Will Clark - 49 Wines

Will Clark readily admits that his passion in life is California
Foothill wines. He retired from investment banking in the early
1990’s, and with wife Jeanne, opened up his shop at 200 Main
Street in Downieville. Jeanne runs the antiques and collectibles
shop next door.

“We came here to do what we really wanted to do,” said Will.
“People don’t expect us to be here. But really, Downieville is
the first town north of Nevada City where you can find good food,
lodging – and major historical lore about the area.” It all comes
together in a mountain setting at the confluence of two rivers,
with an enormous amount of Gold Country history. Will boasts a
stock of around 50 wines. Here are some of my favorites from the
tasting:

2006 Hatcher Cabernet Sauvignon, Sierra Foothills. Will believes
this is his current best value in a Cabernet Sauvignon. The
Hatcher winery is located in Murphys, Calaveras County, and they
source most of their fruit from vineyards near Angels Camp. The
fruit for this wine was sourced from the vineyard of Lori Kautz.
Winemaker Matthew Hatcher has crafted this wine to have aromas of
tropical fruit, volcanic minerality, anise and other exotic
spices. Flavor is lush and ripe with flavors of melon, ginger,
and spice, ending in a clean finish. Enjoy with spicy Asian
foods, BBQ, lamb. 14.6% alcohol. $17.50/bottle at 49 Wines.