John Belushi

John Belushi

by | Dec 30, 2022 | Cellar Events, Meau-Faux, Station Events

Join us at our Crystal Basin Cellars locations this January 2023 to celebrate our Meau-Faux, John Belushi.

What is a Meau-Faux and why does Crystal Basin Celebrate them?

We are always seeking to identify and honor innovative leadership. We’ve created a way for us all to recognize and celebrate truly unique folks on their respective birthdays. Each month, Crystal Basin selects a special Meau-Faux who have made an indelible mark on the world in their own way. This moniker is not to be taken lightly. It takes a LOT to be a Meau-Faux. You have to get up early, stay up late, and in many specific cases, be able to party like a rockstar. We know these personalities and what they stand for instantly. By calling our attention to these leaders, we hope you’ll be able to pull some essence of their spirit into you daily life. They are, quite simply, Meau-Fauxs.

Why is the January 2023 Meau-Faux John Belushi?

John Belushi is an obvious choice for Meau-Faux of the month. Rocketing to fame as a lead on the venerable Saturday Night Live (remember when it was funny?), Belushi lived big and partied hard. His comic genius will forever be part of our culture from his parts in movies like Animal House, Blues Brothers and Neighbors. Listen closely today and you’ll hear a Belushi quote that will give you a belly laugh. Salute John at January’s Comedic Meau-Faux.

 

Call us (530) 647-1767 to receive special pricing on our bagnum wines to celebrate our January Meau-Faux, John Belushi.

January Wine of the Month Cabernet Sauvignon

January Wine of the Month Cabernet Sauvignon

by | Dec 30, 2022 | Cellar Events, Station Events, Wine of the Month

Visit us at any of our Crystal Basin Cellar locations during the month of December for a special tasting featuring our January Wine of the Month Cabernet Sauvignon.

No discussion about wines made from red grapes is complete without homage to Cabernet Sauvignon. The most-planted grape in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon has proponents of its rich and tannic flavor profile in most, if not all, of the grape growing regions of the world.

Hailing from the Bordeaux region of western France, the best versions of wines made from this grape can reach a graceful age and awe you with their cost. Best found on your dinner table or on the menu of your favorite restaurant, Cabernet Sauvignon compliments fine foods and a healthy diet.

With small berries and low vineyard yield, Cabernet Sauvignon creates multi-layered wines that can be enjoyed during winter months and warming dinners in cozy living rooms. Crystal Basin has used the same vineyard sources for our Cabernet Sauvignon for over 20 years. Enjoy with those you love!

Red Cap Day 2

Red Cap Day 2

by | Dec 23, 2022 | Cellar Events, Station Events

We’re celebrating our annual Red Cap Day at both of our locations on January 14, 2023.

Come in for a tasting and wear your Red Cap and receive an upgraded tasting that includes our premier wines! (The ones with the fancy red caps – See what we did there?)

Available at both of our locations on January 14, 2023 only.

Reservations are encouraged, but not required.

Red Cap Day Crystal Basin Cellars El Dorado County Winery Event

What wines will be pouring on Red Cap Day?

MB3

2016 Malbec from the Sauber Vineyard. These grapes produced wine that we believed was as close to Malbec perfection as we might ever attain. They needed no blending nor adjustment to create a stunning Foothill wine. Pair it with lamb or game.

B3

2017 Barbera from the 2/3 acre Toby’s Vineyard on Mt Aukum Road. These were some of the most visually stunning grapes we’ve encountered over 30 years of winemaking and the wine made from this tiny batch matched the amazing promise of the fruit. Layers of flavor that don’t typically get associated with Barbera spring out of the glass. Italians are jealous…

PVNV

This wine is composed of Two vintages from the same vineyard – the Duarte Vineyard. We combined one barrel of 2017 Petit Verdot with two barrels of 2018 Petit Verdot to create this tasty rarity. There is a mysterious cedary component to this wine. The NV part of the title refers to “Non-Vintage”.

