Mitchell Katz isn’t your typical winemaker. If you ask him why he got into the wine business, he’ll tell you unequivocally, with a good laugh, “stupidity.” At the same time, it’s clear he loves what he does and that passion comes through in every bottle we tried. Visit the winery in Califorina’s Livermore Valley and taste for yourself.

Mitchell Katz 2014 Corvino Vineaydrs Primativo

Grape(s): Primativo

Region: Livermore Valley, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

A hearty nose offers up aromas of smoke, herbs, spice, and pomegranate. On the palate, pomegranate and tart cherry flow into fresh herbs, spice, and floral earth. Vibrant, with robust flavors, match it up with spicy Italian sausages.

Rating: 90

Mitchell Katz 2013 Clark’s Conner Syrah

Grape(s): Syrah

Region: Livermore Valley, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

The nose weaves together aromas of blackberries, raspberries, floral earth, and spice. Jammy fruit plays nicely with all-spice, violets, and flinty notes on the palate. Rich, supple, and layered, it’s a fine example of a Cali Syrah.

Rating: 90

Mitchell Katz 2013 Fat Boy

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Livermore Valley, Ca

Price: 55-60

Tasting Notes:

Elements of blackberries, strawberries, and red currants mingle with accents of barrel spice on the nose. A sip brings forth red and dark berry flavors that flow into highlights of toasted coconut, nutmeg, and cocoa. Rich with rounded tannins, this bottle calls for prime rib.

Rating: 90

Mitchell Katz 2012 Falling Star

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Livermore Valley, Ca

Price: 45-50

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of black cherries, plums, clove, and licocre comes up from a glass. Lush dark flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and plum encircle allusions of cinnamon, dark chocolate, and anise on the palate. Ample fruit and dusty tannins frame this wine nicely. A roast beef would be a lovely pairing.

Rating: 90

Mitchell Katz 2013 Malbec

Grape(s): Malbec

Region: Livermore Valley, Ca

Price: 35-40

Tasting Notes:

Inviting aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and black cherries mingle with suggestions of vanilla and cedar on the nose. Lush dark fruit is framed by supple tannins on the palate pulling in allusions of toasty vanilla and smoky cedar. This isn’t an earthy Malbec from Argentina; it’s fruit-driven and ripe.

Rating: 90

 

 

Mitchell Katz 2014 Falling Star Vineyard Merlot

Grape(s): Merlot

Region: Livermore Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Blackberries, cherries, and plums come together with clove and mocha on the nose. Lots of lush dark fruit dominates the palate, alongside accents of barrel spice and coffee. Smooth but with nice tannins, a cheeseburger would make a fine companion.

Rating: 89