Volker Eisele Gemini 2012, White Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 90A unique blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc aged sur lie for 5 months in predominately gently used French oak. Very soft aromas on nose of honeydew melon, pineapple and citrus. The mild acidity leads to a soft creamy mouth-feel with flavors of honeydew melon, honeysuckle and citrus with tropical notes on the finish. Buy This Wine
The drive from Calistoga to Volker Eisele Family Estate in Chiles Valley (a sub-ava of Napa Valley ava) is a 30 minute climb along a scenic winding two-lane road. As I drove I wondered why anyone would choose to grow grapes in this upper valley. I later learned that Francis Sievers founded Lomita Vineyards in 1870 on the same plot where Volker Eisele planted his predominately Cabernet vineyards a hundred years later. I was greeted at the old Lomita winery building, which now serves as the offices and a museum of sorts, by Volker Eisele himself. His German accent is still pronounced, giving the whole experience an old world feel. Being something of a Napa history buff, I was excited to meet this iconic pioneer vintner. Volker Eisele is featured prominently in the historical book, Napa: The Story of an American Eden by James Conaway. Continue reading »
