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Recap Of Passport To Dry Creek Valley 2013 – Day Two

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Note: If you’re just checking in, you might want to check out the first post in this two-part series of my experience at Passport To Dry Creek Valley. My wife and I and couple of friends attended the 24th Annual Passport To Dry Creek Valley held April 27th and 28th.

Dry Creek Valley Wineries - Image courtesy of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Valley Wineries – Image courtesy of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Valley is a premium wine region in Sonoma County, California. It’s renown for its Zinfandel, but Dry Creek Valley, which is only  sixteen miles long by two miles wide offers a diverse range of vineyards, and world-class wines. The theme for this year’s event was “A Modern Tradition with Century-Old Roots” I’ve been to beaucoup wine events, but what make this event special for me is the combination of wine, food, and entertainment. Check out the list of 52 participating wineries, and activities. With an event like this with wine, food pairing, and entertainment, I think it’s best to take one’s time, and enjoy it. It’s about quality rather than quality for me! As far as which wineries to visit, we have a list of perennial favorites (Bella, Mauritson, Quivira, Ridge, and Seghesio) to which we mix in some wineries that are new to us, and leave some room for “audibles” – on the fly changes to the itinerary based on a whim and/or the feedback we get from other attendees.

An Italian Family Tradition in Dry Creek Valley

Our first stop, A.Rafanelli Winery, wasn’t on our list.  It was an “audible” based on feedback from other #DCVPassporters we met at our hotel.  They told us we “had” to check it out because, it’s not usually open to the public, the food and wines were great, as was the entertainment, a trio singing traditional Italian songs. It sounded good, and we’d never been to Rafanelli before. ARafanelli Sign We arrived 15 minutes early and saw “The Line”…Apparently Rafanelli is a popular destination!  I had my doubts whether it would be worth the wait… ARafanelli Line To Rafanelli’s credit, there were a couple of gentlemen who came out and were pouring their estate 2011 Zinfandel and 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon for the folks in line… Then there was this beautiful ’47 Packard to check out, and there was a trio singing Italian songs, so the wait (about 45 minutes) was bearable… ARafanelli Packard Once we did get inside though…let’s just say the menu was extensive.. ARafanelli menu No way you leave Rafanelli hungry, unless you choose too!  And of course, there was plenty more of their Zinfandel and Cab to be had (the Cabernet, though young was my favorite). Yeah…it was worth the wait!  And Rafanelli just might make the perennial list too!

Time to hit some perennial favorites!

A True Vineyard Farm

Our next stop was Quivira Vineyards and Winery, just up the road from Rafanelli.  It’s on our perennial list, in part, because they make one of my favorite Rosés, and it’s  a chance to pick up a few bottles, But we also look forward to their other wines, they serve great food, and we like the vibe of the place. quivira sign There’s always some cool stuff to check out. You can stroll in the gardens… Quivira garden …or check out the chickens when you’re there.  And for this year’s Passport, there was a Provençal Market theme with artisan goods for sale (we picked up some honey). We tasted five wines.  My favorite was the 2010 Mourvédre, which was excellently paired with a Porcini Mushroom Royale! Quirvira Mouvedr Pairing

 140 Years of Farming In Dry Creek Valley, and Nom, Noms Galore

Next up was Mauritson Family Winery. Great wine and food provided by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg. Full stop. Mauritson Passport DCV sign Hmmm…where do we begin this leg of our journey? mauritson diver scallops sign With a white of course! Main Lobster and Diver Scallop?…yes, please!

Smoked Duck Tacos. They were paired with 2011 Charlie Clay Pinot Noir

Smoked Duck Tacos. They were paired with 2011 Charlie Clay Pinot Noir

Smoked duck tacos and Pinot…you had me at Smoked Duck… Mauritson RockpileAnd yes, you also had me at “Rockpile”!  My favorite wine was the 2011 Mauritson Rockpile Zinfandel!

Iconic Vines and Wines

Last, but certainly not least, of the perennial favorites for the day was Ridge Vineyards. Since it was our fourth winery, we decided to slow it down, and relax a bit.  Ridge was the perfect place to do it!   We sat on the shaded patio, and sipped their superb wines, and took in the view. The wines, the view..it was one of those all too rare moments when… Ridge patio view to vineyards Oh, did I mention the Sonoma Duck Mole with Corn Spoon Bread, and Spring Onion Pico? Ridge smoked duck moleWe tasted five wines at Ridge.  It came down to either the 2011 Geyersville or the 2008 Lytton Estate Syrah as my favorite.  So, was the Geyserville or the Lytton Estate Syrah my favorite?  Yes!

“One-Stop Shopping”

Buoyed after our break at Ridge, we decided to visit four wineries located in the Timber Crest Collective adjacent to the Family Wineries Dry Creek Co-op Tasting Room - Amphora, Peterson, Kokomo, and Papaprieto-Perry.

Amphora Winery

For owner and winemaker Rick Hutchinson art, wine, and life are inextricably interwoven. He’s worked in the wine business in Sonoma for 20+ years.  The winery is named after clay jars used by ancient Greeks and Romans to store.

Amphora was tasting four paired with food from Saltwater, plus four additional wines.  Since I was the driver, I tasted four of the wines. My favorite was the 2007 Sangiovese Dry Creek Valley, and it was a great pairing was with Chicken Live Pate on a toasted baguette.

Peterson Winery

Father/son team of Fred and Jamie Peterson are the proprietors this eponymous winery, which is housed in the “Big Red Barn”. The winery celebrated 25 years in business last year!

They had a nice line up of six wines, including a very nice and refreshing Rosé. And there was plenty of Mexican food on hand! My favorite wine was their 2010 Bradford Mountain Zinfandel.  It paired so well with the Mexican food!

Kokomo Winery

Kokomo Wines is proudly named after Owner/winemaker’s Erik’s Miller’s hometown of Kokomo, Indiana.  When we arrived…

kokomo winery

The band had it goin’ on!…

Band at Kokomo

Rovetti & Meatballs featuring Hilary Williams

They were pouring their great Rosé, and five other wines on the Patio, in the Cellar and at the Bar.  It was a nice mix of wines too, the aforementioned Rosé, a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Four of the wines were wonderfully paired with a likewise diverse sample of foods from K. King Catering.

Kokomo got my prize for “most unusual food pairing that worked”…Mini corn dog muffins with Chardonnay Mustard…

Mini Corn Dog Muffins with Chardonnay mustard

Mini Corn Dog Muffins with Chardonnay mustard

They were paired with their 2010 Primitivo, Timber Crest Vineyard. It was a toss-up between their excellent 2012 Grenache Rosé, and the Primitivo as my favorite.

Papapietro-Perry Winery

Founded in 1998, Papapietro-Perry (“P-P”) is a boutique winery focused on Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Ben Papapietro and Bruce Perry met in the newspaper business, made premium garage wine for some time before going commercial starting with 75 cases of wine.

