Visiting Ridge Vineyards
September 29, 2009
The Facts:
Ridge Vineyards has two facilities. One is on the Santa Cruz Mountains and the other on Lytton Springs Road in Healdsburg. They’re open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily with some extended hours in summer months. Walk in tastings are available but groups of 8 or more are required to make an advance reservation.
Gabe’s Take:
I’ve found the Ridge wines to be solid and dependable over the years, to say the least. However it had been awhile since I’d stopped in to their tasting room for no other reason than the age old tale of too many wineries, too little time. On my most recent trip though I felt it was time to find out, specifically, what they had going on these days, and how the current releases stack up.
The things that have impressed me about the Ridge Wines in the past are the purity of fruit and restraint with which they are made. Across the board these are wines meant to age for a pretty long while. One of the advantages of visiting either tasting room is the ability to taste wines produced from fruit in many regions of the state; Dry Creek Valley of course plays a significant role in the Ridge portfolio.
There are essentially 3 tasting options at Ridge depending on the day of the week. There are always two wines available to taste without charge. For a fee of $5 you can taste approximately 4 other wines as well. On weekends and occasional other days for $20 you can taste each of those wines as well as their Chardonnay and Monte Bello.
While $20 is a bit more than most tasting fees in Dry Creek Valley it’s worth it just to taste the Monte Bello. This blend is a classic wine and the flagship of Ridge Vineyards. Its legendary age worthiness is a well deserved reputation. The 2006 Lytton Springs and 2007 East Bench Zinfandel were two of three Dry Creek selections being poured when I stopped by. The Lytton Springs is 80% Zinfandel with Petite Sirah (16%) and Carignane (4%) in the mix. This wine which is also clearly age worthy is a bargain at $36. It’s going to improve significantly with time, though it is delicious now. The East Bench Zinfandel has a retail of $30. While this wine will lay down for several years as well it’s one of the most approachable wines in the Ridge portfolio right now. Both of these selections express classic Dry Creek elements associated with Zinfandel made in more of a classic style.
Outside of Monte Bello the 2007 Carignane (100% varietal BTW) was one of my other favorites that I tasted on this trip to Ridge. This selection is from Buchignani Ranch in Dry Creek Valley. For $28 it represents both a well made wine and an excellent representation of a varietal that is not bottled as a stand alone often enough for my taste.
As I said above I find Ridge Vineyards to be a great place to taste for several reasons. The ability to taste Dry Creek Wines side by side with offerings Ridge makes from around the state is one of them. Ridge’s library of older selections is another. But at the end of the day the main reason to stop in at Ridge Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley is that they consistently make excellent, fairly priced, age-worthy wines.
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Foggy Bridge – 2007 Sonoma County Zinfandel
September 26, 2009
The Facts:
Foggy Bridge is an Urban Winery producing approximately 8,000 cases per year, in several tiers. The 2007 Foggy Bridge Zinfandel is a made from fruit sourced in several appellations. Dry Creek Valley at 61% clocks in with the biggest contribution, followed by Alexander Valley (21%), and Russian River (17%). In addition to Zinfandel (87%) this offering includes Petite Sirah (13%). Oak aging was accomplished over 9 months in a combination of American (73%) and French (27%) barrels; 39% of them were new. 500 cases of this Sonoma Valley Cuvee were produced and the suggested retail price is $26.
Gabe’s Take:
I first became aware of Foggy Bridge Winery during the 2009 Wine Blogger’s Conference in Santa Rosa. A couple of folks were there pouring their Chardonnay during the Live Blogging Session. Their urban winery story seemed interesting, but more importantly the wine left an impression. I made a note (literally) to see what some of their other wines were like. So that brings me to the 2007 Zinfandel which makes the cut here at Drink Dry Creek by having 61% Dry Creek Valley fruit.
Dark, fresh berry pie fruit and a layer of crème fraîche fill the nose of the Sonoma County Zinfandel. There’s lots of dark fruit to be had throughout the palate, along with more than a hint of chocolate Bosco sauce. Gentle hints of mint and eucalyptus emerge around mid-palate and continue forward along with pie crust notes. This is a very smooth Zinfandel that features some tart fruit on the finish, particularly cranberry. These are underscored by white pepper characteristics.
