Wine Babblers

Battle of the Mountains

Erik and Roger explore the world of wine through a fun and casual blind tasting with guest Moises Lopez, sharing his wine journey from childhood to Bordeaux trips. Discover wine recommendations, learn about new wineries andgreat spots to grab wine in Downtown Sacramento, and find out what’s coming next on the Wine Babblers. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wine Babblers and Guest Introduction 03:23 Battle of the Mountains – Blind Tasting 09:52 First Wine: 2022 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 14:34 Second Wine: 2019 Courtney Benham Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 17:41 Third Wine: 2019 Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 24:58 Fourth Wine: 2019 Cresta Velia Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 29:52 Fifth Wine: Predecessor Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc 34:26 Sixth Wine: 2022 Seven Apart 41:52 Seventh Tasting: 2019 Hess Collection Mount VeederEstate Cabernet Sauvignon 46:37 Upcoming Wine Adventures in Bordeaux 50:53 Upcoming No Borders, No Regions Tasting 01:00:39 Revival Wine 01:05:03 Downtown Sacramento Wine Recs 01:08:13 Engaging New Wine Drinkers Episode Mentions: Wines: 2022 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Courtney Benham Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon,2019 Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Cresta Velia Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, Predecessor Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc, 2022 Seven Apart, 2019 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Revival Wine

"Don't Cry for Me Argentina"

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar discuss the rich world of South American wines, focusing on Argentinian and Chilean varieties. Joined by guest Jeff Ball, they explore the history and evolution of Malbec, its significance in Argentina, and the differences between Argentinian and Chilean wines. The conversation delves into personal experiences with wine, the importance of aging, and the cultural aspects of wine appreciation. They also taste and review several wines, sharing their thoughts on flavor profiles and the wine tasting experience.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:33 The Evolution of Malbec in the U.S. 07:07 Personal Malbec Journeys 12:29 Wine Preferences and Seasonal Choices 18:18 The Journey Into Wine Appreciation 26:05 Terrazas de los Andes Malbec 29:15 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 35:16 Sena Aconcagua Valley, Chile 2012 40:04 Moscato Magnanime Cabernet 2018 45:35 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 53:52 Luca Old Vine Malbec 01:00:05 El Esteco Malbec 2022 01:05:58 Wine Insight and Advice 01:13:51 Breaking Down Wine Barriers for Younger Generations Episode Mentions: Wines: Terrazas de los Andes Malbec [https://www.terrazasdelosandes.com/en-us/our-wines/reserva-malbec-2021], Pascual Toso Malbec [https://familywineriesdirect.com/collections/pascual-toso], Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 [https://donmelchor.com/en/chilean-wine-don-melchor-2021-crowned-the-best-wine-in-the-world/], Sena Aconcagua Valley, Chile 2012 [https://www.sena.cl/Wines/sena/2012], Moscato Magnanime Cabernet 2018 [https://mascotavineyards.com/wines/magnanime], Catena Zapata Malbec Argentina [https://catenazapata.com/catena-zapata-malbec-argentino-2022/], Luca Old Vine Malbec [https://www.lucawines.com/home.html], El Esteco Malbec 2022 [https://elesteco.com.ar/en/el-esteco-en/malbec-7/], Achaval Ferrer Malbec [https://trade.achaval-ferrer.com/storage/kiSqk36Rt76Y7hKLHJU4CoHKsOGO9TAodTFZz7wU.pdf]

Stuck in Lodi

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar are joined once again by the Ghost Raven (Phil Salazar) as they share their recent summer adventure through Lodi, California — where the Salazar’s were born and raised. Together, they explore the unexpected charm and evolving wine culture of this underrated region. From hidden gem wineries to standout vintages, the trio shares personal stories, tasting notes, and local insights that reveal why Lodi is far more than just a pit stop on Highway 99. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just curious about California’s lesser-known wine country, this episode uncorks the beauty, history, and surprises of Lodi’s vineyards. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Lodi's Wine Scene 09:52 Bokisch Vineyards 17:15 Harney Lane Vineyards 27:48 Jessie's Grove Winery 32:34 Lodi Wine Visitors Center/Wine & Roses Episode Mentions Wineries: Harney Lane [https://www.harneylane.com/], Bokisch Vineyards [https://bokischvineyards.com/], Jessie's Grove Winery [https://www.jessiesgrovewinery.com/], Wine & Roses [https://www.winerose.com/hotel/], Papapavlos Bistro & Bar [https://www.papapavlos.com/]; Lodi Wine Visitors Center [https://www.lodiwine.com]

