CLONYC 38 - Fun with Mike & Leah (Smith) II

[Merrill_Lindquist]

@Mike Grammer

Which accords with what you—and I think others—thought it would look like near harvest, doesn’t it Merrill? I still remember tasting the grapes out in your vineyard and thinking—wow, how sweet and rich…

Yes, Mike. The fruit and resulting juice was/is off-the-charts rich. I actually continued with my program of harvesting when I think it’s ready (and when TRB isn’t monopolizing my harvest crew ), and it turned out (verified by ETS Labs) to be 24 Brix. I also harvested my 2009 at 24 Brix, but no one would confuse the 2 (at any point from vine to barrel). Now I know this will invite the question about which one is better…or more on the mark…or more likely to age well…etc. And if Dr. Holdredge is looking in at all, I will have to endure the “I -don’t-use-a-refractometer/never-have” discussion. Wonder if he gets lab confirmation. My 2009 has reached a fairly wide audience which has mostly expressed satisfaction. I have little experience with my 2009 Special Selection - hard to open when the production is only 35 cases.

What would happen if Mike Smith made wine from EMH fruit?

And yes, I realize I just used more parentheses in one short paragraph than writers would advise. Fewer than 6 months ago, a fellow board member accused me of not knowing how to use punctuation at all (that was for more dashes - I believe - than was deemed proper or appropriate).

[Dan_Hammer]

@Merrill Lindquist

What would happen if Mike Smith made wine from EMH fruit?

Now that would be a marriage made in heaven.

[John_D]

Thanks for the terrific review. Do you know of anywhere in NYC that sells Mike Smith’s wines? Would prefer a wine store, but would also go to a restaurant to get a taste. Also, if I visit him in Napa, does he have Myriad or the others to sell while tasting at Envy?

[mike_pobega]

John, best to email Mike and Leah for that info. I can tell you it’s worthy to seek them out and you won’t be dissapointed.
They are travelling a bit now, but should respond as quick as they can. I do not know of any NY shops with it, but then again I rarely go into retail joints these days. A quick search on Wine-searcher says nothing around me for many miles.

info@myriadcellars.com

[Glenn_L_e_v_i_n_e]

Mike can sell you wine if you taste with him @ Envy.

[Ian_P]

@Merrill Lindquist

What would happen if Mike Smith made wine from EMH fruit?

Is this an exploratory question?? Or did I miss something from a previous post?

Don’t take this the wrong way because I really enjoy Black Cat…but I think Mike is the best or one of the best winemakers in Napa.

[mike_pobega]

Mike’s brother, Doug offered me this at the end of the evening. It’s all the attendees and is a great gesture and sign of his appreciation.

[Ian_P]

@mike pobega

Mike’s brother, Doug offered me this at the end of the evening. It’s all the attendees and is a great gesture and sign of hos appreciation.

Very nice. Is that a wine stain at the bottom? That gives the gift a “classic” wine drinking touch. Jealous I wasn’t there.

[Dan_Hammer]

@John D

Thanks for the terrific review. Do you know of anywhere in NYC that sells Mike Smith’s wines? Would prefer a wine store, but would also go to a restaurant to get a taste. Also, if I visit him in Napa, does he have Myriad or the others to sell while tasting at Envy?

If you want to source a bottle from my cellar, I may have a spare to sell you. Send me a private message.

[Phil_S_t_a_f_f_o_r_d]

Great post, awesome event. Can’t wait to try the '11’s. Mike and Leah are the best!!

[Mike_Grammer]

@Dan Hammer

@Merrill Lindquist

What would happen if Mike Smith made wine from EMH fruit?

Now that would be a marriage made in heaven.

Hmmm… (where’s the licking-lips avatar when you need it). And go ahead and use those parentheses, Merrill! I’m a big believer in nested brackets when appropriate!

[mike_pobega]

You know, a great project would be a fruit share of well known sites being made by different winemakers. Could make for an interesting theme dinner. I have not quite had anything like that.

Just a thought. (which is usually the impetus of greatness)

[Chris_Presutti]

@Michael Giammalvo

Everytime I interact with him I come away thinking that he is likely the nicest and most approachable winemaker in Napa.

It’s hard to disagree with that statement.