Howdy, Howdy and Hello I hope all of you have been enjoying Clint Messimer’s posts regarding the growth cycle of a grape cluster last week and yesterday as much as I have. Clint, our vineyard manager extraordinaire, has an incredible ability to explain the intricacy of his craft in words…
Jeff’s Corner Once again, it’s time for me to say, “Greetings from the Easter Binney!” Happy Easter everyone, today we’ll take a look at our new 2017 Bellissimo, which I am going to endorse right now as a great wine to pair with your Easter ham. But wait, today is not only Good Friday, it’s also my 39th Wedding Anniversary. 39 years ago today, right about the time this is posted, Kath and I pledged a lifetime of love to one another, and it was probably the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
Jeff’s Corner Hey Hey Hey, it’s Serendipity Day If you are in the Mixed or Black Label Wine Club, the 2017 Serendipity is in your immediate future, while in fact some of you may have already picked up this elusive beauty. If you haven’t, it’s ready for you at any of our three locations, and if we ship your allocation, it’s on the way.
Jeff’s Corner Bon Jour, Heath Sparkling is all the bubble buzz in the Tasting Room at GCV these days. Excitement is building, and the first allocation (March) has had rave reviews. If you’re a member, sign up soon for May to be sure and get your share. Too often, we think of Sparkling wine as celebratory and overlook how versatile it is with food and as an aperitif. Here’s a fun story from the Jeff’s Corner Archives, (available for a sizable cash donation) dated 10-24-14:
Jeff’s Corner Two days ago, Chelsea posted a nice pic of our vines going through bud break and bursting into life for the 2019 vintage. Here’s a bit more info, and I thought you might enjoy a closer look at a snap I took March 26, 2015, almost exactly 4 years ago.
Jeff’s Corner Today we’re going to take a peek at the new 2017 Mosaic, but before we do, congrats once again to Jason and gang (more about them soon). We just brought back 14 medals from the Monterey Wine Competition, including a Platinum for our legendary ’18 Cabernet Blanc and Golds for the ’18 Riesling, ’17 Muscat Canelli, ’16 Bellissimo, and ’17 Cuvee Blanc. The rest were Silver, no Bronze. Now, on to Kathy’s favorite wine (and she’s never wrong), our Bordeaux-style Mosaic. First produced in 2004, the 2017 is the 13th vintage of what is often one of my most favorite Grape Creek wines as well.
Jeff’s Corner Everyone’s darling favorite, or favorite darling, is back. The 2018 Rose of Malbec has been released, and is in almost every employee’s glass after work these days. The 2017 stole the show all summer long last year, was often our best selling wine, and sold out quickly. We nearly doubled our production this year, so buy it up and drink it up!
Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) Is Juliet right? Or is she merely trying to ease Romeo’s concern regarding his surname of Montague. Would Silver Oak be equally attractive if its name was Snail Slime? Would GCV’s Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend be more desirable named Prosperity?
Jeff’s Corner 2-15-19 I was surprised last week when Dougabie told me to write about the release of the 2018 Cabernet Blanc; it seemed like just a few months ago we were checking out the ’17. Well, guess what, that’s because it was. Alas, the 2017 has melted into legend, taking with it a Gold Medal from the SFCWC. Another great one, however, is on the way… This is where I’m going to get on my soap box for a second when it comes to sweet wines being a matter of taste. Duh! It’s okay not to like them, but it’s really not okay to look down on them. I hate liver, but I don’t look down on people that (gasp!) love it. Besides, Jason and crew make damn good sweet wine!
Jeff’s Corner 2-1-19 Hey, Hey, Hey, last Monday was our 5th Annual Staff Appreciation Day, and suffice it to say, that Tuesday morning the makers of Tylenol and Advil experienced record sales. After terrorizing the San Antonio River Walk the last two years, we returned to the beautiful Eilan Hotel and Spa, the scene of our first two outings. Not surprising, this year was the largest yet, with Brian and Jennifer renting 76 suites and hosting 136 guests. It was truly a magical evening, featuring great folks, fabulous food and wine, and lots of dancing.
Enjoy a fun, free-flowing evening with our Winemaker, Jason Englert, and Owners, Brian and Jennifer Heath! Taste different blends prepared for bottling straight from the tanks and enjoy mouthwatering delights from Stout’s spread about at culinary stations as you dive into the world of Grape Creek wine.
Jeff’s Corner 1-25-19 Howdy, Howdy Today I want to share a day in the life at the SFCWC (San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition), but first, I want to thank Kathy, the staff at GCV, and those of you who follow Jeff’s Corner for all the fantastic support and accolades you’ve thrown my way. I’m one super-lucky dude.