Wine Road Podcast --Longboard Vineyards

 

Wine Road Podcast -- Dry Creek Vineyard

 

Zinfandel -- Varietal of the Month

It’s getting hot in here! So let’s open up all the Zin’s! Although Zinfandel originated in Croatia where it’s known as Tribidrag—the grape is embraced as All-American and has been grown and cultivated in California since the 1800’s. This medium-bodied dry red wine has a range of flavors that include raspberry, blueberry, red and black cherry, plum, tobacco, brambles, hickory and spice. Medium tannins make it a versatile food pairing wine, with flavors ranging from juicy and jammy to lean and elegant depending on climate.

Here are capsule reviews of Zinfandel wines you may find along the Wine Road.

ACORN 2016 Zinfandel Heritage Vines Alegría Vineyards, Russian River Valley  

ACORN has a long tradition making field bends, which consist of multiple varieties planted and harvested together. This lovely 2016 Heritage Vines Zinfandel from the Alegría Vineyards is 78% Zinfandel, 11% Alicante Bouschet, 9% Petite Sirah—and the remaining 2% is comprised of a mind-boggling array of Carignane, Trousseau, Sangiovese, Petit Bouschet, Negrette Plavac Mali, Syrah, Tannat, Muscat Noir, Peloursin, Cinsaut, Béclan, and Grenache. Wow! But can those minute percentages that comprise the remaining 2% really matter? I think so. The proof shows up on the palate in a graceful interplay of juicy raspberry, blackberry and spice, with soft diffuse tannins. Each sip delivers a new facet to savor with a light touch of white pepper and sassafras that deepens throughout the long, satisfying finish.

BACA Wines 2017 Zinfandel Tug O’ War, Maffei Vineyard, Russian River Valley
Baca is Latin for berry and there’s a whole lot of berry going on in this delicious Baca Wines 2017 Tug O’ War, Zinfandel. On the nose, an alluring bouquet of blackberry pie, crushed violets and sandalwood. Cool nights in the vineyard give this Zin a tremendous zip of acidity, with rich dark fruit flavors and savory notes of tobacco and cocoa. Structured and elegant, it’s a harmonic convergence of fruit, acid and tannin. A versatile food wine – it can pair with backyard BBQ ribs or rise to the occasion to complement an elegant Crown Rib Roast.

Christopher Creek 2016 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
Bold and balanced the 2016 Christopher Creek Zinfandel is a classic California example of the beloved grape. On the nose, a pretty bouquet of spicy carnation and blackberry jam with a touch of smokiness. On the palate bright juicy plum, raspberry jam, chocolate covered blueberries and white pepper. The close-knit tannins spread evenly over the palate with a hint of sweet tobacco on the finish. Pair with a spicy chicken curry or garlic shrimp scampi.

Harvest Moon Zinfandel 2016 Pitts Home Ranch Estate Zinfandel Russian River Valley
There’s something bewitching about the 2016 Harvest Moon, Pitts Home Ranch Estate Zinfandel. From the heady bouquet of wild berries, sweet briar and cigar leaf, to the deep flavors of Santa Rosa plum, black cherry and blackberry—it’s a primal scream of deliciousness grounded in rich fruit flavor. A trace of Rooibos weaves throughout the light tannins giving it lift and body. Sip on its own by the light of the moon, or pair with spicy scallion pancakes and chili soy sauce.

J.Rickards Winery 2017 Zinfandel, La Cosecha Three Valley Blend 
La Cosecha means “the Harvest” and the 2017 La Cosecha Three Valley blend from J.Rickards showcases the Zinfandel terrior from Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley and imparts each valley’s unique characteristics to the wine. From brambly and spicy to lush and jammy, this Zin is a textbook example of balance. The bright fruit flavors are tempered with light spicy notes and the lean soft tannins offer a plush mouth feel that lingers long after each sip. Pair with a spicy curry dish or steak fajitas with diced jalapeños.

