A steady and slow rain fell as we drove along Wine Creek Road passing homes and wineries neatly tucked into the quiet corners of the Dry Creek valley. So often when we visit the Healdsburg area our time and hearts are occupied with wineries we have loved in the past. On this trip we were determined to plot a new course and try some new selections.
In the early afternoon we approached the Michel - Schlumberger winery
excited to learn more about their wines and vineyards. I spotted the
property and imagined how lovely it would be to live there and enjoy of
glass wine on an evening walk through the vineyard.We were immediately
enchanted at how this beautiful old estate incorporates a reverence for
nature, the business of winemaking and a spirit of relaxation one rarely
sees these days. We were also amazed to discover this old elegant
estate was actually built in 1979. It was evident that Jean-Jacques
Michel chose to share the flavor of his European roots with his
guests,and we are grateful.
The centerpiece of the property is a long reflecting pond filled with
lily pads and frogs that croak a robust greeting. Were they greeting us
or insuring the future frog population? I like to think both are true.
As we entered into the atrium surrounding the pond, the big open arms of
the winery walls seemed to embrace us and welcome us home.
To
us, our host Jim is the face and heart of Michel-Schlumberger wines. If
you have ever met someone and felt an instant kinship you will
understand how we felt upon meeting Jim. It is evident he loves people,
enjoys talking about wine and feels proud to promote a company he feels
passionate about.
We began our visit on the back terrace over looking the organic garden.
We watched finches and bluebirds dance on and off their feeders while
learning a bit of winery history. Seeing the barrel room and the
production facility is always a fun prelude to a tasting and we welcomed
the opportunity accompany Jim as he led a tour. The winery has the feel
of an elegant country home, sophisticated yet very comfortable. Every
area invites you to linger a while, take it all in and have a glass of
wine.
It was time to begin our tasting and Jim could not have picked a
better place for us to enjoy it than seated at the round table in the
spacious yet cozy kitchen of the estate.To have friends gather in the
kitchen sharing stories and sipping wine is one of life’s great joys.
French doors allowed us to look out over the terrace and beautiful
property as we relaxed and got reacquainted with the wines of Michel
Schlumberger.
I
thoroughly enjoyed the 07 La Brume Chardonnay with it’s crisp citrus
and floral notes. I generally gravitate more to Sauvignon Blanc because I
find many chardonnays are too heavily oaked and buttery for my taste
The La Brume is not and therefore perfect for me. I’m a big fan of
malbec and the dark berry richness of the Humanitas malbec did not
disappoint. My favorite taste of the day was the 1991 Cabernet, which
was even more delicious than you are imagining it was. This
tasting will spoil you for the rushed impersonal crowded affairs that
often pass for tastings. This is the way wine was meant to be enjoyed.
Imagine being invited to the country home of a dear friend. You are
welcomed and given a tour; after which you share wine and good
conversation. You leave smiling, having made new friends and having
tasted some extraordinarily good wine made by a socially conscious
producer. If this sounds like heaven to you make an appointment to pay a
visit to Michel-Schlumberger and say hello to Jim for us.
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