Ultimate California Wine Blog

Neal Vineyards and Winery is another neighbor on Howell Mountain. In fact, if you could drive through our vineyard manager’s house, you would drive right into the back of  Neal’s vineyards. Mark Neal has been in the agriculture business since he was a little boy, as it was actually his father, Jack Neal, who started Jack Neal and Sons as a vineyard management company back in 1968. He now farms to organic standards, while working towards certification.

It is somewhat surprising that it took Mark Neal so many years to have the wine-making bug to bite him. With Gove Celio as his winemaker, Mark completed construction on his state-of-the-art facility in 2001. While they were making wine as early as 1998, the facility is just now becoming finalized with the installation of a bottling unit.

Being in the agriculture business, I was not surprised at the beauty of the landscaping and the architecture. A tour of Neal includes a walk in the caves and the surrounding facilities. Take note of the hand-wrought door handles, chandelier, and bar step. Indeed, this is a facility that has a reputation for quality and even before you taste the wine, you know it to be true.

I know there is a huge demand for many of Neal’s vineyard specific wines as he not only produces a Howell Mountain Cabernet, but those on his mailing list are first in line for Cabernets from Chafen, Wykoff, and Second Chance vineyards. On the day of my visit, all I was able to taste was the 2002 Napa Valley Cabernet, a blend of nine different vineyards. It was exceptionally purple in color with dark cherry, black fruit liqueur, and anise notes. Smooth, easy, and complex, the dark fruit showed even, layered flavors in the mid-palate with a rich, menthol finish that demonstrated longevity. $45.00 While not tasted, I purchased a Rutherford Zinfandel for future tasting.

Neal Family Vineyards ~ 716 Liparita Road ~ Angwin ~ CA ~ 94508 ~ 707-965-2888

I feel a tad embarrassed about my visit to Turnbull. It was a hot afternoon and I sort of just dashed in and dashed out. I glanced at the walls, but not long enough to realize they are another in the line of wineries with art exhibits, in this case, photographs of famous 20th century icons.

The tasting room was a relatively standard offering; bar, tables with goodies to buy, and photographs on the walls. It took some time to muscle in to taste, but once there the staff were friendly and informative. Apparently there are a number of functions that occur on Saturdays, including some several cooking classes like pizza-making or grilling. I wish I had known about that before my visit…

I did admire an adjacent arbor where several folks could wander and relax while tasting their wine. Many tasting rooms work as a factory, trying to get their guests in and out as quickly as possible. The mere existence of such a spot of serenity sounds volumes of goodwill in an otherwise hurried industry.

2003 Sauvignon Blanc – 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Viogner that never saw oak. Slightly effervescent, lemony entry that was almost sweet. Crisp and tangy in the mid-palate, a sweetish ending seemed simple. $15.00

2003 Old Bull Red – A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Syrah, 9% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Tempranillo, 2% Petite Sirah, 2% Sangiovese, and 2% Petit Verdot. Clear, bright garnet in color, this showed dark berry aromas layered with hints of anise and mint. The entry was just as fruity with cocoa and coffee in the mid-palate and dustier on the finish. $20.00

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon – 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, 2% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Aromas of dried herbs and smoky cedar predominate the nose. Some fruit flavors on the entry which is dry in the mid-palate but fills out and warms on the finish. $40.00

2002 Red Wine "Black Label" – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot. Dark, inky purple shows full aromas of black plum, blackberry, and dried herbs. Integrated and smooth, the flavors mirror the aromas with a balanced, even finish. $75.00

Turnbull ~ 8210 St. Helena Highway ~ Oakville ~ CA ~ 94562 ~ 707-963-5839