Martinelli  2017 Zinfandel, Giuseppe & Luisa Russian River Valley
The gorgeous label on the Martinelli, 2017, Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel contains a clue to the rich flavors inside the bottle. The deep sunset depicted on the label echo the fruit flavors of white peach, strawberry and bing cherry. The fruit hails from vineyards owned by Giuseppe & Luisa Martinelli, that originated in the 1800’s. The balance of fruit, acid and tannin give the Martinelli Zinfandel a classic structure and mouth feel characteristic of fruit from heritage vines. It’s the terroir beneath the wings of this Zinfandel that lift it up with punch and panache. Sip and savor with a charcuterie board of spicy salami.

Truett-Hurst 2016 Estate Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Complex and well structured, the Truett-Hurst 2016 estate Zinfandel is full of finesse and flavor. Aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, the soft perfume of plump Santa Rosa plums and salty licorice are an olfactory delight. Full fruity flavors of raspberry, blackberry and blueberry jam dominate the palate with light spicy notes of white pepper and toasty vanilla. Hearty yet diffuse tannins carry this wine to the finish line. Pair with a classic pepperoni pizza for a casual meal elevated by a classic wine.

This post was first published on Along the Wine Road here.

Rosé Along the Wine Road

Strawberries cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things

Those are the opening lines to Nancy Sinatra’s song, Summer Wine written by Lee Hazlewood. And how apt the lyrics are in capturing the essence of Rosé. Fresh, bright, fruity and floral it’s the raison d’être for the #RoséAllDay movement. No longer a simple by-product of red wine making, today Rosé is made intentionally with fruit that is often sourced from vineyards dedicated solely to the varietal.

Here are capsule reviews of Rosé wines you may find along the Wine Road.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Rosé of Sangiovese, Sonoma County
A virtual love note to the category of Rosé, the 2019 Alexander Valley Rosé is a classic example of everything we love about drinking pink. Made from Sangiovese grapes grown exclusively for the purpose of making Rosé, it’s an homage to the farm fresh fruits of summer; full of bright strawberry, juicy watermelon and spicy spearmint with a light blush pink color. Satisfying and quenching, it’s full of acidity and minerality with a wonderful parchment dry finish. Pair with spicy tuna rolls or poke bowl.

Balletto 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Estate bottled, Sonoma County
Bright, balanced and beautiful the Balletto 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir delivers a nosegay of floral notes with orange blossom, spicy carnation, and crushed violets and a fascinating vanilla scent of heliotrope. Full zing and zest with ripe peach and bing cherry floating upon tropical flavors of pineapple, guava, and key lime. Positively dreamy, it floats along on delicate clouds of soft tannin. Pair with roast chicken with spicy jambalaya rice.

Ektimo, 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley , Sonoma
The lovely round and balanced Ektimo, 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of orange blossoms, ginger and rose petals. Pale golden rose in color, it leans towards citrus notes over red fruits, a characteristic usually found in Provençal style Rosé. On the palate you will find tropical notes of guava, kiwi and mango and a strawberry–lemonade through line that ends with a delicate but bright, dry finish. Crisp and versatile it allows for a variety of pairing options. Spicy duck tacos would be a worthy pairing.

Ferrari-Carano 2019, Dry Sangiovese Rosé, Sonoma County
Elegant and crowd-pleasing, Ferrari-Carano’s 2019, Dry Sangiovese Rosé is chock full of aromas of summer red fruits—strawberry, cherry, white peach and a floral note of hibiscus. The flavor profile is zippy and bracing with citrus notes of orange peel and lemongrass. Dry as parchment, with a long lingering finish, this wine will have you marveling at the complexity of flavor and simple pleasures of a well-made Rosé. Pair with crab cakes or your favorite goat cheese along with a salty prosciutto.

