Bent Creek – 122
Friday, July 22nd, 2005
At the end of the long road where White Crane is located is another hidden little gem, Bent Creek Winery. I had barely noticed the sign and was thankful that the folks at White Crane recommended them. After travellilng down the long, straight paved road, Bent Creek is a dirt-road drive through a rural home set amongst surrounding vineyards. I have to admit to being a tad curious about the seemingly odd logo which is seen on the sign. I thought it a bit crude — until I saw the website; it seems the property lies in the middle of an erratic bent creek. They took the exact alignment of the creek and successfully transcribed it as part of their logo.
Upon arrival, one sees an adobe-style Spanish home next to which is a smaller building from which blares lively Mariachi music. I was surprised at the volume, thinking that because I could hear it so clearly as far away as my car, that it must be deafening inside the tasting room. It was only when I opened the door to enter, that I realized they had speakers in place on the outside of the building, literally inviting guests inside.
The tasting room is intimate and well-aportioned. The folks behind the counter were extremely engaging and informative. Linda (on the left) was pouring for me, but a charming lady joined in the afternoon banter. It was a pleasure to learn that she was actually one of the four proprietors.
Carol Howell (on the right) explained that she and her husband, along with another couple, all work(ed?) for the school district when, as partners, they started planting vineyards on the side. Their first wine was produced in 2000 but the tasting room’s construction was not completed until 2002. Now making almost 2,000 cases, the four work together making and blending the wine and processing the grapes, while some (if not all?) still work in the school district. This is a winery whose product across the board impressed me immensely. There is great potential and I will be watching them closely and drinking more Bent Creek in the future.
2004 Mendocino County Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp green apple bouquet with a hint of grapefruit. Tangy entry expands the green apple and finish with a lovely sharpness. $15.00
2003 Livermore Valley Chardonnay – Very clean and expressive fruit of red apple and a hint of apricot. Distinct entry showing integrated fruit and some cream. $16.00
2001 Amador County Zinfandel – 2% Petite Sirah. Port-like nose showing elegant cinnamon and cardamom spice. Easy medium-bodied mouthfeel showing dark raspberry and boysonberry. Smooth with nary a touch hotness. $15.00
2002 Livermore Valley Syrah – An estate-grown wine that is intensely dark with black cherry and soy sauce aromas. Spicy mouth feel with black plum, that is rich and complex, showing depth and a tease of smoky bacon. Exceptional. $19.00
2002 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Made from three tons of grapes from two vineyards; White Crane and Thatcher Bay. Lovely black currant bouquet with a hint of eucalyptus. Very smooth, easy entry with velvety tannins that shows a long, cherry finish. $24.00
2003 Livermore Valley Petite Sirah – This was their first harvest of this wine. Inky, port-like aromas of candied plum and dusty cocoa. Very full-bodied with black fruit in the front and a slightly dry finish showing a bit of uneveness, but great potential. I will definitely go back for this (and a Syrah!) after these vines have produced another vintage or two. $25.00
2002 Amador County Vintage Port – Along with the Syrah, this was the surprise of the visit. Carol indicated it was a port made entirely from proper Port grapes;
Touriga, Tinta Cao, Alvarelhao, Souzao, and Tinta Roriz. Feeling a bit of deja vu, where else have I had a California port made with the proper grapes? Of course! St. Amant in Lodi! I told Carol about this astonishing Port producer that I adored who makes this amazing port… To my joy and surprise, Carol let me know that it was Tim Spencer himself who was supplying Bent Creek their grapes AND teaching them the fine art of Port making. There’s a reason I liked it, showing intense rich aroma in its dark, ruby tone. There are cherries and some sweet herbs. The complexity is even and developed. $23.00
Bent Creek Winery ~ 5455 Greenville Road ~ Livermore ~ CA ~ 94550 ~ 925-455-6320
