Bob and Jim Varner

My old buddy, Jim Varner, came by yesterday. Those of you on the local wine scene  may already know the Varner label, (www.varnerwine.com) or at least seen the bottle on the shelves of your local market. They also make a second label called “Foxglove” that you also may have seen, that for my money is probably the best wine in its category.

Jim and his twin brother Bob are some of the original wine guys here in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They helped Michael Martella plant the Thomas Fogarty vines back in the mid-80’s.

Not long after that they managed to strike a deal with the Neely family of Portola Valley and to this day still make some of the best Chardonnay and Pinot off that property. Their vineyard blocks are on Portola Road in the very heart of Portola Valley, which I think makes them our most local winery–just 15 minutes from The Wine Room, next to Windy Hill open space preserve.

Unfortunately for all of us, the Town of Portola Valley does not allow them to have a tasting room. So they remain The Valley’s best kept secret. The good news is…later this Spring, Jim and Bob will release their latest creations. I always look for these amazing wines at The Wine Room…they are well worth the wait and never last very long.

Cheers,

Mike

I had the pleasure to taste through a few of Domaine Morey latest releases, and some close-outs (that’s where the real bargains are).  I picked up the ’06 Meursault-Genevrieres and the ’06 Pommard Grands Epenots—a great find! Pommard is one of my absolute favorites, and Pierre Morey does a nice rendition. The actual winery is in Meursault, but they, like many Burgundy houses, have many holdings in other areas.

Unfortunately, you’re probably not going to see this wine on our list any time soon. I’m collecting a few of my favorites, and some Cult Classics for a “Reserve” list I’ve been working on –so stay tuned.

Below,  are some pics of the winery and some information about the area. Let us know if you have any favorite Burgundy memories, or great experiences, or travels, in that area—I’ve never been, and can’t wait to go!

A Santé,

Mike

Domaine Pierre Morey

In the heart of Meursault

The total area of the domaine is 11 hectares, distributed in different parcels located in the districts of Monthelie, Pommard, Puligny-Montrachet, and, of course Meursault.

All the vineyards were cultivated following organic agricultural practices from 1992 to 1997, at the end of this period the domaine became 100% biodynamic.

Meursault is an Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) in the Côte de Beaune subregion of the Burgundy wine region. It lies along the foot of the Cote-d’Or escarpment, around Beaune and with the broad Saône valley plain to its east. Meursault produces mainly white wines from Chardonnay grapes, primarily in a style with a clear oak influence, which have led to descriptions such as “buttery” to be applied to powerful examples of Meursault wines. Within the Meursault AOC there are some Premier Cru vineyards, but no Grand Cru. This has however not stopped the wines from Meursault from competing with the white burgundies from the villages Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, where several Grands Crus are situated.

Mike
Owner