Check out this beauty…Papaprieto Car

Papapietro had a “Celebration of New Orleans” theme.  The offered four different Pinot Noirs paired with “Big Easy Bread Pudding with Andouille Sausage and Gravy” from Park Avenue Catering.  But my favorite wine was their 2009 Pinot Noir ~ Pommard Clones ~ Russian River Valley, an off-list wine, but all their Pinots were fabulous! If Pinot Noir is your wine of choice, P-P is a must visit!

Adventurer, Cyclist, Educator

Our final stop for the day was Dutcher Crossing Vineyards and Winery.  It’s a small winery owned by Debra Mathy.  She was an educator by training, but had dreamed of owning a winery since she went on a trip to Europe in high school.  In 2007, motivated by her father, and after a long search, she instantly fell for Dutcher Crossingin Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley.

The food and wine pairing menu for Passport included Sauvignon Blanc (paired with Meyer Lemon Marmalade with Chévre – Killer!), their excellent Stuhlmuller Chardonnay, a Zinfandel, Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and a couple of barrel samples (2012 Mabaroshi Vineyard Pinot, and 2012 Maple Vineyard “Bills Block” Zinfandel”) They also had a Port-style dessert wine.

Dutcher Crossing winemaker

Dutcher Crossing Winemaker – Kerry Damskey

Since it was our last visit of the day, and it’s such a beautiful property we took some time to take in the gorgeous serenity of the place while we savored their wine and food pairings. Dutcher Crossing View 2 My favorites were the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2010 Proprietors’s Reserve Cab, which was excellently paired with Shredded Lamb Tacos!

Conclusion

We visited sixteen wineries over the two days.  There was plenty of outstanding wine, food and entertainment!  As I reminisce about our experience was strikes me most is the diversity of wines that was my favorite. While Dry Creek Valley has seemingly built its reputation on Zinfandel, the wineries of Dry Creek Valley offer so much more for wine lovers!  

Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll be back again next year!

Related posts you might enjoy:

For more information about the Passport to Dry Creek Valley check out the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley 

Follow me on Twitter @martindredmond for all things wine, and since I’m a wino, with latent foodie tendencies, you’ll also find food and wine pairings, and food related stuff!  Become a fan and join ENOFYLZ Wine Blog on Facebook. Cheers! This article is original to ENOFYLZ Wine Blog.com. Copyright 2013 ENOFYLZ Wine Blog. All rights reserved.

Ridge Vineyards Wine Bloggers Tasting – Treacherous Troika Trickeration!

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Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Ridge Vineyard final Wine Bloggers Tasting of the 2012.  The Wine Bloggers Tasting is hosted by Christopher Watkins, Ridge’s indefatigable ambassador and Tasting Room Manager.   He has been hosting the Wine Bloggers Tasting for about two and a half years now.  What make each event special (aside from the fact you’ll be drinking some magnificent wine) is that there is a theme, which Christopher keeps secret until you arrive.

It was  a treacherous trek up to Monte Bello because, it was a cold and stormy day (it was pouring buckets of rain, and I wondered if frogs were in the forecast).  Little did I know something even more treacherous, and foreboding that spin-outs, and mudslides awaited…

As we entered the Monte Bello suite this is what I saw…

Ridge Blogger Tasting 1

The Treacherous Troika – Rounds 1, 2, and 3 (l-r)

And I said to myself…Oh (insert your favorite expletive here), a blind tasting!

Now I’ve done blind tastings before, but I’ve always known what the varietal was, and vintage didn’t really matter.  The purpose of the  blind tastings I’ve done  is to take expectations/perceptions surrounding the quality/cost of the wine out of the equation.

No problem…I’m all for finding a $10 buck bottle of wine I like as much or more than one for that cost two or three times that amount.

No sirree…this wasn’t that kind of blind tasting. This was the kind of blind tasting that makes or breaks careers (sommeliers), and reputations (wine critics – see the related post below for the most well-known example involving Robert Parker, Jr.) Fortunately for me, I have no sommelier career aspirations, and precious little reputation ;-)

Here’s what the devious Mr. Watkins asked of the us…Taste the 3 flights of 3 wines, and discern what is the same about them, and what is different about them.  

In other words, it potentially involved picking varietals and vintages. It was my worst blind tasting nightmare realized (in a standing in an amusement park line dreading the scariest ride you can think of, surviving it, then getting back in line kinda way;-)

It was a distinguished group of bloggers that tasted through all the wines.  After each flight we discussed our thought about flight.  After tasting through the three flights Christopher revealed what was the same about each wine, and what was different.  I’ll recap my tasting notes, and share my thoughts on each round before revealing the wines below.

Round 1

I thought all three wines were Zinfandel.  I scored the wines, A, B, and C –  90, 90, and 92 points respectively.  The common denominator on all the wines was a smoky dark red fruit character for me.  I did not some cassis on wine B, and that wine C was fuller bodied and had a longer finish than the others

Round 2

I noted all were Bordeaux varietals.  All the wines had more going on aromatically for me, and the common denominators were a cassis, blackberry, blueberry, and tobacco character.  I scored the wines 91, 91, and 93 point respectively.  My guess was Monte Bello, primarily because of the tobacco aromas.

Round 3

I was clueless as to what the varietal.  The common denominators for me were earthy red fruits (cherry, raspberry) with some spice and mineral character. I scored all three 91 points.

My overall guess as to what was the same about all three wines?  My guess (S.W.A.G. really) was that wine C in each group was from the same vintage.

*Insert that annoying buzzer sound when a contestant gets the wrong answer here*!!!

The Reveal

Round 1 – All the wines turned out to be the 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – poured the half bottle, full bottle and magnum format.

Ridge Blogger Tasting 2 - 09 SCM Estate

Round 1 – 2009 Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from 375 ml, 750ml, and Magnum

I’m familiar with horizontal (same vintage different wines), and vertical tastings (different vintages, same wine type).  But are you familiar with a diagonal tasting?  In the  midst of discussing the similarities and disparities among the wines (including horizontal and vertical tastings), a joke was made about the tasting possibly being a diagonal tasting…well if you look at the picture above and draw a straight line from left to right you get…drum roll please….a diagonal line.  Well, if I ever taste the same wine again from different size bottles, I’ll always think of it as a diagonal tasting ( it’s quite interesting…I recommend it)!

Note: From what I was able to discern when I Googled “what is a diagonal wine tasting, it’s wines from either the same or different type or geographical area, but of different vintages or producers (I like the way I think of it better;-)

Round 2 – A vertical tasting (2004, 2005, and 2006) of the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ridge Wine Blogger Tasting Vertical 3

Round 2 – Vertical of 2004, 2005, and 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Round 3  – Here’s where the trickeration come in – Three bottles of the same wine – the 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Ridge Blogger Tasting horizontal 4

Round 3 – The “ringer” round; 3 bottles of the same wine – 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

There you have it – a most challenging comparative blind tasting  - different bottle sizes, a vertical tasting, and the same bottle of wine served up three times.

