Renee Ary, Duckhorn Winemaker
The Duckhorn Winemaker tour rolled through town this month and featured the launch of the inaugural Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay as well as new releases from Duckhorn Vineyards, Goldeneye, Paraduxx, Migration, and Decoy.
First the chardonnay, Duckhorn started making this wine in 2011, but they didn’t feel like they fulfilled the vision until the release of the 2012 vintage. It was made in an old world style, had lots of citrus flavor but with the beautiful notes that aging in French oak brings. I was impressed.
I also had the chance to sit down with Duckhorn Vineyards Winemaker Renee Ary, who became Duckhorn’s fourth winemaker in four decades. She has worked at Duckhorn for 11 years first overseeing quality control, then as associate winemaker, then as assistant winemaker before being named to her recent position. She was in the Texas market on the tour to debut Duckhorn’s new chardonnay and allow industry folks to taste the latest offerings.
Renee started as a chemistry and art major and then parlayed her passion of wine into a profession when she worked at Robert Mondavi Winery as a chemist. She combines the creative genius and technical expertise to make some great juice while respecting the craft of winemaking. And, she’s one of the nicest and most unassuming folks that you’d ever met.
You can tell Renee loves her job and the Duckhorn vineyards. For her, it’s about making great wine and continuing the legacy of Duckhorn.
I tried the entire line-up of Duckhorn including the 2012 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, the 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay, the 2011 Napa Valley Merlot, the 2011 Napa Valley Merlot Three Palm Vineyard, 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2012 The Discussion Estate Napa Valley Red Wine. We also got to try the 2008 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot out of a double magnum, which was exquisite. Like always, the wines were amazing and I’m excited to see Renee’s continued stamp on the future.
Michael Fay, Winemaker Goldeneye Winery
I also had the chance to talk to Michael Fay, the Winemaker for Goldeneye Winery. I wasn’t familiar with Goldeneye’s small production Pinot Noirs, but am very glad for the discovery. I tried the 2011 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, the 2011 Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Gowan Creek Vineyard, the 2011 Ten Degrees Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and the 2009 Goldeneye Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Gowan Creek Vineyard in a magnum. You could taste the ruggedness of Anderson Valley Pinot and the Gowan Creek had more structure and texture. These wines were also great.
