9 January 2019 2015 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir

2015 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir

January 9, 2019 By

I know this 2015 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir was a baby, but I still opted to uncork it on New Year’s Eve to pair with some of the meats served at my fondue party. While it could have used some additional time in the bottle, the wine was lovely, much like the 2014 vintage was.

Cristom Vineyards (www.cristomvineyards.com) began 25 years ago as a collaboration between an engineer and a biochemist who each had a deep-rooted respect for the land, the natural winemaking process, and Pinot Noir.

Today, second-generation winegrower and owner Tom Gerrie leads winemaker Steve Doerner and the tenured viticulture team in tending the Estate vineyards, and producing elegant, dynamic wines, recognizable by Cristom’s hallmark style of whole-cluster fermentation by native yeasts.

The Mt. Jefferson Cuvée is Cristom’s flagship Pinot Noir, a blend of the Cristom estate Pinot Noir along with exceptional fruit sourced from neighboring vineyards in the Willamette Valley.

The 2015 vintage is similar to the 2014 vintage and will be remembered as a warm year that produced extremely high-quality fruit of great intensity.2015 will likely be considered among the better vintages in Willamette Valley winegrowing history.

Looks: Bright red in the glass

Smell: Big, ripe raspberry aromas with chocolate notes

Taste: Rich flavors of raspberries/cherries with some licorice notes

Texture and Finish: Rich silky texture. Medium-bodied, some tannins on the finish with great acidity

Pairings: Poultry, salmon, mushroom-based dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, OR, USA

Price: $29.99

Filed Under: Pinot Noir, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
7 November 2018 Thanksgiving Wines for Every Budget and Palate

Thanksgiving Wines for Every Budget and Palate

November 7, 2018 By

In America, more wine is purchased for Thanksgiving dinner than for any other holiday. Since there are so many conflicting flavors served at the Thanksgiving table, the challenge lies in selecting wines that pair well with the food.

To please diners with various tastes, it’s wise to have a selection of both red and white bottles on the table, with corresponding glassware. Your guests can then decide what works for them and allows them the opportunity to switch back and forth between wines and food.

Pouring American wines always seems like the right thing to do for this all-American holiday and here are some widely-available Thanksgiving wines at various price points.

 

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Sparkling Wines for Thanksgiving

Having some sparkling wine on hand for Thanksgiving is smart as it’s an ideal aperitif to set the tone for a festive atmosphere as guests arrive but it’s also very food-friendly and enjoyable throughout dinner.

Gruet Winery – Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV – $12.99

2014 Taittinger Domaine Carneros Brut – $24.99

2015 Schramsberg Blanc De Blanc – $27.99

Roederer Estate Brut NV – $20.99

Best Thanksgiving Whites

Riesling

Riesling is always a top pick for Turkey Day with its apple and honey flavors and great acidity – perfect for white and dark meat and for the bold flavors of candied sweet potatoes and spiced stuffing.

2017 Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling – $12.99

2016 Ravines Riesling Dry – $13.99

2015 Forlorn Hope White “Queen Of the Sierra” Estate – $19.99

Gewürztraminer

Another clear favorite for Thanksgiving is Gewürztraminer with its ultra-aromatic nose and spicy palate. Great for turkey, gravy, rich casseroles!

2016 Fetzer Vineyards Gewurztraminer – $8.99

2014 Red Newt Cellars Gewurztraminer – $12.99

2015 Hogue Cellars Gewurztraminer – $9.99

Best Thanksgiving Reds

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Zinfandel

We love these wines with dark turkey meat and meat-based stuffing. Zins will enhance the big spiced flavors of Thanksgiving dinner, especially allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg. These wines will also add a touch of smokiness to the foods they’re paired with.

2015 Bogle Vineyards Bogle Essential – $8.99

2015 Foxglove – Zinfandel – $12.99

2016 Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Red Sonoma County – $24.99

2016 Hartford Family Winery Old Vine Zinfandel Russian River – $34.99

2015 Limerick Lane Russian River Zinfandel – $39.99

Pinot Noir

This is likely the wine best-suited for Thanksgiving as it pairs well with most foods. The fruitiness of the wine is a nice match for sides and cranberry sauce, mushroom dishes and goes well with both white and dark meat.

