VINOPOP presents: Retro Cellars Tasting

We're excited to host Kara Dunn as she presents and tastes us through 5 of their beautiful, old world style wines for our last VINOPOP of 2023.  

When Mike and Kara Dunn decided to launch Retro Cellars in 2003, they wanted to honor the history of the vineyards as well as that of their family's foundations in the Napa Valley wine industry. Mike’s family started Dunn Vineyards on Howell Mountain in 1978, the same year Kara’s family began Pecota Winery in Calistoga. When Mike and Kara met, they shared similar stories of growing up in the Napa Valley of the 1970’s, a community of humble farmers.

Kara is a 2nd generation Napa Valley vintner and has been involved in the wine industry since her childhood. After receiving her BA from UC Davis in International Relations in 1990, she worked her way up to the role of GM of Robert Pecota Winery and started Retro Cellars in 2003.

THE WINES:

Retro Cellars 2020 Rosé (Retail $30)

Lively aromas of strawberries and white peach continue onto the palate with a nice backbone of acidity, making this fresh and crisp, our unique Howell Mtn. Rosé of Peloursin release from Retro Cellars.

Retro Cellars 2018 Zinfandel (Retail $50)

85% neutral French oak; 15% new French. “The 2018 Zinfandel is a rich, heady wine. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch and blood orange lend an exotic flair. This full-bodied, flamboyant Zinfandel is a bit over the top in terms of intensity and ripeness, but it all works well.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 90 points

Retro Cellars 2011 Petite Sirah (Retail $45)

90% Petite Sirah and 10% Syrah “The 2011 Petite Sirah Howell Mountain offers notable intensity, with plenty of blue/blackish fruit, lavender, mint, violet and sage overtones. Refined and super-expressive, the 2011 is an absolute joy to taste today. All the elements are very nicely balanced in a surprisingly tamed Petite that will drink well with minimal cellaring.” ~Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Retro Cellars 2015 Petite Sirah “Park Muscatine Vineyard” (Retail $60)

100% Petite Sirah. While being a classic, bold Howell Mountain wine, our wine also shows an elegance unusual for the varietal. Dense inky purple and blue in color. Aromas of coco, cumin, mulberry and baking spices mingle with wild berry compote. Full and rich on the palate, with a blueberry core and gingerbread spice. An age-worthy cellar star. "The Park-Muscatine Petite is most likely a field blend of the sort that was once quite common, which explains its bright acid profile and exotic, floral bouquet. A wine of energy and nuance, the 2015 is superb, and also much more refined than what most readers are likely to expect. Rose petal, lavender, mint and spice linger on the long, silky finish”. Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 95 points

Retro Cellars 2018 Syrah (Retail $70)

Our Syrah is the biggest, boldest wine in our lineup. Gobs of red and black fruits and a mouthful of baking spices, this is our expression of a northern-Rhône styled wine. We are pleased that this wine is being served by the glass at the famed French Laundry restaurant in the Napa Valley. Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 93 points

COST

Limited early bird tickets for the tasting of all wines. Price increases after early bird is sold out. Only 40 tickets TOTAL are available for this event.

ADDITIONAL NOTE ABOUT THE VENUE

Our private tasting room is on the 2nd floor of Sol Grill in Newport Beach. There is no elevator, only stairs. https://www.solgrill.com/

Contact us if you have questions or comments via text at 949-441-4832 or email cheers@ilikethisgrape.com

MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND

NO REFUNDS UNLESS EVENT IS CANCELED. NO TICKETS AT THE DOOR. THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT.