Fenestra has a long history in the Livermore Valley as it has been in operation for over thirty years. Their current winemaker, Brent Amos, is fairly new to the winery, but his offerings only further the legacy of Fenestra’s owners, the Replogle family. Sourcing fruit primarily from the Livermore Valley and Lodi, they offer a wide variety of wines, and while you may not recognize the grapes used, your taste buds will certainly recognize the quality.

Here are our panel’s reviews of a section of Fenestra’s current releases:

Grape: Verdelho

Winery: Fenestra

Region: Lodi

Year: 2011

Price: 10-15

Review:

Aromas of citrus fruits, melon, kiwi, and herbaceous suggestions greet the senses. A sip reveals notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and kiwi that finish on a light, chalky note. A clean, crisp white, with nice fruit character, that’s a bit out-of-the-ordinary, it’s very approachable and food friendly.

Rating: 90

 

Grape: 95%Tempranillo, 1.5% Mourvedre, 1% Souzao, 1% Graciano, 1% Petite Sirah

Winery: Fenestra

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2008

Price: 30-35

Review:

Aromatics of strawberries and raspberries meld with notes of spice and clove on the nose. Flavors of raspberry and cherry are accented by sweet spice and tea emerge on the palate. It’s a medium-bodied, jammy red that fans of smooth, lightly spiced wines will enjoy. Just 97 cases were produced.

Rating: 89

 

Grape: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc, & 3% Petit Verdot.

Winery: Fenestra

Region: Livermore Valley

Special Designation: Conjugation

Year: 2007

Price: 40-45

Review:

A bouquet of cherries, bramble fruit, cassis, dark chocolate, oak, and floral notes greets the senses. With a sip, flavors of cherry, blackberry, and raspberry meld with suggestions of cocoa and oak. A smooth, fruit-driven blend with soft tannins, fans of easy-going, layered reds will enjoy this bottle. 160 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Grape: 47% Touriga, 22% Alvarelhão, 10% Tempranillo, 14% Malbec, 3% Tinto Cão, 2% Souzão, and 2% Graciano.

Winery: Fenestra

Region: Lodi

Special Designation: Tourvanillo

Year: 2007

Price: 25-30

Review:

Blackberry, raspberry and cherry aromas rise up from a glass along with a hint of rose petal. Flavors of bramble fruit and red berries mingle with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and leather on the palate. Smooth, full-bodied, and offering some nice layers, try this bottle if you’re looking for a little wine adventure. You won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 90

Grape: Syrah

Winery: Fenestra

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2007

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromatics of red berries and plums with accents of spice and anise greet the senses. Raspberry, cherry, and boysenberry flavors meld with notes of leather and pepper on the palate. A hearty Syrah, with a nice balance of fruit and non-fruit flavors, fans of reds with a earthy/gamy character will enjoy this wine very much. 272 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Grape: Petit Verdot

Winery: Fenestra

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2008

Price: 30-35

Review:

A bouquet of rich dark fruit, black licorice, and dark chocolate rises up from a glass. Blackberry, bing cherry, and cassis flavors come together on the palate with accents of chocolate and floral notes. A smooth, welcoming wine with moderate tannins, fans of elegantly styled reds should try this bottle.

Rating: 90