The combination of fruit from three appellations comes together to create a Zinfandel with a varied and layered flavor profile. Alcohol is modest at under 14% and that shines through. It’s interesting to note that Dry Creek Vineyard was involved in the production of this wine. It stands apart and drinks differently than anything in their portfolio.
Dave’s Take:
Foggy Bridge Winery is new to me and honestly, I didn’t have high hopes because of their unique and somewhat touristy location. Upon my first whiff I knew that this was not just a place for out-of-towners, but a winery that knowledgeable wine lovers may come for a taste of wine country.
The nose is filled with deep layers of blackberries and raspberries, plum and black currant, even a bit of anise. All the berry fruit leads the palate in a symphony of jammy goodness. All this fruit is a little brighter than I expected based upon the aromas. Baker’s chocolate, earth, and spice linger a bit and fade out on a decent finish.
All in all this is a solid Zin displaying some of the charm I’ve come to expect from a good Dry Creek Zin. Although it weighs in with only 61% DCV fruit I find that it does show its Dry Creek roots. Delicious on its own, this would be soooooooo good with pasta in a tomato based sauce or something off the BBQ.Foggy Bridge is an ironic name because it’s totally clear to me. Some fine wine is being crafted here. I’m curious to try some of their other selections. Hopefully they will snatch more fruit from Dry Creek Valley next year – perhaps enough to make it 100% from this appellation.
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Harvest Dinner At Dutcher Crossing
September 25, 2009
The Facts:
In 2007 Debra Mathy purchased Dutcher Crossing Winery. Since that time she has been transitioning its direction to her vision. That vision includes small lot wines. These are crafted from a combination of estate and sourced fruit. The sourced fruit comes largely from long term family growers.
Gabe’s Take:
In addition to ZinTopia, my recent trip to Dry Creek Valley was punctuated by attending Harvest Dinner at Debra Mathy’s home. I was thrilled that Debra invited me and quite curious as to what the event would be like in size, scope and overall tone. In addition to being a harvest celebration this dinner served as a way for Debra and winemaker Kerry Damskey to fill in guests about the Rhone program that Dutcher Crossing is going to launch. It seems like Kerry’s golden hand is all over Dry Creek, so meeting him was something I’d looked forward to. He didn’t disappoint, his personality matches his wines; outgoing, a bit boisterous, a heck of a lot of fun, warm, engaging, and dedicated to the task at hand with laser like focus.
There were somewhere around 30 guests at Debra’s for this dinner and it was an interesting group to be sure. In addition to growers like Tom Passalacqua and the Costello’s one of Debra’s brothers and sister in law were also in attendance. A number of Dutcher Crossing Wine Club members attended too. I got to know a handful of these folks over the course of the evening and it was really interesting and inspiring to hear what they had to say. The wine club members I spoke to had traveled a long distance to be at this dinner. What they conveyed is their excitement for the Dutcher Crossing wines, but also an incredible sense of warmth for both Debra and the atmosphere she has created in the tasting room and for the overall winery experience. And while they are wine club members they would be better described as friends of Debra and her winery. Such is the affection that extends in both directions.
Throughout the evening Kerry spoke several times and explained that the new plantings at Dutcher Crossing, which include Grenache and Carignane, will be used for a Rhone style blend. This is based on wines that Debra, as well as Kerry and his wife gravitate towards and fill their cellars with. As the evening progressed we tasted wines from Dutcher Crossing and also had opportunity to try an example of a Rhone blend that Debra & Kerry have in mind as a reference point. It was tasty wine and my take is that a Rhone style blend will be an excellent complement to the wines already in the portfolio.
Dinner prepared by Gia Passalacqua (a cousin of Tom’s BTW) was uniformly delicious; whether it was the roasted potatoes with parsley pesto, the marinated, grilled lamb skewers or a host of other items that were served throughout the evening. In addition to being delicious and varied it was an excellent match for the wines. This is terrific evidence that while by and large the Dutcher Crossing wines are full flavored and expressive, they are also balanced and built to enjoy with a meal.
Dutcher Crossing makes some incredibly tasty wines. If they’re not on your radar they should be. Pick up a bottle or better yet stop by the tasting room where Debra can very often be found greeting guests and exuding her charm and love for the wines and people. If you do, you’ll probably become friends with her and with some luck you may get a dinner invitation too.
