Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! We are excited to present your first club shipment of 2025, including long time favorites and a brand-new wine. The new Montepulciano from our Growers Series is made in a Bourdeaux style and is approachable while young. It’s a fun food wine and we look forward to hearing about your favorite pairings! The 2024 Estate Sauvignon Blanc is the first debut of the 2024 vintage, and we can’t wait for you to try this bright, refreshing wine that is a favorite year after year.
In 2024, we were thrilled to continue participating in events to help in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. This cause is so near and dear to us, and we thank you for your help in our mission. We are honored to have donated over $150,000 directly to organizations dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s in 2024.
We’re also pleased to announce that our full lineup of upcoming winery events is now available, and we hope you’re able to join us for these old favorites and new offerings.
Ryan MacDonnell Bracher & Miles MacDonnell
Second-Generation Owners
2025 Winter Vineyard Update
I’m pleased to report a stellar start to our dormant season, with ideal rain and sunshine nurturing our cover crops. The chilly weather in December and January is exactly what we need for the vines’ restful slumber.
We’ve begun pruning, starting with our oldest vines and moving to the youngest to protect them from potential infections. This crucial process will span about three months across our 360 acres of vineyards.
Our sheep have arrived! They play a dual role in our vineyards: reducing greenhouse emissions by replacing tractor mowing and naturally fertilizing our soil.
This year, we’re focusing on Brassicas cover crops, like turnips, rapeseed, and mustard. They’re fantastic for suppressing weeds, enhancing soil structure and moisture retention, and restoring soil health. Plus, they’re great for deterring pests like nematodes.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to sustainable practices and the health of our vineyards. The synergy between our traditional methods and natural processes promises a vibrant future for generations to come.
Jeff Plant
Estate Winemaker
Experience the culinary artistry of our Estate Chef, Fernando Arias, at home with this flavorful Meyer Lemon Urfa Chili Rub. Made with Meyer Lemons grown on the Estate, this spice rub is perfect for marinating chicken, fish or shrimp for an extra little kick or sprinkle it over freshly popped popcorn for a touch of heat.
Ingredients: Meyer Lemon, Lemon, Urfa Chili, Salt
Click below to access seasonal recipes from our Estate Chef, Fernando Arias.
A tart and tangy sauce, this Lemon Chili Aioli will brighten up any dish with its zingy flavors! Enjoy on sandwiches or a dip for french fries. For a delicious salad dressing, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice until it reaches the desired consistency. Pour over fresh salad greens and herbs and enjoy with a glass of Estate Sauvignon Blanc!
Lemon Chili Aioli
Ingredients
2 egg yolks
2 cloves of garlic
1 Tbsp Lemon Chili Mix
1 oz Round Pond Sauvignon Blanc Vinegar
16 oz Canola oil
1/4 C Lemon juice (only if using as a vinaigrette)
DIRECTIONS
- Combine yolks, garlic, spices, and vinegar in a tall container (such as a quart) and blend with a hand blender until frothy and homogenous. A whisk or blender will also work!
- Slowly stream in canola while continuing to blend until thickened and pale yellow. For a thicker texture, add more canola, for a vinaigrette add in an extra 1/4 C lemon juice
- Serve immediately
These sliders have a touch of sweetness from the roasted tomato, a deeply savory note from the lamb, and a touch of heat from the harissa-mint yogurt – all elements that work beautifully together and make a perfect pairing with our Growers Series Montepulciano, the ultimate food wine!
Lamb Sliders with Harissa-Mint Yogurt
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground lamb
12 slider buns
4 Roma tomatoes
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp harissa paste
3 mint leaves, finely chopped
½ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp chopped thyme
Round Pond Estate Italian Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as needed
salt & pepper as needed
DIRECTIONS
- Cut tomatoes into 1/2” thick rounds and place the tomatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and place in a 350-degree oven for 35-40 minutes.
- In a stainless-steel bowl combine the yogurt, salt, pepper, harissa paste, mint and mix together.
