Had a recent bottling of Sonoma Coast PN purchased from Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa, CA I think it was '13 vintage. I have to say it was a really weird style of wine as weird as it sounded I then wanted to purchase the '13 Pisoni they had there but haven’t yet pulled the trigger due to the SC bottling and the price tag. Not to top drift how does the Patz & Hall compare to others out there? Hopefully they keep the quality of wines that others have stated they are.
We typically buy their single vineyard designates. I have always found them to be a bigger style of CA pinot (that’s probably why I like them) - some similarities to Martinelli’s style. If you’re not a fan of that style you won’t like these wines.
Thanks for the follow Karen. With the SVD wines, typically how long are you waiting to open them? And depending on age, do you often decant and for how long?
Nick - sadly I don’t have the patience with these wines as I am sure they will age gracefully. We are drinking 2012’s now and they are lovely, fruity wines with nice depth. We usually give a short 30 min decant - especially for Chenoweth and Burnside.
And “our” sincere appreciation for your support of family wineries, Anton. Know that you are making a difference for those of us that remain. I know some people think this is all glamour and dollars. I have a good life, work hard, and work very hard to cultivate customer relationships which also become friendships (and thank you for yours). My friends are always amazed when I talk about my customers. Not by name, but by “this Dr. in MA, or this teacher in WA, or this lawyer in NYC.” But not because of the position they hold in their work life, but because of the extraordinary respect they show for what I do.
Sadly, it is kind of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” where it can be thought that you would be better off if you sold.
It used to be that Big Winery Company would buy a successful winery, change everything, and then wonder where the business went. Matanzas Creek was a good example. Then somebody said, let’s leave them alone. Hartford is a good example.
Warren Buffett does this. He helps family members trade equity in their business for equity in his. Then the family member who wants to sell jewelry/candy/furniture etc keep at it.
Williams Selyem is owned by a NYC businessman who also owns vineyards and another winery in NY State.
With so many winery operators turning 65 I see a lot of succession issues ahead.
Interestingly enough, in California at least, two of the biggest wineries remain family owned. The Gallos and Barbara Banke and her kids at Jackson Family.