My job is amazing. This week, I had lunch with Guy Stout, the second Master Sommelier in Texas and the owner of Stout Family Wines. We sat at a sunlit table in the elegant dining room of 61 Osteria in downtown Fort Worth, sipping through his exquisite wines over lunch. (Highly recommend it! Arancini might just be my new favorite appetizer downtown.)

Guy Stout boasts over 30 years of experience working in wine sales for various distributors. His knowledge of wine is unparalleled, and his personality is lively and engaging. It seems he knows someone in every room and has a ready smile and laugh for each of them. Stout initiated his wine brand, Stout Family Wines, in Texas in 1999 before achieving the Master Sommelier title in 2005. Following a decade of less-than-stellar vintages in Texas Stout was ready to move on. According to him, only three out of ten vintages are any good. Spurred by his son, Ian’s encouragement, he launched a wine brand in Napa Valley. The inaugural vintage of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon was in 2011.

The entire family is deeply rooted in the wine business. Stout had his sons work as apprentices in wineries during their summer breaks to provide them with real-world experience. In places like Rombauer. Today, his son Ian remains in the industry in Napa Valley, while his brothers pursue careers in corporate America. Gary and his wife, Kim, handle the day-to-day operations of the business from Houston, partnering with winemaker Tom Rinaldi. Rinaldi, the winemaker behind Duckhorn wines for over twenty years, brings a wealth of experience- he helped create ‘Napa Sauvignon Blanc’ as a category. 

Leveraging shared history and longstanding relationships, Stout discreetly sources some of the finest fruit in Napa Valley. Silently. A few tons here, a few tons there. The wine labels always bear the ‘Napa Valley’ designation, affording Stout the flexibility to adjust his vineyard sources as availability fluctuates. Quantities are limited—only a few barrels of each are produced. The wines are then hand bottled by the Stout family and a group of close friends. You’ll never come across these wines on grocery shelves. Often, they aren’t available year-round as the winery sells out.

Sip through this trio of wines and relish Stout’s tribute to family and Napa Valley.

Cheers,

Hailing from Bordeaux, France, Philippe’s journey into winemaking started with a degree in geology. His passion for wine led him to pursue a master’s degree in winemaking, and destiny brought him to the prestigious Château Haut Brion for an internship during his university days. The prestige in this internship would be like a finance internship at Goldman Sachs or an aspiring fashion writer getting a job at Vogue. 

In 1991, Philippe joined the iconic Dominus Estate in California, where he showcased his winemaking prowess. Later, he took on the role of winemaker at Ridge in the early 1990s, perfecting his craft and honing his skills. During this time, he also embarked on a beautiful journey of love, learning English with the help of a talented lab technician named Cherie, who would later become his wife.

The dynamic duo established their own venture, Atelier Melka, allowing them to work together and combine their expertise. Cherie’s specialization in microbiology and Philippe’s winemaking create the perfect team. In 1996, Lail Vineyards and Seavey Vineyard became their first clients. Twenty-seven years later, they remain clients. Robert Parker named him in the top ten winemakers in the world in 2015 and this holds true today.

The Melkas are truly a power couple in the wine world, leaving a trail of excellence wherever they go. Philippe’s incredible talent has earned him numerous 100-point scores, beginning with Dana Estates in 2007 and continuing to this day.

Cheers to the legends of the wine world, and here’s to raising a glass filled with Philippe Melka’s extraordinary creations!

Your wine-loving friend,

Hey there, wine aficionados!

I’ve got a story for you that involves dirt, unexpected guests, and a memorable tasting experience with Chateau d’Aquaria Tavel Rosé. Buckle up for a wild ride!

Picture this: I had the incredible opportunity to meet Ralf Garcin, the winemaker behind Chateau d’Aquaria. I’m excited- I’ve sold the man’s wines for over a decade. Now, let me preface this tale by saying that I run a small business, and our meeting was scheduled to take place at my house instead of my usual warehouse. Little did I know, this decision would make it a truly unforgettable encounter.

In the days leading up to the tasting, I found myself knee-deep in a gardening project. My husband and I were up to our elbows in dirt, transplanting boxwood shrubs. And of course, Murphy’s Law came into play—yes, I forgot to put the tasting appointment on my calendar.

Fast forward to the appointed time, and the doorbell rings. I opened it, expecting a food delivery, but instead, I was greeted by a wine rep and the impeccably clean Ralf Garcin. Meanwhile, I stood there covered in dirt, a true sight to behold. Talk about an embarrassing moment!

After a hasty sink-scrubbing session, we sat down to taste the wines. They, looked sharp in their crisp, white shirts, and I, a complete mess. But you know what? Sometimes the most unconventional moments make for the most memorable experiences.

Amidst my dirty appearance, I sipped through a vertical tasting of Rolf’s masterpieces, ranging from 2022 to 2017 vintages. Ralf shared fascinating stories about Chateau d’Aquaria’s four-hundred-year history, their dedication to biodiversity, and achieving organic certification. I even learned about the sheep they let roam among the vines to keep things in check and provide natural fertilizer. Ralph was too much of a gentleman to allude to the fertilizer that clung to my shoes at the time. 

Now, let’s talk about the wine itself. Chateau d’Aquaria Tavel Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Clairette. It boasts an alluring bouquet of rose petals, ripe strawberries, and a subtle hint of spice. It’s a wine that surprises and delights with every sip, whether you’re sipping it on a sunny patio or indulging in a delicious meal.

So, my fellow adventurers, I invite you to enjoy a sample of different styles of rose. This three bottle selection includes the unique Chateau d’Aquaria Tavel Rosé, as well as two other French sippers. Rosés from Provence are fresh, fruity, crisp and dry. Tavel rosés showcase red berries, almonds and floral notes. Rhône Valley Rosés show the the red fruit notes of Tavel with the citrus notes of Provence. Explore a few new bottlings and see what suits you best. 

If nothing else I hope you got a laugh out of my misadventure. Let’s raise our glasses and celebrate the unexpected moments that make life so much more interesting. 

Cheers to dirt-covered tales and unforgettable wine experiences!

Yours in wine,

Michelle Rossotti

The Grape Lady

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