Uncorked Ventures is a family owned and operated startup wine club based just outside of San Francisco. They don't buy the standard run of the mill wine through middle men and distributors either. They actually spend time in wine country getting to know winemakers, vineyard owners, farmers and others directly involved in the creation of what's in your glass. As a result they find some exceptional, special and rare wines. I know...maybe I need to seriously consider a career change....
I received two bottles of white wine from Uncorked Ventures and I was excited about trying them. The first bottle I received is from Lennox Vineyards. Each bottle comes with an personally written information sheet from one of the Uncorked Ventures owners. It shares interesting tidbits about the winery, the locale and even the owners. Of course it includes tasting notes as well which I found to be accurate and added to my enjoyment of the wines. So my first bottle was a Russian River Valley Chardonnay. If you don't know, the Russian River is in Sebastopol, CA. I was interested in trying this one because Lennox is actually a tiny winery... producing only 1-2 tons of grapes per acre. They shared that this factor often translates into the potential for a concentrated, more distinctive flavor. Obviously, fewer bottles in the market as well so the opportunity to try a wine that you are not going to find in the corner wine shop too.
My second bottle was also a white wine but quite different. This was a 2012 Semillon from Chatom Vineyards. Mark shared some interesting facts about the Chatom Winery which was wonderful since I was not familiar with it. It is based very far east in Calaveras County, California. The area is also described as being part of the Sierra Foothillls. Mark pointed out that the owner, Gay Callan, is a little known innovator in the California wine industry. Sadly, she recently put the winery up for sale. Chatom has been known in local circles as an innovative winery introducing varietals like Semillon in California which was unheard of 30 years ago. Remember the ubiquitous California Chardonnay? That's all people knew back then. Those awful wines in the...ugh...jug. Chatom helped change all that.
Jason Lewis is part of the brains behind Chatom after having worked his way up the ranks of winemaker. He enjoys crafting a more austere French style wine that is uncommon in the region. Think about your typical California whites...austere is not the first thought that comes to mind. That makes the Chatom wines a bit more unique. They chose Semillon originally to blend with Sauvignon Blanc but then were pleased to see it held it's own and produces a light, crisp and almost creamy wine.
The Chatom Semillon 2012 was crisp and slightly creamy. I was surprised at the clean flavor for a California Semillon. I am always expecting fruit or oak finishes. Not with this. They can vary a lot in quality but this was pleasing. It went beautifully with a light salad and grilled chicken.
Uncorked Ventures is definitely a different kind of Wine Club. I love the small-sourced vineyards which give it an exclusive feel. I would consider Uncorked Ventures a top source for Christmas and holiday gift baskets as well. You know they put the personal, but exclusive touch to all that goes out the door.
Uncorked Ventures has several options available from monthly shipments to gift baskets. These exceptional wines from California, Oregon and Washington's best producers arrive securely packed and cushioned in boxes. You can choose from the Explorations, Special Selections or Reserve Selections Wine Club. You can call or order easily online and start your membership quickly or even order a gift basket for friends, discerning clients or colleagues.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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