// BLOG
Dutcher Crossing – 2007 Charles F. Mathy Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon
September 1, 2010
The Facts:
Debra Mathy spent a great deal of time looking for the right Winery before ultimately purchasing Dutcher Crossing. She made most of that journey across states and continents with her Dad. Unfortunately he passed away after battling a long illness before Debra found Dutcher Crossing. However his guiding principles and the road they had traversed together helped her find the Winery she would purchase in 2007. In tribute to her dad Charles F. Mathy, Dutcher Crossing produces a wine each year in his honor. The proceeds from this release benefit Cancer research. The Dutcher Crossing 2007 Charles F. Mathy Tribute is a Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon from Mountain Terraces Vineyard there is some Syrah from Atlas Peak and Merlot from Nelson Vineyard blended in as well. This wine was produced in limited quantities and sells for $39.
Gabe’s Take:
Aromas of deep, dark fruit such as plum, blackberry and currants are all present in the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Throughout the palate the theme of black fruits continues; layer after layer of dark, juicy flavors emerge. These are both intense and well proportioned, the hallmarks of great mountain fruit. Hints of pine and black pepper spice notes both play a role in the middle and carry forward. Pencil lead, bittersweet dark chocolate and earth in particular all emerge on the lengthy and impressively persistent finish. A host of mineral and spice notes play a throat tingling role on the close as well. This wine has firm, tightly wound tannins that yield with some air.
A few things stand out for me about this Cabernet Sauvignon. First and foremost is that it’s a distinct offering in the Dutcher Crossing Portfolio. More so than the other Cabernet’s they make this one is more classically styled with bigger, firmer, structure. This wine is pretty tasty now, particularly with some air and/or paired with something substantial. My recommendation would be to drink it with a nicely marbled steak right off of your grill. If you have the patience to lay it down this wine will improve in the bottle over the next decade and drink well for several years after that. So for a very reasonable $39 you can both get a terrific wine and help a worthwhile cause. You can’t ask for more than that. Order this through the Dutcher Crossing Website or buy it in their tasting room.
2010 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
August 31, 2010
This weekend is Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. Throughout the three day holiday weekend numerous events will be featured. Some examples are Winemaker Lunches, Dinners, a charity auction and more. One of the main features is the Taste of Sonoma Event from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Saturday September 4th. It takes places at MacMurray Ranch in Healdsburg. Quite a few wineries will be pouring and there will be appellation specific tents, including of course one dedicated to Dry Creek Valley. These tents will also each feature Sonoma County Restaurants. There are also guided tastings that will be hosted by a number of different Sommeliers. Each of these is focused on one of a number of themed tasting flights.
While more than 150 wineries in all will be pouring, the following are the Dry Creek Valley producers that will be represented:
Alderbrook Winery
Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
DaVero Farms and Winery
Dutcher Crossing
Everett Ridge Winery
Forth Vineyards
Frick
Gallo Family Vineyards
Hauck Cellars
Kokomo Winery
Leonhardt Vineyards
Mauritson Family Winery
Mazzocco Sonoma
Michel Schlumberger Wine Estate
Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery
Mutt Lynch Winery
Pech Merle Winery
Pedroncelli Winery
Pezzi King Vineyards
Quivira Vineyards & Winery
Rancho Zabaco
Rued Winery, Inc
Saini Vineyards
Sbragia Family Vineyards
Thumbprint Cellars
Wilson Winery
Check their website for more details as there are literally a slew of events occurring this weekend and I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s going on. Their website is loaded with good and specific information including lodging and transportation choices. Tickets are also available through the website.
Wilson Winery – 2009 Blushing Syrah Rosé
August 30, 2010
The Facts:
Wilson Winery’s 2009 Blushing Syrah is a single vineyard selection. All of the fruit for this Rosé was sourced at Dorothy’s Vineyard which sits at an elevation of 1,650 feet above sea level. These vines were planted in 1995. Wilson Winery also sources their Estate Syrah at this Vineyard. The effort is 100% Syrah. This wine was barrel fermented in neutral French oak; 30% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. 120 cases of this 2009 Rosé were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $20. Wilson Winery is located at 1960 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 11 AM until 5 PM. Several tasting options are available (some require a prior appointment). They close on some major holidays so check their website for those specific details or call them at 800-433-4602.
Gabe’s Take:
The beautiful, perfectly pink hue is the first thing that becomes apparent about this 2009 Rosé as it’s poured. The nose is filled with aromas of watermelon, citrus and strawberry. Bright, engaging red fruit flavors are the story of the palate; raspberry, cherry, red plum and an underlying layer of fresh, juicy watermelon all play pivotal roles. Some of the fruit picks up a savory edge on the finish and along with some white pepper and additional spice notes, provides a throat tingling close.
There is a lot to like about this 2009 Rosé. First and foremost it’s refreshing and delicious. I found that for me this particular selection was at its best ice cold. This wine is loaded with bright fruit flavors, is perfectly dry and works well by itself or paired with a pretty wide range of foods. This is a terrific example of what Rosé should be.