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Sbragia – 2008 “Home Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc
September 24, 2009
The Facts:
The 2008 Sbragia “Home Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc is 100% varietal. This was aged in 3 yr old oak, and hermetically sealed with a glass cork. A total of 1,200 cases were produced. The suggested retail price is $20.
Dave’s Take:
Sbragia Family Vineyards is a great stop if you make your way to the Northern end of Dry Creek Valley. The tasting room has a fantastic view from a large patio. We got to experience them for the first time during Passport weekend. During this event they had several food and wine tasting stations as well as a one man band to entertain the crowd. Overall a very nice experience, but as they were one of our last stops, my palate had begun to get a bit cloudy. Now, of sound mind and body, I am particularly psyched to try the 2008 Home Ranch Sauvignon Blanc. This is also my last bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for the summer of 2009 – so I have high hopes.
Upon removing the foil I was completely excited. A glass cork!! I’ve seen these at a few tastings, but this was my first experience actually opening a bottle to find one. As I’ve stated before, I prefer the romance of a traditional cork, but this is an alternative that still seems to have some class. I kind of like it…surprise, surprise.
The nose is treated to brilliantly effusive citrus and honeysuckle aromas. On the palate, pineapple and grapefruit are the dominant flavors. The fantastic finish offers up waves of peach, apple, lemon grass, and crisp acidity that put this bottle among the top of my list for Sauvignon Blancs that I can actually find in my local wine shop.
Why did I wait until the end of the summer to try this deliciously refreshing wine and why didn’t I share this bottle with Gabe (he would have loved it)? If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll love this. If you like Gabe, you’ll send him a bottle. If you like me, you’ll send a pipeline direct to my kitchen sink. Hot, Cold, and Home Ranch…but wait, then I wouldn’t get any glass corks… I guess I can’t have everything.
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First ZinTopia Is A Hit !
September 21, 2009
The Facts:
On Saturday September 19, 2009 The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley hosted the first annual ZinTopia at Lake Sonoma, Warm Springs Recreation Area, 3333 Skaggs Spring Road. It is located at the northern end of scenic Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. Tickets were $75.
Gabe’s Take:
I’d been looking forward to attending ZinTopia since it was first announced this summer. And while I’d heard plenty about which wineries would be there and other festival details I was curious to see how it all played out.
The first nod goes to Mother Nature for providing excellent weather. Initial forecasts called for triple digits but it wasn’t nearly that warm when the event started and as it progressed a lovely breeze really made it a comfortable setting to taste wine, listen to music and munch on some tasty morsels. ZinTopia was a tented event and that worked very well to protect all the attendees from the sun. Speaking of attendees I took the time to speak to quite a few folks at random and everyone I ran across was having an excellent time.
The inner circumference of the tent was setup with Sauvignon Blanc in the lead and the uncommon varietals right after them. All the Zinfandel was poured from the tables in the middle section. Producers were arranged in alphabetical order, making it easy to find your favorite or seek out one or more you were dying to try. At each end of the tent the caterer was setup and preparing fresh food on the spot. Pizza and fresh cooked sliders were my favorite snacks of the day.
The far end of the tent led to the local artisan market. Bakers, farmers, candy makers and the like showed off the wares they regularly make and sell in the local Dry Creek community. Smaller tents on either side created a pathway which led to where the Soulshine Blues Band belted out tunes the entire afternoon and into the evening. The bands location was key to me. You could grab a taste of wine and some food, hunker down on one of the many picnic tables and listen to some music. And when you made your way back to the tent, the band was in the distance, allowing folks under the tent to hear each other and the winemakers.
Of course there was a ton of delicious Dry Creek Valley wine to be had. Since I had all day, literally, I took my time and tasted (mostly) in the proper order. Bill Frick’s Viognier was my white standout of the day. I continue to be impressed with the wines he’s making and this crisp offering was no exception. Many of the others were also excellent, this one however hit the note I was seeking that afternoon.
