Dancing Crow Vineyards Brings More Gold Medals Home to Lake County
What kind of wine drinker are you? Do you pick your labels from familiar AVAs where surprises are as rare as nuanced varietals, or are you willing to try somewhere new that is making headways in a lesser known region? It takes a special kind of winemaker with a strong personal story to produce outstanding wines in an area where you’ll find more farms than vineyards, like the old days in better known places. Lake County is one such place.
In terms of viticulture, Lake County is pioneer country, so it isn’t surprising that Tony Cartlidge would launch his Dancing Crow Vineyards here. The child of an anarchist and an artist, Cartlidge left his job driving logging trucks in the Pacific Northwest to take a chance on joining the Napa County wine revolution. A trio of fortuitous events, a winery guide gig, an encounter with a future winery co-founder, and a meeting with Sarah, his future wife and co-owner, led to the successful Cartlidge & Browne Winery. Having sourced his Sauvignon Blanc fruit exclusively from the Dancing Crow property, he sold his first winery and bought this vineyard where he launched Dancing Crow wines.
Dancing Crow Vineyards doesn’t take itself too seriously, a mirthful, laidback approach that makes the wine that much more enjoyable. Not that the various vintages need any help. The 2019 Lake Country Rosé and 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, both Double Gold Medalists, are two of numerous labels that have earned well above 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and Sunset magazines.
The 2020 Lake Country Rosé, winner of the Rosé Sweepstake as “Best Rosé” at the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the perfect bottle to open as we enter spring and summer. Made exclusively from 25-to-30-year-old Syrah vines in the Kelsey Bench AVA, the cool climate in western Lake County offers ideal conditions for a Rosé with lower alcohol. Taste this French-style Rosé, at once simple and complex, and it’s easy to see why this wine beat out 5,700 other wines from 1,000 wineries this year to earn its title. Priced at just $18 on the Dancing Crow Vineyards website, you can also purchase the Rosé and other Dancing Crow wines at Whole Foods and other grocers.
Gruet Winery
2012 Blanc de Blanc American
This classic Blanc de Blancs is refined and elegant, and is a reflection of the Gruet style perfected at Gruet et Fils, our original winery in Champagne. Our Blanc de Blancs vintages have consistently received accolades and awards from international wine competitions around the world. Aged for a minimum of 3 years en tirage, this world-class Blanc de Blancs achieves a quality unmatched by any other vintage Blanc de Blancs in its class.
Winemaker's notes:
Vintage: 2012
Varietal: Blanc de Blanc American
Appellation: New Mexico
Flavors of apple, pear, and candied lemon peel dominate the nose. Nicely balanced with nutty and complex bread dough aromas. Enjoy with mushrooms, seafood, and smoked salmon.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Monticello
Price: $55.00
Trump Winery
2015 Blanc de Noir Monticello
This Viognier is crisp, refreshing and slightly sweet with a beautiful mouthfeel. Balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors of pear and guava complete the palate. Great accompaniment to any food or enjoy on its own!
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: 100% Viognier
Appellation: Catie's Corner, Russian River Valley
Price: $38.00
Darjean Jones
2019 Viognier EnVie
The color of this wine entices with its pale pink hues. On the nose, aromas of floral jasmine and Alpine Strawberry aboutnd. After the wine eases over the palate, flavors of ripe strawberries and Bartlett pears become readily apparent. The finish boasts notes of clover honey accented by a refreshing minerality. Much in the French style, this Rosé delivers just a suggestion of color, but follows with an abundance of complexity and flavor.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: 83% Syrah, 17% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Kelsey Bench AVA, Lake County CA
Price: $17.99
Dancing Crow Vineyards
2020 Rosé of Syrah Lake County
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Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Price: $30.00
Jeff Runquist
2018 Syrah Three Way Vineyards Paso Robles
Breathe in the aromatic ripeness of black cherry, cassis and
boysenberry. This full-bodied wine integrates (an ample/a vast)
amount of ripe black fruit with vanilla, cinnamon spice, sweet
tobacco and savory notes of leather with hints of cedar. The 2018
Cabernet Reserve is rich and complex wine supported by velvety soft smooth tannins, making this wine easy to drink upon release but will offer even more rewards after a few years in your cellar. Simply put – just a classic awesome Cabernet!
