I caught up with David this week to place my order for the 12 Estate and Colonel’s. No surprise about his thoughts that these will be very good but need time. He’s real happy with how the Cuvee and Merlot are showing and the response in the market place. I really liked both of those wines and added some more Merlot to my order. He’s pretty much sold out of it.
He did mention the 09 Estate showed very well recently when he poured it at a tasting. Still young but with decant sounded really nice. I’ll probably check in on that one next year. I have some friends visiting with him next week so will get an update as well. If you haven’t made the trip up Chalk Hill it’s a great way to spend the afternoon. If you haven’t tried the wines and enjoy Cali Bdx wines made in a very classical style then I’d seek them out. Great line up of wines and great pricing especially at the club level.
thanks Fred, folks weary from Napa cab pricing really ought to look into Calluna…assuming one likes more classic wines as you say…although these are not lean by any stretch, just impeccably balanced
Nice to hear about the 13 Colin and welcome to the board. The 12 Merlot is excellent and a visit to the Chalk Hill estate is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Figured I would resurrect this old thread rather than starting another.
Small group of us visited David at his house this weekend, and his patio doubled as a tasting area. His wines are fantastic, and I’ve long thought that the CVC is one of the best QPRs in wine country. He is very interesting to talk to, not only about the wines and the history of the winery - such as what led him to establish Calluna and (mostly) avoiding the fires - but about the business aspect itself - the problems with shipping, distributor issues, etc.
It was a very enjoyable time, and certainly the highlight of the day. The view from his house is incomparable - 360 degree views of the valley. It’s amazing. If you are in Sonoma, and haven’t visited with him, I can’t recommend it enough.
Calluna is one of our family favorites. The entire lineup is solid (don’t miss out on the Malbec) and reasonably priced. @tpetty nailed it on the views, 360 amazing views of Sonoma, and great people. If in town, strongly recommend a visit.
The entire lineup is excellent but as I have said previously the CVC is one of the best value wines in all of California. If it had a Napa address it would sell for 10X what it sells for today.
