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Galleron
Signature Wines Uh…
The son of Paul Galleron, and nephew of Virgil - the Galleron Brothers - among the most highly respected names in Napa winegrowing, Gary learned his craft, quite literally, from the ground up. He never learned to rollerskate - he was too busy picking grapes, or pruning vines, or lighting smudge pots, or shoveling pomace. Gary first began experimenting with home winemaking while he was in high school, and went on to graduate from California State University, Fresno, in 1976 with a degree in viticulture and enology. He returned home, and began working at Chateau Montelena under the tutelage of Mike Grgich, eventually becoming Assistant Winemaker and Cellar Master. After a four-year stint at Lenz Vineyards on Long Island, New York, Gary returned to the Napa Valley and began compiling a veritable Who’s Who list of premium producers for whom he made wine.
The wine was well received, but I believe Gary’s breakthrough wine was the 1994 Galleron Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve been fortunate to taste it on several occasions, including the evening it overshadowed the 1994 Shafer Hillside Select in the minds of several of our cyberwine community’s most astute palates. I’m a believer.
Since that time, Gary has moved on to Mario Perelli-Minetti Winery where he enjoys winemaking responsibilities, and creates the wines for his new label, Galleron Signature Wines. The initial releases were mostly white wines - a Riesling, two Chardonnays, and a lone bottle of Merlot. The second releases have now shipped, and include 6 red wines and 3 whites, including the 1998 Morisoli Cabernet Sauvignon. While pricey, these handcrafted wines may prove to be worth the tariff. I’ve tasted the 1999 Morisoli Cab from barrel on several occasions, and it is among the most impressive young Cabernets I have ever tasted. Gary is a very personable fellow - quick to smile, and obviously in love with what he does. He only displays his shy side when asked about himself - he then steers the conversation back to wines, avoiding any discussion in depth of him as a person. Perhaps he prefers to let the wines speak for themselves, and they speak volumes.
Even more exciting are the future wines. After lying fallow for years, the family’s vineyards in Rutherford are being planted again. Before too long, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Galleron Cabernet Sauvignon from the Family Estate Vineyards on Galleron Road. I’ll be there. califusa Galleron
Signature Wines ©
Allan Bree October 2000 |
Left Coast
Correspondent PROFILES: Tasting
Notes from Synergism Up
the Coast More Tasting Notes from the Ridge Galleron Tasting
a Legacy - C O
P I A "T"
is for... Premiere Napa Valley ® |
Gary
Galleron had no choice. He was born with Rutherford dust under
his fingernails, and Cabernet Sauvignon in his veins.
In
1993, in conjunction with Tom Leonardini
at Whitehall Lane, he established his
eponymous label, and his first commercial release, the 1993
Galleron Cabernet Sauvignon. One third of the fruit for the
wine came from the Leonardini Vineyard, and the balance from the vineyard
of his longtime friend, Gary Morisoli.
Galleron
Signature Wines is very much a family business. Gary, of course, crafts
the wines - his sister Paula handles
the mailing list and business affairs, and is the cordial voice you
encounter when you call. And, the fourth generation of Gallerons, Paula’s
son Matthew (left),
is involved as well - packing and labeling, and getting purple during
crush.
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