2016 Owen Roe – Pinot Noir Sharecropper’s – $19.99

2014 Robert Sinskey Vineyards – Robert Sinskey Pinot Noir – $23.99

2014 Carpe Diem Pinot Noir Anderson Valley – $24.99     

2015 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Willamette Valley – $34.99

2015 Bergstrom Wines Pinot Noir Cumberland Reserve – $36.99

2015 En Route – Pinot Noir Les Pommiers – $49.99

Do you have some favorites for Thanksgiving? Whatever you pour, I hope you have a great holiday!

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
31 October 2018 Farmhouse Wines by Cline Family Cellars

Farmhouse Wines by Cline Family Cellars

October 31, 2018 By

About Cline Family Cellars

Cline Family Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma, California grounded in sustainability and passion for winemaking. One of the winery’s labels is Farmhouse, which I’ve tasted and thoroughly enjoyed.

Fred Cline founded Cline Family Cellars in Oakley, California in 1982, initially making wine from Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Carignane vines, some dating back to the 1880s.

In 1989, Cline acquired a 350-acre horse farm in Carneros and moved the winery operations to Sonoma County. Known as one of the original Rhone Rangers, Fred Cline planted Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Cline now also cultivates Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay in Sonoma County.

Grounded in Sustainability

Cline Family Cellars uses natural and sustainable Green String farming methods and its aim is to nurture the land and creating wines that reflect the region’s ecosystems. Developed by Fred Cline and soil manager, Bobby Cannard, the Green String farming method is a system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. These methods minimize pollution from the air, soil, and water, and optimize the health and productivity of soil, plants, animals and people.

The Farmhouse names comes from the school house situated at Green String Farm in Petaluma, California. The school house houses the library and study room for students who come from around the world to learn Green String’s method of sustainable farming.

2017 Farmhouse White ($15)

I paired this lovely light-to-medium bodied wine with spicy Thai food and it was a great match with just a tad of sweetness on the finish. The wine is bright and crisp with nice ripe citrus aromas and flavors. Farmhouse White is a blend of 45% Viognier, 40% Palomino, 11% Muscat Canelli and 6% Sauvignon Blanc.

When selecting grapes for this wine, we were particularly conscious of the intensity of the fruit, the acid balance, and the characteristics each varietal offered to the blend as a whole. The final wine delivers bright, crisp flavors of tropical fruit and lime with a fresh, clean finish.

Color: Straw yellow

Aromas: Tropical fruit, sweet lemons/limes and honey

Body: Light to medium

Flavors: Meyer lemon, Asian apple, tropical fruit

Finish: Bright acidity, clean/crisp

2017 Farmhouse Red ($15)

I paired this rich medium-to-full bodied wine with my very beefy Texas chili and it held up nicely to the spice. While it’s very food-friendly, I had a glass before dinner and it was enjoyable on its own with smooth tannins and great fruit.

This easy drinking red blend, 48% Zinfandel, 39% Merlot, 5% Mourvédre, 4% Syrah, 3% Grenache and 2% Petite Sirah, is medium-bodied with boysenberry, tobacco and black-pepper flavors.

The wine has smooth tannins and luscious fruit.

Color: Dark purple-red

Aromas: Dark juicy berries, chocolate-covered cherry

Body: Medium to full

Flavors: Raspberry/blackberry, ripe cherry, black pepper, black licorice

Finish: Rich and flavorful with nice acidity

These affordable well-made wines are readily-available, so add a few bottles to your cellar for drinking anytime.

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Viognier, White Wine, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , ,
18 July 2018 French Roots, American Dream – Gruet Winery

French Roots, American Dream – Gruet Winery

July 18, 2018 By

I’m a big fan of Gruet wines and find it fascinating that an acclaimed French Champagne maker would travel to the USA in the 1980s, specifically New Mexico, to start a sparkling wine business. What foresight and drive!

About Gruet Winery

Gilbert Gruet and his wife Danielle, dreaming of producing fine Champagnes, founded Gruet et Fils in Bethon, France and has been making Champagne since 1952.

The family traveled through the southwestern USA in 1983 and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had had success planting vineyards about 150 miles south of Albuquerque. In 1984, Gilbert decided to plant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes in an experimental vineyard in Engle, NM. Two of his four children, Laurent and Nathalie, relocated to New Mexico to begin the family’s American winemaking business.