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Paso Robles
Price: $55.00
Lightpost Winery
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
2016
Solstice Blend
$47.00
2018
$20.00
Cabernet Sauvignon
2015
$85.00
Tribute Blend
LAKE COUNTY
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
This Late Harvest Chardonnay expresses all the classic elegance and character of Sonoma-Cutrer in a rich and succulent wine. This wine is incredibly lush and viscous with sweet richness and buttercream feel that is balanced by Sonoma-Cutrer’s classic crisp acidity. Fruit flavors of bright peach, pear and apricot mingle with notes of brown sugar and pure honey.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Price: $36.00
Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards
2018 Late Harvest Chardonnay
Showcasing a deep cardinal red hue, our bold Reserve Pinot offers delightfully cool earthy scents at first swirl. Star anise and menthol tobacco present the cool side to start, while subtle under-tones of cola and clove warm it back up again. The palate does not disappoint, with sharp cherry, balanced baking spice, and a little horehound candy rolled in to round off the flavor profile. Slightly earthy tones of mushroom come forward as it opens. Full of surprises, this wine offers the best of both worlds, starting strongly and finishing with a lovely mildness lingering on the palate.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Ammons Horn
2018 Pinot Noir
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
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Aromas of white flowers such as gardenia and honeysuckle combine with fresh lemon scent. Upon first taste one is immediately pleased with the round, full texture that vibrantly displays the orange blossom and tangerine flavors found on the palate. A bright acidity and limestone minerality help to showcase all of the positive features of this Chardonnay while the clean finish is the bow that ties it all together.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Price: $36.00
Materra - Cunat Family Vineyards
2019 Chardonnay
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"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
In the glass, 2018 Marianna shows densely layered aromas of ripe black cherry, concentrated blackberry, and black plum. In the mouth, the wine shows black cherry, freshly ground espresso, and the darkest dark chocolate, layered among supple, well-structured tannins. The length finish offers a touch of pipe tobacco and barrel char. Enjoy this stunning red blend with pan roasted filet served with whipped mashed potatoes and balsamic glazed asparagus.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) Merlot (15%) Malbec (3%) Petit Verdot (2%)
Appellation: Napa Valley
Price: $50.00
Michael Pozzan Winery
Marianna 2018 Red Wine
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"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
Grapes were picked by the Winemakers in Fallon, Nevada (Churchill Vineyards), Silver Springs, Nevada (Nevada Automotive Test Center Vineyard) and at the UNR Test Vineyard in Reno. Separately fermented at the Winery in Reno in Stainless Steel tanks then combined to create this bone dry Nevada Riesling. This wine is graceful, delicately balanced and classic with aromas of flowers and tropical fruit and flavors of citrus, peach, apricot and apple. Enjoy with fish and pork, as well as spicy Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisine.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Dry Riesling
Appellation: Nevada
Winemaker: Alynn Delisle and Mike Steedman
Nevada Sunset Winery
2019 Dry Riesling
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"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Old world wines are very close to Tony Cartlidge’s heart. Born in London, he spent his late youth and early adult years working in Paris and the former Soviet Union, among other countries. He’s thrilled to own the Old Stake 1901 Vineyard, considered the oldest vineyard in Lake County. The grapes grown in this terroir represent many historic varietals. Dancing Crow’s winemakers David and Katharine DeSante have discovered Alicante Bouschet, Cinsault, Touriga Naçional, Primitivo, and Counoise, in addition to more familiar Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Listed on the Historic Vineyard Society, Old Stake 1901’s varietals made an ideal Field Blend. This traditional wine of a blended harvest is then aged for 9 months in French oak.
