Nestled in the foothills of the Palisades mountain range in the far north-eastern corner of the Napa Valley just outside Calistoga sits a true treasure of a property. And my newest favorite place to visit. I was first introduced to the property a few months ago when the Amici Team graciously asked us at ACME if we would like to visit the winery for the afternoon so we could get to know the Amici wines better. The only thing I had known up to that point that was one of our dear friends and neighbor, Tony Biagi (Hourglass, Patria), was their winemaker. That alone was enough to tell us that the wines and project must be pretty special. However, what I thought was going to another typical winery visit keeping me away from my desk and to-do lists, turned out to be one of the most memorable winery experiences I have had. Not only were we greeted by Tony and one of the owners, John Harris, but also greeted by the entire team. After casually tasting in the cellar the whole line-up of wines (which blew my mind) and getting the obligatory business of learning everything about Amici and the wines out of the way, we then walked down to a charming house with one of the most epic views of the Palisades to have lunch with our new friends. I soon realized that Amici, which means 'friends' in Italian, is what this project is all about; a genuine ethos that owners John Harris and Bob and Celia Shepard stay true to. As John says, "Amici is created by friends for friends." For the rest of the afternoon we dined and imbibed and shared and laughed, and soon my to-do list back at my desk was a world away. Just two nights ago, we were once again invited up to the property for 'Gumbo Night', where no business commenced, just friends and family gathered to enjoy this beautiful life.
Amici really does have it all; gorgeous wines that are sourced from the most coveted vineyards in the valley made by one of the most talented winemakers today, a gem of a winery tucked in a breathtaking part of the valley that houses and hosts people with warmth and enthusiasm, and people behind the project that are 100% genuine in their pursuit of living and sharing a life well lived; a trifecta of success.
Flora Marie Vineyard Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley is a beaming expression of co-winemaker Jesse Fox’s personality and a prized result of his diligent fruit sourcing. Flora Marie Vineyard sits on the eastern side of the Russian River Valley on a hilltop, planted to the elegant Montrachet clone in the region’s quintessential Goldridge soil. Planted by famed viticulturist Ulises Valdez, the property has been continually managed by his family since his untimely passing. The vines are shrouded in fog at night and early morning but receive bountiful sunlight during the day. As a result, this Chardonnay is one of the first lots to be harvested each year, and the wines have gorgeous acidity and finesse.
From a lovely vineyard on one of the flanking ridgelines of the Russian River Valley, the 2018 Flora Marie Chardonnay is the confluence of a spectacular vintage and singular site. A mineral-driven wine on the nose and palate, this Chardonnay has a subtle saline character with oyster shell and hints of jasmine. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied, showing flavors of pineapple rind along with citrus, granny smith apple and pear skin through its long finish, reminiscent of decadent banana cream pie. Just 150 cases produced!
