CARMEN POLICY: FULL LIFE AND A FULL HOUSE “MR. MERLOT’S” MIGRATION HOME M time,and President I I GREW UP HEARING THE NAME CARMEN POLICY ALL THE but mostly on Sundays. My family loves the 49ers. And as a kid, even today, I feel like part of the team. Since Carmen was the of the 49ers in our glory days he was also part of our family, especially when we were winning Superbowls. Today, I’m proud to call Carmen a friend and when I drink his wines, it reminds me of the value of family, leadership, childhood, and being part of something greater than myself… Q: You’ve got a strong presence in San Francisco and Napa Valley. Where do you call home? A: Napa Valley… basically Gail and I consider it our home. This is where our house is, our vineyard is… we have grandchildren two miles away. But we still spend at least two nights a week in the city and are very involved. One of the things I’m most proud of is serving on the board of the UCSF foundation. It’s fascinating to be connected to these healthcare superstars. Also Mayor Lee appointed me to a committee designed to handle the final months of Candlestick Park’s existence. The 49ers finish 2013 on Dec 23rd , although I’m hoping there we’ll host a playoff game after... But no matter what, in January, we’ll be planning events to say goodbye. Q: Sounds like the best of both worlds. Tell us about your life up here in Napa Valley and your winery. A: We’re active with the St. Helena Montessori School and Queen of the Valley Hospital, and support other local organizations and political leaders. And the culinary scene up here is just unbelievable! We used to plan our travels around cuisine, but with all that’s happening here, there’s no need. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and we are served some of the absolute best wines and food. Casa Piena Carmen and Gail’s family winery is becoming pretty exciting! Our vineyard manager, Jim Barber, and winemaker, Thomas Brown, have been working our vineyard since the beginning (planted in 2003) and they understand it completely. The vineyard has matured now and developed a consistency that we are very proud of, and has received spectacular responses. Closing statement: People we meet, old friends or new friends... they tell us that we’re living the dream… And in many ways they are right. A few places to try Casa Piena: In Napa Valley, French Laundry, Redd, Bouchon, Bottega, Bistro Don Giovanni, Press and more; in San Francisco, Epic, Waterbar, Boulevard, Kokkari, Coqueta, Bourbon Steak and House of Prime Rib. BY IAN WHITE 36 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F E magaz ine. c o m MY RECENT QUEST TO FIND THE BEST MERLOT LED through many tasty twists and turns, one of which was Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley, and to a founder known as “Mr Merlot.” Located in St. Helena, at the narrowest point of the valley floor, this stunning property instantaneously welcomes you with its grace and southern architectural charm. Designed by Margaret Duckhorn, Director and Co-Founder of Duckhorn Vineyards, the property both dazzles and makes you feel right at home. Dan and his then-wife Margaret co-founded Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa’s 40th winery, in 1976 with a small group of friends. Influenced by what he’d learned on an in-depth journey to France, Dan decided that Napa Valley was ideal for producing wines of exceptional depth and complex character. As the president of a vineyard consulting corporation, Dan understood that winegrowing began with soil, and used his skill and experience to pair varietals with specifically suitable terroir. Duckhorn Vineyards first released a total of 1,600 cases, balanced equally between Three Palms Vineyard Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Believing that great wines begin in the vineyard, Dan set out to become a pioneer in the Napa Valley and a leader in viticulture. Dubbed “Mr. Merlot” by the New York Times, Dan used to grow Merlot with only two rootstocks and one principal cultivar of Merlot. Today, with a choice of fifteen different cultivars and at least ten rootstocks, Duckhorn Vineyards continues to produce superb Merlot under the leadership of Mr. Merlot himself. Duckhorn stood their ground when consumers followed the move “Sideways” into a feverish backlash against Merlot, and remain leaders now as the tides and trends sway back to this historically celebrated varietal. H aving just completed their fortyfourth harvest, Duckhorn Vineyards now celebrates their success with sister brands Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration and Decoy. So whether you’re a local or a visitor of Napa Valley, Merlot lover or fan of panoramic views and southern style, Duckhorn and their proud flock make for a perfect stop… And my guess is that at least one will become a staple of your wine country migrations. BY DONTÉ R. YOUNG IMAGES © FRANK DERAS PHOTOGRAPHY
NVLife_Feb_2014
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