I was fortunate to get a chance to visit the Spire Collection yesterday afternoon. Spire is a portfolio of global wine brands owned by Jackson Family Estates. Most wine consumers still associate JFE with the Kendall Jackson brand, but the company has evolved into an impressive cache' of wines from around the world.

The Spire Collection represents the top shelf of an impressive list of brands. The wines of Spire are mostly limited production, premium quality brands that are intricately reflective of the terroir in which the vineyards reside. The "sense of place" is palpable as you taste through the Spire Collection.

Spire has also created a dramatically beautiful setting worthy of the brands in the collection. The tasting room rests at the base of the northern portion of the Vacas Mountains just outside of Calistoga, offering tremendous views as you sip. There is ample outdoor seating available when the weather is nice, and a breathtaking tasting room with huge class sliding doors that allow you to enjoy the views while indoors.

Our host for the tasting with Hospitality Manager Sally Drews. She guided us through a unbelievable lineup of wines from around the world, offering education and blind comparative tasting along the way.

A significant portion of the Spire Collection is not distributed, but there are some amazing brands available in Ohio. Everything reviewed here can be purchased at your better independent retail shops around our Valley. Here's a look at some of what we tasted :

1. 2015 Gallerie Naissance Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Aromas of melon, lemon zest and yellow flowers with flavors of green apple, citrus and minerality.

1. 2014 Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir

Aromas of red cherry, strawberry pomegranate and lavender with flavors of cranberry, morel mushroom and exotic spices

1. 2014 Lajota Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

Notes of dark chocolate, clove and red berries with flavors of cocoa, bing cherry, blackberry and toffee.

1. 2014 Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Napa Valley Merlot

Aromas of coffee and boysenberry with flavors of concentrated bing cherry, pomegranate and currant.

1. 2014 Lajota Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Flavors of black fruits, espresso and smoked meats. A slight amount of Petite Verdot provides additional structure.

I strongly encourage you to begin your own investigation of The Spire Collection. they have an informative website that outlines the global portfolio. Locally, you can be certain that I'll be featuring some of these brands on my upcoming events.

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