Who and What:   CAYMUS VINEYARDS

Details:

The term “classic wines” is often overused but in the case of Caymus Vineyards it is an appropriate description for their world class Cabernet Sauvignons.  They make two, their always reliable Napa designation, and their flagship wine called Special Selection. Both wines always earn rave reviews from wine critics and never let you down even in so called off years.

We will serve at least three of the Cabernets including an older vintage at our dinner as well as a wonderful Zinfandel and a white wine blend called Conundrum.

This winery has a long family history as Charlie Wagner was born on the family’s Rutherford farm in 1915 and his son, Chuck Wagner, currently directs all viticulture and wine making at Caymus and keeps the focus on Cabernet Sauvignon.

Our host for the evening Carole Klinke returns because we have a long history with Caymus Vineyards and the Wagner Family.  Join us for a great dinner paired with wines from this legendary winery.

Who and What:   JORDAN VINEYARDS AND WINERY

Details:

The Jordan Estate lies tucked into the hills of the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County one of the world’s finest wine growing regions

The winery was founded in 1972 by Tom Jordan with the vision of producing world class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from Sonoma County.  Over the years they have worked to craft wines that reflect this great estate.  Today Tom’s son oversees Jordan Vineyards and Estate with each new vintage. Old fans of Jordan will not be disappointed as this winery is now back on track and making some outstanding new wines.

As to our dinner we will include both the 2005 and 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a library vintage to be named later.  We have tasted the 2007 Jordan Chardonnay and look forward to featuring this wonderful wine as well.

Who and What:   HITCHING POST WINERY

                          with CO-OWNER GREY HARTLEY

Details:

Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post wines have made Buellton’s Hitching Post Restaurant (made famous in the movie Sideways) owner/chef Frank Ostini and his good friend former fisherman Grey Hartley famous.

Frank and Grey made their first wine at home in 1979.  They made their first Pinot Noir in 1981. The project moved to a winery in 1984 to make wines exclusively for the Hitching Post Restaurant. From 1991 to 2000 Frank and Grey made their wines at Au Bon Climat/Qupe winery and from 2001 to 2007 at Central Coast Wine services in Santa Maria

Frank and Grey work with some of the best growers in Santa Barbara County, from quality vineyards in Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills and Los Alamos.  They believe that great wines are made in the vineyard.  Their wine making philosophy is that they are more caretakers who guide the wine into the bottle.

We will serve a bevy of their Pinot Noirs including our current favorite from the prestigious Bien Nacido Vineyard.  Plan on also enjoying a great Santa Barbara Syrah at this dinner called “Big Circle”.