I continue my muses on some of the wineries in Temecula my wife and I visited in Temecula. Be advised, we did find some places that are entirely forgettable. But we also found a few gems worth seeking out. 

 
When was the last time you enjoyed a really good Nebbiolo? Was it an over-$50 bottle of Barolo or Barbaresco? Even then, you needed to look for something with some age on it. What if you could find a domestic, drinkable in its youth? Well, Thornton Winery in Temecula is doing this. Their 2006 Nebbiolo was the highlight of the tasting. The inky black liquid presented a thick, black fruit nose. The fruit-forward black cherry was follow by red cherry and finished with a delightful, lingering cola. True to it heritage, the Nebbiolo is a big wine that is really better when consumed with food. But it is still very good on its own, 

I am not sure I have ever had another domestically produced Nebbiolo. Sure, I found some great Barbera, excellent Sangiovese, and a few other Italian varietals, but not Nebbiolo. 
 
Thornton also produces several other very well done wines. These include a Sparkling Brute, a Viognier, a couple of Zinfandels, Syrah, Chardonnay, etc. The Zinfandels are worth checking out. I loved the deep, dark Syrah with its black fruit and touch of black pepper. The Chardonnay is an all-steel fermented and aged crisp effort that intrigued us.
              
On equal par with the quality of the wine was our tasting room hostess. A really great hostess or host can dramatically improve a tasting experience. Our hostess, Mary, was one of the two best hostesses we tasted with all day. It was not just that she knew and understood her wines; she also understood the food they should be served with. Mary is also a salesperson. She listened to what we liked and presenter her wines that fit those descriptions.  Not every winery and tasting room I visit understands the importance of patrons enjoying themselves.  Maybe it is my imagination, but I think the wines taste better when I am enjoying myself.  But then I believe them best bottles of wine are those I share.
 
We will be back to taste with Mary at Thornton again sometime, However, I have some special bottles I saved back in our cellar that we will share with some good friends. We will also share memories the fun we had in Temecula at Thornton.    

Cheers,

MikeR