Crave – food & drink
Here is the first of 2 winery gems in Lake County, Napa’s neighbor to the north: Steele Wines.
Steele Wines has 5 labels and 20 wine varietals. I had the opportunity to sample a few from the Steele label, the namesake label for owner and winemaker Jed Steele.
- Steele 2013 Carneros Chardonnay (Durrell Vineyard) is oaky, buttery and awesome—a perfect Chardonnay ($24).
- Steele 2012 Lake County Zinfandel (Catfish Vineyard) is well-balanced with juicy, wild berry flavors ($24). Originally planted in 1901, the 7-acre Catfish Vineyard is one of the few Lake County survivors of Prohibition. This rustic Zin, which is grown in the red volcanic soils of the Kelseyville Bench, would pair well with a wide array of dishes.
- Steele 2012 Lake County Cabernet Franc ($18) has aromas and flavors of soft cherries. I had the opportunity to barrel-taste the 2013 and 2014 Cab Franc—and I’m already looking forward to the release of both.
Sampling wine in the Steele Wines tasting room
The Steele label wines are known for being full-bodied, rich and complex—and I agree. In fact, my companions and I enjoyed our tasting so much, we brought home a bottle of each of the wines I mentioned above.
The Steele Wines tasting room is located at 4350 Thomas Drive in Kelseyville, just off Highway 29. Stop by & tell them Dark Surf Nightly sent you.
Barrel tasting at Steele Wines