Central Coast to Granite Bay: Sipping Through the State

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar are joined by Ghost Raven as they share their recent wine tasting adventures across California, including visits to Granite Bay, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Paso Robles, and Napa. They discuss the experiences, the quality of wines tasted, and the overall enjoyment of the journey.  Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Wine Babblers 00:54 Capitol Cellars 05:24 Santa Barbara Tastings 15:12 Solvang Wine Tastings 17:16 Paso Robles Wine Tastings 36:46 Napa Wine Tastings 01:04:18 What's Next on Wine Babblers Episode Mentions Wines: 2020 Syrah Andrew Murray Vineyards, 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Wineries and Tasting Rooms: Capitol Cellars [https://www.capitolcellars.com/], Andrew Murray Vineyards [https://www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com/], L'Aventure Winery [https://www.aventurewine.com/], Hope Family Wines [https://hopefamilywines.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopBrDQl_S9bAw76ZTILo0I4i1oPlcEGho6TYVNA5CNNyrsTFpfV], Daou Vineyards [https://daouvineyards.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20267496459&gbraid=0AAAAADLNqw0rnHxM_rmAqSSbYf3o0RAfd&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt5N4OBrLUmS11cKU-znQoMmNwrYnpp3niQcpWdtk57MBGTwalLNDlMaAnMKEALw_wcB], Pine Ridge Vineyards [https://www.pineridgevineyards.com/shop/?source=google&medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20988401218&campaign=20988401218&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20988401218&gbraid=0AAAAAC0kjG0_GUjMjxg39ac6Klxysvrdi&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt5MMFfeK12f9M837oPBhEJQkXSSQxPUkEKi4iEOE3x_fM1L0-1AqvgaAkrOEALw_wcB], Seavey Vineyard [https://www.seaveyvineyard.com/], Oakville Wine Merchant [https://www.visitnapavalley.com/listing/oakville-wine-merchant/6600/], Robert Craig Winery [https://robertcraigwine.com/], Rutherford Ranch Winery [https://rutherfordranch.com/visit/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15590375427&gbraid=0AAAAAoVgGJlw_T-V2ljGu25rAm4TSXZq4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt5amokG7nlmEKTMr4hksBqoylrjYXFrdyDArW32Llx7oHZ3s_8XwZMaAsiFEALw_wcB], Chateau Montelena Winery [https://montelena.com/]; Taste of Santa Rita Hills [https://www.tasteofstaritahills.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopB1cnOqX1LAYadgPyC9eSjsXtclilBcWeXLYmD1ZXXOAU0PXFO]; Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe [https://www.winemerchantcafe.com/] Accommodations: Silverado [https://www.silveradoresort.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19764267248&gbraid=0AAAAApCfVTLH1DPU_aTUlJO18doEp28jN&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt4j0LqGn6rjLl4e49l6OOlLG3UTI4dHDgTyW-1mQId8klM3YPPP1DoaAjypEALw_wcB]

Road Trippin’

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar explore the world of wines beyond their familiar California haunts. They share their adventures in discovering wines while traveling, from impromptu tastings on the Rubicon Trail to unexpected finds in Michigan. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, this episode offers insights into the joys and surprises of savoring wines away from home. Tune in for stories, laughter, and a toast to the unexpected pleasures of wine exploration.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wine on Vacation 09:02 Wine Tasting on the Rubicon Trail 31:54 Encouragement to Try Regional Wines 48:20 Upcoming Wine Adventures 55:53 The Boldness of Trying New Wines Episode Mentions Rubicon Trail Wine Tasting: Austin Hope 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carter 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Grgich Hills Estate 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Schrader Cellars Double Diamond 2021 Cabernet Sauv, Caymus 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon 2022