Vina Moda

On my first visit to Vina Moda a few years ago, winemaker, owner Nathan Vader (no relation to Darth) brought out a wonderful 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. It literally made my knees buckle when I tasted it. I am serious. I still have about 9 bottles in my cellar and according to him, he only has a few cases left. It is worth every penny.

During this visit, we tasted the 2007 Viognier, which at $44 a bottle is high for a Viognier, but for me it was close to perfection. Nathan’s Clockspring Zin was also very nice, but frankly I am getting overloaded with Zins- but saying that at $32 a bottle, this Zin is worth the price. But, like last time I was there, I was again knocked over by another creation at Vina Moda, the 2007 Villa Vallecito Barbera ($36). Winemakers in Northern Italy should be afraid, very afraid. This is a classic Barbera, with intense fruit and enhanced tannic content. You want to know the really bad part? Only 108 cases were produced.

Don’t let the screw-cap closure on these bottles fool you either. (I asked Nathan why he would want such a fine wines in a screw cap bottle; his response was that he did not want to risk the chance of just one bottle being ruined by oxidation)

Their website STILL isn’t up yet with the details of their wine, but it does have their contact information. They are only open for tasting on Saturdays, 12 – 6 pm.

147 Main Street, Murphys Ca.

209-728-1917

http://www.vinamoda.com

You can read my previous review of Vina Moda on my website:

http://www.wine-sommelier.com/wineries_sierra.html

Cheers-

Tim