Terra Valentine was started by Angus and Margaret Wurtele,
who still own and farm the Wurtele Vineyard in partnership with Terra
Valentine. It was the Wurteles who brought in Phil Baxter as the winemaker for
their project. Phil’s son, Sam, was reared in the vines and inevitably went off
to UC Davis to study fermentation science. He returned to Terra Valentine after
receiving his education and gaining some hands-on experience elsewhere. Sam
became the winemaker in 2002 and recently purchased the winery from the
Wurteles in 2014. Sam crafts his wines in as traditional a way as possible. The
“Marriage” blend changes every year. The 2015 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet France and the balance is Merlot. The best barrels of both of their
estate wines create this proprietary blend at a price point that is well below
what their Spring Mountain neighbors are charging.

In the glass, the wine emits a medium-deep garnet-purple with scents of black fruit, earth, and spice box seasoning. It’s generous on the palate with cassis and dark plum fruit. The savory and mineral-driven finish adds an excellent contrast to the plump and juicy fruit core. Bring on some grilled steaks