Clark-Claudon’s WeBlog http://blog.clarkclaudon.com Engage, Experience, Educate Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:46:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Children of the Valley http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/09/children-of-the-valley/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/09/children-of-the-valley/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:25:19 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=74 My 36th Napa Valley harvest is well on its way.  Enjoy my Napa Valley Vintners Blog post about the children’s role in this amazing valley.

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/09/children-of-the-valley/feed/ 0 There is a lot going on! http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/07/there-is-a-lot-going-on/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/07/there-is-a-lot-going-on/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:59:02 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=72 2007 being bottled, every detail in the vineyard being covered, Paxton Joshua Clark is born, move to Arkenstone Winery soon under way, changes in our winemaking team & beating back the effects of the recession…never a dull moment around here!

Since wine making is about the most regulated business there is we had to send a huge packet to the TTB to prove we are who we have always been & have not become felons etc.  I have been assured that the license will be in our hot hands in time for harvest! 

In the interim; what hasn’t made the cut is being sold on the bulk wine market while used barrels & racks are going too.  Since we experienced such frost damage in 2008, the cream of what was harvested, about 20 barrels of 2008 Cab, will be moving with us to Clark-Claudon @ Arkenstone.  That translates to 500 cases.  Once we go through our evaluation process it may go down to 250!

We are so excited about this upcoming vintage.  In many ways it feels like a new beginning.  It has been 20 years since we began to develop our vineyard…I wonder what the next 20 will bring!

More about winemaker changes soon…

 

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/07/there-is-a-lot-going-on/feed/ 0 Where do I begin… http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/04/where-do-i-begin/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/04/where-do-i-begin/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:11:30 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=71 I wait way too long to blog.  Then I have more to say than anyone would want to read.  On a day as beautiful as this, I will just recommend a place to enjoy it; Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California; www.cavallopoint.com

After a recent stay, I can confidently recommend everything about this very special place.  During the day you can enjoy; Golden Gate views, luxurious rooms, relaxing porch time, beautiful hikes and a spa & healing arts center.  Then, at the end of the day, the casual elegance of Murray’s Circle, Marine County’s only Michelin rated resaturant, is perfect.  The menu is artistically crafted by Executive Chef Josheph Humphries while the wine cellar, created by Wine Director Dan O’Brien, is one of the most extensive in the country.  I am pleased to note, it includes multiple vintages of Clark-Claudon Cabernet.

Cavallo Point is also great for day trippers.  Enjoy the lively Farley’s Bar, sit on the long white porch or stay a little longer and soak in the warmth from the fire pit as you watch the evening colors change and the lights come alive in San Francisco.  Cavallo Point Lodge is a destination not to be missed.  It is my new favorite place in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/04/where-do-i-begin/feed/ 0 I Propose a Toast to Chuck Jenkins! http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/03/i-propose-a-toast-to-chuck-jenkins/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/03/i-propose-a-toast-to-chuck-jenkins/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:04:23 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=70 We are all hearing such down news every day.  But, there are some good stories out there.  I had to blog about this particular one.  Chuck Jenkins, a wine consultant & educator from Houston, Texas was the winner of the etched 2005 3L we raffled off during Premiere Napa Valley. Rather than just say yahoo and take the wine, Chuck wrote; “ 

“I originally thought that I’d tell you to to sell the bottle and give the proceeds to your favorite charity (I believe you’re involved with several) but on second thought, I’ve decided to take the bottle and will statrt to make annual contributions to whatever charity you’re featuring on your website. (I see it’s the V Foundation right now, so I’ll be sending them a check in your honor).  In the long run, everyone will benefit more, so thank you for getting the ball rolling!”

This again proves that wine can inspire on many levels.  I propose a toast to Chuck! 

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/03/i-propose-a-toast-to-chuck-jenkins/feed/ 0 Supporting the Future of Small Production Wines http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/02/supporting-the-future-of-small-production-wines/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/02/supporting-the-future-of-small-production-wines/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:15:34 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=69 Well, I don’t know if the stars are in line, but the moon was bright orange and beautifully full when I walked to my office this morning.  Don’t be impressed; it is only 20 yards from my house, but it was cold and crisp outside.  Add that orange moon peeking through the trees…absolutely awsome.  

