Ratings Explained
84 & Below – Not Posted ‘cause we won’t drink it
85 + A good wine. Buy if the price is right
90 + A very good wine, in our humble opinion
95 + An awe inspiring wine – Possibly life altering
All wine reviews are based solely on the personal tastes of the authors.
Disclosure: Samples are designated by an “S” beside the wine reviewed.
We’re still objective. Robert Parker doesn’t buy his wines either
A crisp Chardonnay with round flavors of green apple, pineapple and citrus highlighted with hints of vanilla and tropical fruits. Very light notes of oak and butter help to make this wine a patio party pleaser.
A beautiful example of Oregon Viognier from Illahe Vineyards. Round flavors of ripe pineapple, honeydew melon, and citrus with hints of peach. An aromatic nose and soft acidity add to the complexity. Viognier is a great alternative to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. It pairs very well with summer meals and grilled white meats.
Kelly Fleming
Kelly Fleming is living the dream(s) that so many wine lovers share. First, to own a vineyard / winery and second to build a family business, in touch with nature, to be shared with her children.
In 1998, Kelly purchased 300 acres near Calistoga where today you will find a twelve acre vineyard next to her small yet beautifully designed winery tucked up against the hillside. From the private tasting room you look through glass doors into a 7,000 square foot limestone wine cave cut into the hill. Kelly, as you will see, is a hands-on vintner who has no problem with dirty boots and vineyard dust on her hands.
Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog had the opportunity to meet Kelly in the summer of 2011 to share wine and stories. Kelly is very down-to-earth with a casual elegance, much like her wines. Her easy style combined with her passion for wine made for a lovely Sunday afternoon visit far away from the frenetic pace of so many winery tasting rooms.
Kelly Fleming Wines produces only two varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The first vintage was 2004. We enjoyed the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc’s beautiful balance with soft flavors of honeycomb, pear, pineapple, vanilla and honeydew melon. The Cabernet was well integrated with soft and supple tannins combined with flavors of dark cherry, dark berries, spice, and smoke with hints of cocoa and toasty vanilla.
The winery offers appointment tastings by contacting the winery. Elegant wines at a winery of understated elegance; Kelly Fleming Wines is a stop worth making.
B & B Wine Blog: Kelly, you are living the dream many of us have, to own our own winery. Tell us why you wanted to open a winery and how you made your dream into a reality.
KF:I wanted to continue to learn. Next I thought about my interest in food, wine and growing things. Once I found this land, the story evolved. First I was only thinking about planting grapes suited to the property. Once I got my hands dirty and spend time on the land, I was forever lost and consumed in farming. Once the grapes came, I contemplated the next step of wine production. After a few years of watching, I wanted to have the winemaking here in our control with our caring hands. Continue reading »
A super sipper, dry and crisp with a fuller mouth-feel than many Chenin Blancs. Flavors of pineapple, citrus, Meyer lemon, spice and minerality. The well balanced acidity makes this a good foodie wine but soft enough to enjoy with friends for afternoon fun on the patio. Check out Pope Valley Winery
Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog
A fun, fresh and slightly sweet “layered” blend of five grapes (Sémillon (37%), Muscat (20.5%), Gewürztraminer (19.5%), Pinot Gris (19%) and Chardonnay (4%) ) The flavors of Sémillon and Muscat prevail with notes of citrus, peach, honeycomb and pear with hints of minerality creating a floral nose followed by a creamy mouth-feel.
Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog
