Dear Friends,
Happy Spring! We are pleased to present your May club shipment, filled with brand-new vintages of some of our long-standing favorites! Our consulting winemaking Thomas Rivers Brown says of the 2022 vintage, “Round Pond wines continually stand out thanks for their well-positioned vineyards. These wines are a testament to their mastery, yielding exceptional color, tannin, and structure.” These new releases highlight the expertise of our vineyard and winemaking teams, who work harmoniously to craft outstanding wines vintage after vintage.
Whether near or far, we are thrilled to share these wines with you and greatly appreciate your continued support as a member with us. We hope you enjoy these special wines with your friends and family!
Ryan MacDonnell Bracher & Miles MacDonnell
Second-Generation Owners
Spring 2024 Vineyard Update
As we transition into the heart of the 2024 growing season, I’m thrilled to share some promising developments from the vineyard.
Following a successful bud break, we’ve passed the critical period of frost risk. To safeguard our vines, we utilized frost protection measures on only two chilly mornings.
Our dedicated vineyard team has been working on the first round of suckering. This meticulous task ensures that each vine receives optimal airflow and sunlight, setting the stage for healthy growth and fruit development. While we’re beginning to see flowers forming, we anticipate the full bloom around mid-May.
With the departure of our trusty sheep, we’ve turned our focus to cover crop maintenance and discing. This process allows us to strategically incorporate nitrogen-rich cover crops into the soil, enhancing fertility and promoting vibrant vineyard health.
Our new Bio Filtro wastewater treatment system will be in full force very soon! We’ll utilize vermifiltration to treat winery process wastewater using worms in wood chip beds to filter water and break down solids. This system uses 95% less energy than other technologies, and we’ll process around 600,00 gallons of water annually, using processed water to irrigate our olive trees.
Jeff Plant
Estate Winemaker
Spring Rub - Herb Medley
Created by our Estate Chef, Fernando Arias, this delicious mix is versatile and delicious! Perfect for asparagus, carrots, artichokes, or fish (salmon, trout, bass). See below for a few simple recipes created by Chef!
Ingredients: Thyme, Basil, Savory, Fennel Seed, Rosemary, Tarragon, Lavender, Lemon, Salt
Spring Recipes
Click below to access some spring recipes from our Estate Chef, Fernando Arias.
Spinach Salad with Melon Vinaigrette
A wonderfully light and bright summer recipe, this Spinach Salad with Melon Vinaigrette is a dish packed with flavor. Pairs beautifully with our 2023 Proprietary Roasto de Nebbiolo.
Spinach Salad with Melon Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette
2/3 C Cantaloupe Juice
½ Shallot, finely diced
2/3 C Round Pond Estate Blood Orange Olive Oil
2/3 C Round Pond Estate White Wine Vinegar
1 Tbsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
Salad
4 cups spinach, washed and dried
5 pieces of bacon, crumbled
½ C candied pecans
DIRECTIONS
- Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients together
- Toss spinach, bacon, and pecans with vinaigrette until lightly coated
Roasted Black Cod with Turmeric Aioli
This delicate white fish is complemented by the zing of the turmeric aioli. Pair it with the 2022 Growers Series Blanc de Blancs for an unexpected mouthwateringly citrusy pairing.
Roasted Black Cod with Turmeric Aioli
Roasted Cod
4 oz Black Cod filet
2 Tbsp canola oil or clarified butter
Salt to taste
Aioli
3 small pieces Turmeric, peeled
3 lemons, juiced and zested
1 egg yolk
1 clove garlic, peeled
½ Cups Canola Oil
DIRECTIONS
-
- Roast in sauté pan with 2 Tbsp canola oil or clarified butter over medium/high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Season to taste with salt
- In a quart container, blend turmeric, lemon, yolk, and garlic with an immersion blender until fully smooth
- Slowly stream in oil while continuing to blend until thick and homogenous
- Serve the Roasted Black Cod over a swipe of the Turmeric Aioli
For more recipes and serving tips check out our blog, aRound the estate!
Your Spring Club Shipment
Spring Wine Selections
Each shipment is unique, click below to learn more about all of the May wines.
2022 Proprietary Left Bank Blend
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot | Rutherford
Inspired by the famous Left Bank blends of Bordeaux, our version is old-world finesse meets California opulence. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are artfully combined to create a graceful yet complex wine. Subtle, soft, and sophisticated, this is our most nuanced blend.
2022 Proprietary Super Tuscan
55% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford
One of our most popular blends year after year, the bright fruit notes of the Sangiovese are balanced with the depth of character offered by the Cabernet Sauvignon. A sweet, savory oak note makes a mouthwatering wine with great texture and a satisfying finish.
2022 Proprietary Red Wine
35% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Franc | Rutherford
Our well-loved Proprietary Red Wine is a fruit-forward, juicy wine featuring a mélange of red varietals that thrive here on our Rutherford Estate. The addition of Cabernet Franc brings an added layer of tannin and an herbaceous note that balances the bright red fruit from the other varietals, making this a perfect food-friendly wine.
2023 Rosato di Nebbiolo
85% Nebbiolo, 5% Syrah, 5% Pinot Noir, 5% Grenache | Rutherford
Sweet floral notes blend with hints of stone fruit and strawberry. The palate offers a harmonious blend of raspberry, lemon, and ripe strawberry, coupled with bone-dry intensity and high acidity, creates a wine that is both refreshing and memorable. Perfect for warm summer days or any occasion calling for a delightful, crisp sipper.
2021 Growers Series Blanc de Blancs
Made in the Méthode Champenoise, this Blanc de Blancs aged en tirage for 18 months before being disgorged. It is beautifully juicy and refreshing, with delicate bubbles and a rich mouthfeel. This pale yellow sparkling wine offers delicate, lacy bubbles in the glass and aromatic notes of pear, lemon zest, and toasty almond. Notes of apple and brioche are balanced with juicy, mouthwatering citrus. Structured with bright acidity and a creamy, long finish, this sparkling wine showcases the beauty of the fruit.
Upcoming Events
2024 Events
From release events and blending seminars to exceptional dinners and harvest parties — we hope you join us this year in Napa Valley!