So, what better day to be releasing our 2006 Three Stones.  It too is awsome & perfect for drinking by the fire or with a hearty meal.  At $48 a bottle it won’t break the bank either…of course your bank might already be broken…all the more reason for a $48 Napa Cab…as good or better than many Napa Cabs twice the price.

What could be better; a wonderful wine, at a bargain price while supporting the future of small production wines.

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/02/supporting-the-future-of-small-production-wines/feed/ 0 2 Reasons… http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/02/2-reasons/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/02/2-reasons/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:26:12 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=68 Reason #1:  Check out the Episodes link on the new site www.wineexpedition.com.  It is the first of three episodes at Clark-Claudon Vineyards.  In the first, Tom is discussing fruit ripeness in the vineyard, next will be bass fishing in the reservoir & then a wine & cheese pairing on the vineyard cottage deck.  I hope you enjoy!

Reason 2:   It is raining! Hallaluja!  We are down 10 inches below normal.  Ugh!  First the economy and now an angry Mother…Mother Nature that is…but, today it is raining…oh the simple pleasures.

Thankfully our reservoir will be full by irrigation time.  Our spring fed creek, dry last fall, is now flowing beautifully.  We have a license to capture some of its wet glory for agricultural use.  Tom engineered a system that takes the water up over the hill and into the reservoir…little by little…it will be full just in time.

Growing grapes & making wine is so much like life; oh, thats right, this is our life…what doesn’t get us will give us character, complexity & grace.  Well, at least that is true for our wine.  

Two reasons to smile! 

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/02/2-reasons/feed/ 0 What a day… http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/01/what-a-day/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/01/what-a-day/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:38:04 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=67 Another beautiful WARM day in January!  The daffodils are beginning to pop & the air is balmy…hopefully we will be back to cold temps soon.  I probably should be worried, this doesn’t bode well for the vines, but I happily admit, I am caught up in the optimism that is surrounding the country.  Red, Blue or otherwise.  It feels good to be an American today!

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2009/01/what-a-day/feed/ 0 Introducing Small Lot Wine Tours http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/12/introducing-small-lot-wine-tours/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/12/introducing-small-lot-wine-tours/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:20:31 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=66 If you are looking for small producers with great wine and unique stories, Small Lot Wine Tours; www.smalllotwinetours.com, has just launched a site worth visiting.  We are happy to be one of their featured wineries for the month of December.

The site is not only beautiful, but also very informative.  This month it feature wineries whose mission statments include producing great wine as well as making a difference.  Check it out…

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/12/introducing-small-lot-wine-tours/feed/ 0 Share a moment? http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/11/share-a-moment/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/11/share-a-moment/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:14:33 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=65 Last evening, cooking pasta for dinner; Bocelli’s Italian strains wafting through the kitchen…hmmm, calls for red wine…a bottle of CC ‘05 left over from a tasting two days ago…why not?…soooo yummmy!  Dark fruit, deep color, richly delicious…A perfect call…the simplicity of cooking pasta, beautiful music and a great glass of wine.   

I always wear a bracelet that says, “Live in the Moment.”   It may sound trite, but it helps me keep things in perspective.  Life is too precious to do it any other way…sending good wishes

]]> http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/11/share-a-moment/feed/ 0 Whoa, stop this… http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/11/whoa-stop-this/ http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/2008/11/whoa-stop-this/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:24:49 +0000 laurie http://blog.clarkclaudon.com/?p=64 I usually love roller coasters.  They bring back memories of Santa Cruz, California; we whirled, and screamed through steep climbs, spiraling twists & turns. It kind of reminds me of today, but I am not screaming with joy on this roller coaster. 

Everyone in the Napa Valley wine industry has been pretty quiet, but there is no denying that the financial crisis is taking a toll.   Many restaurants & wine shops accross the country have a freeze on buying while those who are adding inventory are generally sticking to the under $30 wines.  It is not yet clear what this will mean.  I suspect that many small wineries & even some large ones will suffer & maybe have to sell.  In fact, Kirkland Winery just went on the auction block.

Family owned, small wineries are the soul of the Napa Valley.  Winemaking & its connection to nature is their passion while they drive quality, create excitement and assure that the legacy of Napa Valley will survive.  After 35 years in the wine industry, I include us in that group.  It is up to consumers to insure that the wineries & stories they have grown to appreciate will continue. This holiday season is the perfect time to bring a little Napa Valley soul to your table.  

 

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