GHOST VINE SYRAH

2017 Syrah from the Biama Vineyard in Camino. After the 2017 harvest, these vines were mistakenly torn out of the ground (!). So our Ghost Vine Syrah will very literally – not be seen again. It has a silky smoothness that is regularly a component of high-altitude Syrahs. We were sorry to hear of its demise!

S3

2019 Syrah that was co-fermented with 8% of late harvest Viognier. This style is common in the Northern Rhone in France but not often utilized in California. The addition of an aromatic white wine to Syrah adds depth along with a softer, fruitier bouquet. This fun experimentation with style is a most fine addition to your wine stash. Use to it amaze your wine geek friends!

AB3

2019 Alicante Bouschet grown in the Fairplay region. It has fruit and depth and a perfect balance of acidity and tannins. Each sip seems to invite another one! Alicante Bouschet is a hybrid grape from France that has red flesh (rare in the grape world), creating a wine with an almost radian hue. This is a Patio Sipper at it’s best!

CS3

This 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon was another style experiment for Crystal Basin. We took a nicely formed 2018 Cab and aged it for a total of 30 months – half in new barrels. The tasty result is a wine more in a classic finished Napa style with oak elements that we typically don’t seek to accentuate in our Foothill Wine offerings. You can stop any wine snob in their tracks with this stunner.

MV3

2019 Mourvedre from the Spanish Creek Vineyard in Fair Play. We wish and hope all year long for knockout version of our Mourvedre and 2019 did not disappoint. This wine is lush and smooth and very well balanced. This wine will permanently dispel any rumors that Mourvedre is “just a blending grape.”

LHV

2019 Late Harvest Viognier was made from grapes that exceeded 32% sugar at pick and fermented on the natural yeast from the vineyard. Another new style experiment for Crystal Basin, this dessert wine shows amazing pear and apricot flavors that finish any meal in style. Worth a try just for the experience!

See you on January 14!

Case-ing Day Feast-ival

Case-ing Day Feast-ival

by | Dec 2, 2022 | Cellar Events

December 26, 2022 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Enjoy some fresh air at our annual Case-ing Day Feast-ival! We’re bringing you another uniquely Crystal Basin food and wine event at the Cellars in Camino. We’ll be featuring wine and bubbly case specials all day! While serving up delicious sausages from Lockeford Meats with a selection of tasty mustards.

Don’t Miss Out!

While reservations aren’t required, they are highly recommended for this popular event. Use the calendar below to make your reservation. Or call us at (530) 647-1767.
December Meau-Faux Kit Carson

December Meau-Faux Kit Carson

by | Dec 2, 2022 | Cellar Events, Station Events

Join us at our Crystal Basin Cellars locations this December to celebrate our December Meau-Faux, Kit Carson.

What is a Meau-Faux and why does Crystal Basin celebrate them?

We are always seeking to identify and honor innovative leadership. We’ve created a way for us all to recognize and celebrate truly unique folks on their respective birthdays. Each month, Crystal Basin selects a special Meau-Faux who have made an indelible mark on the world in their own way.

This moniker is not to be taken lightly. It takes a LOT to be a Meau-Faux. You have to get up early, stay up late, and in many specific cases, be able to party like a rockstar. We know these personalities and what they stand for instantly. By calling our attention to these leaders, we hope you’ll be able to pull some essence of their spirit into you daily life. They are, quite simply, Meau-Fauxs.

Why is the December Meau-Faux Kit Carson?

Kit Carson was a pioneering Meau-Faux who helped define the American West. Literally blazing trails where no European explorers had visited before, he was responsible for exploring new trails to the west, including the Oregon Trail partnered up with fellow early explorer John Fremont. He was a badass frontier warrior who participated in the Bear Flag Revolt, the Mexican American War and the Civil War. No, he was not particularly nice to the locals during some of these episodes. His exploits included pioneering what is now Highway 88. He settled in New Mexico and we think he is a true American Meau-Faux. Join us at either location on December 24, 2022, to take advantage of a special offer on our bagnum wine Meau-Faux in honor of the our December Meau-Faux Kit Carson.