Wine-hopping Over to Calaveras County
Finally made it over to Murphys and the Twisted Oak Winery. And even though it was a Monday and therefore not very busy, it was still the tasting room with the most personality I’ve ever been to. In fact, I came across the place where the twisted rubber chickens come from…or where they go to die…couldn’t really tell the difference. Just know that they’re everywhere. Even half disguised as frogs greeting you at the door.
El Jefe and his cracker-lovin’ companion, Nacha, (short for garnacha blanca and that dog really does know her wine) poured me the entire current release menu (which, by the way, is always complimentary). All were solid, but the ones that really did it for me were the crisp Verdelho, the “I already know I love it with French toast” Petite Sirah, and, of course, the Spaniard: a stand-out red blend that tasted more like a Cab at first and then moved into rich, red fruit. I admit, I didn’t spit that good %@#$! We also tasted from the outside tanks, including a Viognier with a deceptively fruity nose and then went into the cave for barrel samples. You won’t see it in stores, but the River of Skulls is quite the tasty Mourvedre.
A few minutes later and quick jaunt over to Main Street made for a little ducking under the low ceilings of Hatcher Winery’s tasting room. Also a fairly new winery, another similarity to Twisted Oak is that they both make a Verdelho from the same vineyard. In addition to the castle-like feel of the stone walls and the iron sconce of candles, I really enjoyed the smoothness of the Cabernet Franc and the Syrah.
After the tasting, I perused a couple of the shops for gifts. A few more miles down Highway 4, contentment was to be found on a peaceful hike through the Big Trees State Park. With some snow still on the ground, and birds all around, it was a great way to finish the day. That and a Giant burger on the way back through Arnold.
Twisted Oak Winery, Hatcher Winery, winetasting in Calaveras County, Big Trees State Park
….Farley Walker
April 19th, 2007 at 6:10 am
Sounds like fun!! Did you bring home a chicken?
April 19th, 2007 at 6:51 am
It was a lot of fun. I didn’t bring home a chicken because the one I have now strikes me as the jealous type.
April 24th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Jeez am I behind in blogging or what? Thanks very much for coming out Farley - I also had a great time! And Henzilla already misses you…;)