While the winery name has long since changed (from Niebaum-Coppola) and Godfather memorabilia has vacated the premises, one thing hasn’t changed – the wine. Still good, reliable, tasty pours to be had at Rubicon Estate. And while I was as sad as anyone to see all signs of Francis leave the building, his legacy of winemaking still lingers large. Just don’t come here looking for signs of Hollywood because they have all but been relocated to a more Northern zip code at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. But fear not wine-horts. The grounds are still gorgeous if not more sparse than you might remember, and a lot of the rubber neckers that use to linger large on the property hoping to get a glimpse of the filmmaking icon have stopped lurking, leaving a more serene experience behind. But onto the vino, there are many to mention but I am going to focus on one of my favorites – the 2006 Cab Franc. For some reason just typing its name makes me all heady and tingly. Old world charm, new school buzz. That’s what came to mind as I sucked this savory delight down. A fruity plush cherry-berry mouthful with a bang. And I would be remise to not mention the hint of spice that bounced off the walls of my wine goblet, all of which caused me to remember one too many nights of sucking down fine red wine during my Godfather 1,2,3 day/night long showings. Some memories are hard to forget and maybe that’s how it’s meant to be. So enjoy this wine amidst the comfort of your own home and boob tube or any which way you like it. Wacky WineSense Rating: 4.7 Grapes!
Riding the Rubicon Wave
While the winery name has long since changed (from Niebaum-Coppola) and Godfather memorabilia has vacated the premises, one thing hasn’t changed – the wine. Still good, reliable, tasty pours to be had at Rubicon Estate. And while I was as sad as anyone to see all signs of Francis leave the building, his legacy of winemaking still lingers large. Just don’t come here looking for signs of Hollywood because they have all but been relocated to a more Northern zip code at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. But fear not wine-horts. The grounds are still gorgeous if not more sparse than you might remember, and a lot of the rubber neckers that use to linger large on the property hoping to get a glimpse of the filmmaking icon have stopped lurking, leaving a more serene experience behind. But onto the vino, there are many to mention but I am going to focus on one of my favorites – the 2006 Cab Franc. For some reason just typing its name makes me all heady and tingly. Old world charm, new school buzz. That’s what came to mind as I sucked this savory delight down. A fruity plush cherry-berry mouthful with a bang. And I would be remise to not mention the hint of spice that bounced off the walls of my wine goblet, all of which caused me to remember one too many nights of sucking down fine red wine during my Godfather 1,2,3 day/night long showings. Some memories are hard to forget and maybe that’s how it’s meant to be. So enjoy this wine amidst the comfort of your own home and boob tube or any which way you like it. Wacky WineSense Rating: 4.7 Grapes!
Franciscan - Flipping the Wine Lid
A fabulous lotus-like fountain greets you as you enter the grounds of the Franciscan's welcoming wine spot. The layout offers many nooks and crannies to get lulled into, from the main tasting room that’s anchored by a-frame ceilings and a roaring fire place, to the more studious wine library (great for group tastings and special events). I immediately found myself drawn to one of the cozy outdoor cabanas where you can linger a little or a lot as you soak up the scenery and sip fine wine. Book this baby up if you have a hen party or male bonding extravaganza on the horizon. In doing so you'll be able to sip like an elitist at a red velet rope club, but better. You're nestled in the wine country with real friends, what could be better? Well the damn fine wine for starters. I was feeling whirly and whimsical so I made it a white wine affair (though there is much red to choose from too). The Cuvee Sauvage won my aching heart, instantly. It was a pear, apple, honey extravaganza. balancing both light and savory tendencies. It slip-slided right down my wine tube with glee. Yum, yum, yum. The Sav Blanc was a sheer delight too. A limey-lemony-melon moondance of a vino that caused me to bust a move right out to my very own wine cabana. Wacky WineSense Rating: 4.5 Grapes!
Pineapples Are Flying Like Pigs - But Tasting Dreamy
Admittedly when I decided to visit the famous Tedeschi Vineyard, otherwise known as Maui's winery, I was wary, and downright snotty. I expected to be grossed out by cheap, overly sweet pineapple wine. I was expecting something along the quality lines of my Mad Dog wine era in college. I was caught with my bikini down, and quite pleasantly surprised to suck down the Hula O' Maui Sparkling wine. The hula girl on the bottle just confirmed it would be nothing more than wine fluff stuff. I had to slurp down more wine just to be certain, then I had to eat my words because the bubbly was downright delish. Light, tingly, refreshing, not too dry, not too sweet with the ever-so-slight essence of pineapple. I have to ask myself why we can be so judgemental (ok me!) about wines from other parts of the globe. Writing them off as nothing more than frilly counterparts. Thankfully this wine woke up my tastebuds and opened up my mind to a world of wine beyond our own Napa Valley. The Mele Syrah was not too shabby either. It woke up my dozy island tongue on an early morning wine call right before I hiked up Maui's famed crater. Both were spellbinding in their own way. So if you happen to find yourself traveling, or you feel like letting your fingers do some walking to the web, check out the Hula Sparkling wine. It'll change your mind about wines that are mined from prickly fruits that have been relegated to Pina Coladas, which in case your wondering, are also quite dandy here, along with the honus (Hawaiian Sea Turtle). Wacky WineSense Rating: 4.3 Pineapple Grapes!
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