WineDay: Another Bogle Bargain

by Fred McMillin
for August 26, 1997

Another Bogle Bargain

Prologue:

Clarksburg is the name of a town and a wine district just south of Sacramento.
Bogle has nearly 900 acres of vines in Clarksburg. In addition to producing over 60,000 cases of wine, Bogle is a major supplier of grapes to other California wineries.

The Rest of the Story: At least, with all those grapes to sell, Bogle does not have to BUY grapes. Right? WRONG! The vines grow on flat delta land some 20 feet below the levee-restrained Sacramento River. The warm climate is ideal for some varieties such as Chenin Blanc, but not for others. For example, we've just tasted the 1996 Bogle Sauvignon Blanc, made from grapes grown in the nearby Sierra Foothills to the east. Winemaker Christopher Smith (formerly with Jordan and Kendall-Jackson) is very happy with the citrus-peach flavors...7,000 cases...typical Bogle bargain at $6.50.

1996 Fume Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc), Apln. -. California
Bogle Vineyards
Clarksburg, CA
Contact—Kristen Alling, (916)744-1139
$6.50

Postscript: Warren Bogle was the fourth generation of the family to farm in the Delta. In 1968, he planted 200 acres of vines, assisted by the next generation, Patty and Chris Bogle. Later, Patty became Winery Manager and Chris Vineyard Manager and Proprietor. Last January, at age 45, Chris died of a heart attack. Delta winemaking has lost a leader.

About the Writer

Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College and is Northern California Editor for American Wine on the Web. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.

Read more articles by Fred McMillin in the eGGsf

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