Double-take to Double Gold at Grace Patriot

One of the many joys of living near the Sierra Nevada foothills is the proximity to numerous wine growing regions. Many are close enough that in an hour's drive or less, you can find yourself in a picturesque setting tasting some terrific wines. The best part is the wines awaiting your palate are of the caliber of those found in Napa and Sonoma, just without the crowds, traffic congestion and in most cases, costly tasting fees.Such is the case with Grace Patriot Wines situated along Carson Road in eastern Placerville. As a former Apple Hill resident, I used to travel Carson Road frequently and for as long as I can remember the site which houses the winery, the historic Irving Ranch, sat dormant like the nearby apple trees in the dead of winter. The red barn and the little white house visible from the road were the only signs that life once flourished there. Then one day, on a recent excursion to buy farm fresh produce, my travels took me on Carson Road's familiar dog leg curve past the property. My neck craned in a double-take that revealed a revived barn with its new coat of red paint and the small house was once again a home from renovations and TLC. The ranch which was established in 1890 had been lovingly restored to its glory as a thriving winery.Upon my visit there I learned the Grace family is behind the rejuvenation of the property. The vintner, Steven Grace, is the third great grandson of Lewis Grace who fought as a Patriot in the Revolutionary War. In honor of the patriarch, the label proudly bears his name. Steven's son, Tyler, who holds degrees in biology and enology and viticulture, serves as the winemaker skillfully crafting beautiful wines resulting from his years of experience working at Napa area establishments such as Heintz Cellar, Quail Ridge Winery and Bell Wine Cellars. To complete this ideal, cohesive and hands-on family run operation, Steven's wife Bea along with their youngest son Trevor add their areas of expertise. After acquiring the ranch in 2000, improvements began right away to lay the ground work for reintroduction of viticulture to the parcel. Since 2004, Grace Patriot Wines has been producing award-winning wines firmly solidifying their place in the El Dorado appellation as a premium winemaker. In sampling a flight of white and red wines in the tasting room, you are certain to find a Grace Patriot vintage that will not disappoint. A noteworthy white comes from their offering of the 2010 Estate Grown Pinot Gris, an off-dry wine with its bright finish and notes of tropical fruit and pear. The Pinot Gris earned a Double Gold and Best of Class at the 2011 El Dorado Wine Competition. Being a red wine fan, I easily aligned with their red varietals, wines which have fabulous character and big bold flavor. The 2008 Estate Grown Pinot Noir warranted a smile with its interplay of cherry and dark chocolate. The 2006 5PM, a delicious blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and French Petite Bordeaux performs a tannin tango of clove and black licorice in the mouth, provocative yet tame. Grace Patriot's top earner goes to the 2006 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon taking a Double Gold and Best of Class at the 2011 El Dorado Wine Competition in addition to a Gold and Best of Class designation at this summer's 2011 California State Fair Wine competition. The nose will pick up the fruit immediately, but the tickle of tannin prepares the palate for the complex berry and black pepper that follows.The next time you desire a trip to wine country, stay close to home where my double-take to Double Gold experience can be yours in less than an hour from Folsom. Enjoy the ambiance, the historic ranch and the family heritage that is Grace Patriot Wines. The experience will deliver that "getaway" relaxation often associated with its coastal wine region counterparts. For more information, visit gracepatriotwines.com, 2701 Carson Road, Placerville; or call (530) 642-8424.