Hart Winery shows their heart
Definitely reminiscent of the Bay Area weather by it’s sunny surroundings after the misty fog gave way, lies the first winery at the base of Rancho California Road in Temecula, California. As one of 34 wineries in Temecula Wine Country, this winery had much to offer as many of their wines were sold out before I arrived, such as their Barbera, Sangiovese, and a few Zinfandel (my favorite varietals). I was impressed by the simplicity of this small working cellar, the sense of family history that was exhibited throughout the tasting room, and the moderate costs of these fine wines.
In 1980, Joe and Nancy Hart of the Hart Family Winery built their winery in beautiful Temecula. Today, Joe and his son Jim produce over 5000 cases of wine and are certainly proud of their accomplishments.
The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($18) was their newest release. On the nose was pineapple, grapefruit and citrus notes. A nice dry wine on the palate and coats the tip of the tongue to a lingering finish. I would pair this wine with steamers – Clams, Grilled Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Vietnamese Spicy Mussels, or Lemon Grass Thai Chicken over Jasmine Rice.
The 2010 Blanc d’ Franc (a $16 favorite of mine) was their new Rose’ produced from their Cabernet Franc grape. On the nose was aromas of strawberries and raspberries. On the palate, it was dry and the tartness of the fruit came through. By far not a sweet wine, but a drinkable wine by the pool or picnic with Fried Chicken, Pasta Salad, and a Pear Tart for dessert.
The 2008 Tres Hermanos ($22) comprised of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 20% Syrah, was an interesting Rhone style blend. It’s complexity was subtle, yet not as tannic as first thought. Although this wine had character, my belief is that that this wine needed to be laid down a bit longer. That said, give it a few more years and it should be great!
The 2009 Mourvedre ($28), Temecula Valley was very nice on the nose. Subtle hints of blueberries and dark cherries made this dry but smooth and long lingering finished wine perfect for a sheep’s milk cheese like Brebirousse D’ Argental.
The 2007 Driveway Red (another favorite at $20) was a Bordeaux-style blend with 42% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc. These grapes were from a block of vines above their parking lot. On the nose were raspberries, blueberries, and cherries. On the palate , this medium bodied wine had the right combination of herbaceous qualities and Cabernet Franc that I love in a Bordeaux style blend. This wine would pair well with meaty stews, roasted vegetables, or pesto pasta, as well as, grilled beef or lamb.
The 2008 Aleatico ($48), Palmador Vineyard, Temecula Valley was produced from the Aleatico grape, native to Italy’s Puglia region. It brought back memories of my visit to Poggibonsi and below Volterra, where there were beautiful vineyards of Muscat grapes. This jammy and charming, fortified wine could stand alone after a fine meal or an addition to vanilla bean gelato.
Special thanks to Jay Weseloh for the fine hospitality and stories of Temecula Wine Country’s history.
