A Delicious Napa Cab with a Local Interest

by Tim Brinkmann, Williamson Social

May 13, 2011


They say Nashville is fast becoming the new L.A., and by that I don’t mean Lower Alabama. It is one of the reasons I decided to open the doors to Brinkmann’s Wine and Spirits here in Cool Springs three years ago this month! The greater Nashville area combines the best of both the fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle with good ol’ country living. While it’s no secret we southerners love to eat, Nashville has recently been put on the map by wine makers and wine enthusiasts alike. Turns out we really like wine. Really good wine.

As an industry veteran of 18 years, I have sampled my fair share of fine wines. At Brinkmann’s Wine and Spirits, we receive visits from many talented and dedicated wine makers eager to share their craft. On one visit in particular, I had the pleasure of meeting wine maker Laurie Claudon of Clark-Claudon Vineyards.

Clark-Claudon Vineyards is located in the hills of St. Helena, CA in the Napa Valley. Based on the same values and customs as Brinkmann’s Wine and Spirits, the vineyard is a traditional family owned-and-operated business. Members include Laurie and her husband Tom Clark, their children Josh and Brianna, and Brianna’s husband Brian Forgie. Tom entered the wine world with a job opportunity in managing vineyards in the Napa Valley. Through his years of work experience with various vineyards, he mastered the art of wine growing. Tom continued his wine education by managing and developing vineyards for private individuals and wineries. In 1989, he and Laurie began Clark-Claudon Vineyards. The rest is history.

Last year, I traveled to Northern California for “Premiere Napa Valley.” This is an event for members of the Napa Valley Vintners to offer select trade the opportunity to taste from barrels and bid on small lots of wines available to Premiere attendees. These 200 wines are produced and offered in five, ten or 20-case lots and specially labeled to highlight their rarity. Wine sales are built on alliances, and this event brings together the powerhouses of the wine industry. Having sampled over 200 barrels of wine, I was invited to try Clark-Claudon Vineyard’s wine selection from several different barrels. Of their ten wines I tasted, I chose my favorite three and purchased my own 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. Each barrel yields around 300 bottles.

The First Vintage of 2008 Brinkmann Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful example of the marriage between exceptional mountain fruit and artistic winemaking at its best. This wine greets you with its deep purple color and gorgeous fruit packed aromas.  From there the rich smooth texture will fill your mouth with layers of intense dark fruit, smooth tannins, hints of espresso and a very long satisfying chocolate finish. This is Napa Valley Mountain Cab at its best!

I am proud to announce, of the three barrels I purchased last year, we are down to our last barrel of this exceptional wine. So come join us this month and pick up your own bottle of Brinkmann’s Cabernet as we celebrate three great years of business and our thirst for great wine and
country pride.

Cheers!

Tim Brinkmann