McKahn Family Cellars Viognier and Rosé of Grenache: A Livermore Valley Gem!
Hello Friends,
Today’s Quick Sip highlights two wines from McKahn Family Cellars. This small-batch, family-run operation was established in 2014 and is located in the beautiful Livermore Valley—which, by the way, is the birthplace of California Chardonnay. Their focus is on site-specific, Rhone-inspired wines. Fruit for their wines is sourced from select vineyards throughout California. The operation is a true family affair, with social media rock star Denise McKahn running daily operations. Denise began her career in the wine industry more than 25 years ago, with successful stints at two Livermore icons: Wente Vineyards and Concanon Vineyards.
Today’s Quick Sip highlights two wines from McKahn Family Cellars. This small-batch, family-run operation was established in 2014 and is located in the beautiful Livermore Valley—which, by the way, is the birthplace of California Chardonnay. Their focus is on site-specific, Rhone-inspired wines. Fruit for their wines is sourced from select vineyards throughout California. The operation is a true family affair, with social media rock star Denise McKahn running daily operations. Denise began her career in the wine industry more than 25 years ago, with successful stints at two Livermore icons: Wente Vineyards and Concanon Vineyards.
A passion for wine runs through her veins, and that passion
rubbed off on her son. Since the age of 15, Charles McKahn wanted to be in the
wine industry. At age 26, he started making wines in Napa Valley, and today he helms
his family's business. The next time I visit Livermore, the McKahn tasting room
is a must-stop—and so will be the bustling downtown area I so enjoyed during my
last trip there. McKahn Family Cellars is definitely one to put on your radar, and
you will unquestionably want to get the fruits of their labor into your wine
glass. For further information and where you can find these two delightful
wines, please see my tasting notes below.
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| McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache |
McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Rosé of Grenache (SRP $26): Sourced
from Runquist vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley of California appellation of Amador
County, this delicious rosé checks all the boxes. It’s fresh, light, and
vibrant; it’s full of life! Pale pink in color, this is a bright and subtle
rosé, opening with understated scents of red summer berries and orange blossom.
The aromas pave the way to a lean palate, where red fruit flavors mingle with shades
of stone fruit and rose water. This rosé will work well with anything from seafood
to barbecue, but there’s something about this wine that makes me want to pack
it in my picnic basket—over and over. Approximately 200 cases of this wine were
produced. Region: Shenandoah Valley of California, Amador County, California.
Other info: ABV 13.1%, whole cluster pressed, fermented in neutral barrels,
cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
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| McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Viognier |
McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Viognier (SRP $32): The Viognier
fruit for this bottling comes from Catie's Corner vineyard in Sonoma County’s
Russian River Valley appellation. This medium-bodied wine is bright, crisp, and refreshing,
with expressive aromas and upfront flavors of citrus blossom, orange rind, and
stone fruit, followed by alluring, perfume-like floral tones. A laser beam of
acidity propels the finish. Overall, it’s a racy, delectable rendition of
Viognier that’s worthy of your attention and your dinner table. Approximately
200 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
County, California. Other info: ABV 14.1%, whole cluster pressed, fermented in
neutral barrels, aged 6 months in neutral oak, cork enclosure. Click here to
find this wine.