Laurent is the Head Winemaker at Gruet Winery. Like his father before him, Laurent’s top priority as a winemaking is quality. Wine Spectator named his Gruet NV Blanc de Noirs a Top 100 wine of the world in 2011, an unusual accolade for a sparkling wine under $20.

Nathalie is Gruet Winery’s President. Nathalie moved to the USA only knowing a few English words and has helped propel Gruet into its current position as one of the top-rated American sparkling wines in its price category.

Gruet Brut Rosé NV

Gruet Brut RoseI enjoyed this wine recently at a tapas restaurant where it paired beautifully with so many dishes and flavors – very food friendly.

Looks: Medium salmon-colored in the glass

Smell: Big, ripe strawberry aromas with bright floral notes

Taste: Rich flavors of raspberries/strawberries/ with some juicy cherry notes

Texture and Finish: Fresh with small bubbles. Medium-bodied, dry on the finish with great acidity

Pairings: Grilled fish or seafood

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: New Mexico, USA

Price: $17

Filed Under: Pinot Noir, Rose, Blush Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
27 June 2018 Limerick Lane Cellars Tasting Room Visit

Limerick Lane Cellars Tasting Room Visit

June 27, 2018 By

About Limerick Lane Cellars

Limerick Lane Cellars is a 30-acre estate located in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, just south of Healdsburg. While the area is renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Limerick Lane grows and produces world class Zinfandel and Rhone-blends.

Limerick Lane was originally planted in 1910 by the Del Fava family, immigrants from Italy. It’s now thought to be one of the top areas for Zinfandel in Sonoma County. Limerick Lane is now owned and run by brothers Jake and Scot Bilbro, the sons of Chris Bilbro who owns the acclaimed Marietta Cellars. Scot is the primary winemaker and Jake is charged with sales of the wines.

The Limerick Lane vineyards are rocky and well-drained and rocky – ideal for growing Zinfandel, Syrah and Grenache, the core wines at the winery. 

About the Tasting Room

View from Tasting Room

We made the lovely drive to the Limerick Lane tasting room located amid the vineyards right in the heart of the Russian River Valley, only three miles from downtown Healdsburg. The staff was beyond friendly and shared a wealth of knowledge with us that included a walk through the vineyard, directly outside the tasting room building. Tasting notes about the wines we sampled is below.

The tasting room is open daily from 10am – 5pm and absolutely worth a visit when in Sonoma, this was one of our best tastings in Sonoma. 

About the Wines

2017 Limerick Lane Rosé ($28)

We loved this rosé and picked up a case for summer parties. It’s not a saignée of Pinot Noir or Zinfandel – the grapes are grown and picked specifically for this wine. It’s 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache. The nose on this lovely salmon-colored wine is citrusy. On the palate, it tastes of sweet strawberries and juicy sweet lemons. There’s great, food-friendly acidity on the finish.

2015 Limerick Lane Russian River Zinfandel ($42)

This estate Zinfandel is Limerick Lane’s flagship wine. It’s inky in the glass with big dark berry aromas with mocha notes. Flavors are of juicy red berries with peppery/chocolate notes. It’s big and rich in the best possible way with a long, tannic finish.

Limerick Lane Rosé

Limerick Lane Rosé

2015 Limerick Lane Rocky Knoll Zinfandel ($60)

This Zinfandel is blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Syrah. 12 barrels produced. Big aromas and flavors of dark berries on this rich, opulent wine. Great acidity on the long finish.

2015 Limerick Lane Headpruned Block Syrah ($50)

100% Syrah. Limerick Lane claims this is quite possibly the one and only acre of headpruned Syrah in all of California. Only 8 barrels of this amazing wine are produced, so sipping it outside the tasting room is pretty unlikely, unless on the allocation list. Floral aromas with peppery notes. Juicy dark raspberry on the palate on this well-made, rich wine.

Limerick Lane Cellars – 1023 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Syrah, Rose, Blush Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , , , ,
13 June 2018 Sokol Blosser Farm and Forage Experience

Sokol Blosser Farm and Forage Experience

June 13, 2018 By

On a recent trip to the Willamette Valley, I had the pleasure of visiting Sokol Blosser, one of Oregon’s oldest and largest wineries. To add to my first time visit, I reserved the Farm and Forage wine-paired luncheon and highly recommend the experience.

