GrapeRadio – Wine Talk Show

Click Here: Freemark Abbey Winery

Opus One, certainly one of the most iconic wineries in Napa Valley, was the fruition of a 10-year collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild in Bordeaux. Celebrated as the first joint venture between California and France, the winery produced its first vintage in 1979, having been made, aged and bottled at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville. Some 10 years later, construction began on Opus One’s own winery – right across the highway from the Mondavi winery. As with the concept of Opus, the design of the new winery was groundbreaking, combining Greek and Roman motifs with those of early California.

Join us as we talk with Roger Asleson and Michael Silacci about Opus One and its history, as well as its place in today’s Napa Valley.

For more info on Opus One Winery: www.opusonewinery.com

Sponsor: Bagged Wine: www.baggedwine.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

If you like this show check out:

Audio #93: Mondavi – 40 Years in Napa
Audio #186: Chateau Mouton Rothschild

View More Photos From ‘Opus One’

When Dennis and Judy Groth purchased 121 acres in Oakville in 1981, it included the Oakcross Vineyard – filled with prime Cabernet Sauvignon that had been planted by Justin Meyer and Ray Duncan some 8-10 years earlier. So, it didn’t take long for them to establish a track record with their Cabernet. In fact, Robert Parker gave the 1985 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon the distinction of California’s first 100 point wine.

Fast forward to today, and between 1999 and 2003 they replanted all of the Cabernet Sauvignon with new clones, rootstocks, and new trellising. With all the young vines, they also decided to not produce wine for the Reserve program for vintages 2000-2004.

Join us as we talk about Oakville, Cabernet and what it’s like to be given the first perfect 100 point score on a wine from the U.S.

For more info on Groth Vineyards and Winery: www.grothwines.com

Sponsor: Vinfolio: www.vinfolio.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Click Here: Groth Vineyards and Winery

Does the name Russell Bevan ring a bell? Well, it probably does to most wine-geek denizens of the internet. Russell (and alter ego Bacchus) was there at the start, when wine-based bulletin boards and discussion groups emerged from their cocoons.

A rabid wine fan from the time he could buy wine (actually, even before), Russell wanted to learn everything he could about the subject. Eventually, he found many others across the country like himself who were thoroughly into wine. Before long, Russell found himself leading groups of thirsty geeks on extended wine tours of his favorite region, California. These tours became the things of legend, and soon other geeks were doing likewise, exploring and indulging their passion in the California grape scene.

So, where did all this crazy passion for wine lead Russell? Right into winemaking. When he was offered a ton of high-quality Cabernet fruit from a very respected source in Napa Valley, Russell jumped at the chance and made his first Bevan Cellars Cabernet. And where did that lead him? The winemaking job at this same source – Showkett Vineyards. Fast forward to today, Russell leads some of the same friends on a new adventure, hand-sorting through grapes in an all-out effort to make a “yummy” wine.

Join us as we talk with Russell about the early days, the present challenges, and how he and his inspiration Victoria realize a dream of what must seem like the perfect life.

For more info on:

Bevan Cellars: www.bevancellars.com
Drystack Cellars: www.drystackwinery.com
Showket Vineyards: www.showketvineyards.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies, Mailing List: www.pinpoint-tech.com

Click Below to Play the Show:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Brian, Jay, Doug Shafer, President of Shafer Vineyards, and Leigh.

Today we interview Doug Shafer, the President of one of California’s premier wineries: Shafer Vineyards. We discuss Doug ‘s journey and transition from wine maker to President and some of the things that make their vineyards such a consistent producer of quality wines. Click here to learn more about Shafer Vineyards.

Doug and his wife Annette are also highly involved in charitable causes. Doug talks about Festa Primavera which benefits local education. There are going to be some incredible auction items so make sure you check it out.

Click Below to Play the Show:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

If you enjoyed this episode check out these other related shows:

Audio #16: The Wines of Bob Foley
Audio #93: Mondavi – 40 Years In Napa
Audio #103: Bo Barrett and Ch. Montelena
Audio #108: Winery Profile: Trefethen Vineyards
Audio #125: Winery Profile: Staglin Family
Video #1: The Staglin Family
Audio #148: Wine Maker Profile: Mike Trujillo
Audio #197: The Wines of Dunn Vineyards

View More Photos From ‘Winery Spotlight: Shafer Vineyards’