Jan 27 2010

Baldacci Family Vineyards

Baldacci Family Vineyards There are two things – for me – that set a winery apart from the rest (in this order):

Their wines kick ass.
The winery either doesn’t know or doesn’t care that they could be charging 50%+ more than they do.

Baldacci Family Vineyards has both, and I’m sure glad that they do.

I first learned of Baldacci Family Vineyards 6 years ago at Christmas Day dinner when my brother-in-law brought a bottle of their ‘Black Label’ Stag’s Leap Cabernet. It was recommended to him by the guy at the wine store – both because of it’s quality and the price point. This was a Stag’s Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon that was priced about 30% less than the nearest competitor.

Thomas and Brenda Baldacci purchased their 17-acre parcel of vineyard land in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley in 1997. The Baldacci Family Vineyards property was purchased in 1997 from the Eagen family, who had owned it for many generations. Initially, Thomas Baldacci intended only to make a real estate investment.

A few years later during a trip to Napa Valley, we decided to stop in and see what they were all about. It’s a small tasting room right on the Silverado Trail, and we almost missed it as we drove by. Thank God for breakdown lanes in the Valley, else there’d be alot more rear-enders. Being a small “non-corporate” tasting room is *NOT* a bad thing. In fact, it’s preferred.

This small Stags Leap vineyard has certainly grown thru the years and branched out, and for the best. When we went, there were 4 wines that Baldacci produced (pictured below).

The Black Label Cabernet is a blend of vineyard blocks, but still 100% Cabernet; the Brenda’s Vineyard continues to be produced from the same unique section of Block 1 that was originally identified with the 2000 vintage; and, finally, he adds the Estate Cabernet Franc to the IV Sons, giving it a much broader appeal with a rounded mouth feel.

Baldacci Vineyard's Brenda's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

We recently opened our 2002 ‘Brenda’s Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, which has certainly aged very well. It opens with a beautiful, refined oaky nose. It’s warm, spicy, and luscious – revealing cloves and a slight orange citrus. There’s a subtle mocha and cola aspect that lies underneath all of this, complimenting it all the way. The tannins and fruit are beautifully intertwined and balanced. The fruit is lucious and deep. Cherries, anise, currants, and cassis. This wine is a winner.

Things changed in 2003 when Rolando Herrera took over as winemaker, bringing his characteristics and point of view into the process. Since then, Rolando has added a 3rd high end Cabernet, 2 Pinot Noirs, a Gewürztraminer, and soon a Chardonnay.

Baldacci Vineyard's Allwin Vineyard Syrah

Of these new wines, I’ve only had the 2005 Allwin Syrah becuase I just had to know what it was like. Anyone who knows me knows that Syrah is my favorite grape. It’s so versatile, robust, blendable, and thankfully underrated for what you get.

All this led me right to Baldacci’s front door. The wine opens with a very complex rosy, floral, spicy, leather, licorice nose.

It has a warm, soft oak, that envelops everything without overpowering it. I really am a fan of the oak that they use and/or their methods. Oak can make or break a wine, and in too many cases its used as a crutch to cover sins. This is the opposite of that. Its a highly complimentary aspect, which assists rather than overshadows.

This all leads into a huge strawberry and blueberry fruit flavor profile, with beautiful eucalyptus and menthol notes. This wine is wicked tannic, mouth coating, luscious. It’s a big dog, and I’d expect nothing less from them.

The next time we visit the Valley, this is a place that we plan on spending some time at. I’m interested in tasting their whole portfolio, and hopefully a few library wines as well.

If you are in the Valley, and are interested in visiting them (which I highly advise), you’ll need an appointment :

6236 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
707-944-9261
Info@BaldacciVineyards.com
Open daily from 10AM to 4PM.

Comments (4)

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amber
April 25, 2010

Happy to have a new post to read! One of these days I am going to plan a trip centered around visiting the wineries you mention…
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amber
April 25, 2010

Happy to have a new post to read! One of these days I am going to plan a trip centered around visiting the wineries you mention…
Reply
Robert Acai
May 16, 2011

I just wanted to say that this is your best post yet!
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Robert Acai
May 16, 2011

I just wanted to say that this is your best post yet!
Reply

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Writing this stuff down so that I remember it tomorrow...

Baldacci Family Vineyards

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