About Sokol Blosser

Founded in 1971 by Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser, the popular winery saw its first vines planted in the Dundee Hills when there was literally no established Oregon wine industry.

The Sokol Blosser family set out to grow and produce the finest Pinot Noir and soon became pioneers in modern-day Oregon wine country. Now, the second generation of Sokol Blosser, Winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser and sister Alison Sokol Blosser, CEO, is at the helm keeping the ‘good to the earth’ mantra of the winery which practices certified-organic farming on 86 planted acres. The family’s commitment towards sustainability, biodiversity and sustainable business practices are felt throughout the winery, including its LEED-certified underground barrel cellar.

The winery’s 128 acres provide fruit to produce 80,000 cases of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling under the Sokol Blosser brand name. White blend, red blend, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine are crafted under the brand name Evolution (see https://evolutionwine.com for complete details).

About the Farm & Forage Lunch

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My Seat at Kitchen Table

With his Farm & Forage culinary experience, Sokol Blosser Executive Chef, Henry Kibit, creates six bites to be paired with six wines. This is a great way to fully appreciate the wines whose flavors are heightened with food. The fun part, our group of five diners/wine tasters sat at a counter in the kitchen to watch the magic happen. The experience is available for up to eight guests.

The kitchen staff follows the winery mantra, “good to the earth” and sources ingredients for the various winery menus from local purveyors and also forages on the property for mushrooms, nettles, salad greens and much more.  

Farm & Forage is currently offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:00pm. During the busy summer months, July through October, Sokol Blosser offers a second time slot on Saturdays, so the experience is available at 11am and 2pm.

The cost of the lunch including wine is $75 per person or $60 or 1,800 points for Cellar Club members. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Sokol Blosser. 

These are the lovely wines we tasted along with the food we enjoyed. Note that the menu changes based on the products available to Chef Kibit.

Evolution Brut Sparkling ($20)

Creamy texture, juicy green/Fiji apple flavors with a bit of lemon on the crisp finish. Just a perfect summer sparkler and I couldn’t keep from ordering a case for patio parties.

This was the welcome wine when I arrived for the lunch.

2017 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir, 100% from estate-grown, organic grapes. Wild strawberry on the nose. Strawberry continues on the palate with pink grapefruit on the finish. Vibrant acidity that’s screaming for food.

Paired with: Purple sprouting broccoli, oil cured olive, roe, Belper Knolle.

2016 Dundee Hills Pinot Blanc ($22)

On the palate are green apple and peach flavors with a bit of Meyer lemon on the finish. Great minerality – nice pairing with the halibut.

Paired with: Halibut, ramp, nettle, chervil.

2014 Thistle Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir ($38)

Good transition wine between white and bolder reds. Medium red with pale pink on the edge of the wine glass rim. Bright cherry on the nose with earthy, chocolate notes. Red fruit/berry flavors with earthy notes and firm tannins on the finish.

Paired with: Raab, turnip, egg.

2014 Big Tree Block Pinot Noir ($70)

100% Pinot Noir, 100% from estate-grown, organic grapes. Bright acidity on this wine – cherry on the nose and palate with citrusy finish.

Paired with: Lamb, Za’atar, spinach, cattail.

2015 Twelve Row Block Estate Pinot Noir ($60)

This is much bigger Pinot Noir than I’m accustomed to and really enjoyed it. It’s bold with chocolate-coated ripe cherry flavors and tobacco notes.

Paired with: NY Strip, yellowfoot, hazelnut, brown butter.

2014 Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir ($50)

100% pinot noir. What a treat this pale pink rosé bubbly was with our dessert. Fine mousse-like bubbles, light strawberry flavors and a crisp, dry finish. A nicely-made, method Champenoise sparkling wine.

Paired with: Chocolate (dark/milk), flowers.

If you’ve not been to Oregon wine country, Sokol Blosser is a must-visit and the Farm & Forage experience is not to pass up.

About the Location and Tasting Room Hours

Tasting Room hours: Daily from 10am-4pm.

