What to Buy
'05 Merlot Estate Big powerful fruit, complex flavors $36
'05 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Nice ripe fruit, true varietal character, strong mature tannins $38
'05 Cabernet Franc Estate Beautiful floral perfume nose, ripe fruit floral $36
'06 "Tre Fratelli" Estate Meritage Signature blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc; deep, elegant $36
Getting There
From I-5, take the Rancho California Rd. Exit and head east. Follow Rancho California Rd. (about six miles). Turn right on Monte De Oro Rd. Turn Right on Barksdale Circle. Winery is up the hill on the left. |
When Nick Palumbo bought the 12 acres of land that is now Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery in 1998, it was already planted to Merlot and Cabernet Franc. He quickly planted Cabernet Sauvignon and began selling his grapes to other wineries in the area. Nick had worked in area wineries himself, and it wasn't long before his own grapes inspired him to start making his own wines.
Since then, Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery has seen steady growth, not so much in the number of wines produced, but in the reputation they have earned on a local and national level. This is exactly what Nick wants. "I want to grow quality grapes and make quality wines that are respected in regions outside the Temecula Valley," Nick says. "Wines that articulate the specific terroir we have here."
Today, beyond the original Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, the vineyard is planted to Sangiovese, Syrah, and Viognier, a variety he planted specifically for his wife, Cindy. "She kept bringing home white wines from the market and I said, 'This is like bringing sand to the beach!' So I planted Viognier and started making her white wine." And a delightful wine it is.
Twice a year or so, the Palumbos host a special dinner gathering at the winery called The Farmer, The Chef, and The Winemaker. Nick invites a local grower and a chef from a notable Southern California restaurant to join him and his guests for fresh food, conversation, and Palumbo's delightful wines.
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