By Palmaz Vineyards | December 2021
The Gaston Cabernet Sauvignon is not always available in the tasting room due to its small production and limited release. When it’s present, though, it always steals the show.
The Gaston Cabernet Sauvignon is not always available in the tasting room due to its small production and limited release. When it’s present, though, it always steals the show.
To celebrate our 20th harvest this year, we’re exploring the last 20 years of farming innovation at Palmaz Vineyards with co-founder Christian Palmaz.
Since 1997, Palmaz Vineyards has pursued the marriage of innovation with the art of winemaking—starting with its eighteen-story subterranean winery carved into the side of Mount George. The engineering of “The Cave” was a feat unto itself, resulting in a structure unique even among gravity flow wineries. While The Cave is a technological marvel hidden in plain sight; it’s still just the tip of the iceberg, especially when it comes to farming.
Weighing in around two to three pounds each, Tomahawks are one of the most rewarding cuts out there, but they’re also intimidating. In preparation for our High Steaks dinner event this December, we thought we’d do a deep dive into this particular cut. In demystifying the Tomahawk, we hope it becomes your new steakhouse favorite—one you can enjoy at your own table.
Nestled in the Coombsville AVA in Napa Valley just outside of the town of Napa, Palmaz Vineyards has a history that dates back to the Gold Rush era of the 1800s.
Today, it is proudly owned and operated by two generations of a family that has brought innovation, creativity, and hospitality to the culture of wine, and ancient art of winemaking.
As summer fades, we lean into the warmth of our kitchens and recipes that can take an edge off the chill. Soups, stews, and braises—we fall back on all kinds of comfort dishes here at Palmaz—but nothing is more comforting than the sound of a stock pot simmering.
A decadent dish, indeed! We love it served next to a bed of fresh arugula, shaved Parmesan and a glass of Palmaz Cabernet for the perfect fall lunch. Make sure to have some extra Cabernet Reduction on hand for anyone who wants to spoon some additional sauce over the top.
In true form, the 2018 Riesling “Louise” from Palmaz Winery was delivered in a “Flûte” shaped bottle reminiscent of Rieslings from Alsace, France. It also has a low alcohol content consistent with old world production.
We often use cantaloupe for this recipe, paired with our Amalia Chardonnay, but Amalia Palmaz has recently been making this dish with Honeydew. It is a delicious variation, with a delicate flavor that balances perfectly with the spice of the cayenne pepper and saltiness of the prosciutto! Use whichever melon you have on hand—either will make for a refreshing dish. The Honeydew variation pairs beautifully with our Louise Riesling.
Sommeliers are asked the question at least once a day, says Zaitouna Kusto, sommelier at Esters Wine Shop & Bar in Santa Monica, California. “These well-meaning people aren’t wrong about their tastes, of course, but they are potentially misguided by a number of sociological factors they may not even realize.”
American sweet wines have long had a poor reputation. In stark contrast to the grand sweet wine traditions of Europe, like Sauternes, Tokaji and Italian passito, U.S. bottlings are often lumped together with poorly made, sugar-laden sweet offerings sipped by those thought not to know “real wine.”