5000 Sokol Blosser Lane, Dayton, Oregon. www.sokolblosser.com

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Food & Wine Events, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
30 May 2018 Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Room Experience

May 30, 2018 By

 

About Jean Edwards Cellars

Tasting Room Sitting Area

Jean Edwards Cellars has been producing wine from some of the most well-regarded vineyards in Northern California since 2014. The Jean Edwards Cellars label focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The Cooper’s Cuvee label is reserved for the Rhone wines, Petite Sirah, Syrah and cuvee blends.

About the Jean Edwards Cellars Team

Karen and John Troisi are the proprietors and visionaries of Jean Edwards Cellars. After falling in love with the beauty of Sonoma and Napa, the Troisis founded the winery in 2004 while still working their corporate jobs in New Jersey. Their first wine, Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet from the Pritchard Hill Region, was lauded as “one of twenty new cabernet producers to watch…” by Wine Spectator Magazine    in its annual cabernet issue, and that incredible endorsement catapulted the entrepreuneurs in the trajectory that has been paved with accolades and awards.

Jessica Saldana

Jessica Saldana

Kian Tavakoli has been the winemaker at Jean Edwards Cellars since its inception. Kian has nearly 30 years of winemaking experience and began his career with Opus One then went on to Clos du Val in 1996 and was there until joining Jean Edwards Cellars in 2004. In 2017, Kian opened a new winery with his business partner in St. Helena, and that’s where the Jean Edwards Cellars wine are now produced.

 

About the Tasting Room

Tasting Room Private Table

On a recent visit to Sonoma, I was fortunate enough to visit the new Jean Edwards Cellars tasting room located on Vine Alley in the Sonoma Court Shops at the historic Sonoma Plaza. The space is modern, intimate, inviting and beautiful. Sonoma-native, Jessica Saldana, is the Tasting Room Manager and conducted our very informative tasting. I’ve been enjoying these limited production wines for several years and are familiar with them, but Jessica was able to offer insight and new learnings we’re grateful for.

Walk-ins at the tasting room are welcomed but for parties of six or more, a reservation is required to allow the team to prepare for the visit. 

A tasting typically consists of four wines for $25, but that fee is waived with a $65 purchase or if one is a Wine Club Member, which I am. We were fortunate enough to be able to sample a few additional wines during our visit.

About the Wines

2016 Dalla Gasperina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – Rutherford

Loved the 2014 and 2015 vintage and the 2016 is no different. I’m not typically a Sauv Blanc fan, BUT, this wine has changed my narrow-mindedness. Golden yellow with hints of green in the glass, there is an amazing combination of Meyer lemon aromas and floral notes. The palate isn’t typical of what I consider boring Sauv Blanc – this is rich, complex with big flavors of tropical fruit and citrus that ends with great acidity and minerality. The addition of 5% Semillon to the 95% Sauvignon Blanc is very smart indeed…so is the stainless steel fermentation and barrel age in neutral French Oak. Small quantity of this lovely wine is made and the 2016 vintage is sold out. $28.

2014 Seventy Four – Forty One Cabernet Sauvignon

“74-41” represents the coordinates of the Troisis New Jersey residence – fun fact! 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Baconbrook Vineyard (Spring Mountain), Stagecoach Vineyard (Pritchard Hill) and Broken Rock Vineyard (foothills of Atlas Peak). In the glass, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is inky purple and exudes aromas of dark, ripe berries. The dark fruit continues on the palate on this opulent wine with a finish that lingers. Grilled NY strip steaks or wagyu burgers comes to mind to pair with this beauty. A 2015 “74-41” Cab wasn’t produced due to fruit shortfalls, so be on the lookout for the 2014 (or 93-point Wine Enthusiast rated 2013). $68. ​​

2014 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the wine that started it all for this winery. Dark ruby in the glass with a red fruit nose with mocha/vanilla notes. Rich, mouth-coating with a long finish on this wine made of Cabernet Sauvignon from Pritchard Hill, Malbec from Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard and Petit Verdot from Stagecoach Vineyard – an amazing trifecta (James Suckling agreed and awarded this wine 93 points). $68.

2014 Yates Cabernet Sauvignon

I was thrilled to get a taste of the first vintage of this Mount Veeder Cab. Darkest purpley red in the glass, one whiff of the dark ripe cherry with a bit of spice and I was in love. Dark fruit with oaky and chocolatey notes on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. $75.