Despite crashing and burning, I found myself surprisingly buoyant about the experience. And why not?  It a fun, informative tasting, with great wine, and great wine peeps (including more than a few for whom I have a great deal of respect).  Definitely a “live and learn” experience with some great takeaways to build on…

  • This reinforced what I’ve learned about the impact of the size of the bottle on aging.  wine bottle in half-bottles ages faster than wine bottled in full-bottles, which age faster than wines bottled in magnums.
  • It’s great to have first hand experience to see how a wine changes with age
  • That thing with the same bottle of wine - I feel good about scoring all three wines the same. Also, I think it speaks to the relative complexity of the Estate Cab (an outstanding value for $40 bucks) because each time I stuck my nose in the glass, or took a sip, it was different.
  • It was great experience for the continual process of honing my palate and wine tasting skills
  • Oh, and I picked up couple of bottles of the ’09 Estate Cab on the way out!

 

Related post you might enjoy:

Ridge Vineyards Post #Harvest2012 Celebration Tasting

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I’ve been into, as I refer to it, “the wine thing” for a few years now, including starting this blog in 2010. And each year I’ve found myself becoming more and more fascinated, not just with the finding and consuming wine, but also with how wine is produced. Not so much how wine is made, but more so the decisions made along the way from the vineyard to the bottle.  So when Ridge Vineyards announced their #Harvest2012 celebration tasting, a unique experience including:

  • A brief talk from (and Q & A session with) a key member of our Monte Bello Vineyard Team
  • A multi-media presentation from a staff member embedded with the Vineyard Teams
  • A five-wine Single-Vineyard Estate flight that concludes with a very special library offering
I RSVP’d in the affirmative quick, fast and in a hurry!

As we headed up the winding road up the mountain to Ridge, I was eagerly anticipating our arrival because it was a spectacular day weather-wise.  And as I hoped, when we arrived,we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Bay Area.

Panoramic view of the South Bay from Monte Bello suite

Panoramic view of the South Bay from Monte Bello suite

The Monte Bello Suite patio was an ideal place to be on such a beautiful day.  There was only one challenge…

The wine was in this beautifully rustic room…

The Monte Bello Suite, situated off the historic Torre Winery Barn

The Monte Bello Suite, situated off the historic Torre Winery Barn – Image courtesy of Ridge Vineyards

After our all the members of our group arrived and we were all gathered around the table, Christopher Watkins, Ridge’s indefatigable ambassador and Tasting Room Manager introduced us a couple of members of the Monte Bello vineyard team –  Kyle Theriot, Monte Bello Viticulturist and Sam, whom I know from the Tasting Room, but who got his start Operations side of Ridge.

After some brief introductory comments by Christopher, the wine and the conversation began to flow.

Here are some factoids presented by Ridge for their #Harvest2012:

  • 282.5 ton grapes picked
  • First grapes harvested; Chardonnay/Last grapes harvested; 63-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Lowest ton/acre = Cabernet Sauvignon: 1.5 tons/acre
  • Highest ton/acre = Merlot; 3.63 tons/acre
  • .50 tons of grapes – 1 barrel – 24 cases – 288 bottles
  • 40% of vines harvested on Monte Bello are certified organic

There was plenty of good conversation about the Harvest, and of course the flight of five wines we were served ( not to mention some fine charcuterie and cheeses!)

Among the things I found more interesting were:

  • There is Zinfandel planted on Monte Bello!; The fruit goes into the Three Valleys bottling
  • Santa Clara County  was the epicenter of California viticulture before prohibition
  • One of the questions asked was “Are the grapes ever washed”?  I must confess I’d never thought about it before.  The answer was “No” because washing would wash off the native yeast.
  • The differences in how wine ages in a  half bottle (375ml) compared to a full bottle ( 750ml).  This came up because the ’92 Monte Bello we tasted was poured from a 375ml bottle.  Sam indicated that’s because it was felt the wine was showing better from the  smaller bottle.  Why?  Because, it aged faster in the smaller bottle.  Presumably, because of the relative differences in surface area for a given volume, wines in smaller bottles age faster than wines in larger bottles.

During the course of our conversation with the Monte Bello team, one another and the wine (you do have a conversation with your wine don’t you, or is it only me? ;-) this video was cued up:

It’s a fascinating look at the the grape picking process via a “canopy cam”. It was amazing to watch the skill and speed with which grapes were harvested…

As our dialogue continued, the topic of a “wine build to age” arose.  This is a question, I’ve wondered about many times.  I’ve wondered is the grapes? Is the barrels, Is it the length of time in barrel?  It turns out the answer is “all of the above”, and then some.  Of course the best fruit is picked, then Sam mentioned the importance of sorting said fruit on a contraption called a mistral sorting table.  The mistral is a sophisticated machine that sorts the fruit in such a way that only the cleanest, purest fruit gets crushed. A relative small number of wineries use mistral sorting tables (I’m sure they cost a bunch-o-money, so it’s cost prohibitive).  Once the fruit is picked, sorted and crushed, there are also differences in how the fruit is processed (frequency of pumpovers, percentage of new barrels used for aging, etc.) Fascinating stuff in my mind…

As for the tasting itself, my tasting notes follow:

  • 2007 Ridge Chardonnay Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Medium straw yellow color with creamy tropical, apple, mineral, and a hint of creme brulee aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-full bodied, with a creamy plush mouthfeel followed by apple, citrus, mineral, and sweet oak flavors. Medium-long finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2005 Ridge Geyserville - USA, California, Sonoma County
    Medium garnet color with black cherry liqueur, plum and dried herb aromas. On the palate, medium-bodied and focused with wonderful acidity and savory black cherry, raspberry, and vanilla flavors. Long finish.(90 pts.)
  • 2009 Ridge Merlot Torre Ranch Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Violet color with aromatic beautiful black and fruits, violet, and spice aromas. On the palate, it’s light-bodied, fresh, complex, and balanced with smooth tannins and blackberry, raspberry, cassis and mineral flavors. Long finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2009 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Garnet color with perfumed earthy black cherry, cassis, licorice, sweet oak and a bit of dark chocolate aromas (it really depends on when you sniffing it. It’s showing a wonderful complexity which is manifest in evolving aromas with time spent in the glass – hell even when the glass was empty the aromas were still very present and inviting). On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, complex and balanced with dusty tannins and black cherry, cassis, licorice flavors. Long finish. Double-decanted 30-45 minutes prior to tasting. Showing better than when I tasted a couple of months ago. Still young, but already a classic! (94 pts.)
  • 1992 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Medium garnet color with earthy, cassis, black cherry aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, fresh, complex, and balanced with well-integrated sweet tannins, and cassis, black cherry, and mineral flavors. Long finish. From 375 ml (92 pts.)

