AMERICAN WINEMAKER HAS A WINNING PHILOSOPHY
By sourcing grapes from various vineyards, product stays consistent ... and so does price
For the past two decades, Joel Gott has enjoyed success thanks to his steadfast well-made, wellpriced wine philosophy. Working with wife Sarah and winemaker Alisa Jacobson, Gott sources great grapes for his wines from independent vineyards across California, Oregon and Washington state.
Gott Wines was launched in 1998 with a Zinfandel before expanding to include a Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet the Gotts named the 815 Cabernet Sauvignon to commemorate the birthday of their first daughter, Lucy, in 2003.
Today, the Joel Gott portfolio features more than a dozen labels, including a Santa Barbara Pinot Noir and Washington Gruner Veltliner.
Gott also plays an active role as one-third of the Three Thieves team, which is behind the Show, Bandit and Newman’s Own labels. The Three Thieves’s slogan is More Wine, Less Rules, which speaks to the everyday enjoyment aspect.
In a conversation we had a few years ago, Gott had a oneword answer for the best way to make wine accessible to people. “Price,” he said emphatically.
That’s why he says he favours making wines with grapes coming from various vineyards in multiple regions instead of a single estate. It ensures he has an inventory of consistently enjoyable wines at an affordable price.
For example, the newly released 2014 815 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100 per cent Cabernet and 100 per cent California, with fruit coming from Napa and Sonoma, as well as Lake County, Lodi, Paso Robles, Santa Ynez and Monterey.
“It’s all over the place, and that’s what makes this wine,” Gott says in a video produced to introduce the new vintage.
Gott’s website, gottwines.com, is filled with informative details about his wines, all delivered without pretence or ego.
The online video continues as the winemaker suggests suitable food pairings for the richly concentrated and ripe red wine. “Let’s talk burgers,” Gott says with a wide smile that suggests he’s having the time of his life. Christopher Waters is the co-founder and editor of Vines, a national consumer wine magazine.