2014 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

This was my favorite in the lineup and the one that had me craving a juicy ribeye. Darkest of reds in the glass with dark fruit aromas with some smoky, mocha notes. Layers of juicy cherry and stone fruit with some toasted oak. When one thinks of the ideal Napa Cab, this is what one thinks of. Can only imagine what it’ll be like in 5-7 years of cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of cabernet franc from Yates Family Vineyard on Mount Veeder and a bit of Malbec from Rutherford. James Suckling 93 points. $90.

2015 Malbec – Rutherford

Dark purple red in the glass, the 2015 vintage is 97% Malbec with 3% Petit Verdot. This was my first time tasting this wine and the nose sold me with one sniff of dark everything – berry, chocolate, anise, plum – wow. Bit less full-bodied than I anticipated from the nose, this was still a mouthful with ripe red berry flavors ending with a bit of spice. Wine Advocate 91+ points. $65.

2015 Merlot – Oak Knoll District

Darkest brick red in the glass, this was also my first taste of this wine. Ripe red fruit and cassis aromas leading to dark wood strawberry and blackberry on the palate with the roundness one hopes for in a well-made Merlot. Long, eye-closing, lingering finish. Making a mental note to order some of this. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc​. $58.

All of these reds will only improve with cellaring or at least decanting if, like me, one finds it hard to resist opening them while they’re young.

Tasting Room Spring/Summer Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12pm to 6pm; Friday-Saturday: 12pm to 7pm.

Address: 29 East Napa Street (Ste. C), Sonoma, CA  95476.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
9 May 2018 Van Duzer Vineyards

Van Duzer Vineyards

May 9, 2018 By

I recently had the opportunity to sample some of Van Duzer Vineyard’s wines at a festival and really enjoyed the Willamette Valley wines. The two affordable wines I tasted were the 2016 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rosé and the 2016 Van Duzer Pinot Gris.

About Van Duzer

Carl and Marilynn Thoma, owners of Van Duzer Vineyards (www.vanduzer.com), were among the first visionaries to select the Van Duzer Corridor to establish their family estate in 1998. The 80+ acre estate is planted in the direct path of cool marine winds that help moderate the temperatures over the vineyard.

I don’t typically buy wine based on labels, but the Van Duzer labels are beautiful and were designed by acclaimed illustrator, John Martinez, whose work can be seen in the collections of the Library of Congress and Museum of Modern Art.

About the Winemaker and Wines

Van Duzer’s winemaker is Florent Merlier whose career in wine began in Burgundy. His background helped him understand how to capitalize on the flavors in the thicker-skinned grapes that thrive in the Van Duzer Corridor and around the Willamette Valley.

Van Duzer Vineyards is LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology)-certified as well as Salmon Safe and IOBC.

2016 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rosé

I was really impressed by this rosé – true summer in a glass. Would be perfect as a summer sipper or paired with appetizers an outdoor party. For those into that sort of thing, this wine received an 86 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Looks: Medium salmon-colored in the glass

Smell: Big, ripe strawberry aromas with some floral notes just screaming for me to take a sip

Taste: Flavors of raspberries/strawberries/ with some juicy watermelon notes

Texture and Finish: Bone dry on the finish with great acidity

Pairings: Grilled fish or seafood

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, OR, USA

Price: $20

2016 Van Duzer Estate Pinot Gris

Worth getting a case of this lovely Pinot Gris for summer get-togethers. This wine received an 87 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Looks: Medium salmon-colored in the glass

Smell: Tropical fruit bouquet – peach, mango, pineapple

Taste: Flavors of juicy apple/pear with some peach and Meyon lemon notes

Texture and Finish: Creamy mouthfeel that with great acidity and minerality on the finish

Pairings: Oysters, sautéed scallops, white-flesh fish

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris

Region: Willamette Valley, OR, USA

Price: $18

Happy drinking,

Veronique

 

 

Filed Under: Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rose, Blush Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
25 April 2018 French Soul, Oregon Soil Experience – Domaine Drouhin

French Soul, Oregon Soil Experience – Domaine Drouhin

April 25, 2018 By

The kind folks at Domaine Drouhin hosted me for one of the best wine tasting experiences I’ve encountered during one of my recent trips west.

