If ever in the Santa Barbara, CA area and out wine tasting, it is worth a stop to the little sleepy town of Los Olivos. There are many great wine makers in this area, many of them featured in the movie “Sideways” a few years ago. Nestled in the little town is a winemaker that is making some of the best wines that I have personally tasted. Light, fresh, and lip smacking good, Daniel Gehrs Wine is a true gem of the central coast.
I discovered this winemaker from a random bottle grab at a grocery in Solvang, CA. We were in the mood for a Pinot Noir, and frankly this Pinot Noir was one of the best I have had in a long time. Soft, subtle, and warm vanilla. My tongue was dancing and my tummy was singing. I was immediately in love with this wine and wanted to try out some of the others.
A few months later I was in the area and decided to stop at the tasting room, and I was blown away. Every wine poured had an incredible fruit forward taste to it. It was perfectly balanced with the alcohol content and well thought in the blends.
“The holy grail of my winemaking is the taste of the grape on the day of harvest.” Dan hastens to add: “The first duty of a wine is to be interesting. Life is too short for boring wines”. Closely following this dictum is a second, simply put “A wine must taste good. Not just for ‘tasting’ but for ‘drinking’!” Dan firmly believes in wine as food. He remembers: “When I worked at Paul Masson back in the ‘70’s, I guided tours for awhile, through their vast cellar. One of the signs I always pointed out to visitors said: ‘Wine is food’. That’s stuck with me to this day. My greatest experiences with wine have always been in the company of food. So when I’m making and blending wine I’m really thinking about it in terms of complimenting and enhancing food. That rules out blatantly ‘over the top’ or ‘trophy’ wine styles that the press loves to fawn over. They can be terrible with a meal!” He is quick to add: “I’ve never liked the ‘Hollywood’ celebrity image some wineries and winemakers seem to crave. After all, there are better ways to become rich and famous than to make wine!”
Daniel Gehrs isn’t a new kid on the block. He has been around since the 70’s and has been making his own, award-winning wines since 1997. He may have reached perfection with some of his most recent wines. The wines that he is currently putting out in his wine club (yes I’m a member) are from the last few years and he has done amazing things with them. Here is a look at some of my personal favorites and bottles that I currently have at home. His wines run from $15-50 dollars, so everyone can find a wine in their price point.
Methuselah pays homage to the great wines of Bordeaux. It is masterfully blended in a rich, traditional, yet accessible style which is not merely interesting but exciting. Enjoy it over the next ten years. (Limited edition)
This is our first Chenin Blanc to carry the Santa Barbara County Appellation since 2004. The grape source is altogether new. The sprawling, White Hills Vineyard near Santa Maria, was planted in the early 1980’s. The Chenin Blanc vines are ideally situated on a moderate south-facing slope in deep, sandy soil. Production is very moderate by California standards, and the quality high. The slow fermentation took place entirely in stainless steel over a long, 72 day period at steady, cool temperatures. An early 2011 bottling has captured and full vitality of this classic variety, vineyard and vintage with lovely aromas of honey and flowers wedded to complex flavors of fresh pears and quince. DRG 1/11
Our Fireside Port is derived from the high elevations and granite-based soils of the Sierra Nevada foothills. It consists of the authentic and ancient Portuguese varietals that have brought the Porto district worldwide renown. Enjoy this dark, rich wine with full flavored cheeses, nuts or chocolate over the next 5-10 years. DRG 11/10″
Danile Gehrs wines may not be for everyone. Many reviews knock him for the subtle taste of his wine, and that is fine. Wine is subjective, which is what makes it so great to drink and try. But if you like wines that are well made, and well thought out then Daniel Gehrs Wines might be the one for you.
