McFadden – 105
Monday, June 27th, 2005
Guinness McFadden of McFadden Farms had a twinkle in his eye when I met him. There was something that his cherubic face and boyish charm exuded as he explained his 35 years as a farmer in Mendocino. What I didn’t realize at the time I met him, was that he grows far more than grapes.
Grapes are of course the thrust of what we talked about during our brief conversation — he explained that he has been growing and selling his Sauvignon Blanc to Sterling Vineyards and Chardonnay to Navarro for over 35 years and this last year was the first year he decided to make wine himself. The surprise came in providing a link to his site and learning that he is, in fact, also a California Certified Organic Farmer, growing herbs, rice, and garlic on 160 acres.
Guinness has been bitten with the winemaking bug, now showing two lovely white wines, but indicated to me that by Spring of 2006, will be adding a Pinot Noir and a Zinfandel to his line-up. I was fortunate to taste the wines at the Mendocino Wine Affair, as McFadden Farms is not yet open to the public for tasting. His CCO status means that the grapes for his wine was produced through sustainable farming, which is quite admirable, in my opinion.
2004 McFadden Riesling – At 12% alcohol, I did not obtain the exact residual sugar but anticipate it being quite low. Grassy nose with a layer of lemon rind, the mouth feel was clean and simple. Not overtly sweet, but engaging and one I would enjoy trying with some spicy Thai. No price obtained.
2004 McFadden Pinot Gris – A pale straw color, this teases with fresh elegant herbal aromas and a touch of light floral notes. The initial taste is clean and slightly grassy, with a slightly tangy finish of white melon. No price obtained.
McFadden Farms ~ Potter Valley ~ CA ~ 95469 ~ 800-544-8230