Amongst the reds it was great to see a lot of wineries pouring multiple Zinfandels. Some took the opportunity to show off completely different expressions of Zinfandel from multiple vineyards. Others showcased consecutive vintages of the same wine. In either case it allowed die-hard Zin fans and newcomers alike to behold the many faces and styles of this signature grape. Malbec and Petite Sirah were amongst the non-Zinfandel reds that made an appearance. These stood witness to show the diversity available in Dry Creek Valley outside of the stalwart Zinfandel umbrella.
Kudos to the Winegrowers for their skill in organizing this first time event so well. So Often events are rife with snafus in their launch year; not surprising with all the pieces that have to fall together. From my vantage point, as I circulated throughout ZinTopia for the entire 5 hours, it seemed to go off without a hitch. I was even impressed with the portable restrooms that were provided. A far cry from the normal port-a-potty, these had a full sinks, air-conditioning, and other amenities. Taking the red eye back to the east coast it occurred to me they were larger, cleaner and just better than even an airplane restroom. I imagine they were probably expensive but it was touches like that which gave the event an extra leg up.
This was a well run event that promises to become even more impressive in upcoming years, as it grows and hopefully becomes a Harvest mainstay.
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Dutcher Crossing – 2007 Maple Vineyard “Bill’s Block” Zinfandel
September 16, 2009
The Facts:
The 2007 Dutcher Crossing Maple Vineyard “Bill’s Block” Zinfandel is sourced from a specific block within Tom & Tina Maple’s vineyard. This offering 100% Maple fruit and a blend of Zinfandel (86.5%), Petite Sirah (4.5%), Carignane (4.5%), Mataro (4.5%) and a tiny amount of Alicante Bouchet. Oak aging was accomplished over 10 months in French barrels; 40% were new. Only 139 cases of this small production offering were produced and the suggested retail price is $49.
Gabe’s Take:
This past spring Dave and I had the opportunity to tour the Maple Vineyard with Tina which was an unforgettable and terrific experience. I recall very clearly when she pointed out Bill’s Block as we passed through it. It’s an afternoon that’s likely to always be in my head when I taste any wine sourced from their legendary property, but specifically when tasting one from Bill’s Block.
The nose of this Zinfandel brings to mind berry jam from the word go. The aromas are immense, intense, and they explode from the glass ferociously with a host of dark berry fruit and a touch of eucalyptus. Raspberry leads the palate followed by plum sauce notes and tons of other dark, sweet fruit elements. Three L’s tell the story of the finish; layered, lush and lengthy. Black pepper, cherry liqueur and blackberry pie are all part of the mix. Everything about this wine is big and bold, but it’s framed with good acidity. Slow cooked pulled pork topped with mango relish would be a tremendous match for this wine as would other robust, full flavored foods.
If you’re a fan of bigger Zins with huge fruit, balanced by elegance and finesse this is quite definitely the wine for you. While I’m confident this will age nicely for several years I think its ridiculously delicious now and my recommendation is to drink the one its young, brash and unbridled youth. This Maple Vineyard designate wine from Dutcher Crossing is a classic wine from an excellent vintage year for Zinfandel.
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Michel-Schlumberger – 2006 Estate “Le Source” Syrah
September 14, 2009
The Facts:
The 2006 Michel-Schlumberger “Le Source” Syrah is 97% Syrah (a combination of five different clones from five distinctly different parcels) and 3% Viognier which was co-fermented. It was aged for 16 months in a combination of French and American oak (20% new). A total of 923 cases were produced. The suggested retail price is $32.00.
Dave’s Take:
The “Le Source” Syrah is their Estate Syrah Having had quite a few of their selections at this point I can tell you that well made, elegant wines that lean in more of a classic style are what they are going for. Fortunately they seem to hit the mark every time. I tried to get to their tasting room on my last trip out, but we didn’t get to it with our busy schedule, it will be at the top of my list for my next time I make it to Dry Creek.
On the nose there is a terrifically lush core of blueberries, blackberries, and black cherries. The voluptuous dark fruits continue on the palate, adding in espresso, a touch of tar, and smoked meat. Light herbs and spice chime in for the lengthy finish. This is an extremely well balanced and well structured wine. It will age gracefully through at least 2012. I would pair this with something a bit gamey such as lamb or venison, smoky cheeses would be great as well.