The burning question at our end of the table after tasting through the wines was “Do you prefer the ’92 Monte Bello,or the ’09 Monte Bello?”.  There were 8 of us who participated in the discussion.  What I found interesting about it is that the preference was based on gender.  All the men (3) preferring the ’92,and the women preferring the ’09. Hmmm…

It was a brilliant learning, sensory, and fun experience, and one I highly recommend!

 

Ridge Vineyards’ 50th Anniversary Harvest Celebration

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We attended the Ridge Vineyards 50th Anniversary Harvest Celebration last weekend.  I’m literally smiling as I type this because the lyrics to Ice Cube’s “It Was A Good Day” (with a nod to the Isley Bros for “Footstep In The Dark” track) are running through my head as I reflect on the magnificence of the day.  I’m not trippin’ on the gangsta rap lyrics in the song  because behind the lyrics is a message – It’s the simple pleasures in life that bring us the most pleasure.  Yeah…it was one of those days for me..

First of, it turned out to be a surprisingly beautiful day.  When we left the house, it was overcast and the jackets were packed, but as we drove South, the clouds gave way to the sun, and by the time we arrived at the top of Monte Bello Ridge, it was pure gorgeousness.  The kind of day that inspires a smile, even now, as I think  of it now…It’s the simple things…

Gorgeous Day on Monte Bello Ridge with panoramic view of the entire Bay Area

Gorgeous Day on Monte Bello Ridge with panoramic views of the entire Bay Area

While the gorgeous weather was an unexpected, great wine, food, and hospitality are always expected when you go to a Ridge event (ain’t no party like a Ridge party!) Despite my considerably high expectations, Ridge continues to over-deliver.  For example, I can’t say I’ve had a better “starter” wine to wet the whistle and prepare my taste buds for the resplendent Ridge reds than than this one…

  • 2010 Ridge Chardonnay Estate - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Light straw yellow color with tropical fruit, butterscotch, and vanilla aromas. n the palate it’s smooth with nice amplitude, and acidity accompanied by apple, pineapple, butterscotch, and vanilla flavors. Medium-long finish. (90 pts.)
There were some cool signs posted around the barn so there was a rustic museum-y thing going on…
Ridge Landmark signs

One of several Ridge signs denoting significant historical moments in Ridge’s history

I did my tasting thing before indulging in any wood-fired pizza prepared by  Pizza Politana (um…my wife and her friend got busy…yeah..it was basically see ya later…sucka!).

Here’s my tasting notes…

  • 2010 Ridge Zinfandel Ponzo Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (Suggested Pizza pairing; Housemade Pork Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Mozzarella, Fresh Tomato Sauce)Medium garnet color with bright raspberry, cherry, mineral, and spice aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with black cherry, raspberry, mineral and spice flavors. Medium-long finish. 96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah. (89 pts.)
  • 2010 Ridge Zinfandel Pagani Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
    Dark garnet color with aromatic kirsch, brown sugar, and slight smoke aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, fruity – yet balanced with black cherry, raspberry, and spice flavors. Long finish. 82% Zinfandel, 16% Alicanted Bouschet, 2% Petite Sirah (91 pts.)  My wine of the day!  It was an other worldly pairing with the suggested Smithfield Ham, Fromage Blanc, Arugula & Nectarine pizza!
  • 2009 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (Suggested Pizza Pairing; Fennel Salami, Mushroom, Smoked Mozzarella & Parmesan)
    Garnet color with earthy, dark fruit aromas that reveal themselves over time. I vividly recall now – 24 hours later how I stuck my in the empty glass this wine was in, and it offered lifted roast coffee aromas I didn’t pick up on when I first sniffed this wine…On the palate, it’s full-bodied, with cherry, cassis earthy, and mineral flavors Long finish. This one is Lebron James at age 17 – you just know it will evolve to greatness, but it’s not there yet. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6% petit verdot (93 pts.)

Ridge always has a sumthin’ sumthin’ wine-wise that’s not on the menu when go to one of their events…but before I get to that..the pizza (actually it was so damn good let’s go with  capital “P”)…the Pizza….viola! Le menu!

Pizza Politana

I would have loved to taken a pretty picture of a full pie, they disappears so damn fast that was impossible!

My favorite – Smithfield Ham, Fromage Blanc, Arugula & Nectarine pizza!

After tasting in the barn it was back down in the tasting room where these three beauties awaited…

  • 2010 Ridge Lytton Springs - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
    Carmine color with fresh dark fruit, kirsch, brown sugar, and herbal aromas. On the palate it’s medium-bodied, fresh, round and with a nervy acidity, and black cherry and spice flavors. Long finish. Approachable now but will get better with time. 67% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 3% Mataro. (92 pts.)
  • 2009 Ridge Zinfandel Lytton Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
    Garnet color with slightly earthy dark fruit, and leather aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-full bodied with black cherry, raspberry, and plum flavors. Long finish. 71% Zinfandel, 29% Petite Sirah (92 pts.)
  • 2003 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Brickish red-brown color with cassis, earth, leather and dark fruit aromas. On the palate, it medium-full bodied and exceedingly smooth with blueberry, cassis. Long finish. This one was the “Most Interesting Man In The World” wine of the day- smooth, sophisticated, and debonair.  Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc (91 pts.)
After we had our fill of wine and pizza, we decided – Enough sampling already and threw down for a bottle…
found a few chairs under a shady olive tree, and savored the day while listening to the dulcet sounds of ”Real Time” – a fantastic Jazz band that laid down a funk-laced instrumental version of the Stylistic’s classic “People Make The World Go Round” that was one if the best I’ve ever heard!

Real Time puttin’ it down!

It’s truly the simple things –  like sitting under a shady tree surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see, on a absolutely beautiful sunny day, sated with PIzza perfectly paired with great wine, and with a great glass of wine in hand chillin’ to some great Jazz….Yeah…It was a good day!

 

#SundaySupper – Celebrating Independence Day with Family, Friends, Food and Wine!

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I don’t necessarily think of myself as being very patriotic, but each year around this time we sing “America The Beautiful” at my church, and it chokes me up each time! I truly appreciate this great nation of ours, and feel blessed to be an American.  And that’s what the Fourth of July is about for me.  Okay – well that,  and it’s a great reason to gather with family, and friends share great food and wine!

My food blogging friends have outdone themselves with this week’s #SundaySupper theme – Celebrating Fourth of July with Family and Friends.  It’s big fun, and an honor for a self-described “Wino with latent foodie tendencies” such as myself, to offer some wonderful wines recommendations to match these great recipes!

Here’s a list of this week’s recipes and my recommended wines!

Pair these main course dishes with Zinfandel, an All-American wine if there ever was one!  I recommend the 2009 Ridge Vineyard “Three Valleys” Sonoma Zinfandel Blend.  It’s mostly Zinfandel with some Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Syrah invited to the party.  It’s well-balanced with great fruit, acidity, and a bit of spice!

