Brutocao Cellars Über Chard Review

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Über Chard: What I think

A true family winery, Brutocao’s main vineyard, Bliss, was first farmed in 1943 by Irv Bliss. When Irv’s daughter married Len Brutocao, the families joined forces to convert the Mendocino farm into a vineyard. After selling their grapes to well-known wineries in Sonoma and Napa, they began making their first wines in 1980. Still family owned and operated, the fourth generation of descendants has joined the team, wearing many hats as most people do in family-run businesses.

Over time Brutocao has added new vineyards to their holdings, and they now call their Mendocino vineyards, collectively, Hopland Ranches. At the Bliss Vineyard, the Feliz Vineyard, and the Content Vineyard they grow: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Primitivo (sometimes confused for Zinfandel, but a distinct grape).

The official tasting notes: “Aromas of apricot and melon lead in with a hint of white flower and sweet caramel. Cooked pears in vanilla open to bright peaches on the mid-palate, followed by a finish of caramel apples.”

It’s rare, but sometimes when Mitch and I taste a wine, we don’t taste the same things. For Mitch, this wine was all apricot and peach. For me, I perceived less peach and much more vanilla and caramel. That’s what’s interesting about complex wine, everyone gets something different out of it.

Last updated: March 19, 2023