About Domaine Drouhin

The Drouhin family has had deep roots in winemaking having taken hold in Burgundy’s top vineyards over a century ago.

The Domaine Drouhin Oregon estate was founded in the late 1980s when fourth generation of Drouhins, namely Véronique Drouhin, came to Oregon’s Willamette Valley after receiving a masters diploma in enology. In 1987, Véronique was named the new Domaine Drouhin Oregon winemaker and the winery has been producing award-wining wines since.

About The French Soul, Oregon Soil: The Drouhin Experience Tour and Comparative Tasting

This was a very special tasting comparing the stellar Burgundy wines of Joseph Drouhin against the outstanding Domaine Drouhin Oregon wines.

Our group of five was guided by Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Madeleine Todd, through the four-story gravity flow winery. Madeleine focused on what makes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Oregon and Burgundy similar, yet so clearly different. Following the tour, our group sat at a communal table and was led through a comparative tasting of five wines paired with a selection of fine cheeses. 

The 60-75 minute tasting is $40 per person and is offered at 10:00am every day except Wednesday. Reservations are required for this fascinating experience.

About the Wines

124 acres of Domaine Drouhin Oregon’s 225 acres are under vine and are certified sustainable by L.I.V.E. The family’s distinct approach to winemaking, and long experience with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, have earned an international reputation for consistent excellence. Here are the wines we sampled:

2015 Drouhin Oregon Roserock Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills ($35) – light, crisp, fresh wine with aromas of flowers and juicy melon. Lovely round mouthfeel with citrus and peach flavors ending with a little nuttiness. Amazing minerality for perfect food friendliness.

2015 Chablis Mont de Milieu Premier Cru ($42) – big, rich, mouth-coating delicious wine. Bright yellow in the glass with floral and citrus aromas. Beautifully structured, elegant wine.

2015 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Chardonnay Arthur, Dundee Hills ($35) – soft peach aromas followed more peach on the palate and ending with great acidity on a long finish.

2015 Joseph Drouhin Aloxe Corton ($58) – lovely bright red in the glass with big fruit on the nose and spiced notes. Rich, deep fruit flavors with a long finish.

2015 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Dundee Hills ($45) – love that we see this wine on the east coast. Big, ripe berry and fruit aromas that continue on the palate. Big round mouthfeel with a medium tannins and a little pepper on the finish. Like the style of Pinot, a lot.

2015 Drouhin Oregon Roserock Pinot Noir Zepherine, Eola-Amity Hills ($60) – deep ruby in the glass, this Pinot was my favorite in the lineup. Fresh berry aromas with notes of chocolate and vanilla. Difficult to stop sniffing to take a taste, but, oh, so worth it. Big juicy, ripe berry/cherry flavors with mocha notes. Velvet mouthfeel and a long finish on this young wine that will only get better with a few years in the cellar.

2014 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurène, Dundee Hills ($70) – lovely red fruit and pumpkin pie spice aromas. On the palate, there is dark, ripe cherry with some red berry flavors. Pretty wine with light tannins and a long finish.

Domaine Drouhin Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Madeleine Todd, offered such great content and details about the Drouhin family history, the winery and the wines. She made my experience very memorable and I appreciated her knowledge and passion for Oregon wines and Drouhin in general.

Domaine Drouhin – www.domainedrouhin.com  6750 NE Breyman Orchards Rd, Dayton, OR 97114.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
11 April 2018 The Ultimate Sonoma Winery Experience – Three Sticks Wines

The Ultimate Sonoma Winery Experience – Three Sticks Wines

April 11, 2018 By

Dear friends recommended we visit Three Sticks Wines on our latest Sonoma visit and it was one of the best tasting experiences we’ve ever had.

About Three Sticks Wines

Three Sticks Living Room

Three Sticks Living Room

Three Sticks Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery whose philosophy is to produce wines of world class quality from exceptional vineyards in Sonoma County, including our estate properties Durell, Walala and Gap’s Crown Vineyards.

“Three Sticks” refers to the three Roman numerals that follow Founder Bill Price’s written name. He was known as “Billy Three Sticks” growing up surfing in Hawaii, where the young Price attended high school. Price, an attorney by trade, expanded his passion for wine when his former private equity firm bought Beringer in 1995. Other wine industry investments have been made in Chateau St Jean, Kistler Vineyards, Gary Farrell Winery, Lutum and Head High. Price also owns Durell Vineyard from which Three Sticks sources some of its grapes.