Pair these main course dishes with a Pinot Noir.  I recommend the 2009 MacMurray Ranch Central Coast Pinot Noir.  This one shows plenty of classic Pinot Noir red fruit flavors and acidity.  And Pinot Noir can take a chill.  Throw it in the ice bucket for 10-15 minutes and you’ll have a delightfully chilled food partner!

What’s the Fourth of July without some sparkle?!  A sparkling Rosé is a great wine for your Independence Day culinary festivities.  It’ll do double duty with these salads/sides and main dishes. Try the Barefoot Bubbly Rosé Cuvée.

Riesling is the white wine version of a “Chef’s wine” because it’s so food friendly.  The 2010 Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling will be a great match for these ethnic dishes!

Try these salads and sides with a Sauvignon Blanc.  It’s one of the few wines that’ll be a good match for asparagus.  Sauvignon Blanc (a.k.a. Fumé Blanc – it’s the same wine) is a very versatile wine, and has a bold and forthright personality.  Look for the 2010 Dry Creek Vineyard Sonoma County Fumé Blanc. 

For these salads and sides, Chardonnay, America’s favorite white wine, will be great match.  Look for the 2010 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay.
Here’s another bubbly that’ll do double duty.  Try an Extra-Dry Sparkling wine with these salads/side and desserts.  The Chandon Extra Dry Riche has got a bit of sweetness that partners well with spicy fare as well as fruity desserts.
As for the last of the salads and sides?  This one needs no wine pairing because it’s made with one of my favorite Fourth of July beverages – Sangria! 
These desserts will be a pair nicely with a late harvest Riesling.  Late harvest wines, as their description implies are wines produced from grapes that are picked late in the season  The extra “hang-time” means the grapes have a higher sugar content, and are therefore sweeter.  I recommend the 2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest White Riesling.  

For these desserts, I recommend a Port.  Look for Graham’s “Six Grapes” Port.

I hereby raise a virtual glass, and I say to you – “Here’s to making memories!”  - because that’s what family, friends, great food and wine are all about! – Cheers!

Wine Of The Week – 2011 Ridge Lytton Estate Rosé

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My Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for June 9-June 15 is the 2011 Ridge Lytton Estate Rose

The Winery

Ridge Vineyards  is a California winery with two estates, Monte Bello in Cupertino, and Lytton Springs in Healdsburg.  They are best known for producing single-vineyard premium Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon Blend (“Monte Bello”), Zinfandels, and Chardonnay.  Ridge was established by three engineers from nearby Stanford Research Institute (SRI).  They produced its first commercial wine in 1962 after purchasing the winery in  1960.

It wasn’t too long after that, that Ridge gained an international  rep when the  Ridge Monte Bello, under the direction of winemaker Paul Draper , took fifth place in the “Judgment of Paris” in 1976 against nine other French and California wines.  Here’s what’s really cool though, the 1976 Monte Bello unanimously took first place in The Judgment of Paris 30th Anniversary when it was tasted against the same wines thirty years later!

This isn’t the first Ridge that is my WoW (and I’m sure not the last either;-) In case you missed it, I previously featured the 2009 Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane in this post

The Wine

This wine is an alluring blend of Zinfandel,  Mataro (a.k.a. Mourvèdre), Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Carignane from the Ridge Lytton Estate Vineyard – the same vineyard source of the iconic Lytton Springs Zinfandel blend.  The lion’s share of the vineyard was planted in 1901, and 1910.  The vineyard is registered with the Historical Vineyard Society (click here for details).  According to their website:

This vineyard used to be part of the estate of Captain William Litton, who during the last half of the 19thcentury developed the springs in the area and built a hotel and spa for San Franciscans who arrived by train to “take the waters.”  Paul Draper saw these old vines in 1972 and made the first Lytton Springs bottling that year.

I enjoyed this wine with a Mediterranean Couscous Salad topped with Feta cheese.  It was a great pairing!

Summertime in a glass – 2011 Ridge Lytton Estate Rose

My tasting notes follow:

Light-red pink color with a distinctive lovely orange hue with cherry, citrus and watermelon aromas. On the palate, it approaches medium-bodied, and is dry, and well-structured. It shows a zippy acidity with vibrant fruit flavors of cherry, watermelon along with hints of citrus and spice. An outstanding Rose. Medium finish.- 90pts

Recommendation: Highly Recommended.  From time to time, a wine induce one to savor its flavors and/or aromas long the bottle has been finished.  This was one of those wines for me!

Details:

Alcohol: 12.9% alcohol.

Closure: Cork closure.

AVA: Dry Creek Valley.

Varietal(s): 48% Zinfandel, 36% Mataro, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Grenache, 4% Carignane.

Production: 3 Barrels produced

Media Sample

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Wine Of The Week: 2009 Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane

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My wine of the week for May 5-May 11  is the 2009 Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane

The Winery

Ridge Vineyards  is a California winery with two estates, Monte Bello in Cupertino, and Lytton Springs in Healdsburg.  They are best known for producing single-vineyard premium Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon Blend (“Monte Bello”), Zinfandels, and Chardonnay.  Ridge was established by three engineers from nearby Stanford Research Institute (SRI).  They produced its first commercial wine in 1962 after purchasing the winery in  1960.

It wasn’t too long after that Ridge gained an international  rep when the  Ridge Monte Bello, under the direction of winemaker Paul Draper , took fifth place in the “Judgment of Paris” in 1976 against nine other French and California wines.  Here’s what’s really cool though, the 1976 Monte Bello unanimously took first place in The Judgment of Paris 30th Anniversary when it was tasted against the same wines thirty years later!

I came to know Ridge, when I naively when to the Monte Bello estate hoping to taste the 2005 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay after reading it was the #2 wine in the 2007 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was long gone.  But the other wines I tasted blew me away.  Every wine I tasted was balanced and elegant.  It’s not too often I go to a winery and every wine I taste gets an “A”!

The Wine

This wine is 100% “old vine” Carignane.  Carignane is not a grape varietal you find very often as a single varietal bottling.  That’s because it’s mostly used a blending grape (often with Syrah, and Cinsault) for its color,  and acidity.   It’s that acidity, along with its tannins that give Carignane a reputation for being a challenging grape to work with for winemakers.

Ridge first produced its varietal bottling of Carignane in 1999.  The grapes for this wine were sourced from Buchignani Ranch, which is located in Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, an area renown for Zinfandel.  The vines are from 5 acres planted in 1927, 7 acres planted in the 40′s, and 4 acres planted in 1952.  All the grapes were hand harvested , fermented on native yeasts and aged 12 months in 100% air-dried American Oak (5% new, 35% 1-2 years old, and 60% 3 years old).

