By Rayanne Frazier
Entering the winery complex at Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards, you’ll notice that you are not at a typical facility. The menu tells the story. Red wine drinkers face a gauntlet of choices. There is so much to explore here.
“How would you like to start?” We ask the same question to old and new friends alike who enter the room. With your feedback, we want to customize your tasting.
White Wine
As a “Bordeaux Guy”, Charles planted Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon vines back in the Nineties. Today, the mature plants yield a balance and texture reflective of “Place” with the feel of a spring morning captured in a bottle.
Rose
Leading the pack, Charles scours Europe for ideas about wine. At a tasting in Provence, he was inspired to make a dry complex Saignée style Reserve Syrah Rose in 2016. Our 2016 Syrah Rose is sold out, but come and taste our crisp 2018 Reserve Syah Rose. YUM!!
Zinfandel
Creator of the Zin Zone, Charles B. Mitchell reaches out to his neighbors to supplement wine grapes produced in his own Primitivo and Zinfandel Estate vineyards. Green, Merrill, Hawk Creek, and Neal vineyards were memorable wines for those of us who had the privilege to enjoy them.
For “everyday” consumption, we recommend non-reserve Zins that offer a spectrum of flavors ranging from spicy to fruity, each suiting your individual palate. “Buy the Box” savings can refill your depleted home wine racks, thereby protecting your “stash” of reserve wine.
Estate Bordeaux varietals
Cabernet Franc is often overlooked as a “standalone” wine. Situated above the Winemaker’s House, this vineyard has created its own loyal market.
Estate Merlot suggests that trends come and go. Good wine is always good.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the King. Above the bocce court, this rugged vineyard climbs dramatically through rocks to a vista point seldom visited by those who do not work in the vineyard. King of the Property and King of the Grapes, our Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptional Reserve Estate example of the varietal seldom seen beyond more famous appellations.
Others
In addition to our Estate Reserve wines, Stoney Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Barbera, and other wines are made from small lots purchased from our neighbors’ superior vineyards.
Grand Reserve is our flagship wine
Based from our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and Merot, special barreling and blending allow this bottle to stand out with superior aging and flavor. Since 1994, this wine has earned its following. Join the Grand Reserve Wine Club or buy it as a future to be assured of obtaining this treasure.
Barrel tasting
Experienced sophisticates know the value of the future program. Pioneering future sales and the associated barrel tasting in the Foothills, Charles features his Estate Reserve series, particularly the Grand Reserve. Enjoy the potential of the upcoming releases as the young wine matures.
Join us Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, in Fair Play, California.