About The Adobe

The historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe is one of Sonoma’s few remaining buildings from California’s Mexican period and the longest occupied residence in town. The history of the property is as follows:

1842 – Constructed by Captain Salvador Vallejo, infamous brother of beloved General Mariano Vallejo.

1947 – Gregory and Harriet Jones purchased the property, which they called “La Casita”, and launched into a major restoration.

1997 – Mrs. Jones’ estate sold The Adobe to her dear friends Robert & Leslie Demler who meticulously cared for the building for the next 15 years.

2012 – Bill and Eva Price purchased The Adobe from the Demlers for Three Sticks in November 2012, 170 years after its original construction.

Three Sticks Parlor

Welcome Tasting

Bill and Eva Price bought Three Sticks Wines’s property to create a company headquarters with multiple functions. Famed San Francisco designer, Ken Fulk, was hired to design the three buildings (see the winery featured in Architectural Digest here) – the original adobe which houses the tasting lounge and kitchen; a newly-built cottage used as an office; and a new wine storehouse where a second tasting area is housed and where we enjoyed our tasting.

About the Gardens

Artwork in Garden

Artwork in Garden

We fell in love with the garden design created by Landscape Architect, Penney Magrane. The challenge was to reimagine the original Helen Van Pelt garden design to compliment Ken Fulk’s building design. The fire pit, sitting areas and outdoor dining area are reflections of the authentic restoration of the property. Several inviting spaces were created in the garden to allow several groups to share common spaces but in a private way. We went home with several design ideas for our own home.

 About the Wines

Veteran Director of Winemaking, Bob Cabral (former winemaker and general manager for Williams Selyem Winery) and Winemaker Ryan Prichard, make exceptional wines and it’s difficult to say which was my favorite, however, the Chardonnay sourced from Durell Vineyards is very special. Here are the wines we sampled:

2016 Casteñada White Blend ($45) – this is the third Rhone varietal in the trio of limited Casteñada label.  We were greeted with this wine upon arriving at the property and loved it so much we purchased a case to have at home for the summer. This wine is only available, in very small quantities, at the Adobe. This wine is a blend of 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 17% Marsanne and 13% Viognier – grapes I adore. Lovely floral and citrus notes on the nose are followed by great fruit flavors with amazing minerality (concrete egg fermented) and a crisp finish.

2016 Durell Vineyard Origin Chardonnay ($50) – The unoaked Origin Chardonnay from Durell Vineyard is fermented in concrete and offers light tropical fruit flavors. Rich-yet-light wine showing beautiful fruit without any masking from oak.

2015 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay ($55) – 100% Dijon clones which are perfectly suited to match the cool, foggy climate. This wine is bright with great minerality and a rich palate. This wine is aged 15 months in 100% French oak (40% new).

2016 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($65) – This vintage is a blend of William James Vineyard, Alana Vineyard and Earl Stephens Vineyard creating the perfect Russian River blend. Lovely fruity nose with typical cherry cola flavors and oaky notes on the medium finish.

2016 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, “The James” ($65) – Made with fruit from the famed Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada Vineyards in Santa Barbara county, The James (named after Bill Price III’s son) is so different from Three Sticks’ Sonoma Pinot Noir and fun to drink side by side. Big red berry aromas and spiced ripe red berries on the palate on this wine in its last vintage.

The wines are sold through an allocation list so sign up if you’d like a chance at tasting these wonderful wines.

Tastings are available by appointment and range about 60 minutes for tastings and 90-120 minutes for a private luncheon. A current release tasting is $40 and $80 for the addition of library wines to the current release tasting. There are two food and wine experiences, the $85 Food & Wine Pairing – five wines paired with food from The Girl and the Fig and the $200 Private Luncheon – three-course meal with wine pairings, prepared by El Dorado Kitchen.

Three Sticks features some of the best wines in Sonoma and a visit to its historic tasting room right off the town square is a must when in wine country.

Three Sticks Wines – www.threestickswines.com 143 West Spain Street, Sonoma, CA.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Roussanne, United States, Viognier, Winery Visits Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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