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Winery of the Week:
House Family Vineyards - Santa Cruz Mountains, Ca

With so much, of the wine on the market today coming from large, corporate producers, it's nice to come across wineries where things are still done on a modest scale. At House Family Vineyards, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, they focus on small lot wines sourced entirely from the vineyard on the family's property. In some instances, there are fewer than fifty cases made. Such small production certainly won't lead to a million dollar business, but it certainly leads to some great wines.

Click on labels to enlarge

House Family 2011 Merlot
Winery: House Family
Grape(s):
80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Year: 2011

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
45-50

Review:
Aromas of blackberries, plums, and cherries mingle with nuances of cedar and herbs on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and cherry combine with suggestions of herbs, spice, and wood on the palate. Offering plush tannins and interesting non-fruit accents, fans of Merlot will find plenty to like here. 110 cases produced.
Rating: 90

House Family 2012 Chardonnay
Winery: House Family
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Year: 2012

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
45-50

Review:
A bouquet of pineapples, mangoes, citrus fruits, and fresh bread greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of tart pineapple, passion fruit, and lemon, alongside notes of toasty vanilla and minerals. Bright flavors and a lively acidity make it a fine choice to enjoy with crab cakes. 175 cases were made.
Rating: 88

House Family 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: House Family
Grape(s): 81% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Year: 2012

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
50-55

Review:
Aromatics of boysenberries, raspberries, and cherries meld with whispers of balsamic, cola, and herbs on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of pomegranate, raspberry, and black cherry that unfold into traces of cola, dark chocolate, and balsamic. With vibrant fruit and supple tannins, open a bottle with a homemade meat loaf. 475 cases produced.
Rating: 90

House Family 2011 Cabernet Franc
Winery: House Family
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Year: 2011

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
60-65

Review:
Fragrances of plums, cherries, floral earth, and black tea rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of cherry, raspberry, and plum, which flow into allusions of earth, tea, and leather. Soft tannins and elegant fruit endear this wine to a mushroom quiche. Only 37 cases were made.
Rating: 89

House Family 2013 Pinot Noir
Winery: House Family
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region:
Sonoma County, California
Year: 2013

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
45-50

Review:
Notes of bright red berries, sweet spice, earth, and vanilla are showcased on the nose. With a sip, flavors of strawberry, cranberry, and cherry play with whispers of vanilla, all-spice, and earth. Vivid red fruit and elegant tannins mean grilled salmon would make an excellent companion. 187 cases produced.
Rating: 90

House Family 2011 Petite Verdot
Winery: House Family
Grape(s): 100% Petite Verdot

Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Year: 2011

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
60-65

Review:
On the nose, blackberry, cranberry, and dried cherry aromas interweave with notes of rose petal, spice, and earth. On the palate, flavors of cherries, bramble fruits, and cranberries come together with floral, earthy, and chocolaty hints. Bright fruit and easy-going tannins make this a good bottle to open with lamb loin. Only 41 cases were made.
Rating: 90

 

By Jason Barlow

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

 

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