2009 BUCHIGNANI CARIGNANE

Cost: $26 Retail

Alcohol: 14.1%

My tasting notes follow:

Deep almost inky purple violet color with aromatic earthy, black fruit, and floral aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with well-behaved tannins and blackberry, black currant, and vanilla flavors, and a lengthy finish. 100% Old Vine Carignane. This is a very nice value at $26! – 91pts

Pairing with food

Pair with foods that traditionally work well with medium/heavy bodied red wines, like Syrah, or Cabernet Sauvignon.  Such wines work with fatty dishes because the tannins and acidity “cut” through the fat, and “weight” of the dish.  I think this wine would be fantastic with a charcuterie platter, beef stew,  jambalaya, a hearty chili or BBQ.

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In a Wine Rut? Try these wines!

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Admit it. You know there is a whole wide world of wine out there, but you still cling to a handful of favorites. Right?! I know it’s comfy, but you can do better! It’s time get out of your Cab, Chardonnay, Pinot wine rut, and discover some new favorites! With that spirit of adventure in mind, here’s a list of rut-busting wines to try. I’ll profile the grape from which the wine is made, and offer a recommendation of a fine example of each. There’s something for everyone with six white wine, and six red wines!

Cabernet Sauvignon grape cluster, shown by DNA...

Cabernet Sauvignon grape cluster, shown by DNA studies to be a cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon blanc. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

White Wines

1. Marsanne

This is probably the finest grape variety you’ve never heard of. It makes a full-bodied, sometimes rustic wine with amazing complexity, and honey, peach, and sweet spice flavors. If you like Chardonnay, give this wine a try. It’s fabulous with cracked crab and other shellfish. Look for JC Cellars Stagecoach Vineyard Marsanne.

2. Viognier

I consider this grape to be a primary rival to Chardonnay. It produces a juicy, aromatic wine with exotic stone fruit , and spice flavors. If you like Gewürztraminer, give Viognier a try. I’ve enjoyed this wine with various Asian cuisines. Look for Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley.

3. Albariño

This grape, which is native to Spain, produces a juicy fragrant wine that reminds me of a cross between Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. It has that Viognier’s peachy flavors, along with fresh citrus flavors found in Sauvignon Blanc. It’s great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. Pair with seafood, Asian fare, or tapas! I like the Martin Codax Albariño Rias Baixas Burgens.

4. Assyrtiko

This grape is native to Greece, where it is the specialty of the volcanic island of Santorini. Its lively acidity makes it a food friendly wine with citrus, pineapple, and mineral flavors. It would make a great alternative to dry French or Italian wine such as Pinot Grigio. It’s a natural match for a Feta Salad. Look for Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko.

5. Torrontés

This grape, which is Argentina’s only truly indigenous grape, produces a juicy fragrant wine with citrus pineapple and spice flavors. It is Argentina’s signature white variety. It’s a pretty food friendly wine that would be a great wine to bring along on a summer picnic. It pairs wonderfully with seafood, or try it with a pasta primavera or spicy Asian noodle, or curry dishes. Look for the Bodegas Colome Torrontés Estate.

6. Vermentino

This grape makes an increasingly popular juicy aromatic wine with citrus, stone fruit, and tropical fruit flavors. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, and/or Pinot Grigio this one may change your mind! It pairs wonderfully with pesto, a specialty in Liguria, Italy. It would also be a good match with seafood, or Tuscan cuisine.  I recommend the Tablas Creek Vermentino.

Red Wines

7. Pinotage

This grape, which is the signature red variety of South Africa, was created in 1925 at Stellenbosch University. It a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, two French grapes, that thrive in South Africa. It shows the soft fruitiness of Pinot Noir, and the rustic characteristics of Cinsault. It produces a fruity, lively wine with soft tannins, and black fruit, spicy and many tasters report, banana flavors. While it’s home is South Africa it is also making inroads in New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Zimbabwe, California, North Carolina, and Virginia. This would make a nice change of pace if you enjoy Pinot Noir. Pair with game, ratatouille or hearty soups. Look for the Tukulu Pinotage.

8. Petite Sirah

This grape, which is also known as Durif, is considered an American Heritage grape. It produces a rich dense wine with blackberry flavors. If you like Zinfandel, give this wine a try. It’s a very good food wine. I’ve enjoyed with a wide variety of foods, but it great with steak, roasts, and grilled meats. Look for Ridge Petite Sirah Lytton Estate.

9. Mourvèdre (More-VEHD-ruh)

This grape originated in Spain where it is referred to as Mataro,or Monastrell. It makes rich dense red wines that are powerful, and tannic with earthy, savory black fruit and sweet spice flavors. It’s a good match for stews, roasts, and grilled meats. Look for the Quivira Mourvèdre.

10. Tannat

This is a grape, which is native to France, but now a specialty of Uruguay that produces makes robust; yet elegant wines with high levels of tannins, great aging potential, and dark berry, plum, and spice flavors. If you’re a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, give Tannat a try. Owing to its high acidity it’s a bit more versatile than Cab. It would pair nicely with grilled meats. Look for the newly released Tablas Creek Tannat.

11. Teroldego (tah-RAWL-de-go)

This grape is native to Italy, but is also grown in California where does well in the Sierra Foothills region. It produces a ripe smooth wine that is dark and savory with dark berry, plum, and spice flavors. Its high acidity makes it food friendly. Try this with roast duck, Indian Cuisine, or your favorite red wine cheese. Look for the Urban Legend Teroldego.

12. Aglianico

This grape, which is native to Italy makes the great full-bodied, intense, tannic wine with berry, cherries, plums and spice flavors. Its high acidity makes it food friendly. Pair with hearty meats, tomato-based pasta dishes like lasagna, or lamb. Look for the Seghesio Family Aglianico.

With over 10,000 grape varieties, this list is by no means complete. There are a host of other possibilities from around the world from countries, like Hungary, Austria, and Croatia to name a few! Not sure where to start? Cozy up to your local wine shop clerk, ask your wino friends (yours truly included), or do a little research online at sites like Snooth.com, or Wine Access.com. Your effort will not be in vain. You’ll be rewarded with new, and exciting wine that’ll get you out of your wine rut!

This article was previously featured on 12 Most and is republished, by the author. 
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2012 Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting Recap

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As a media guest, I attended the 15th annual “Celebration of American Rhone Wines” in San Francisco last weekend.  It was my first Rhone Rangers tasting.  Rhone Rangers is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Rhone varietal wines produced in the U.S.  It was a huge, but well-organized two-day event.  Saturday featured educational seminars (including one called “Wine & Swine, A Pairing of American Rhone Wines And Bacon”  complete with a “Baconologist”!) and a fund raising winemaker dinner/auction. And Sunday, which I attended, featured more seminars and the Grand Tasting.

