A Word from the Winemaker
(aka The Mad Scientist of Idyllwild)
“Preserving the aromas and flavors of the grapes is what it’s all about. I always start with really good fruit. Next is the cooperage – the barrels I use. I’m very picky about barrels. I use only French oak and specify the forest from which it comes along with the thickness of the staves, the toast level on the inside of the barrel, and whether or not the heads of the barrels are toasted. My passion is to make 'fruit forward' wines. I want my merlot to smell like a merlot. My zinfandel smells like a zinfandel. I like hints of oak, but I don’t want them to be so heavy that they mask the smell of the fruit.”
When Chris isn’t making wine or running experiments in the lab, you’ll find him meeting with wine bloggers or sending off samples to wine reviewers and wine competitions. It’s time well spent since his wine has been featured in Wine Enthusiast and Tasting Panel magazines and won numerous awards at international competitions, including Sweepstakes for the best red wine at the Long Beach Grand Cru, a Double-Gold Award at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and a Platinum Award at the Sommelier Challenge.
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This beautiful garnet colored wine has aromas of Black Current, Dried Cranberry and a hint of Olives. On the palate you will get the same flavors along with delicious Herbal notes and a touch of Tobacco.
Beautifylly clear with aromas of Tobacco and Chocolate Covered Cherries. Your first luscious sip is full of Baking Spices and a hint of Smoky Oak
Aromas of boysenberry pie, thyme and black cherry, with lush velvety tannins and great acidity.
beautiful Deep Ruby color with aromas of Tobacco, Bing Cherry, Mexican Coffee and Leather. You will also find flavors of Black Currents, Ripe Plum and Chocolate, with a Subdued Smokey Finish.
The NV Ranger is a blended wine made with the same grapes used in the great wines from Bordeaux France, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
At first glance you’ll notice the Deep Ruby color. This is a beautiful wine. On the nose you’ll find aromas of Black Cherry, Currants, Clove, Oak, Roasted Nut and with your first sip your smooth Tannins along with the flavors of spices and cloves.
Earthy aromas of herbes de Provence, smoke and boysenberry with smooth, mouth-coating tannins.
Imagine a Moscow Mule gone champagne! A sparkling cocktail infused with ginger, hops and grape vodka.
Aromas of espresso, violets and dark chocolate with flavors of black currant, violets and dark chocolate. A flavorful and long finish.
A surprisingly different Meritage blend. Merlot and Malbec make it an “easy drinker,” and Petit Verdot gives the wine a nice, round mouthfeel.
A wonderfully complex wine. It has luscious dark cherry aromas with a light floral note, and a beautiful finish with lingering tannins.
