Former Newport Beach local, Lee Nordlund, proprietor of Punch Vineyards is a veteran of the Napa Valley wine business. For decades, he and his buddies were used to making and sipping Napa’s premium wines, all part of the job. They weren’t above dipping into the reserve PR bottles, and swapping top-rated bottles with friends. In a moment of clarity, they realized they were creating wines that they couldn’t afford. So why not use their winemaking knowledge to make a pocket-friendly wine they could be proud of?
So they did. Punch Vineyards was born in 2007 with a mission to produce the best Cabernet Sauvignon at half the price of comparable caliber wines. Their mantra is “made by Napa Valley insiders, for insiders” and their company motto speaks for itself, “our business plan is simple: we’ve been around the block. If we like it, you probably will, too.”
You can pick up a bottle of Punch Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 4% other red varietals) locally for just $35 at The Wine Gallery in Corona del Mar (2411 East Coast Hwy.), A Market in Newport Beach (3400 West Coast Hwy.) and the Newport Harbor Yacht Club in Newport Beach (720 W Bay Ave.).
A Q&A with Punch's Arbiter of Taste
We asked Nordlund, the arbiter of taste for Punch, what influence Orange County has on his wines in Napa, what makes his wines different from the rest, and some other thoughts on Newport Beach.
Q. How would you describe the profile of Punch?
A. It has a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon character with a texture like Pinot Noir. That is, concentrated flavors of black cherry, berry, licorice and spice combined with a velvety mid-palate and a long, mouthwatering finish. The tannins are there, but we don’t want you to notice them. This is not easy to do; it takes a lot more barrel-to-barrel care than most wineries can spare. We often hear “There’s something different about Punch”, which tells us we’re achieving our goal. Some fans call Punch a “poor man’s Screaming Eagle” – that’s an honor.
Q. What do you think food wise that it pairs well with?
A. Because of its texture and balance, Punch is more versatile than big, tannic Cabs. BBQ’s steaks and prime rib of course, but also grilled mushrooms, chunky fish with cream sauce (except salmon), pasta with vegetables and cheese. I tend to avoid tomato-based dishes.
Q. Were you born in Newport Beach?
A. I was born in Berkeley, but moved with my parents to Newport at 6 months of age. They had enjoyed much of their youth in Newport Beach, and settled there because in the early 1960’s it was the only place they could afford, imagine that. I was lucky enough to be a member of the first class to attend Our Lady Queen of the Angels school from first through eighth grade, and still keep in touch with many of my classmates and my first grade teacher, Sister Donna.
Q. Where are your partners from?
A. Winemaker Miguel Caratachea was born in Michoacán, Mexico, the son of a bracero who worked in California. Consulting winemaker Steve Lagier is a Californian. The identity of other “Punch People” must remain confidential, because they make wine for other elite vintners. They all studied at UC Davis or Fresno State.
Q. What do you miss the most about Newport?
A. Napa Valley attracts visitors from around the world, but the beach is where my heart is, specifically the waterline at 58th St. in Newport Beach. Every time I visit my mother and brother – even at Christmas - I jump in the ocean, which is what I miss most about Orange County. I also miss the unique, wholesome attitude of so many people there. That positive public spirit has dissipated with the influx of so many, but the heart is still beating.
Q. How did growing up in Orange County influence winemaking?
A. Occasionally vintners speak of being inspired by one memorable wine, but I credit the ocean. As a young boy, I could tell even before getting out of bed if the tide was high or low, clear or red, all by the aromas and sounds. The smells of the brine against the rocks, Johnson’s baby oil and suntan lotion, driftwood, dead mackerel, rusty dock parts, the incredible ever-changing colors, ignited my senses at an early age. I strive to make wine with power and subtlety, like the ocean. No product of human hands can approximate the ocean’s vitality, but wine comes the closest.
The Latest from greer's oc
Market Broiler Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Exclusive Tasting Dinners
Market Broiler restaurants across California are marking their 35th anniversary with a special series of five-course prix-fixe tasting dinners, led by Executive Chef Robin Higa. These dinners highlight the restaurant’s commitment to affordable, sustainable seafood.
Founded in 1989 by Rodney…
Celebrate National Taco Day at Puesto with Golden Ticket Giveaways and Exclusive Specials!