Like all of Dancing Crow wines, the Old Stake 1901 is available on the vineyard’s website and will also be available at the Ft. Mason, Mountainview, and Walnut Creek Farmer’s Markets this spring. “We thought it would be fun to fix up a 1969 van to create a “tasting van” at the markets,” says Stefan Cartlidge, Dancing Crow’s official agitprop. “We really like direct-to-consumer because it fits the Old World market feel we try to achieve with our wines.”
Dancing Crow reflects tradition in another key way as well, a small family-owned winery where every family member has a role in its success. In addition to Stefan, Sarah’s son, Dr. Adam Forni, is “Director of Authenticity,” returning to the winery life – his great grandfather was one of the Italian winemaking pioneers in Napa Valley, after several years as a practicing forensic psychologist. Raised among vineyards and “on the bottling line,” Adam oversees quality control for Dancing Crow.
Dancing Crow Vineyards is also fully committed to sustainable farming, a practice that preserves the ecology of Lake County. Unlike many vineyards, sterile environments focused solely on maximum yield, flowers bloom among the Dancing Crow vines, coyotes and fox frequently appear, and a barn owl, a species especially vulnerable to pesticide use, has established permanent residence.
These efforts come forth in the wines as well, as each vintage is known for robust and clean character. The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc offers crisp texture with suggestions of lemongrass, green apples and pear. Blackberry, fig and cherry define the fruit-forward 2018 Zinfandel. The cool Lake County clime also conjures up cherry and blackberry in the nose of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, rated “Best of Class” at the S.F. Chronicle Wine Competition.
We often read about past award-winning and highly rated vintages with envy, certain they were amazing on the palate or perfect for the cellar, but with no time to locate the specific bottle. Dancing Crow Vineyards takes the detective work out of acquiring a “Best of Class” Cab or stellar “Best Rosé,” having established an excellent e-commerce platform several years ago. While many wineries force one’s ‘click’ in terms of half and full case purchasing, Dancing Crow has established a Mix and Match category that invites the shopper to create the half or full case of her choosing. Even better, the aforementioned 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 Rosé are there for the picking in whatever volume you prefer.
Winemaking remains steeped in lore, but where have are the modern pioneers, individuals willing to produce fruit in unfamiliar places? The Cartlidge family have taken on this challenge, crafting award-winning wines in Lake County at altitudes that producer lower alcohol rates without diminishing any of the character. Rather than concede to the challenges of this region, where a murder local crows removed all of the original tagging (and gave the winery its name), Dancing Crow Vineyards continue to grow in stature. Visit the Dancing Crow Vineyards website to learn more.
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2019 Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Zinfandel
2018 Old Stake 1901 Vineyard
2020 Lake County Rosé
Dancing Crow Vineyards Brings More Gold Medals Home to Lake County
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
What kind of wine drinker are you? Do you pick your labels from familiar AVAs where surprises are as rare as nuanced varietals, or are you willing to try somewhere new that is making headways in a lesser known region? It takes a special kind of winemaker with a strong personal story to produce outstanding wines in an area where you’ll find more farms than vineyards, like the old days in better known places. Lake County is one such place.
In terms of viticulture, Lake County is pioneer country, so it isn’t surprising that Tony Cartlidge would launch his Dancing Crow Vineyards here. The child of an anarchist and an artist, Cartlidge left his job driving logging trucks in the Pacific Northwest to take a chance on joining the Napa County wine revolution. A trio of fortuitous events, a winery guide gig, an encounter with a future winery co-founder, and a meeting with Sarah, his future wife and co-owner, led to the successful Cartlidge & Browne Winery. Having sourced his Sauvignon Blanc fruit exclusively from the Dancing Crow property, he sold his first winery and bought this vineyard where he launched Dancing Crow wines.
Dancing Crow Vineyards doesn’t take itself too seriously, a mirthful, laidback approach that makes the wine that much more enjoyable. Not that the various vintages need any help. The 2019 Lake Country Rosé and 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, both Double Gold Medalists, are two of numerous labels that have earned well above 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and Sunset magazines.
