The San Francisco Bay Club JUL AUG 2006 inside Bay Club/Bank of America Center

Michael Polenske Enjoying the Business of Leisure Relaxation Zone One-day Yoga Retreat in Marin Carb Cravings Is Willpower to Blame? own search for high quality antiques. Which leads us to his current, dare we 03 say, all consuming passion, Blackbird. ON the COVER ON the

While searching for a summer home a few years back, Michael found more than he expected. There in Napa’s Knoll District, he found a house on the situated on a picturesque . The opportunity to purchase such a property would fulfill his lifelong COVER dream to work in the wine business. Michael explains, “Back in my college By Christine Blake days, my plan was to provide financial feel more connected to the process— services to the vintners of the Napa which is always a good thing.” And Valley, but fate has something else in he should know. Michael has taken mind.” Instead, Michael found himself the same approach in his own life, working in the Silicon Valley in those discovering—and in some cases early years, but he never entirely gave creating—business opportunities up on the idea of working in the wine that are more than just viable, industry. So when the opportunity to they’re ones he himself finds of great purchase the home and the vineyard personal interest. came his way—it seemed destiny had a hand in the deal. One such business is New York’s Soho House. Michael is one the Blackbird , as the property founding investors in this storied is known, has been something of a private club and hotel, which is well-kept secret. For years, it had perhaps best known for its rooftop quietly supplied fruit for a number swimming pool featured in Sex and of respected wineries, including the City. Another of his interests is Pride Mountain Vineyards, Robert San Francisco’s cutting-edge eatery, Foley Vineyards, Lail, and Vineyard Boulettes Larder. Aptly located in the 29. And in doing so, had enjoyed an bustling Ferry Building, Boulettes enthusiastic response from those in Photos by Karina Marie Diaz Photos by is an epicurean delight devoted to the trade. But Michael saw more. He Michael Polenske’s Blackbird Vineyards organic fare by way of the emerging envisioned Blackbird producing its own is the one to watch slow food movement. Much like Soho ultra-premium wine, and set out to House, Boulettes isn’t simply creating make it happen. a better product, it’s forging new Bay Club member Michael Polenske ground altogether. And by offering BIRDS OF A FEATHER does more than just enjoy the good its gourmet ingredients for the home In launching Blackbird as an ultra- life—he creates it. This full-time cook, Boulettes has made slow food premium label, Michael assembled investment advisor and part-time a little more accessible to those just a powerful team to fulfill his vision. entrepreneur has fashioned a outside “the know”. Winemaker Sarah Gott has extensive collection of lifestyle-based ventures experience producing noteworthy that reflect his passion for great food Michael also has a stake in a wines includes Joseph Phelps, and wine, and the little things that number of other restaurants, Quintessa, and Joel Gott Wines, make life sweeter. including Taylor’s Refresher in which she makes with her husband. INSIDE San Francisco and St. Helena, and Josh Clark, a second-generation wine For more than 20 years, Michael has Terzo (see Bay Cuisine, pg 18) in the grower tends to all vines on the

found much success by helping his l Marina District—a sister restaurant property, using a sustainable farming clients find investments that reflect ON THE COVER to the celebrated Rose Pistola. approach. Then there’s Kelly Maher, their personal interests. He tells us, Additionally, he has a European art a noted viticultural consultant who’s “By choosing investments that have and furnishings import business overseen the development of numerous some special significance, my clients he developed in response to his vineyards in California’s north coast, (continued on page 19) INSIDE ON THE COVER 19 ON the COVER l LACKBIRD B UY , B UY color palettecolor is striking indeed. For this Michael partnered with noted designer David whose work Hughes, logosincludes and packaging the for French Laundrylikesand the Napa’s of Sundance Film Festival, aswell as New City’s renowned Takashimaya York thedepartment two Together store. than more pondered the of 20 fate different designs deciding before on the final concept. Michael become engrossed in the process and admits, really the of label“I’m proud design. I hoped every for!” what of It’s bit Michael has learned about quite a bit wine production and in short order, confident that hishe’s early success is only the beginning. this But isn’t braggadocio. Michael his has done looks and he homework, to the region to seal future. Blackbird’s “With the fourteenthdesignation AVA Napa’s of less than two years Oak ago, Knoll is well now poised to bring forth the prominence and elegance Merlot of from this region,” asserts. he turns It that Oakout Knoll is strikingly similar (in soil composition and microclimate) to the region , of which is known its world-class for Merlot. does thisWhat Blackbird? mean for Michael explains, “Historically, the wines have Merlot-based Pomerol of challenged the first growths of Bordeaux, which certainly bodes well And the us.” Frenchfor connection there. end Michael tellsdoesn’t us that for patois French actually is ‘merlot’ blackbird.’ ‘little B Now that your interest is piqued, don’t an opportunitylet to taste Blackbird Their Vineyards’ pass by. you Merlot philosophy has been the to honor purchase requests their of private clients first and foremost, so the best toway secure an allocation the of 2004 , is soon-to-be-released your nameto on their put mailing list (www.blackbirdvineyards.com) before a thisrelease letter late is sent summer. Offer ends August 2006. 31, (2003) vintage(2003) was an Merlot immediate small success. The first offering—less 100 cases—managed theto catch both eyeof Vinfolio and Vintrust, garnering an astounding 98 and 95 points respectively. Beginner’s Even asan Hardly. luck? industry novice, Michael knew he needed strategy in to make it the super competitive ultra-premium market. enough He tells not us, “It’s a qualityto have product. People a history—and story, a back want Blackbird has all He adds, that.” interesting hurt“An label doesn’t the distinctiveeither!” Truly, label with its minimalist imagery and TART S

LYING

A F His dream team Michael in set place, first-ever Blackbird’s to produce out wine, the of park and hit out his one first time inaugural Blackbird’s bat. at including Hourglass and Goldeneye, as well as projects in Australia, Argentina, France, and Brazil. Kelly works closely with both Sarah and Josh, with a focus the on science of managing the vineyards. Rounding out the team is Leary, recently Paul who took on the COO/CMOafter of role a tenuresix-year as vice of president marketing the for St. Helena-based, Duckhorn Wine Company. (continued from page 3) from (continued As a Best in Class partner, like would USF to offer San members The Francisco of Club/Bank and Bay America Club of Bay discount a 10% Center on season tickets (lower the for level) 2006–2007 Season. Mention code GODONS0607 you when call Go the Dons! Ticket USF Office 415.422.2873. at The UniversityThe San basketball of Francisco team is looking men’s forward to another exciting season! Capitalizing on the talents an of outstanding recruiting class, and the the of leadership returning Jessie Coach Evans players, and his staff are anticipating a season to be remembered. are those who For USF you of alumni, this is a great to way revisit the glory years days of past. And all for you fans,new the it's perfect time to join our growing community. USF Dons' Basketball Dons' USF Best in Class in Best