Episode 155 | Cloverdale & Geyserville Itinerary 2022 UPDATE
Beth gives us an update with Itinerary suggestions for Cloverdale & Geyserville. Our Fast Five is Grilled Goat Cheese Toastette from Christine Lilieanthal from Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission. Wine of the Day- Kelley & Young Rose.
Chardonnay is planted widely around the world. It’s sometimes called the chameleon grape given its propensity to display characteristics that reflect the particular climate and region where it’s grown. It can be coy or bold in personality and run the gamut stylistically from rich and creamy to lean and lithe. Hone your palate by tasting a variety of styles and experiment with food parings too to discover the many aspects of Chardonnay.
Here are capsule reviews of some Chardonnay’s you may find along the Wine Road.
Baldassari 2019 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
The 2019 Baldassari Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast opens with an array of aromas from bright to savory with notes of citrus, apple, melon, butterscotch and hazelnut. It’s juicy and creamy on the palate with delicate buttery top note and a tropical fruit through line of intense flavor that carries it to a satisfying finish. This classic wine aches for a simple yet classic snack—pop up a big bowl of popcorn and season with truffle salt.
ABV 14.2%
$
Cast 2021 Chardonnay, Ghianda Rose Vineyard, Mendocino
The 2021 Cast Ghianda Rose Vineyard, Chardonnay from Mendocino offers a frisson of flavor with a distinct zing that makes me think of Chenin. The lovely light nose is full of cucumber, lemon zest, and melon. On the palate it’s juicy with ripe peach, crisp apple, pineapple, white nectarine and a savory note of hazelnut. Balanced and bright, it has a long creamy finish with a pop of red grapefruit and lemon zest that persists to the end. Try this with spicy beef or chicken empanadas.
ABV 13.5 %
$38
Dutton Estate 2020 Chardonnay Warrens Collection, RRV
An earthly delight, the 2020 Dutton Estate Warrens Collection Chardonnay from Russian River Valley is complex and delicious. On the nose, aromas of melon, mango, yellow apple and a grounding note of coriander. The palate is creamy and pert with luscious caramelized pineapple, lemon zest, white peach, and a trace of salty almond. A long seamless finish deepens with each sip. Pair with a classic roast chicken and extra cheesy potatoes au gratin.
ABV 14.1%
$56
Inhale deeply from the Ektimo 2018 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley for a rush of scents from lemon curd, grapefruit, and apricot to an exciting floral bouquet comprised of citrus and apple blossoms. On the palate a pleasing blend of apple white nectarine, almond brittle and a creamy finish with notes of pear and honeydew melon. Great overall balance and lift of flavor. Pair with something elegant, rich and savory, like poached salmon with hollandaise.
ABV 13.0%
$28
The Meeker Vineyard 2021 Gamboge Chardonnay, North Coast
The Meeker Vineyard 2021 Gamboge Chardonnay from the North Coast, is best described as full of moxie and style. The wine presents with an energetic mix of flavors and aromas that is nothing short of thrilling. On the nose, persimmon, chalk, buttery croissant, honey almond and gooseberry. The palate is rich with notes of peach, nectarine and almond butter which gives the mid palate a pleasing weight and presence. The long tangy finish has an endnote of cedar and crushed rocks. It sounds like a there’s a lot going from this tasting note, but it’s truly a harmonic convergence of flavor and nuance. Pair chicken enchiladas.
ABV 12.9%
$29
Pedroncelli 2021 Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley
The Pedroncelli Signature Selection, 2021 Chardonnay, from Dry Creek Valley is light and balanced and thoroughly enjoyable. On the nose, tropical notes of banana, coconut, cream, and peaches with a touch of sweet pineapple. The juicy palate has both bright and plush aspects– creamsicle like, with notes of peach, ginger, chalk and a note that hovers at mid-palate which is reminiscent of coconut cream pie. The finish is crisp, clean, tangy and ultimately quenching. Pair with charcuterie board of meats and cheeses along with good crusty bread, and invite some good friends over to enjoy it all.
ABV 14.0%
$20
Sonoma Jones 2019 Chardonnay RRV
This 2019 Sonoma Jones Chardonnay from Russian River Valley is a second label entry from Viszlay Vineyards that pays homage to the Jones side of the family. It has pleasing rich aromas of creamy peach, Asian pear and toasty brioche. On the palate it’s lifted and bright with notes of grapefruit and lemon curd and crème brulee. As it opens and warms in the glass, it reveals a distinct note of caramelized peanuts that reminded me of an exotic old school treat called French Burnt Peanuts, crunchy red clusters of buttery delight! Balanced and easy drinking, pair with a spicy chicken jambalaya.
ABV 14.4%
$38
Woodenhead 2019 Chardonnay Piper Ranch Manchester Ridge, Mendocino Ridge AVA
This 2019 Woodenhead Chardonnay from Piper Ranch, Manchester Ridge in Mendocino is best described as Rubenesque —plump, carnal, fleshy and full of light.
A gorgeous scent fills the glass with notes of ambrosia that includes coconut, melon, banana, mandarin and a whiff of butterscotch. On the palate, full lush flavors of lemon curd, white peach, guava, vanilla, and caramel flan. Deeply delicious it’s a captivating foray into what a site specific Chardonnay can deliver. Pair with Psychic Pie inspired mushroom, goat cheese, lemon pizza.
ABV 13.6%
$46
Episode 154 | Sebastopol Itinerary 2022 UPDATE: What's New and Coming Soon
Marcy fills us in on what’s new and coming soon to Sebastopol.
Fast Five Recipe: Grilled Caprese Crostini from
Karissa Kruse with Sonoma County Winegrowers
Episode 152 | John Viszlay of Viszlay Vineyards.