This is truly a great wine for the price, there is a lot going on, surely due to the various clones and parcels used to produce this bottling. What I think I like the most from Michel-Schlumberger is that even when there is a good amount of fruit up front they restrain it just a bit to keep it elegant and food friendly. I might even give this one a shot on Thanksgiving. It is interesting and it can keep up with the ridiculously varied foods that often make it to the table.
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Optima Wine Cellars – 2006 Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah
September 13, 2009
The Facts:
Optima Wine Cellars produces 5,000 cases annually, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel Port. Plans are afoot to start including Gewurztraminer sometime in the next few vintages. Winemaker and co-owner (along with his wife) Mike Duffy has a long history that includes stops at Napa Valley stalwart Trefethen and Filed Stone in Alexander Valley. The 2006 Optima Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah is their third vintage of the varietal. The fruit was sourced on the western side of Dry Creek Valley, 200 feet above sea level. In addition to Petite Sirah (92%) this offering has Zinfandel (8%) blended in. Oak aging was accomplished over 15 months in a combination of new and one year old small French barrels. The suggested retail price for this wine is $32.
Gabe’s Take:
As I’ve detailed previously the very thought of Petite Sirah gets me a little excited. Field Stone, one of Mike Duffy’s previous career stops has made some amazing Petites over the years. Add in the fact that I consider Dry Creek Valley to be one of Petite Sirahs very best and most natural homes and you can imagine that my anticipation was building as I got ready to taste this selection from Optima.
The nose of the Petite Sirah is just stuffed with aromas that are as dark and brooding as the unlit sky at midnight; black plum, blueberry, black raspberry and black cherry each make their presence known. Taking the first sip moments after popping the cork this Petite is, not surprisingly, a bit tight. Giving it an hour or so in the decanter is sufficient to let its charms emerge. Blackberry fruit is dominant through the palate and wrapped in dark chocolate notes with fruitcake spice underpinning it all. Subtle hints of bacon fat creep in around mid-palate and continue forward. All the flavor elements carry on with vary degrees of intensity into the persistent finish which is also quite pleasingly and rather intensely dry. Fine, firm tannic structure and excellent acidity provide an tremendous framework for this Petite Sirah.
This is a classic example of Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah. It has the structure to promise a long, prosperous, and ever evolving shelf life. I wouldn’t hesitate to lay this wine down for 10-15 years. If you can wait that long you’ll have a very different wine, but an equally delicious and interesting one in my estimation. If you’re going to drink this over the next couple of years, please decant it so you get the most out of it. I also recommend pairing it with braised short ribs, a heavily marbled steak from your grill or something else equally substantial.
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Manzanita Creek -2003 Petite Sirah
September 12, 2009
The Facts:
Manzanita Creek was founded by brothers Jack & William Salerno. The winery is located in Healdsburg in an industrial complex. They’re open there for tastings Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment. They produce about 6 varietals and a total of approximately 3,000 cases per year. Amongst their offerings are several vineyard designated Zinfandels and other wines. The 2003 Manzanita Creek Old Vines Petite Sirah is such a designated wine. It’s produced from Hale’s Vineyard which sits at about 200 feet above sea level. A mere 100 cases of this Petite Sirah were produced. The retail price for this offering at release was approximately $40.
Gabe’s Take:
There’s a certain level of anticipation for me when I approach a Petite Sirah that is somehow different than when I approach other wines. It’s not that Petite is my absolute favorite varietal, though it is up there, but there is something intriguing. Perhaps it’s the dark, brooding and intense nature Petite Sirah so often embodies. Or it could be that it’s a bit of an underdog, appearing on way too few producers’ lists of offerings. Regardless, it gets me excited. Dave was headed over the other day so we could taste through some wines for potential joint reviews and I decided to pull this one from Manzanita Creek out of the cellar. A few years back I’d visited with Jack at the winery (highly recommended BTW) and picked up some wines.
