A fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker, Joseph Wagner has been immersed in every aspect of the wine industry his entire life. Learning the ropes from his father Chuck, who co-founded Caymus Vineyards with his parents in 1972, Joe garnered a love for cultivating the land, tending grapevines, the art of winemaking, the strengths of a good work ethic, and leading by example. Planting his first Pinot Noir vineyard at age fifteen sparked a love for the then lesser-known variety. After working in the Sonoran Desert of Northern Mexico farming table grapes, Joe returned to California where he joined the family business working under his father in vineyards and the winery.
At 19, Joe launched Belle Glos, dedicated to producing vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from California’s top coastal regions. He then developed Meiomi Pinot Noir, a brand that Constellation purchased for $315 million in 2015. Today, he manages Copper Cane Wines & Provisions’ portfolio of five wine brands. This week, we will focus on three delicious California wines:
Boen Tri-Appellation Chardonnay 2020 — Pale straw with golden hue. Aromas of juicy pineapple, lychee, white plum, honey, and nectarine. Succulent flavors of butter brioche toast, peach, and mango. Creamy and well-balanced with nice acidity that drives a long, mouthwatering finish. 14.4% ABV. $26.99 (regularly $28.99)/$9
Belle Glos Blanc de Noir Rose 2022 — Salmon pink with golden highlights, this wine has the classic 'eye of the partridge' color. Bright and expressive on the nose, with aromas of honeysuckle, Asian pear, and Fuji apple followed by notes of vanilla and orange blossom. Flavors of grapefruit, tangerine, and lemon zest fill the palate. Nice acidity with a light but satisfying finish. Medium body and a silky texture. 13.3% ABV. $25.99/$8.50
Quilt Threadcount Red Blend NV — Dark cherry with scarlet red highlights. Complex aromas of black raspberry, milk chocolate, and soft hints of sweet cedar. Bold flavors of boysenberry pie, sugar cookie, and toffee lead to subtle notes of strawberry jam and baking spice. The balanced and complex tannin structure creates a long-lasting enjoyable finish.Blend: a combination of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Sirah and Merlot from Mendocino, Sonoma and Lodi. 14.7% ABV. $33.99/$11
See you Friday!!