Pedroncelli – 2005 Four Grapes Vintage Port
August 27, 2010
The Facts:
Pedroncelli’s2005 Four Grapes Vintage Port was produced using grapes sourced at a four acre, estate vineyard that they planted in 1995. This wine is a blend of Tinta Madiera, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional and Souza. These are grapes traditionally used for Port production in Portugal. This release represents the 16th vintage of this dessert wine for Pedroncelli. This selection was aged in mature American Oak barrels for four years. It’s bottled in 500 ml glass and has a suggested retail price of $18.
The Pedroncelli Family has been making wine in Dry Creek since 1927. Their current releases can be tasted daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at the Pedroncelli Tasting room located at 1220 Canyon Road in Geyserville. Often times they will also have something older from the library open to taste, so when you go keep your eyes open for that.
Gabe’s Take:
Pedroncelli Winery was the first producer from Dry Creek Valley that got my attention many years ago. So they’re akin to an old friend, that I enjoy revisiting whenever I can, to catch up with. Their Four Grapes Port has been an excellent value over the years and I’m eager to see how the latest vintage stacks up to its predecessors.
This Port starts off with an intoxicating nose loaded with deep, dark fruit aromas; blackberry and plum are prominent. Throughout the substantial palate, sweet berry fruit flavors abound. Black and red raspberry are joined by subtler blueberry and copious spice notes. The finish has elements of brown sugar and fruitcake spice flavors as well as sweet chocolate notes and black pepper. That finish is lengthy, lusty and impeccably balanced. I paired it with dark chocolate, but honestly this Port is a delicious dessert on its own.
For $18 this Port from Pedroncelli represents an outstanding value. Dessert wines, particularly well made ones such as this don’t often come cheaply. This is a well crafted, age-worthy wine that offers a ton of drinking pleasure. This Port would be a great value if it was in a 375 ml half bottle so typical to dessert wines. But in a 500 ml it’s an even better value. This is no surprise though as the Pedroncelli Family has been making wine at more than fair prices for several generations.
Explore The Green Trail of Dry Creek Valley In Style
August 26, 2010
In addition to the previous opportunity we shared to spend California Wine Month in Dry Creek Valley, now comes word of another exciting option. This one is tailored to those folks who are interested in specifically exploring the wineries that are certified organic and or biodynamic. And additionally this promotion will be available through the end of the year. So if you’re going to spend some time in Dry Creek Valley before 2010 is out, here’s another way to take things to the next level.
What follows is the text of the press release about this event.
h2hotel219 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, Ca 95448
h2hotel is offering the Green Trail of Dry Creek Valley(click for the map) for California Wine Month. The package, starting at $460, includes
The Green Trail of Dry Creek Valley is a special, customized experience for visitors to the Dry Creek Valley who wish to explore the area’s certified organic and certified biodynamic wineries. Participating properties include Hawley Winery, Michel-Schlumberger, Montemaggiore, Preston of Dry Creek, Quivira Vineyards & Winery and Truett Hurst Winery. The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley™ have partnered with h2hotel to offer visitors to Sonoma County an amazing experience. The tour begins at check-in at the hip, new h2hotel in Healdsburg where you’ll receive a welcome bottle of delicious Dry Creek Valley wine. Then, grab a bicycle and your eco-friendly picnic bag and get on your way! You will receive complimentary wine tastings at each of the participating wineries as you make your way along the tour. You can also expect a lively discussion at each of these wineries about how they became certified organic or biodynamic, how this affects their wine and why they feel it is important to be green!!
h2Hotel is a few blocks from the Healdsburg Plaza. It is the new little sister property to the acclaimed Hotel Healdsburg and features 36 “eco-chic” rooms complete with bamboo floors, balconies or patios, iPod dock, and organic sheets and linens. Hotel guests will find bicycles to borrow, a solar heated creek side pool, fireplace lounge and artisanal cocktails and dining at the modern Mediterranean spoonbar.
The Green Trail Package includes: 2 nights in a standard guest room Welcome bottle of wine from Dry Creek Valley winery Picnic for two packed in your own eco picnic bag with a hearty lunch from h2hotel restaurant spoon bar. (This stylish picnic bag is insulated, waterproof and has a lifetime warranty. It is yours to keep!)Bike rental for two (up to three hours to take The Green Trail) Rates range from $460 midweek to $690 weekend for a standard room. Go to h2hotel.com to book now!
Optional: A Biodynamic Spa add-on treatment at The Spa Hotel Healdsburg- $110 The Spa Hotel Healdsburg’s signature Meyer Lemon and Sage massage, facials or body treatments combine biodynamic and organically grown herbs and flowers with local ingredients (like olive oil and honey from Quivira Vineyards and Winery) to help you revitalize. Go to hotelhealdsburg.com to book now!
Savings midweek is 20%. Weekends no savings. Available through December 2010.Subject to availability. To book the package or learn more, visit h2hotel.com or call 877.342.2022.