The 2020 Lake Country Rosé, winner of the Rosé Sweepstake as “Best Rosé” at the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the perfect bottle to open as we enter spring and summer. Made exclusively from 25-to-30-year-old Syrah vines in the Kelsey Bench AVA, the cool climate in western Lake County offers ideal conditions for a Rosé with lower alcohol. Taste this French-style Rosé, at once simple and complex, and it’s easy to see why this wine beat out 5,700 other wines from 1,000 wineries this year to earn its title. Priced at just $18 on the Dancing Crow Vineyards website, you can also purchase the Rosé and other Dancing Crow wines at Whole Foods and other grocers.
Old world wines are very close to Tony Cartlidge’s heart. Born in London, he spent his late youth and early adult years working in Paris and the former Soviet Union, among other countries. He’s thrilled to own the Old Stake 1901 Vineyard, considered the oldest vineyard in Lake County. The grapes grown in this terroir represent many historic varietals. Dancing Crow’s winemakers David and Katharine DeSante have discovered Alicante Bouschet, Cinsault, Touriga Naçional, Primitivo, and Counoise, in addition to more familiar Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Listed on the Historic Vineyard Society, Old Stake 1901’s varietals made an ideal Field Blend. This traditional wine of a blended harvest is then aged for 9 months in French oak.
Like all of Dancing Crow wines, the Old Stake 1901 is available on the vineyard’s website and will also be available at the Ft. Mason, Mountainview, and Walnut Creek Farmer’s Markets this spring. “We thought it would be fun to fix up a 1969 van to create a “tasting van” at the markets,” says Stefan Cartlidge, Dancing Crow’s official agitprop. “We really like direct-to-consumer because it fits the Old World market feel we try to achieve with our wines.”
Dancing Crow reflects tradition in another key way as well, a small family-owned winery where every family member has a role in its success. In addition to Stefan, Sarah’s son, Dr. Adam Forni, is “Director of Authenticity,” returning to the winery life – his great grandfather was one of the Italian winemaking pioneers in Napa Valley, after several years as a practicing forensic psychologist. Raised among vineyards and “on the bottling line,” Adam oversees quality control for Dancing Crow.
Dancing Crow Vineyards is also fully committed to sustainable farming, a practice that preserves the ecology of Lake County. Unlike many vineyards, sterile environments focused solely on maximum yield, flowers bloom among the Dancing Crow vines, coyotes and fox frequently appear, and a barn owl, a species especially vulnerable to pesticide use, has established permanent residence.
These efforts come forth in the wines as well, as each vintage is known for robust and clean character. The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc offers crisp texture with suggestions of lemongrass, green apples and pear. Blackberry, fig and cherry define the fruit-forward 2018 Zinfandel. The cool Lake County clime also conjures up cherry and blackberry in the nose of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, rated “Best of Class” at the S.F. Chronicle Wine Competition.
We often read about past award-winning and highly rated vintages with envy, certain they were amazing on the palate or perfect for the cellar, but with no time to locate the specific bottle. Dancing Crow Vineyards takes the detective work out of acquiring a “Best of Class” Cab or stellar “Best Rosé,” having established an excellent e-commerce platform several years ago. While many wineries force one’s ‘click’ in terms of half and full case purchasing, Dancing Crow has established a Mix and Match category that invites the shopper to create the half or full case of her choosing. Even better, the aforementioned 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 Rosé are there for the picking in whatever volume you prefer.
Winemaking remains steeped in lore, but where have are the modern pioneers, individuals willing to produce fruit in unfamiliar places? The Cartlidge family have taken on this challenge, crafting award-winning wines in Lake County at altitudes that producer lower alcohol rates without diminishing any of the character. Rather than concede to the challenges of this region, where a murder local crows removed all of the original tagging (and gave the winery its name), Dancing Crow Vineyards continue to grow in stature. Visit the Dancing Crow Vineyards website to learn more.
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