Beats Vines and Life From Homebrewer to Master Winemaker! How Chris Tynan Tinkered His Way To The Top Levels of Napa Valley Winemaking.
On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, my guest is Cliff Lede, winemaker Chris Tynan. Chris and discuss his passion for winemaking and his path to success. This episode will delve into Chris’s deep knowledge of wine production, farming practices, wineries, and vintages.
We talk about how his style and approach to winemaking have evolved, and he has achieved balance in their wines by bringing down alcohol levels. They emphasize the importance of organic farming practices to produce high-quality grapes that reflect the region's terroir. Chris also explains the impact of climate change on grape production and how they harvest earlier to maintain natural acidity and protect the fruit.
We explore various vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, including regions like Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain, and Diamond Mountain, and the unique characteristics of their wines. Chris takes us through the challenges faced during a heat wave and how he overcame them with advanced tools and a highly trained staff.
The episode also discusses the importance of tasting great wines to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of winemaking. Chris shares his journey of tasting great wines from the 60s and 70s, including Heitz Martha's Vineyard, Mayacmas, and old Chappellets. Overall, this episode is packed with valuable insights and information for anyone interested in winemaking and will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this age-old craft.
A massive Thank You to Chris Tynan!
To learn more about Cliff Lede Vineyards, click the link!
Follow Cliff Lede Vineyards on IG
To learn more about Christopher Tynan Wines click the link!
This episode in-studio wines:
2022 Cliff Lede Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2019 Cliff Lede Roundabout Midnight Napa Valley Red Wine
2019 Cliff Lede Poetry Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 Cliff Lede Poetry Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!
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