By my count, there were 114 wineries and 500 or so wines available for tasting!  With that many  wineries/wines I knew I needed a plan to maximize the 3 hours I set aside for the event.  I decided to only taste “GSM” (predominately composed of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) blends, with 30 minutes at the end for what I call “taster’s choice” (more on that later).  When I attend an event like this, in addition to focusing on a single varietal or style of wine,  I try to further narrow my focus by tasting wines from wineries that are new to me.  That meant I was going to have to skip favorites like Bonny Doon, Core, Frick, Quivira, and Tercero.  That’s always a challenge for me because my vinous conscious seems to constantly whisper in my ear… “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”.  Thus the “tasters choice” where I allow myself to a.) taste wines from some of my favorite wineries, and b.) the option of not writing tasting notes.

That was the plan.  But as Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf  once said, “No plan survives contact with the enemy”.  Well at least mine didn’t!  Not for this year anyway.  I quickly realized that “Red Blend” per the program, didn’t necessarily translate into GSMs. That’s not a bad thing, I love the diversity of style here in California as opposed to the more constrained Rhône models.  But, as a result, I vastly underestimated how many “Red Blend” wines were available.  I got through the A-L wineries (the wineries were organized in alphabetical order) when I realized I only had 30 or so minutes left for my “taster’s choice”.  Oh well, I did taste about four dozen very good to excellent wines. That’s a great day in my book…and there’s always next year!

On to the wines I sniffed, sipped and  (mostly) spit!

My favorite wines (rated 90 points or higher) were:

  • 2008 Calcareous Trés Violet
  • 2007 Edward Sellers Vineyards and Wines Vertigo
  • 2008 Edward Sellers Vineyards and Wines Le Thief
  • 2007 Hearthstone Vineyards and Winery Lodestone
  • 2009 Inspiration Vineyards Syrah
  • 2009 Jada Vineyard Hell’s Kitchen
  • 2009 JC Cellars Misc. Stuff
  • 2009 Jemrose Gloria’s Gem
  • 2009 Justin Vineyards & Winery Savant
  • 2011 Lagier Meredith Syrah Rosé
  • 2009 Lagier Meredith Syrah
  • 2010 Ridge Carignane Buchignani Ranch
  • 2009 Stage Left Cellars The Globetrotter
  • 2009 Stage Left Cellars The ExPat
  • 2011 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc
  • 2010 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas
  • 2009 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel

My complete tasting notes  and ratings follow:

  • 2010 Adelaida Version White - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Tropical fruit, peach, and floral aromas. Medium-bodied with tropical fruit, peach, and slight mineral flavors. Medium finish (87 pts.)
  • 2009 Adelaida Version Red - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Berry, and floral aromas. Medium-bodied smooth with dark cherry, raspberry flavors. Medium finish (88 pts.)

Maggie Tillman - Alta Colina

  • 2009 Alta Colina GSM - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Red fruit and oak aromas with ripe raspberry and cherry flavors. Smooth with a medium long finish (89 pts.)
  • 2009 AmByth Estate Adamo - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Spicy,floral red berry aromas. On the palate, light-bodied with tart raspberry, cherry flavors. Blend of Grenache (59%), Mourvèdre (17%), Syrah (13%), and Counoise (11% (87 pts.)
  • 2009 AmByth Estate ReVera - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Dark red fruit, garrigue aromas. Light-bodied with tart dark cherry, and spice flavors. Blend of Mourvedre (57%), Grenache (22%), Syrah (11%), and Counoise (10%) (87 pts.)
  • 2009 AmByth Estate Maiestas - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Dark fruit, and slight floral aromas. Light-bodied with tart dark cherry blackberry flavors. Blend of Syrah (45%), Mourvedre (20%), Counoise (20%), and Grenache  (15%) (86 pts.)
  • 2011 Anglim Rosé - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Red fruit, and citrus aromas. Light-bodied, dry and well balanced with raspberry citrus flavors.  100% Syrah. (88 pts.)
  • 2010 Beckmen Vineyards Cuvée Le Bec - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
    Dark red fruit and herbs de provence aromas. Light-bodied with fruity slightly tart raspberry, dark cherry, and spice flavors (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Calcareous Trés Violet - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Pretty dark red fruit, violet, and baking spice aromas. Medium-bodied with black cherry, raspberry flavors. Blend of Syrah (42%), Mourvedre (29%), and Grenache (29%) (90 pts.)
  • 2009 Caliza Winery Cohort - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Fresh blackberry, plum with a hint of musky aromas. Medium bodied with slightly tart blackberry, raspberry and hint of mocha flavors. Blend of Syrah (55%), Petite Sirah, (20%), Primitivo (20%) and Grenache (5%) (89 pts.)
  • 2009 Caliza Winery Azimuth - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Dark fruit, cinnamon/clove and oak aromas. Medium bodied, young with blackberry, cocoa, and cinnamon/clove flavors. (90 pts.)
  • 2010 Clos Saron Out of the Blue - USA, California, Sierra Foothills
    Red fruit, raisiny plum, and slight floral aromas. Light-bodied with good acidity, and tart cherry, plum flavors. Blend of Mourvèdre and Syrah. (86 pts.)
  • 2008 Clos Saron Holy Moly - USA, California, Sierra Foothills
    Smoky, raisiny cherry aromas. Raisiny tart baked cherry flavors. Blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (87 pts.)
  • 2006 Clos Saron Syrah La Cuvée Mysterieuse - USA, California, Sierra Foothills
    Baked red fruits and slight oak aroma. Light-medium bodied with tart cherry flavors. Blend of Syrah and Merlot (86 pts.)
  • 2008 Cosa Obra Proprietor’s Blend - USA, California, Sonoma County
    Black currant, earthy, spicy aromas . Medium-bodied with blackberry and spice flavors. (89 pts.)
  • 2009 Cosa Obra Proprietor’s Blend - USA, California, Sonoma County
    Tight dark fruit and spice aromas. Medium-bodied and a bit tannic with blackberry, black cherry and spice flavors. Needs some time. (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Crystal Basin Cellars Victorie – Grand Reserve - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado
    Dark red fruit with slight floral aromas. Light-bodied with black cherry, blackberry flavors. Blend of Mourvèdre (33%), Syrah (34%) and Grenache (33%). (86 pts.)
  • 2007 Curtis Reserve - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
    Smokey dark red fruit, clove and floral aromas. Medium-bodied with red currant, black cherry and spice flavors. A blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (25%) and Mourvèdre (25%) (89 pts.)
  • 2009 Curtis Heritage Cuvée - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
    Dark red fruit and slight resinous aromas. Light-bodied with tart cherry, raspberry flavors. Blend of Grenache (39%), Mourvèdre (26%), Cinsault (19%) and Syrah (16%) (87 pts.)
  • 2008 Domaine de la Terre Rouge Tête-à-Tête - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
    Spicy red and black fruits, and oak aromas. Light-bodied with cherry, raspberry, and spice flavors. Blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre & Grenache Very good value at $18 (87 pts.)
  • 2008 Domaine de la Terre Rouge L’Autre - USA, California, Sierra Foothills
    Cherry, raspberry, and vanillin oak aromas. Approaching medium-bodied with black cherry, and vanilla flavors (88 pts.)