Classic Petite Sirah characteristics including blueberry, plum, violet and vanilla fill the nose of this 2003 offering. Manzanita Creek is known for big wines, they’ll happily tell you that whether you ask or not. This Petite Sirah is no exception to their style of big and brawny wines. The palate is full and mouth-filling. It’s loaded with dark and heavy fruit flavors that hang in your mouth, almost daring you not to be impressed with their intensity. Cranberry notes represent one of the handful of lighter fruit characteristics that underpin all the lovely darkness, providing a counterbalance. Earth, chicory and dusty unsweetened cocoa make up the finish which has good length. As I mentioned this wine is big and bold but does have good acidic structure. The tannins are firm and drying. Dave asked me what I thought after we’d been sipping this for awhile. I said “I think I need a steak.” I stand by that, this is a classic to match with red meat.
This Petite Sirah is nice now, but it seems to be in a bit of a transitional phase. I suspect that this selection will be even better in about 2 more years. The tannins should soften a bit more with the earth, chicory etc becoming more prominent. If you have this in your cellar, make an appointment to drink it in 2011 or 2012.
Dave’s Take:
I always look forward to drinking wine with Gabe, but in particular when he tells me he’s going to pull something from his cellar. I already knew this wine had a little bit more age than you would find on the shelf and Gabe liked this enough to buy it at the winery. He didn’t need to ask me twice to take the trip up the mountain – I am so glad I did.
The first thing that struck me was the wonderfully deep garnet hue. Just looking at it in the glass was filling me with anticipation. This aromatic wine filled my nose with a rush of blackberries, plum, and cassis, vanilla and there was a touch of a floral thing going on (although that was a little harder to nail down). This is a full bodied wine that truly delivers. The palate is loaded with rich dark stone fruit, cranberries, dark cherry, earth, bakers chocolate, and dried leaves. This is a big wine that needs a big steak to go with it – something in the order of a brontosaurus burger, but I love it. This is well structured with lots of brighter fruit still left. I agree with Gabe that this is not at its best yet, it will be amazing in a couple of years perhaps a little longer than that. As I’ve said too often before, I am a real sucker for those deeper darker earthy flavors that only really come out in the aging process.
The bottom line is that this is a terrific wine, very enjoyable now, will keep for a few years, and if you crack a bottle Gabe and I will likely show up on your doorstep. How can you complain about that? (Please don’t answer). Maybe if I find a bottle of this I can convince Gabe to come visit “down below”.
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Optima Wine Cellars – 2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
September 11, 2009
The Facts:
The 2005 Optima Wine Cellars Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is a blend of 90% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Sirah. It was aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. There were a total of 900 cases produced. The suggested retail price is $25.00.
Dave’s Take:
As much as I have loved Dry Creek Valley and as often as I have gone over the past 15 years, there are still many wineries that are new to me. We all have the tendency to want to repeat great experiences so I found myself traveling to Dry Creek and splitting my time between wineries I was familiar with and seeking out a few new ones. Also, as with most businesses, some seem to come and go all too quickly. Today I am drinking a wine from a “new to me” winery called Optima Wine Cellars. The Optima label was established in 1984 after winemaker / proprietor Mike Duffy purchased some grapes and released just 400 cases. So now, 25 years later, Optima has grown into a family run winery producing over 4,000 cases. By the way, check out their website. Read how the love story unfolded between Mike and Nicol … if Nora Ephron doesn’t come knocking to make her next chick flick about these two there is something seriously wrong.
The first thing I notice when I crack this bottle is that the berry fruit aromas practically assault you from the glass. Blackberries, blueberries, cherries were all there. This initially led me to believe that it was going to be a “brighter” wine, but I was pleasantly surprised that the earthiness, spice, and wood shone through the berry fruit, raisins and vanilla on the palate. This bottle was serenading me as these waves of chocolate, earth, cinnamon, and nutmeg washed over my taste buds for a brilliant finish. Although this wine is highly drinkable now – no doubt in part to the French Oak. I couldn’t help but let this bottle continue to open up for three days and go back to it over and over. Truthfully it got better over two days which attests to its age ability. Certainly this bottle would pair well with the typical BBQ fare, but this bottling is truly special. I would tend to drink this on its own or with something simpler such as pork chops with cranberries. This would allow this fantastic wine to be the center of attention which it deserves to be.
So there are two lessons with this selection; 1) don’t succumb to the temptations of familiar wineries when you get an opportunity to visit this magical appellation 2) build yourself a wine cellar, opportunities like this pop up now and then and you might want to store a couple of cases.
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