Coquerel Family Wine Estates
Faced with an "empty nest", Clay and Brenda Cockerell decided that a winery would be something they could do together for the rest of their lives. Their discovery of an unassuming little vineyard on the northern edge of Napa’s Calistoga appellation set the wheels in motion. The sleepy, old vine, dry-farmed vineyard sheltered Verdelho and Tempranillo, varieties little known today in Napa. After carefully replanting, Clay and Brenda inaugurated Coquerel Wines with fruit sourced from their estate and singular Napa vineyards.
Coquerel Family Wine Estates is always a pleasure to feature here at The California Wine Club, and our wine club members agree!
The fabulous wines we featured:
2014 Walnut Wash Vineyard Calistoga Napa Valley Petite Sirah
- Only 432 cases produced
- Pair with red meat, venison, duck, cheese, or chocolate cake
- Enjoy now or hold 5-10 years
Tasting Notes: Rich black in color, with a spicy nose of black pepper and a hint of earthy notes. The palate is creamy, dense and moderately tannic; a good candidate for extended aging.
2014 Wilson Vineyard Sonoma County Chardonnay
- Only 205 cases produced
- Pair with seafood, white meat, cheeses, and many desserts
- 100% Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: This wine boasts great intensity, balanced by firm acid and low pH. The bouquet brings pear, grilled almonds and a hint of flint. The palate is creamy and firm. Elegant and well proportioned.
Winemaker's Notes
International Sauvignon Blanc specialist Christine Barbe became Coquerel's winemaker. “She makes our wines in the classic French style and manages our vineyard the same way that vignerons do in France,” says Clay. “She is the ‘real deal’ and in contrast to others, she actually does make our wines in the classic French, Old World style.”
Calistoga
Clay and Brenda Cockerell
Christine Barbe