Edward Sellers of the eponymous winery

  • 2007 Edward Sellers Vineyards and Wines Vertigo - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Smokey, baking spice, dark red fruit aromas. Medium-bodied, velvety with silky tannins, and dark cherry, raspberry, and vanilla spice flavors. Blend of Grenache (71%), Mourvèdre (16%), and Syrah(13%) (90 pts.)
  • 2008 Edward Sellers Vineyards and Wines Le Thief - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Spicy cinnamon black fruits, and slightly musky aromas. Medium-bodied with black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla spice flavors. Blend of Syrah (56%), Mourvèdre (26%),Grenache (12%),and Cinsault (6%) (90 pts.)
  • 2009 Folin Cellars Misceo - USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley
    Low-key red currant, cherry, and cedarwood aromas. Medium-bodied, and smooth with cherry, and red currant flavors. Blend of Syrah (50%), Mourvèdre (37%), and Grenache (13%) (89 pts.)
  • 2010 Hahn Winery GSM - USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County
    Berry and spice aromas. Light-bodied, and smooth with blackberry, and raspberry flavors. Blend of Grenache (62%), Syrah (34%), and Mourvèdre (4%) (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Hearthstone Vineyards and Winery Slipstone Rhone - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Fruity cherry ,and spice aromas. Approaching medium-bodied with fruit-forward cherry, and raspberry flavors. Blend of Grenache (65%), and Syrah(35%) (88 pts.)
  • 2007 Hearthstone Vineyards and Winery Lodestone - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Plum, cherry and dried herb aromas. Medium-bodied with dark cherry, plum, blackberry flavors. Blend of Syrah (50%), Grenache (33%), Mourvèdre (17%) (90 pts.)
  • 2009 Holly’s Hill Patriarche - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado County
    Red fruit, with a touch of garrigue aromas. Medium-bodied with cherry, plum and vanilla flavors. Blend of Mourvèdre (60%), Syrah (23%), Grenache (14%), and Counoise (3%) (87 pts.)
  • 2009 Inspiration Vineyards Syrah - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
    Fragrant red fruit, and floral aromas. Medium-full bodied with dark cherry, mocha, and vanilla spice flavors. Blend of Syrah (93%), Viognier (7%) (90 pts.)

Josh Messina pouring Jada wines

  • 2009 Jada Vineyard Hell’s Kitchen - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Fragrant red fruits, and floral aromas. Medium-bodied, fruit-forward, and smooth with raspberry, cherry, mocha and vanilla flavors. Blend of Syrah (32%), Grenache (31%), Mourvèdre (23%), and Tannat (14%) (92 pts.)
  • 2009 JC Cellars Misc. Stuff - USA, California
    Black and red berry, and spice aromas. Medium-bodied, and supple with vibrant black cherry, raspberry, vanilla spice flavors. Blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (91 pts.)
  • 2009 Jemrose Gloria’s Gem - USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley
    Red fruit, white pepper, and cedarwood aromas. Medium-bodied with nicely balanced dark cherry, and black currant flavors. Blend of Syrah (65%), and Merlot (35%) (91 pts.)
  • 2009 Justin Vineyards & Winery Savant - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Spicy black and red fruit aromas hint of licorice aromas. Medium-bodied, and smooth with spicy black cherry, and cassis flavors. Blend of Syrah (65%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) (90 pts.)
  • 2009 Kukkula Sisu - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Fruity red fruity, mocha, and a hint of musky/meaty aromas. Medium-full bodied with mixed black and red berry espresso flavors. Blend of Syrah(51%),Grenache (27%), and Mourvèdre (22%)(89 pts.)
  • 2011 Lagier Meredith Syrah Rosé - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder
    Pretty berry and melon aromas. Approaching medium-bodied, well-balanced and dry with cherry, raspberry flavors.100% Syrah (90 pts.)
  • 2009 Lagier Meredith Syrah - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder
    Dark red fruit, and pepper aromas. Medium-bodied with intense black cherry, raspberry, espresso flavors. (91 pts.)
  • 2010 Ridge Carignane Buchignani Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County
    Black cherry, raspberry and slight floral smoky aromas. Full-bodied, robust, round with well-integrated tannins and black cherry, raspberry, and vanilla flavors. (90 pts.)
  • 2009 Stage Left Cellars Syrah Alder Springs - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino
    Dark red fruit, sweet spice, and floral aromas. Medium bodied and nicely balanced with raspberry, strawberry, and a touch of mineral flavors. 100% Syrah. 13.7 % Alcohol (89 pts.)
  • 2009 Stage Left Cellars The Globetrotter - USA, California
    Red fruit, dried herbs, and slight earthy aromas. Medium-bodied, fruit, but balanced with ripe cherry and black raspberry flavors. Blend of Grenache (48%), Syrah (40%), and Mourvèdre (12%)(90 pts.)
  • 2009 Stage Left Cellars The ExPat - USA, California, Central Coast
    Dark red fruit, spice, and cedarwood aromas. Medium-bodied, balanced with vibrant dark cherry, raspberry, and spice flavors. Blend of Syrah(50%), Petite Sirah (33%), and Grenache (17%)(90 pts.)
  • 2011 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Tropical fruit, white peach, and floral aromas. Medium-bodied, and creamy with good acidity and peach and hint of mineral flavors. Blend of Grenache Blanc (45%), Viognier (34%), Roussanne (18%), and Marsanne (3%) 13.5% Alcohol (90 pts.)
  • 2010 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Blanc - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Pretty floral and stone fruit aromas. Medium-bodied, and balance with white peach, and vanilla flavors. Blend of Viognier (54%), Grenache Blanc (30%), Marsanne (8%), and Roussanne (8%) 13.5% Alcohol (89 pts.)
  • 2011 Tablas Creek Rosé - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Watermelon and red fruit aromas. Approaching medium-bodied, and dry with cherry, strawberry and citrus on the back palate flavors. Blend of Mourvèdre (58%), Grenache (30%), and Counoise (12%) 14.5% Alcohol (89 pts.)
  • 2010 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Sweet dark fruits, tobacco, and spice. Medium bodied and supple with black cherry, plum and spice flavors. Blend of 39% Syrah/36% Grenache/22% (90 pts.)
  • 2009 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Intense dark red fruit, violet and spice aromas. Medium-full bodied, and well-balanced with vibrant dark red cherry, spice, and mineral flavors. Blend of Mourvèdre (40%), Syrah(28%),Grenache (27%), and Counoise (5%) (92 pts.)

My takeaways from the event?

  • Paso Robles, as a region is still kickin’ ass and taking names when it comes to Rhone!
  • There’s definitely a trend toward lower alcohol wines
  • Um…I’ll need a better plan (and more time) next year!
  • The state of Rhones in California? – Fantastic and seemingly getting better!

All in all, it was a great event!  It’s circled in red on my calendar for next year!

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