Wine Party – Mettler Family Vineyards
Saturday, March 20, 2010
4 to 6 pm
$5.00 per person
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
With their roots in the wine industry dating back to the 1770s, it’s no surprise that the Mettler Family is still growing grapes today. After migrating to the U.S. in the late 1800’s, the Mettler family eventually settled in Lodi which is similar to a Mediterranean climate. Carl Mettler, 4th generation farmer, continued the family tradition and dedicated his life to farming his grandfather’s land. Carl and his wife raised their family among their Lodi vineyards. Carl worked closely with nearby Universities and delegated several vineyard sites to experimental varieties. This experimentation helped to establish growing conditions for specific varieties in the Lodi region. Carl’s dedication in the vineyard awarded him a spot in the Agricultural Hall of Fame. His integrity and love of the land is still being carried out by one of his three sons, Larry Phillip, who is also the recipient of the Agricultural Hall of Fame award and still farms the original Mettler Vineyards, along with his wife Char and their three children, Kimberly, Kelli and Adam. Kim is hopeful she can join us on Saturday, but in any case, her husband, Jason Eells, the vineyard manager will be on hand to pour the wines and to discuss the challenges of growing the grapes for these fine wines.Phil Molnar will also be on hand to represent the distributer of Mettler Wines and to pour an additional couple of wines from his catalogue that have found their way onto our shelves. One will start the tasting and one will conclude the event.
2009 Gazela Vinho Verde, Portugal
List price 9.50; our price 7.99
This is a fresh, uncomplicated wine that shows fruitiness, along with clean, easy lemon fruits and a touch of acidity. It is light with only 9% alcohol and shows itself as fresh, light and floral. It received 84 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
2007 Mettler Family Vineyards Zinfandel, “Epicenter” Old Vine, Lodi
List price 20.00; our price 17.99
The Zinfandel is harvested from one of the oldest Mettler vineyards, where the vines are deeply rooted in sandy loam soils. This intense, rich and well balanced Zin explodes in the mouth showing first its fine balancing acid, then moves on to the oak elements of earth and spice with some bacon notes. It shows good structure with aromas of red berry fruit and espresso, giving way to dense tannins and a nice acidity in the finish.
2005 Mettler Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Lodi
List price 22.00; our price 19.99
This wine is a true crowd pleaser, rich and tantalizing. It is a lot more approachable on your palate than the usual Petite Sirah. It is fruit forward and luscious, yet has the backbone a Petite Sirah should demonstrate. The grapes are grown organically, which Jason will further discuss. It has a full and rich mouthfeel which is followed by an incredible burst of deep fruit and complex oak undertones.
2007 Mettler Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi
List price 22.00; our price 19.99
The Cabernet is selected from very small blocks of vineyards, farmed organically as well, which are trained on special trellis systems, one of which was originally designed by Jason and Larry. The trellis systems allow just the right amount of sunlight to work upon the fruit on the vine. The Cabernet is aged in French Oak barrels for over 13 months, giving it a rich toasty taste, with accents of vanilla. It will engage you with a nice balance of bright fruit and structured tannins. This is a voluptuous wine that pairs nicely with rich sauces and earthy side dishes, and is delicious with dark chocolate.
2003 Mettler Family Vineyards Zinfandel Dessert Wine “Copasetic”, Lodi
List price 29.95; our price 26.99
Mettler no longer makes the Copasetic dessert wine, but we found one last case in the distributor’s warehouse. Wines of this nature are difficult to make and do not readily reward the winery with profitability. Late harvest Zins used to be quite popular in the 1980’s but began to lose their popularity in the ‘90’s. Even though they are still being produced, they are generally sold at or from the winery. The grapes are late harvested from the same old vine vineyards as the “Epicenter” Zin. It is sweet and balanced, with lasting black fruit. It shows plumy character with spicy pepper notes in its concentrated structure.
Maison Prunier Pineau des Charentes Blanc, France
List price 29.00; our price 25.50
Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine is made from a blend of grape juice or lightly-fermented grape must and Cognac eau-de-vie. The mixture is aged for at least 18 months, including a minimum of 8 months in oak barrels. It achieves a lovely fruitiness and sweetness, but is balanced by both acidity and the increased level of alcohol. The grapes making up the blend are usually Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard, the same that make up fine Cognac and Armagnac.
