4 Vines

Wine, Winery Spotlight / By

4vines.jpgLike a lot of wineries in California, 4 Vines started with a wine lover, some land, and a dream. Unlike a lot of wineries in California, 4 Vines has quickly grown into a dynamic delicious hand-crafted wine power house that puts out 40,000 cases each year and is run by three partners with super-hero status.

4vines_p.jpgChristian Tietje, a former chef in the Boston area, moved to San Francisco with wine on his mind—and in 1990 he started his own vineyard. Over the next several years he matched his culinary talent with partners Susan Mahler and Bill Grant. Together, the three of them have created award-winning wines at award winning prices.

After taking one sip of a 4 Vines wine, you’ll understand what Tietje means when he says that life is a sensual experience and an adventure to be enjoyed. “Winemaking is my contribution to the adventure,” he declares on the 4 Vines web site. He doesn’t fall short.

4 Vines has been making a splash in the wine world by breaking away from the stuffy stigma that “old world” wine carries with it. Featured among its industry-changing practices is the exciting 4 Vines Incident wine club for a true sampling of the winery’s best. Club members receive three shipments of 4 Vines a year, scheduled for January, May and September. Each shipment includes 4 bottles of Four Vines wine accompanied by tasting sheets written by winemaker Christian Tietje. Club members receive a 20% discount on 4 Vines wine and invitations to “winemaker dinners and hedonistic celebrations.”

The Wines

4vines_syrah_pasorobles_thumbnail.jpg2005 Paso Robles Syrah $8.99

This happy wine features plum and berry fruit, spice and creamy oak on the nose. The body reveals a red stone fruit and strawberry laced with spice and gripping tannins. Long on the palate with a seductive toasty oak and creme brulee finish.

4vines_chardonnay_thumbnail.jpg2006 "Naked" Chardonnay, Santa Barbara- $7.99

The fruit of this first-class wine was fermented in 100% stainless steel to rid the wine of any oak influence, hence the “naked” label. This Chardonnay exhibits crisp apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and mineral. It is refreshing and satisfying in a clear, no-oak style.

4vines_zin_oldvine_thumbnail.jpg2005 "Old Vine Cuvee" Zinfandel, California – $8.99

A blend of rich California Zinfandel, this wine is a crowd pleaser. On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel trailing to a velvety toasted oak finish. Enjoy this wine with nearly any meal.

More information on 4 vines, including their wine club, newsletter, and directions to the winery, can be found at http://www.fourvines.com. If you can’t make it out to the winery, check out the 4 Vines wine selection at Trader Joe’s.

Jake Kulju is a freelance writer, and food & wine reviewer. Visit his web site, www.jakekulju.com.