J. Rickards Winery 2019 Ava Rae Rosé of Grenache, Alexander Valley 
Salmon pink with flecks of gold, the Ava Rae Rosé of Grenache checks all the boxes for a standout example of the varietal. Crisp and zesty, it zips across the palate with tart tropical citrus notes, and a rich undertone of ripe watermelon and a distinct note of strawberry that reminds me of the Bonnie Bell Strawberry Lip Smacker that I adored in junior high school. Despite the old school sense memory, this Rosé is a thoroughly modern and sophisticated sip that is as soft and lovely as a first kiss. Pair with pork or chicken sliders.

Pedroncelli Rosé of Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
Looking for a Rosé with a pedigree? Then cast your gaze upon Pedroncelli 2019 Rosé of Zinfandel. Pedroncelli has been making Rosé for over 60 years, and they have the style dialed in with this soft pink hued example that’s teeming with rich flavor and great body. The nose is like rose petal cotton candy with a strawberry-cherry vibe. The flavors are bright and juicy with notes of blood orange and sweet Bing cherry grounded with spicy notes of galangal and bergamot. Sharp and clean it’s the ultimate refresher on a hot summer day. Pair with a spicy gumbo or grilled shrimp in garlic sauce.

Zialena 2019 Rosé of Sangiovese, Sonoma County
This pale beauty made from Sangiovese is rose gold in color and opens with a rush of fresh fruit featuring white peach, Rainier cherry, the alluring scent of spicy carnation and an herbal note of thyme. Long and lively on the palate, the flavors are bright and brimming with wild strawberry, pomegranate, and Santa Rosa plum. The lingering, satisfying finish keeps the party going. Pair with Thai curry, charcuterie board, or BLT with spicy mayonnaise.

This post was first published on Along the Wine Road here.

Sangiovese --Varietal of the Month

Summer is the season of the grill and a great red wine for pairing with things from the BBQ is Sangiovese. Originating in Italy, Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin  —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”.

This medium-bodied dry red wine has a range of flavors that include red cherry, black plum, sun-dried tomato, cigar box, black tea, smoke, anise, and thyme. Great acidity and a nice level of spiciness typify it. Medium to high tannin make it a versatile wine, suitable for pairing with hard cheeses and rich savory types of meals such as roasted meats, pork chops and of course pizza.

Here are capsule reviews of Sangiovese wines you may find along the Wine Road.

ACORN 2016 Sangiovese Alegría Vineyards, Russian River Valley  
ACORN is known for its field blend wines, and the 2016 Sangiovese, Alegría Vineyards, is comprised of 98% Sangiovese, with 1% Canaiolo Nero, and 1% Mammalo Toscano. Fresh and vibrant with scents of spicy carnation and dusty rose petals. The palate is rich with red fruit flavors, specifically raspberry with a trace of dried strawberry, notes of mocha and baking spice, and a touch of cherry cola. Well structured and fully engaging, it has a medium body with sandy tannins and food-friendly acidity, an earmark of classic Chianti. It’s a sensory pleasure to enjoy with sausage pizza or perhaps a hearty smoked mushroom risotto.  

Lago di Merlo 2013 Sangiovese Dry Creek Valley
Balanced and bright the Lago di Merlo 2013 Sangiovese has a grainy yet soft tannin structure with juicy Bing cherry flavors along with dusty plum, mocha-coco, and an earthy porcini finish. The fruit flavors start out a bit muted then build quickly and open to their full potential. High acidity level allows for a variety of pairing options from roasted meats and saucy chicken dishes to aged hard cheese and charcuterie platters.

Peterson 2015 Sangiovese Dry Creek Valley 
The Peterson 2015 Sangiovese reminds me of my Italian grandparents table. Chianti was a mainstay of the Sunday meals where, as a child, I was given a taste of wine cut with water in a juice glass. The memory of those wines came back when I tasted this earthy and wily, classic style Sangiovese. It’s a complex equation of light dusty tannin and bouncy acidity. It’s wild at heart yet balanced in structure with flavors of marjoram, tomato leaf, deep dark fruits of plum and black cherry. A bit of tobacco leaf and leather on the finish meld beautifully with the fruit flavors. A rustic dish of peppers and sausage in tomato sauce or rosemary garlic roast chicken would make a fine complement.

