Faction Brewing
Walter Hansel Winery
Cahill Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008
Faction Brewing
Pale Ale
Solid. Misnomer. Not pale in color 🙃. Nice bitter hops. Feels heavier than its 5.4% abv. — 7 years ago
Mayacamas Vineyards
Mt. Veeder Chardonnay 2012
At Mayacamas, looking out to the San Pablo Bay. Tasting the influence of the marine breeze and spirited land. If the pinnacle of a wine is doing the land justice, not screwing up its potential and maybe, just maybe, capturing even a faction of its magic - well that is what this does. It's hella meta. And I will never drink this wine with out thinking of and feeling this site again. And hopefully I will drink this wine often because my god is it delicious. A draw you in sweetness on the nose and wake you up energy in the mouth. — 10 years ago
Faction Brewing
The Penske File American Pale Ale
As a diehard Seinfeld fan, I just wanted to drink an IPA associated with the most self absorbed person ever, George Costanza. I figured it was a limited release that would go away soon. What followed was similar to Jerry Seinfeld's reaction to frozen yogurt. "This is so f***ing good!" I sincerely hope they continue brewing this single hop pale ale forever. — 8 years ago
Domaine Font de Michelle
Châteauneuf-du-Pape White Rhone Blend
Just right with the dankest seafood chowder and a split faction of white wine drinking relations - enough oomph for the chard swilling aunties and acid enough for the food-driven uncles. — 10 years ago
Archium Cellars
Faction Syrah 2011
Garagiste Festival 2013 — 12 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
I really enjoy pairing wine with food. One thing I like to do when I work events like these is to offer guests wine that has achieved its perfect bottle phase and this didn’t disappoint. So often you go to a restaurant or an event and all they offer are new releases or close enough. Wine needs time in bottle to shine. This one was at its peak and for many guests was the wine of the night. I’d have trouble disagreeing with that.
Wine was seamless and elegant. Ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; dark cherries, some blackberries, plum and soft florals blueberries on the edge of the glass. Great acidity and round long finish. This was better than some $100 plus bottles of Pinot’s I’ve had for a faction of the price. It walks the fence of CA Pinot & Burgundy nicely.
The dish paired perfectly with Hedy’s, Fresh Summer Beans, Pumpernickel Crouton, Yogurt Dressing, Chive, Preserved Lemon. The perfect age on the Cahill married beautifully with the dish and excellent on its own. The food did not overpower the dish, nor did the dish overpower the wine.
The 08 Cahill was a recent direct purchase from the winery through K&L Wine Merchants. It was like stealing, it was priced so inexpensively.
Walter Hansel made his fortune in the auto business; which allowed him to pursue his other passion in wine. He and his son’s first vintage was 1996. They are located near Kistler and Dehlinger in Sonoma. The Cahill is made from a blend of three clones; 114, 115 and Rochioli.
One interesting fun fact. Walter Hansel was among the first people to drive a car into the Yosemite Valley in the early 1900’s.
Hedy on FB @Plate&Bottle — 7 years ago