I will always remember the day I met owner/winemaker Bayard Fox. It was Kick Ranch in Sonoma. I was on a vineyard tour with the owner of the ranch, Dick Keenan. This was last year at harvest. As we were going up to look at the vines, Bayard was coming back from looking at the rows of Syrah he leases from Kick Ranch. I was fascinated by the exchange that took place between grape grower and grape buyer. From a grower perspective, they want to make sure they can sell the maximum amount of quality grapes. The buyer, however, wants to pick at what they consider the optimal time according to the style of wine they are making. On this particular Friday rain was in the forecast. The conversation went something like this:

Dick: I notice some of your grapes are turning into raisins.

Bayard: Not too many are raisins, I think I'll wait a few more days.

Dick: A lot of guys are picking this weekend, are you sure you want to wait?

Bayard: I'm okay.

Dick: When do you plan on picking?

Bayard: I think on Monday.

Dick: It's suppose to rain over the weekend.

Bayard: I think we'll be okay.

This is typical between grape grower and grape buyer. It is why finding a good grower, such as Kick Ranch, is so important. Because a good grower, no matter how nervous it makes him, let's the winemaker call the shots (within reason).

When I got home that day I looked up Bayard's winery, Renard, on line. I was instantly intrigued by the varietals he makes of which I am unfamiliar with such as Roussanne and Grenache. I was even more intrigued once I had the opportunity to taste the wines. All of Renard wines have a European style to them. Although Bayard Fox has a day job where he represents a French cooperage, none of his wines are over oaked. He also does an excellent job of allowing the vineyards from where the grapes are grown to show through the wine.

However, perhaps the most intriguing and shocking part of the Renard experience is price. For wines that have fetched high scores and press from Wine and Spirits and Robert Parker, his wines remain humbly priced. The Rousanne, a rustic white that is very unique and distinct in flavor is $23. He makes a California Syrah for $18.

Because Renard is a one man show tastings are available to club members only. If you haven't signed up, you need to do so today. This is a wine you don't want to miss tasting next time you are in Napa Valley.

Click here to learn more about Renard in our directory.

Click here to leran how Chef Binder paired Renard Roussanne with food.