Peterson 2015 Sangiovese, Il Granaio, Dry Creek Valley  
Mama Mia! This is one super duper “Super Tuscan”, blended with 75% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It’s a virtual trip to the Tuscan countryside via the classic light sandy tannin structure, juicy flavors and lively acidity. Rustic, yet elegant with plush dusty fruit flavors of mulberry, blackberry, and dark cherry, and tertiary notes of tobacco, fig and coffee. Pair with hearty lasagna or eggplant parmigiana.

Zouzounis 2017 Sangiovese, Giannecchini Vineyards, Mendocino County 
Fruity and bright the Zouzounis 2017 Sangiovese has layers of red fruit flavor and a lean medium body. High spirited, with frisky tannins that are taught and spiky, a bit of time in the glass gives this wine a chance to relax and unfold revealing dark red currant, cranberry flavors with a touch of tomato leaf. The juicy acidity guides the secondary flavors of black cherry and cola through to a lush round finish.  Tomato and molasses-based BBQ sauces or tomato-based pasta dishes make for a fine pairing.

This post was first published on Along the Wine Road here.

Podcast Epsoide 104 -- Exploring Sebastopol

Grenache --Varietal of the Month

 Grenache or Granacha as it’s known in Spain, is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown. Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to fame is its use as one of the fundamental grapes in the highly regarded French Rhone blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Below are capsule reviews of Grenache wines you may find along the Wine Road.

Amista 2016 Grenache, Dry Creek Valley, Morningsong Vineyard  
Exhibiting plum, leather, and licorice with dried strawberry on the nose, the Amista 2016 Grenache has a touch of ripe raspberry and fig on the palate with smooth lingering tannins. This Grenache shows tremendous balance with smooth medium tannins and a nice weight on the finish. I paired the Amista with an old school recipe for Chicken Marbella and it was marvelous complement to the dish, both savory and rich. An old school recipe with a new world wine made for a perfect pairing.

J. Rickards Winery 2018 Grenache, One Lone Row, Alexander Valley  
Rich and juicy the J.Rickards 2018 Grenache is full of black cherry, lavender, jam and allspice on the nose. It delivers a mouth-watering burst of cherry and blueberry, piecrust, and strawberry crumble on the palate with a sweet note of spun sugar on the finish. A delight on its own but I absolutely loved it with Eggplant Parmesan.

Meeker 2016 Grenache Hoskins Ranch, Dry Creek Valley  
Oh boy! This Meeker 2016 Grenache just could not stay in the glass very long! Each sip brought something new starting with bright strawberry and red grapefruit notes then deepening to flavors of blueberry pie, plum and licorice with mid-weight tannin structure. What to pair? I recommend strip steak fajitas with caramelized onions and peppers—it’s just the ticket to make this Grenache shine.

Mounts 2017 Grenache, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
Simply gorgeous—the Mounts 2017 Grenache connects all the dots from tannin to acidity to balance and flavor. It’s a fully integrated and thoroughly delicious example of the grape with tart strawberry and rose on the nose and rich mouthful of pomegranate, ripe cheery and blueberry on the palate with pleasant long lasting tannins. I paired this with a tater tot casserole, which is essentially an old school Shepherd’s Pie, but with tater tots in lieu of mashed potatoes and it elevated the dish from simple and down home to upscale and stunning.

Quivira 2017 Grenache, Wine Creek Ranch, Dry Creek Valley
The Quivira 2017 Grenache is an enigma of tannin and acidity that will captivate you from the first sip. A rush of ripe red fruit with tart strawberry, grapefruit and orange peel aromatics on the nose. The tannins tap dance across the palate with flavors of pomegranate, maraschino cherry, all–spice and white pepper propelled forward by a rush of tart and energetic acidity. Something grounding and savory such as Figs wrapped in Prosciutto would pair quite well with this juicy Grenache.

This was first published on Along the Wine Road here.