Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The world of wine tasting holds a distinct allure for me—there’s a comforting realization that I can’t truly make a misstep. It’s a realm where I’ve discovered something remarkably foolproof. Yet, as with many areas of my life, I’ve learned that real growth and learning happen along the journey, not just at the destination. And so the expedition begins. Wine tasting becomes a lifelong odyssey, a journey imbued with meaning.
In the Beginning…
There was a time when I oversimplified wine, boxing it into the categories of red and white and offering only a thumbs-up or thumbs-down—a rather rudimentary approach, I must confess. Given my natural tendencies, the idea of serious tasting was initially unappealing, mainly because I knew so little about wine. This mirrors my reluctance to go on short-term mission trips—both seemed like endpoints rather than opportunities for exploration. Thankfully, in both areas, I’ve begun the journey.
My appreciation for wine has transformed, and I owe much of this evolution to Sadlers Wine Markets, which guided me beyond the basic red-and-white phase. It didn’t happen overnight. The journey isn’t over, but now I pay closer attention to what’s in my glass. How does the wine present itself visually? What aromas rise from the glass? And finally, how does it feel and taste on the palate? There are nuances to each of these, but there’s no need to overcomplicate the process. Enjoy the moment and store that experience in your memory bank for your next adventure. I like keeping an old-fashioned wine journal.
For everyday wines, the question is simple: do you enjoy it? As you gain experience through tasting, your idea of an everyday wine will likely change. For bottles reserved for special occasions or celebrations, a deeper understanding of your preferences and the wine’s characteristics becomes especially valuable.
Wide range
This journey involves exploring a wide range of wines, which can become expensive. Fortunately, a great way to experience variety is by attending general wine-tasting events, such as those hosted by Sadlers Wine Markets. These gatherings feature multiple stations—sometimes six or more—with diverse grape varieties from different countries and regions. It’s an opportunity to notice both distinctions and common threads between regions and grape types.
This is where my preference for robust wines emerged: Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, and Bordeaux’s Left Bank. It’s not that I don’t appreciate Pinot Noir; it’s simply not my first choice. And the most reassuring discovery is that we can never be entirely wrong.
The Gala
Tonight’s tasting feels especially meaningful. The entire evening is devoted to Vineyard 29, a boutique winery in St. Helena, California, devoted to the timeless craft of winemaking. Here, you discover the story behind the wine and the magic that finds its way into every bottle. This kind of experience invites you to go deeper and expand your wine horizons. You may encounter the same wine across different vintages and see how shifting weather patterns shape distinct flavors.
I have a deep affection for the stories behind the wines I drink or collect. Established in 1989, Vineyard 29 produces a limited number of cases each year. From its modest beginnings on 3 acres, it has grown to 47 acres across four properties in St. Helena. Perhaps the crowning jewel of this winery is its sustainable, low-impact, state-of-the-art winemaking facility, constructed in 2004. There, wines are crafted in caves, using gravity flow and labor-intensive methods, all in pursuit of exceptional quality.
There are four groups of wines by Vineyard 29:
- 29 Estate Series: Grapes sourced from the 29 Estate, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
- Aida Estate Series: Showcasing the Aida Estate, offering Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Late Harvest wines.
- Ceanda Series: An exquisite blend of two estate vineyards.
- CRU Series: Showcasing wines sourced from external vineyards and partnerships, encompassing Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville and St. Helena, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Rosé.
Time Flies
It’s intriguing how dedicating two hours to taste a mere four or five wines unfolds. This tasting focuses on the wine’s essence, transcending the hurried pace of a typical tasting.
- Roederer 243 Champagne – I always like to start a tasting with some champagne to break the ice and allow the group to settle in for the evening.
- The initial delight is the Cru blend. With an annual production of 6,000 cases, it is made only from French Oak, presenting a delightfully dry character that resonates with my preferences. At a reasonable $60 per bottle, it offers tremendous value.
- The 2018 Ceanda makes an impression, though, at $125 per bottle, it’s a rarity I’ll savor sparingly.
- Katy’s favorite of the night, the 2019 Aida Cabernet Sauvignon, stands out for its tremendous boldness, smoothness, and complexity. While the $299 price tag is unfamiliar territory for me, the quality is undeniable.
- For me, the 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the highlight of the evening. Much like Aida, it exudes excellence.
- Lastly, the 2016 and 2017 Aida vintages grace our palates. While distinguishing nuances proves challenging, both leave an indelible mark.
Seperation
What sets apart a $30, $60, $120, or $300 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon? A $30 bottle is a simple thumbs-up or down, an enjoyable sip without intricate smoothness or complexity. At $60, the judgment heightens; it must offer softness and a touch of complexity, delighting twice as much as its more economical counterpart. Typically, a reason beyond the ordinary day prompts this choice. A $120 bottle demands elongated refinement, remarkable smoothness, and profound complexity. It’s reserved for celebrations of significance—a trip’s start or a triumphant round of golf. The $300 bottle remains an extraordinary indulgence, fitting for momentous occasions like weddings, retirements, or winning the lottery. The expectation is that this wine will tower above its $120 counterparts. Following this tasting, such expectations are met. Over time, I’ve encountered vintage wines whose costs are more a function of age than quality. Yet the Aida and Estate costs are firmly rooted in their exceptional quality.
Another splendid evening with Sadler Wine Markets—an atmosphere of enjoyment, enlightenment, and the privilege to savor genuinely exceptional wines that would otherwise remain beyond reach.
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