Celebrate National Taco Day on Friday, October 4, with Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar, where guests can win a coveted Puesto Golden Ticket, redeemable for a $50 gift card! A Golden Ticket will be randomly attached to three-taco plates…
Support Local Hairstylists Battling Breast Cancer: Enter The Jill Foundation’s Fundraiser Today!
Exciting news from The Jill Foundation, an Orange County-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance to local hairstylists diagnosed with breast cancer! We are thrilled to announce that their annual fundraiser is now available both online and in-person. For…
An Evening of Musical Masterpieces: Rachmaninoff, Beethoven & More
Experience an extraordinary night of music with the Pacific Symphony! From September 26–28, 2024, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the evening begins with Ticheli’s Shooting Stars, setting the tone with vibrant energy. Next, Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 09.22.24 – Market Broiler Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Exclusive Tasting Dinners
- 09.22.24 – Celebrate National Taco Day at Puesto with Golden Ticket Giveaways and Exclusive Specials!
- 09.22.24 – Support Local Hairstylists Battling Breast Cancer: Enter The Jill Foundation’s Fundraiser Today!
- 09.18.24 – An Evening of Musical Masterpieces: Rachmaninoff, Beethoven & More
- 09.18.24 – Transformative Currents: Where Art Meets Ocean Action at Crystal Cove
- 09.18.24 – Empowering People to Change the World at the 4th Annual Mother Earth Market
- 09.17.24 – Frankies Bikinis Warehouse Sale in Tustin
- 09.17.24 – Sweetgreen’s New Fall Harvest Menu
- 09.16.24 – Celebrate LEGO Fest at Sgt. Pepperoni’s on 9/18 Benefitting CHOC!
- 09.16.24 – Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach - Class Pass Promotion
- 09.16.24 – Gutzy Pet: Empowering Animal Lovers, Healing Pets One Gut at a Time
- 09.13.24 – Fleur De Lys Celebrates 20 Years with a Day of Festivities, Freebies, and Fun!
- 09.12.24 – Celebrate Tradition and Innovation at MO.MI.MEI’s Mid-Autumn Festival Pop-Up
- 09.12.24 – Art in the Park to Feature Over 100 Artists
- 09.11.24 – Ike’s Celebrates Smash Mouth’s 25th with Exclusive Sandwiches
- 09.11.24 – What’s It Worth at Laguna Art Museum?
- 09.10.24 – Explore Wellness & Style: Mantra Hot Yoga Open House Event
- 09.08.24 – Celebrate California Wine Month at South Coast Winery
- 09.08.24 – Stonefire Grill Supports Hunger Action Day on September 10
- 09.06.24 – Centennial Farm’s 35th Anniversary
More Daily Doses
- 09.18.24 – Paddle Up Pickleball Tournament to Fight Cancer
- 09.18.24 – ROL Hand Roll Bar Opens Third OC Location in Irvine
- 09.17.24 – All-New IMAX with Laser Now Open at AMC Tustin 14 at The District at Tustin Legacy
- 09.16.24 – Discover Six New Exciting Additions at The District at Tustin Legacy
- 09.16.24 – OCAPICA – An Evening with Tastemakers of Orange County
- 09.13.24 – Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Musco Center
- 09.11.24 – Learn & Grow Family Fair: Free Fun, Live Entertainment, and Activities at The District
- 09.08.24 – Darkroom: OC’s Newest Everyday Fine Dining Destination with a Vinyl Twist
- 09.06.24 – Project Playhouse: Tour, Bid, and Support HomeAid at Irvine Spectrum
- 09.04.24 – 28th Season of The Witte Lectures
- 09.03.24 – Spotlight on Cinema: Orange County Film Society
- 09.03.24 – Step into ‘The Gathering’ at Roger’s Gardens Halloween Boutique
- 08.29.24 – Georgia’s Restaurant Debuts at Irvine Spectrum, Serving Southern Soul Food
- 08.29.24 – 10th Annual Farm to Fork App-Off: A Culinary Showdown with MaxLove Project
- 08.27.24 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns to Newport Dunes
- 08.25.24 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Launches 2024-25 Season with World-Class Performances
- 08.23.24 – Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
- 08.22.24 – New Stores, New Styles: Don’t Miss This Exclusive Shopping Event!
- 08.21.24 – Celebrate Labor Day in Style at Waldorf Astoria’s Endless Summer Soiree
- 08.21.24 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Unveils Spectacular 2024-2025 Dance Series!