| There's something that feels a little decadent about | | | | Syrah as "loaded with that fruit-salad mix of |
| sitting down at the end of the day with a glass of | | | | blueberries and dark berries mingling with black |
| lush cabernet – its rich, dark cherry color and | | | | pepper and spice." |
| flavors laced with spice. Or maybe the crisp, citrus | | | | If a robust yet refined Cabernet is more your style, |
| chill of a Sauvignon Blanc is what soothes your soul | | | | consider the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Kelly |
| and compliments your meal. More and more of us | | | | Fleming Wines. The Calistoga vineyard's winemaker, |
| are choosing wine to enhance the flavors of fine | | | | Celia Welch, was named 2008 Winemaker of the |
| foods, or simply as an experience to be enjoyed | | | | Year by Food and Wine Magazine, and produces |
| with friends or while relaxing at the end of the day. | | | | some of the most sought after wines in California. |
| With the surge in popularity of California wines, a | | | | Proprietor Kelly Fleming's extensive research has |
| growing number of vineyards are giving us even | | | | resulted in planting only a small percentage of the 300 |
| more reasons to enjoy the fruits of their labor by | | | | acre property with organically grown vines, so that |
| joining the movement to commit to environmental | | | | the environmental balance of the surrounding land is |
| stewardship and responsible farming methods. | | | | retained. She has also introduced honey-bee hives |
| Paul Martin's American Bistros© in Roseville and El | | | | to pollinate vineyard cover crops and promote native |
| Segundo are known for the farm-fresh foods that | | | | plant reseeding to further enhance the rich |
| are artfully prepared every day, but their | | | | sustainability of the property. |
| commitment to the mantra of "Eat organic. Believe in | | | | Surely you can feel virtuous about drinking an organic |
| sustainable. Buy Local" carries over to their wines and | | | | wine, but is that where the pleasure ends? The |
| spirits as well. "We stand behind the efforts of | | | | dedicated expertise of the Fleming Wine team has |
| innovative local winemakers who embrace organic | | | | produced a Cabernet described by the winemaker as |
| and sustainable farming practices and are producing | | | | "showing dark cherry and spiced plum aromas most |
| exceptional wines." Said Founding Partner, Brian | | | | intensely, with undercurrents of cedar, bay, oak |
| Bennett. The Bistro's extensive wine list by the | | | | leaf…the aromas of the steep forested mountains |
| glass or bottle features over 80 carefully selected | | | | which surround the vineyard. On the palate, the |
| wines, most of which are locally produced by | | | | wine is rich, soft, and lush, yet retains fresh fruit |
| California wineries. It also offers 50 wines by the | | | | acidity and a sense of balance." |
| glass, allowing guests to experience a variety of | | | | Fleming's 2008 Oakville Sauvignon Blanc is dry, with |
| outstanding wines from local winemakers. | | | | "bright, crisp acidity and yet a silky texture which |
| When perusing the "Enticing Reds" section of the Paul | | | | demonstrates that light bodied wines can also display |
| Martin's wine list, consider the 2005 Petite Syrah from | | | | softness and elegance." Clearly this new generation |
| Quixote Winery in Napa. This winery credits their | | | | of winemakers has found a way to utilize the best |
| organic farming practices and the "rich, living soil" on | | | | of responsible farming practices without sacrificing |
| their 27-acre family vineyard with their continued | | | | even a hint of the wine lover's experience. |
| harvests of luscious fruit. They describe the Petite | | | | |