On a crisp Saturday night, as the tourists in the valley stumbled away from our beautiful Temecula Wine Country, Dena and I were heading in. Marshall Stuart and his lovely wife Shannon were hosting an exclusive tasting of his own special private label which showcases his true passion as an elite winemaker in our valley. I have had the distinct pleasure of enjoying Marshall’s talents for over a decade, and eagerly invited seven of our most zealous couples to join us in the decadent indulgence that I knew this event would deliver. Several of the couples were familiar with Marshall’s wine from his Stuart Cellars days, while the others enjoy his wine making brilliance from the other local wineries that he shares his spirit with. Once we eagerly walked into the after-hours winery, we were greeted with nine of Marshall’s fine wines being served at three separate bars, which allowed the 90 plus fortunate souls who attended this affair the ability to socially roam around the large room comfortably.

Once we had glass in hand, we made our way straight to where Marshall and his son Bradley were pouring. Bradley immediately greeted us with a smile and went over the wine selection being served at his bar. Bradley was pouring the 2015 White Merlot, the 2015 Montepulciano, and 2015 Zinfandel. We started off with the White Merlot not only because it was the proper wine to lead with but, we had also tasted it roughly a year ago and had loved it. The White Merlot did not disappoint. Swirling the wine around in the glass, I immediately pick up the scent of fresh strawberries. As I took a sip I swooshed it around to tempt my palate and wow, nothing but ripe strawberry for me with just a little tang on the finish. What a delightful semi-sweet wine, perfect for the Jacuzzi or something spicy. The second wine we really enjoyed from this bar was the 2015 Zinfandel. With Zins you either get a dry spicy or a fruit bomb. This Zinfandel was an easy to drink, fruit explosion; a nice medium bodied wine with dark fruits on the nose and on the palate.

From that bar we made our way through the buzzing indulgent conversation in the room to the second bar where friendly faces were pouring the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. Our two favorites from this bar were the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. Of course we started with the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, for us this was not a typical light bodied Sauvignon Blanc. It was intense, bright with flavors of sweet peaches and apricots that exploded in your mouth. This wine would pair well with some goat cheese, pesto or a delicate fish. The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon was perfect for me. In my mind there is nothing better than a dry medium to full bodied red that has a lingering finish. Swirling the wine I could pick up hints of green bell pepper on the nose. Taking a second sip of the wine, I could taste black cherry and vanilla on the finish. I would like to say I would sit on this wine for a while, but honestly it will be gone in less than a year. I seriously have no will power when it comes to Marshall’s wines!

At our final wine bar, we were served the 2015 Chardonnay, the 2015 Cabernet Franc, and the 2013 Syrah. Our two favorite wines from this bar were the 2015 Chardonnay and the 2013 Syrah. The 2015 Chardonnay was a slightly sweet yet effortless to drink the entire bottle in a sitting. On the nose I could pick up hints of pineapple and other tropical fruits. As crazy as it may sound when I took a sip of Marshall’s Chardonnay, I tasted frozen buttery banana. It was delectable. The 2013 Syrah for me was the boldest of the reds served that night. Swirling the glass I picked up notes of dark cherry and oak. Sipping the wine, I tasted dark cherry, leather, clove, and vanilla. This wine had a nice long lingering finish that forced me to go back for another taste.

Marshall Stuart’s private label tasting did not disappoint! It was a memorable evening with Temecula Wine Country with great wine and great people. Marshall was a gracious host and even shared a few heartfelt words- thanking his wife, children and friends. I used to say that if you go to a winery and like 2-3 of the wines then it is a good winery, but if you find a winery that you like all the wine… then that’s the place you need to join their club. www.marshallstuartwine.com You will like them all!