abiouness Wines. Nicole is a Virginia native turned California winemaker who is getting quite a reputation for her Pinot Noir. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to learn more about this elegant and seductive grape.

“When it’s great, Pinot Noir produces he most complex, hedonistic and remarkably thrilling red wine in the world…” Robert Parker

“..are sensous, often erotic, above rational discourse, and beyond measured criticism” Oz Clarke

“at their best, Pinot Noirs are the 3 most romantic of wines, with so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic.”-Joel Fleischmann, Vanity Fair

“choke full of incredible texture and hedonistic pleasures”-Madeline Triffon MS

Nicole will talk about her Pinot portfolio and her passion for Burgundy. She will also tell us all about her winemaking journey that has taken her all around the world. She also dishes on the one wine in her line-up that her family won’t let her stop making. Enjoy the show!

Napa & Sonoma Travel Guide

by

Discover some of Crystal’s favorite things to do in Napa & Sonoma.

Dining

 

Madrona Manor – A beautiful Victorian B&B in the heart of Sonoma County with a fabulous Michelin rated restaurant on premise. This is one of the best meals we’ve had out there. Fantastic sommelier and chef team! Fine dining at its best.

1001 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA
(800) 258-400

Scopa, Downtown Healdsburg, Sonoma – Head here for a taste of Italy in CA. You definitely need reservations. We enjoy sitting at the bar in the back. It’s very authentic. You have to try the chef’s “Nonna Chicken” with polenta served in a cast iron crock. I never order chicken out, but this was fantastic! This is casual and delicious! Crazy good deals on Italian wines.

109 A Plaza Street
Healdsburg, CA
(707) 433-5282

Auberge de Soleil, Rutherford – This is a fantastic dining experience! They offer multiple courses with wine pairings. Make sure to get a table on the balcony overlooking all of Napa Valley when you make your reservation. This was the highlight of our honeymoon. They also have a sister property Angele in downtown Napa, that is amazing.

180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, CA
(800) 348-5406

Bounty Hunter, Downtown Napa – Looking for something a little more casual that appeals to both sexes, this is the place! Wine bar &BBQ under one roof. Rustic, casual, great wine list (40 wines by the glass) and great food!

975 First Street, Napa, CA
(707) 226-3976

Bottega, Yountville, California – Chef Michael Chiarello’s signature restaurant does not disappoint. This is a must stop on all of my trips to the region. Authentic, rustic Italian cuisine at its best. We also were in for a special treat, on our last visit. Chiarello personally stopped by our table for a quick chat. While you’re there, make sure to visit Napa Style, Chiarello’s home goods store,  which is located next door to the restaurant.  You can sample an array of delicious olive oils, sip on a glass of wine and savor a delicious panini while you shop at Napa Style. (Picture from left to right: Chef Michael Chiarello, Crystal Cameron & her husband Tom Schaad)

6525 Washington Street, Yountville, CA
(707) 945-1050

Markets

Oakville Grocery, – A perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch (gourmet items & sandwiches) for your wine tasting journey. They have a location in Napa & Sonoma.

7856 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, CA

124 Matheson Street, Healdsburg, CA

Oxbow Market, Downtown Napa – Another awesome place to pick up a picnic lunch for a day of wine tasting. From gourmet cheeses and charcuterie to fresh baked breads and chocolates, all your culinary need are covered here.

610 & 644 1st St Napa CA

Wineries/Vineyards/Tasting Rooms

John Anthony Tasting Room, Downtown Napa – A really great place for a glass of wine before dinner or a nightcap. They also have a vineyard that you can tour, but this was by far one of the better “tasting rooms.” We purchased a bottle that we are holding onto for our 5th anniversary.

1440 First Street, Napa, CA
(707) 265-7711

Cakebread Cellars, Napa – Beautiful grounds, great tour. They have fantastic wine club.

8300 St Helena Hwy
Napa, CA
(707)963-5222

Grgich Hills, Napa – Winemaker and owner Mike Grgich is a legend. He is the winemaker responsible for the award-winning 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the prestigious 1976 Judgement of Paris. This little event is what put American wine on the international wine map.

1829 St Helena Hwy
Rutherford, CA
(707) 963-2784

Jordan Winery, Healdsburg, Sonoma – One of my absolute favorites! The family modeled this estate after Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux France. It’s majestic especially during the fall. Take the tour and you will be treated to a vertical flight of library wines in their hidden library. Appointments required!

