Markham Vineyards – 50
Monday, March 21st, 2005
I have had a long-standing appreciation for Markham, but only partly because of their wines. They are another in the small family of wineries that heavily support the arts. In their case, the visitor’s center, which is opulently filled with home decorations, jewelry, fixtures, and one-of-a-kind kitchenware, also doubles as an art gallery.
There is a small-ish gallery space downstairs, by the tasting bar, but a more expansive gallery space throughout the hallways of their corporate offices upstairs. Guests are invited to take their glasses as they wander around and view the exhibits which change every four months (reasons to go back often). Along with the revolving exhibits, there are a number of permanent sculptures throughout the grounds.
Along with the art which thrills me, Markham also produces pretty decent juice. Mostly known for their Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignons, of late I have been limiting my tastes to the lesser-known varietals. Markham offers three levels of tasting when you visit; Premium Wines for $5.00 (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and and Cabernet Sauvignon), Hard to Fine Wines for $8.00 (Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Sirah), and a Library Reserve Tasting for $15.00 (a revolving library of two different vintage Merlot [one a Reserve] and two vintage Cabernet Sauvignon [one a Reserve]). My suggestion? Bring two friends, get all three tastings, get to taste all the winery has to offer! But if you do, don’t forget to spit a little…
2003 Sauvignon Blanc – Clear and light in color, grassy apple and kiwi aromas adequately anticipate the bright and engaging crispness. Balanced, acidity on the mineral finish. $14.00
2003 Chardonnay – Creamy, vanilla nose but approached the mouth a bit too bright and crisp which I believe is nothing other than having been stuck in the ice too long. Too cold and it masked all the flavors, but I couldn’t stick around long enough to let it warm up. $18.25
2002 Pinot Noir – Bright ruby red, almost fluorescent color. Effusive with bright, ripe raspberry, hinting towards cinnamon. Balanced entry that was even and round, with a slightly tight finish. $24.00
2003 Pinot Noir – Red, garnet color that produced a tad more earthy, raspberry aroma, layered with clove and anise. Dark aromas masked the acidic mid-palate and tight, dry finish. $24.00
2000 Petite Sirah – Incredibly spicy licorice and anise bouquet that absolutely exploded with aromas. Dark, spicy fruit on the tantalizing entry that was slightly dry in the middle. Even, expected mineral finish that kept going. $28.75
Markham Vineyards ~ 2812 St. Helena Highway North ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-963-5292