Encompass Wine

I was interested to read James Laube’s blog on Wine Spectator.com yesterday on the subject of a need for a price correction in the wine market. He makes very valid points that wine prices, like most all else, is determined by supply and demand. With the current downturn in the economy can producers really afford to correct? Land prices in Napa and Sonoma are at a all time high. Fuel prices are driving expenses on everything from delivery to the glass bottle. The “cult” wines will be less affected by all of this. Where a correction will hurt most is for those producers who make an effort to keep prices low in good times or bad. There are many producers in Napa and Sonoma who, given the current state of things, could charge a good deal more for their wines but, for what ever reason, choose not to do so. While the upper end may come down during this slowdown in the economy, those true “value” wines may have to move out of the value category just to survive and that would be a shame.

My wife and I visited Silver Oak winery in Napa in June. We had an outstanding time for several reasons which I will cover. The tour was fun and unhurried. We had a delightful tour guide named Dek who took his time, explained everything in great detail as he generously poured the current release of their Alexander Valley and Napa Vally Cab. The group we toured the facility with was small so we had the chance to speak with most everyone in the group. If you happen to be visiting Napa a trip to Silver Oak will not disappoint. We are both big fans of the wine so we  had big expectations. We were delighted by the experience

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The Simi Cabernets are some of Lisa’s favorite Cabs. She still likes the label but the wines have changed in recent vintages. Not in any big obvious ways but in more subtle ways like texture and finish. We learned the reason for the changes had less to do with the difference in vintages and more to do with a new wine maker. We have been drinking the Simi Alexander Valley and reserves for years and enjoyed the consistency in each vintage. We noticed with the 03 Cab a subtle but noteworthy change in the flavor and complexity in the wine. The 01 vintage was the last for longtime Simi winemaker Nick Goldschmidt. We still enjoy the Simi wines very much but the style is all-together different. Not better or worse, just different. The style of current winemaker Steve Reeder is more based in what comes out of the the vineyard than what happens in the cellar. Again, not bad just different. In a way it’s nice to know that in a winery owned by a large multi-brand corporation, one persons style can still make such difference.

I was sad to hear that Carmenet is discontinuing the label in North America. Although the Cabernet was simply average I thought that most vintages of the Merlot was a very good value. I could usually find the Merlot for under $8 without a case discount. For more information see below.

http://www.carmenetwinery.com/

Welcome to encompass wine. The reason I chose the name encompass wine for my blog is that I am to cover everything in the world that interest ME! Hopefully you will enjoy what you read and contribute as well.

I am interested in wine and the wine business as a casual observer. I am not a wine ”expert”. I hope to share my views and opinions on wines, and associated topics like the business of wine making, visiting wineries, and anything else that happens to wander through.