NFL legend John Elway is a tireless worker. Whether it was forming a brand of successful car dealerships, or serving as Denver Broncos General Manager and helping guide them to a Super Bowl victory as an executive, John has always been working after his NFL Hall of Fame Career. One of the most exciting days of my early life came early in 1998. As a lifelong Broncos fan I grew up idolizing John Elway and his signature comeback victories.
The Denver Broncos were heavy underdogs on that sunny day in San Diego, but they came up victorious thanks to John Elway’s careful guidance and an acrobatic back flip into the end zone for a touchdown to seal the victory. I’ll never forget that day.
John wasn’t done with his entrepreneurship. John sought to create wines that lived up to the high quality of food at his restaurants, Elway’s Steakhouses. In 2015 Elway partnered with iconic winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr. to release the company’s first vintage of Reserve wines - 2013 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and 2014 Carneros Chardonnay. The new Farm Collection launched in 2020 consists of three wine varietals created by 7Cellars winemaker and wine director Mari Coyle, in conjunction with renowned winemakers Rob Mondavi and Tony Coltrin.
I was particularly impressed with the 2019 7 Cellars ‘Carneros’ Chardonnay (OB, 90) which is not for the weary and has good richness and a long finish. Just as good was the 2018 7 Cellars ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 90) which is well-balanced and has plenty of poise for a juicy steak. Learn more about these great new wines at 7cellars.com and here are my reviews of the new 7 Cellars releases.
2018 7 Cellars ‘The Farm’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘The Farm’ Chardonnay shows ripe peach and toasty oak with vanilla cream flavors and baked apple tones on the palate. Enjoy this good value in the short-term. Drink 2021-2024- 88
2019 7 Cellars ‘Carneros’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Carneros’ Chardonnay is a bigger style of Chardonnay than you might anticipate. Rich orchard fruits mingle with sweetened Meyer lemon, butterscotch and Macadamia nut pie on the palate. The long finish is excellent. Drink 2021-2026- 90
2018 7 Cellars ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows tobacco leaf and red bell pepper tones alongside black currants on the nose. The palate is fresh and well-balanced. Medium-bodied dark fruits mingle with menthol and milk chocolate flavors on the palaate. Drink 2021-2028- 90