Newly opened, and right across the street from The French Laundry, Ma(i)sonry is a “living gallery” for those looking to experience a little more aesthetic and intimate tasting than you might typically find at your usual tasting room “bar.”Ma(i)sonry was founded by Blackbird Vineyards proprietor Michael Polenske who restored this beautiful 104-year-old private stone residence in Yountville. There’s plenty of great art ranging from 16th century European craftsmen to contemporary artists and designers. There was a pair of vintage leather club chairs that I was very tempted to walk out the door with. But instead, we got to sit in these chairs for our tasting. There are many cozy nooks throughout the space (and some great one by an outdoor fireplace – but it was a little too chilly in late Dec.) where you can enjoy their wine.
You get your own private “pourer” who provides all the wine and answers your questions about the place. Our tasting expert was Anthony who poured us wines from Lail Vineyards and Blackbird Vineyards. Here’s the list of wines:
Blackbird Vineyards
’06 Arise (100% Merlot)
’06 Illustration (86% Merlot, 11% Cab Franc, 3% Cab Savg.)
’06 Paramour (48% Merlot, 44% Cab Franc, 8% Cab Savg.)
’06 Contrarian (38% Cab Franc, 34% Merlot, 28% Cab Savg.)
Lail Vineyards
’07 Blueprint White (100% Savg. Blanc)
’05 Blueprint Red (71% Cab Savg., 25% Merlot, 4% Cab Franc)
’05 J. Daniel Cuvee (100% Cab Savg.)
Lail and Blackbird were the only two labels available to taste, but Anthony explained that, in the coming months, Ma(i)sonry will showcase a rotating collection of limited wines from boutique wineries such as: Brown Estate, Joel Gott, Pedras and Renteria.
The two things we liked most about Ma(i)sonry:
1. They’re open until 9PM every night. We’re not always ready to be done when the wineries close at 5PM so, if our palates aren’t completely destroyed, it’s nice to have a quality place to lounge and taste after hours.
2. The personal taster. At first we were a little skeptical because we hate being pressured into buying anything just because you show up. But Anthony was cool and everyone working there seems proud – which always creates a good vibe.
We took a few bottles home of both vineyards.
- Andrew
P.S. Anthony’s wife owns Xroads Sea Salts (www.philippineseasalts.com). It’s a family owned company and we like to support husband and wife businesses whenever we can! (For whatever it’s worth, Michael Mina and Thomas Keller use it too.)
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