1474 Alexander Valley Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 431-5250

A. Raffanelli Winery, Healdsburg, Sonoma – 4th generation winemakers from Italy. Reminiscint of a Tuscan estate. Very rustic. Best Zinfandels in California (in my humble opinion). Appointments required. They don’t have a formal tasting room, but if you can get in they will take you on personal tour through the caves and you’ll taste wines in their processing room. It was a great experience.

http://www.arafanelliwinery.com
4685 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-1385

Carol Shelton Wines, Sonoma – If you love Zinfandel, this is a must stop! Carol Shelton is widely cited as the most awarded winemaker in the United States. She has won countless medals for her wines and has been honored as Winemaker of the Year numerous times.

www.carolshelton.com
707.575.3441
3354-B Coffee Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Schramsberg, Calistoga – This is “America’s Sparkling Wine House.” Schramsberg is located in Northern Napa, but it’s not too far from Healdsburg. They have been in existence since the late 1800’s. They are still producing sparkling wine in the traditional method. When you take the cave tour, you may get to see the riddler in action! Appointment required.

Home


1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-4558

2011 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon

by

Looking for a top tier Napa Cabernet without the hefty price tag? Try reaching for a second label of one of the most esteemed Napa Valley producers.

Faust is the second label of the sought after Quintessa.  Over the years, many winemakers have realized that there is a big market for the juice that simply falls short of their highly esteemed premier label.

While this wine tends to be outstanding in its own right, it just misses the mark to be worthy of the top label.  This is actually great news for you and me! We get a lot of the beautiful nuances and sought after Napa fruit of the premiere label at a much lower price point. While the Quintessa Cabernet tends to fetch roughly $150 per bottle, you can get your hands on the Faust for about a third of the price.  Many wine makers have established second labels that are attracting their own cult calling. Opus One is just another example. They recently launched a second label called Overture.

I have had many vintages of the Faust and have always been pleased. I was anxious to try the 2011 vintage because it was an exceptionally challenging year in Napa.  In fact, it was the most challenging season in decades with spring frosts and plentiful rainfull throughout spring & summer. The vintage was essentially saved by a warm September and a long Indian Summer. While many critics have completely written off the juice of this season, there are others that are intrigued by the elegant balance many of these wines have been able to accomplish despite a miserable lashing from Mother Nature.

I fall into the latter category. I tend to like my wine a little more restrained with more balance and layers upon layers of subtle nuances. I love Old World wines and coming from that frame of reference, this wine did not disappoint. This is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% each of Malbex and Cabernet Franc. The wine is vibrant ruby red in color with aromas of dark cherry, cassis, spice box, anise, dark chocolate and the lingering notes of that earthy Rutherford dust with silky smooth tannins on the palate. This wine is more reminiscent of a Left Bank Bordeaux. There was a hint of green bell pepper indicating a touch of underripeness, but overall this is an excellent wine considering all of the obstacles of the season. The wine improved throughout the evening. Decant for atleast 30 minutes before drinking.

 

Filet Mignon & Cabernet Sauvignon

by

It’s time for a little steakhouse in your house! GorgonzolaFilet_CPOne of the classic steakhouse pairings of a filet mignon and Cabernet Sauvignon gets even better when the steak is topped off with a decadent gorgonzola cream sauce (recipe below).  Throw in some rosemary and truffle potato wedges on the side and you’ll bring the steakhouse experience to your house at a fraction of the price. With all the money you saved, why not splurge on an excellent bottle of wine and treat your loved one to a romantic night in.

My husband and I recently enjoyed a 2007 Stags Leap Artemis Cabernet with this dish. It made for an outstanding pairing!  There are several other wines that work well with this dish including Malbec, Merlot and Rioja. Here are a few other options from everyday value wines to some premium selections.

Recipe: Filet Mignon w/Gorgonzola Cream Sauce & Rosemary Truffle Potato Wedges

Ingredients

(4)  1 & 1/2 inch thick Filet Mignon, season with salt & pepper

4 cups half & half
6 oz gorgonzola
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. blk. pepper
2 tablespoons fresh cut rosemary (fine chop)

4 Yukon gold potatoes (sliced into wedges – 8 per potato)
1/4 cup truffle oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
4 tablespoons fresh cut rosemary (fine chop)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut potatoes into wedges and place in medium saucepan covered in water and par-boil for 15 minutes. While potatoes are boiling, place cookie sheet in oven to preheat. The hot surface will help the potatoes crisp up. Drain potatoes and pat dry. Toss potatoes in truffle oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder & rosemary. Put in oven for about 30-40 minutes until golden on both sides. Flip half-way through.

When you place potatoes in the oven, place a cast iron skillet on the other rack and let pre-heat for 20 minutes. Take skillet out of oven and place over medium-high flame.
Place seasoned filet in the skillet, let brown for 2 minutes and sear on the other side for 2 minutes. Place skillet back in oven for 4-5 minutes for medium rare.
Let rest for 10 minutes.

Once the potatoes are in the oven, you can start the gorgonzola sauce. Bring half & half to a boil over a medium-high flame and let boil for 30 minutes stirring occasionally until sauce becomes thick. Remove from heat and add gorgonzola, salt, pepper & rosemary. Keep warm until ready to spoon over filet!
Dean and DeLuca