John Viszlay joins us to talk about what’s going on at the vineyard and introduce us to his new second label –Sonoma Jones. We also hear from Jessie Poshepny Vallery’s with her Fast Five recipe for Strawberry Gazpacho.
Wine of the Day: 2019 Sonoma Jones Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Book of the Day: Press for Champagne Guide: A Guide to Enjoying The World’s Greatest Sparking Wine by Christopher S. Ruhland.
Fast Five: Strawberry Gazpacho from Jessie Poshepny Vallery at Trione Vineyards
Episode 152 | Jess Poshepny Vallery Director of DTC, Hospitality & Marketing Communications at Trione Vineyards and Winery. We sip on some amazing Sauvignon Blanc and learn the history of the Trione Family and how Jess got into the wine business. Plus what’s new at Trione and what tasting experiences await you.
Wine of the Day: Trione 2021 Reserve Sauvignon
Blanc, Russian River Valley
Item of the Day: Sonoma Magazine
Fast Five: Pulled Pork Sandwich from Kathy
Harshbarger at Jeff Cohn Cellars
Probably the most famous of all the varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon is King of the grape world. It grows in practically every wine region and is noted for it’s concentrated flavors and ability to age gracefully for decades. Its hearty body and tight-knit finely grained tannins make it pair worthy with a variety of foods. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon from cooler sites, deliver wines of balance and harmony with great texture and characterized by rich black fruit flavors and minty herbal notes with long lasting tannins.
Here are capsule reviews of Cabernet Sauvignon you may find along the Wine Road.
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
This 2018 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and made with certified organic grapes. In the glass it presents a minty and floral scent that deepens with notes of licorice, rhubarb, leather, eucalyptus and clove. On the palate it’s full black cherry, blackberry, olive, leather, mocha and cassis with a long minty finish. It’s bright, beautiful and balanced, with juicy flavors and classic fine grained tannins. Pair with Beef Empanadas.
ABV 14.0%
$34
Colagrossi 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Soft, savory, and smooth with a bright finish, the 2018 Colagrossi Cabernet Sauvignon is a delight. On the nose you’ll find blackberry, vanilla, and graphite. On the palate, juicy black fruits and notes of tobacco, along with rhubarb and plum that culminate in a long spicy finish. Pair with Wild Porcini Mushroom Risotto.
ABV 14.7%
$55
Ehret 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bavarian Lion Vineyards, Knights Valley
The 2017 Ehret Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley opens with a bright and bewitching nose with notes of blueberry, eucalyptus, fig, and black cherry. On the palate deep flavors of licorice black olive, and cassis merge with a soft smoky cedar note. Lovely balance of acid and tannin, with a long lingering spicy finish. Pair with Jason Robinson’s Tri-Tip. You can find the recipe on episode 149 of the Wine Road podcast.
ABV 15.0%
$75
Jordan 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
The Jordan 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is pure splendor in the glass. It smells so good, bright and aromatic with notes of black cherry, mocha, dusty cedar, mint, baking spice, and graphite. Lovely and lyrical it has classic structure and flavors of cassis, ripe black cherry and smooth silky tannins with hint of cedar and eucalyptus that slowly fades. Pair with pork loin and potatoes au gratin. Great age ability over the next decade or more.
ABV 13.8%
$85
Longboard 2019 Rino Chaser, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
The Longboard, 2019 Rino Chaser, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley is a delicious expression of texture and flavor. It’s chock-a-block with scents of boysenberry, cranberry, and mocha. On the palate lush flavors of cassis, mocha, sweet blackberry and mint with a savory note of warm vanilla. The fine-grained tannins are taut, long lasting and bright on the finish. Great overall balance and structure makes this a fine candidate for aging. Pair with Duck confit.
ABV 14.5%
$50
Carol Shelton 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Reserve, Rockpile Vineyard
Gorgeous, juicy and full-bodied the Carole Shelton 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Reserve, will captivate you from the very first sip. On the nose, notes of cedar, cherry, fig, graphite, and tobacco. On the palate a wonderful rush of cassis, blackberry, black cherry and deep mocha, glide upon rails of long lingering tannins that slowly fade to a satisfying finish. Pair with Classic Cheese burger, rare! Or if you are local, pair with the Ruben sandwich from Troubadour sandwich shop in Healdsburg.
ABV 14.8%
$50
West 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ridge Block, Dry Creek Valley
Smooth and harmonious the West 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley offers a spicy bouquet on the nose with notes of mint, green bell pepper, eucalyptus, rhubarb, and baking spice. On the palate a silky mouth feel with flavors of juicy black cherry and blackberry along with clove, black olive, leather, mocha, and a tantalizing hint of tomato leaf. Finely textured tannins deliver a bright licorice and minty finish to this elegant and engaging wine. Pair with a lamb chops and chutney.
ABV 13.5%
$55
Robert Young 2018 Scion, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Bold and full bodied, the 2018 Robert Young Scion, Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine example of Sonoma meets Bordeaux in style. Classic notes of leather, mint, black cherry, mocha and cassis are on the nose. On the plate, plush flavors of fig, mocha, and black fruits, with clove and graphite. It opens softly and builds gradually with great structure and taut spicy tannins. Pair with filet mignon. Lovely to drink now or cellar for future enjoyment.
ABV 14.7%
$72
Talia Hart, CEO Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce fills us in on
everything that’s new, upcoming and happening in Healdsburg.
Wine of the Day: 2016 Selby Sangiovese
Book of the Day: Steven Spurrier: A Life in
Wine
Fast Five: Pepperoni Bread from Bobby Terrano from
F. Teldeschi Winery in Dry Creek
