VIEWS AND VINES
Liberty Watch explores the Brassfield Estate Winery north of Napa County
BY LINDSEY WHIPPLE

Exploding with the force of volcanic eruption is the recent development of the newly established AVA in Northern California called High Valley located in Lake County. Lake County is east of Mendocino County, northeast of Sonoma, and north of Napa County; therefore it is contiguous with famous wine regions, not to mention its well-drained rolling hills of volcanic soil, great for red grapes, and the heavy clay from former lake bottoms, ideal for white grapes. 

Fortunately, I had the privilege of being invited to travel to Brassfield Estate Winery in High Valley on High Serenity Ranch via helicopter by Brassfield Estate Winery owner Jerry Brassifield and his son, Shann Brassfield, whom was also our pilot. 

There is no better view of Napa Valley, Sonoma and Lake County than with a bird�s eye view. Flying like a screaming eagle over the rolling green hills and valley floors of Napa then Sonoma and finally reaching High Valley wine country offers the realization that our earth has little bits of serenity on it. Circling Brassfield Estate Winery, we were able to see the beauty that encompasses Brassfield Estate Winery.

Brassfield�s 2,500 acres of ancient oak trees, wildlife, lush hillsides, meadows and small ponds created by the extinct Round Mountain Volcano, and not to forget the precious 240 acres, which are dedicated to premium grape vines, were all sights for sore eyes.

Former cattle rancher, Jerry Brassfield, has transformed part of his High Serenity Ranch into a beautiful Tuscan-style winery, which 

produces 25,000 cases a year of award-winning wines. Brassfield grows Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gew�rztraminer, Zinfandel and Syrah. He is also experimenting with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 

Arriving on the launch pad at Brassfield�s guesthouse, I immediately ran to dry land. I am afraid of heights and the motion sickness was beginning to kick in. The lunch, prepared by chef Don Bocca, was not ready, so Shann and Jerry decided to treat us with more moving craft, and took us and Brassfield�s winemaker Kevin Robinson on a tour of the Brassfield�s most beautiful views and vines. 

We jumped into the SUV with a bottle of Brassfield�s acclaimed 2004 Pinot Grigio, and Shann drove all of us up the hillside to the most exclusive, heavenly hidden corner of High Serenity Ranch, overlooking the old dormant volcanoes and the crystalline reflection of Clear Lake. 

On the way back, we witnessed deer and wild birds frolicking in the beautiful meadows sprinkled with magenta, orange and yellow wild flowers. Around the meadows, we arrived at the vineyards. Shann then allowed us to jump out and experience the vines personally.

While we were examining the vines, Shann and Kevin enlightened us about Brassfield�s bear problem. Due to the large crop of Zinfandel in Brassfield�s Monte Serino vineyard, the fruit hung on the vines for a bit longer than usual, letting the bears figure out a way into the vineyard. The bears gorged on the zinfandel looking for a buzz and ate a significant amount of the crop; therefore, only 240 cases opposed to 500 cases of the 2003 Zinfandel were produced. The vineyard has been jokingly dubbed the �Bear�s Share.�

After our journey, we were welcomed back at the guesthouse with a five-course lunch. Freelance chef Don Bocca meticulously 

prepared the cuisine. The cuisine was hearty Californian with a touch of Italian flare, a perfect match to Brassfield�s bold terrior reflecting wines. 

During lunch, Jerry informed us about what else he is planning for Brassfield. Jerry is building extensive wine caves, a serene spa, luxury accommodations, and much more. �I�m very enthusiastic,� Jerry proudly claimed.

Brassfield�s 2004 Estate Vineyard, Pinot Grigio is one of the few domestic Pinot Grigios, which displays the proper characteristics of an Italian grape variety. This domestic Pinot Grigio reflects a light tropical fruit with mineralistic hints in aroma accompanied with a crisp refreshing bite of green apple with hints of mangos and passion fruit. There is no question why this Pinot Grigio was awarded 2005 �Best of Class� by Santa Rosa Press Democrat North of the Gate Competition.

Along with Brassfied�s Pinot Grigio, his 2004 white blend of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Gew�rztraminer, dubbed Serenity, was the 2005 White Sweepstakes Winner at the North of the Gate Wine Competition. Serenity reflects the passion of the winemaker Kevin Robinson. Serenity has a delicate wild flower aroma with nuances of vanilla combined with a deep caramel apple flavors with hints of spice. 

Brassfield�s red wines are right behind their stupendous white wines. Brassfield�s 2002 Lake County, Zinfandel was awarded the Silver in 2004 at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat North of the Gate Competition. Brassfield�s zinfandel aroma reflects ripe black raspberries with hints of spice and peppers. The palate shows deep black currents with hints of spices and soft tannins. 

Brassfield�s 2002 Lake County Syrah brings the reds right in place with the whites with its Double Gold medal awarded at the 2005 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The Syrah has a distinctive opaque purple hue with plum and boysenberry aromas. The density of this syrah shows heavy cassis flavors with a harmonious combination of cedar and meat for a well-balanced wine. This syrah is silky smooth.

Keep an eye on out for the spring release of Brassfield�s 2003 Syrah and Zinfandel. These wines will be the first of Brassfield�s to have High Valley AVA officially on their wine labels. Also, Brassfield has just broken into the Las Vegas wine market, so they should be available in retail shops and restaurants soon. 

Brassfield Estate Winery can be reached at the address of 10915 High Valley Road, P.O. Box 1661, Clearlake Oaks, CA, 95423; by telephone at (707) 998-1880; or by website at www.brassfieldestate.com. LW