- Portion the ground lamb into 2 oz portions and form into little patties. Grill sliders on a hot grill until desired doneness is reached.
- To assemble, place a spoonful of the harissa yogurt on the bottom of the slider bun. Place a lamb patty on top and then add a couple of the oven roasted tomatoes. Top with the other half of the bun and enjoy!
Kale is one of our favorite winter vegetables, hardy and flavorful, it plays well with the earthy mushroom and smokey bacon in this dish. Pair it with our Proprietary Right Bank Blend to bring out the deep dark fruit and rich umami flavors in the wine.
Garden Kale and Mushrooms with Applewood Smoked Bacon
Ingredients
2 bunches kale, stems removed
8 oz local seasonal mushrooms, chopped
1 Tbsp garlic, chopped
8 oz Applewood smoked bacon, medium diced
3 Tbsp shallots, minced
2 Tbsp thyme, chopped
1 cup chicken stock
¼ cup Round Pond Italian Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper as needed
DIRECTIONS
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon of salt per quart. Blanche kale in batches until tender (3 – 4 minutes), then remove to ice water bath to shock. Remove from ice to drain dry of excess water when cooled.
- Empty the pot of water and add 1 tablespoon of Italian olive oil over high heat. Add bacon and stir to render until lightly crisp. Remove to paper towels to blot dry.
- Drain fat from the pot and add 2 tablespoons of fresh oil. Sauté mushrooms until fully cooked, then add shallots and thyme, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic and sauté until aromatic, then add back bacon and kale. Toss to coat, then add chicken stock to pick up fond in pot. Toss lightly adjust seasoning if needed.
- Plate in a large serving dish and enjoy!
For more recipes and serving tips check out our blog, aRound the estate!
Each shipment is unique, click below to learn more about all of the February wines.
100% Sauvignon Blanc | Rutherford
Bright and refreshing, the new vintage of Estate Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for the upcoming arrival of spring. Tropical notes of guava and passion fruit are balanced by hints of citrus and honeydew, while crisp acidity adds a fresh, clean finish.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley
Crafted from our Rutherford and Oakville vineyards, this Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect companion for long winter nights. With layers of dark berries, earthy undertones, and velvety tannins, it offers exceptional richness and balance.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville
This wine, sourced entirely from our M-Bar Ranch Oakville vineyard, showcases excellent balance of the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal with the unique microclimate, soil, and terroir of M-Bar Ranch. Stylistically, this wine offers elegance and depth, with red fruit balanced by herbal and earth notes and an exceptionally long finish.
100% Montepulciano | Tracy Hills
This is a one-of-a-kind wine to savor, capturing the essence of its Italian heritage with dark cherry, black currant, and notes of black tea and cocoa. Rich acidity and soft, lingering tannins make it a savory, food-friendly wine perfect for pairing with pizza, risotto, or hearty cheeses.
100% Petit Verdot | Rutherford
This inky, full-bodied Petit Verdot offers bold flavors of blackberry and plum, balanced by hints of roasted coffee. Vibrant acidity and firm tannins create a wine of depth and complexity, finishing with remarkable length and richness.
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot | Rutherford
This gem of a wine is inspired by the famous Left Bank blends of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are artfully combined to create a graceful yet complex wine. Subtle, soft, and sophisticated, this is our most nuanced blend.
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Cabernet Franc | Rutherford
“The 2022 Right Bank Blend is juicy, bold, and racy.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford
“Concentrated notes of melted dark chocolate, blackberry and sweet earth are luxurious and profound. Black coffee and black plum linger on the finish. Structured, robust and opulent, with even more room to mature in years to come.” 97 points, Tasting Panel
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford
“Dark, sumptuous and powerful, the 2015 is a super attractive wine… a racy Cabernet with no hard edges, good freshness for the year and terrific overall balance.” 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2025 Events
There are so many ways to experience Round Pond Estate – from release events and educational seminars to exceptional dinners and a celebration of harvest. We hope for you to join us this year in Napa Valley.