Martin Ranch Winery’s 2017 Santa Clara Valley Malbec is a rich and silky red wine that is made under their Thèrése Vineyards label, named after winery co-owner Thèrése Martin. She and her husband Dan are both winemakers and run Martin Ranch together. The Martins’ other trademark labels are J.D. Hurley and Soulmate—all well-made wines. And kudos to David Dockendorf, their right-hand man, who oversees winemaking and production “from harvest to bottle.”
Fruit for the Malbec comes from Dos Niñas Vineyard, which lies at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains, producing fruit reflecting true Malbec character.
“Blackberry, boysenberry and vanilla coat the palate,” say the winemakers, “while luscious plum tannins finish off this beautiful wine.” Full of lip-smacking ripe fruit flavors, this gorgeous ruby-red Malbec ($42) is well worth a visit to Martin Ranch to taste this and all their other wines. In September, the Malbec won a silver medal in the 2021 Sunset International Wine Competition and was awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast.
Martin Ranch is open for tasting reservations (for up to 75 minutes) 11:30am-4pm the first and third weekend of every month. Small snacks are available for purchase, but outside food is permitted, so pack a picnic and have a good time!
Martin Ranch Winery, 6675 Redwood Retreat Road, Gilroy. 408-842-9197; martinranchwinery.com.
Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch restaurants are now expanding throughout the Bay Area, where it started, and beyond—there’s a new location coming to San Diego. We stopped for lunch recently at their Campbell restaurant in the Prunedale Shopping Center and enjoyed some items from their new menu. Our Crab Melt, Spicy Cioppino and Pan-Seared Petrale Sole were simply delicious—all perfectly presented and served. Their Crab Mashed Potatoes are absolutely scrumptious—and available a-la-carte. The restaurant company focuses on Pacific Rim seafood—“a flavor journey brought to you straight from wave to table.” Visit pacificcatch.com for more information.
