Mitchell Katz is learning to embrace change. After all, it’s happening everywhere around him. For one, harvest in the Livermore Valley seems to keep getting later and later each year, but Mitch has found ways to adjust to the challenges that presents. Also, he’s always put his heart and soul into making red wines but found it a challenge to do the same for his whites. Now, though, Mitch has a gained a new appreciation for white wines and is putting just as much of himself into them. And finally, while his current spot atop Ruby Hill has been the winery’s home for years, Mitch has accepted that it, too, must change. He’s simply looking forward to 2013 when the winery’s new location on Tesla Road will open.

Even with these changes, Mitch is still the same guy. He still wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s still a straight shooter when he speaks, and he still greets visitors to his winery like old friends. Plus, most importantly, he’s still making some very enjoyable wines.

 


Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)

Special Designation: Falling Star Vineyard

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2008

Price: 50-55

Review:

Aromas of blackberries and cassis meld with notes of chocolate, vanilla, and clove on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and a bright note of cherry before finishing with suggestions of sweet spice and dark chocolate. A more elegant style Cab, with plush tannins and a rich character, it’s for fans of reds offering sweeter barrel notes.

Rating: 90

Character: dark fruit, rich mouthfeel, balanced tannins

Grape(s): Sangiovese (97%) & Cabernet (3%)

Special Designation: Grimes Vines (Loves Series)

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 25-30

Review:

A bouquet of ripe cherries, plums, and strawberries along with suggestions of sweet spices rise from a glass. The palate offers flavors of cherry, dark raspberry, and strawberry with accents of spice, toasty oak, and dark chocolate. A fuller, richer wine than many of its Italian counterparts, fans of mouth-filling Super-Tuscans should try this bottle.

Rating: 88

Character: dark fruit, balanced tannins, supple mouthfeel 

Grape(s): Petite Sirah (100%)

Special Designation: Clark’s Conner

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 20-25

Review:

Dark cherry and blackberry aromas are accented by hints of sweet spice, pepper, and dark chocolate on the nose. Flavors of blackberries and black cherries merge with suggestions of musty oak, clove, and pepper on the palate. Nicely structured but not big and robust, it’s geared for fans of rich reds with a slightly sweet barrel character.

Rating: 90

Character: dark fruit, supple mouthfeel, rich tannins

Grape(s): Shiraz (Syrah)

Special Designation: Abboud’s Acres

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 20-25

Review:

On the nose, aromas of cherries, plums, and raspberries mingle with suggestions of clove and cinnamon. Blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry flavors meld with notes of spices, vanilla cola, and a few earthy, woodsy hints. It’s a rich, voluminous wine driven by fruit and sweet spices. If you’re looking for pepper, it’s not here, but fans of fruitier, mouth-filling reds will really enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90

Character: dark fruit, supple mouthfeel, balanced tannins

Grape(s): Chardonnay (100%)

Special Designation: Shadow Hills

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2010

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromatics of creamy, toasty oak along with notes of pear and tropical fruit rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of rich vanilla, pear, and pineapple with a few hints of gram-cracker. A fairly round wine, with a supple mouthfeel, it’s for fans of approachable, creamy Chardonnays.

Rating: 90

Character: dark fruit, balanced tannins, creamy mouthfeel

Grape(s): Pinot Gris (100%)

Special Designation: Buttner Vineyards

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2010

Price: 10-15

Review:

Notes of apple, melon, and citrus fruit mingle with hints of honey and white-blossoms. A sip reveals flavors of green apple and honeydew that are rounded out by suggestions of honey and orange blossoms. Not bone dry and crisp like so many Italian Pinot Grigos, this wine has a rounder mouthfeel and more lush fruit. It’s for fans of softer, approachable whites.

Rating: 88

Character: lush fruit, supple mouthfeel, mellow acidity