Wine Road Podcast -- Capo Creek

 

Pinot Noir --Varietal of the Month

Pinot Noir can be finicky and difficult to grow, but when the conditions are right it creates one of the world’s most popular wines. Here in Sonoma County, in the Russian River Valley and along the Sonoma Coast, we have some of world’s best vineyards and growing conditions for producing classic Pinot Noir of elegance and complexity.

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

Balletto 2017 Pinot Noir Estate Grown RRV  
Oh yes, it has the unmistakable scent of Russian River Valley—loamy and earthy with complex notes of cigar box, dusty rose, black cherry, licorice and a whiff of bacon. Medium bodied with taut yet well-integrated tannins, the 2017 Balletto Pinot Noir Estate Grown RRV, is full of bright acidity with flavors of black cherry, cranberry, all spice and white pepper. A classic Pinot from a classic region.

D & L Carinalli Vineyards 2018 Estate Pinot Noir RRV
Light and floral this 2018 D & L Carinalli Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley opens with a distinct notes of sage and chamomile. The bright juicy red fruit flavors of raspberry and black cherry are tempered by a grounding undertone of vanilla and cedar that deliver great texture and knit into a bright yet silky finish. Elegant and structured it’s well suited for aging or enjoy now with friends from a distance or over Zoom.      

Furthermore 2015 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
Pale garnet in color, the Furthermore 2015 Pinot Noir La Encantda Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills opens with notes of baking spice, a hint of thyme and a floral scent of crushed rose petals. This Pinot hails from the central coast and is full of juicy black fruits, cherry and a touch of fig preserves with a long and lingering finish that floats softly on the palate. Good structure and balance make this age-worthy if you have the self-control not to drink it immediately.

Papapietro Perry 2016 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
This Papapietro 2016 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n roll— and by that I mean it hits all the right notes to create a symphony of flavor. On the nose it displays classic notes of dark berry fruit, brambles and allspice. The rich flavors offer a back beat of juicy tart pomegranate, black cherry and licorice with great balance and racy acidity. Each sip takes you deeper into a concentrated melody of pure Pinot pleasure.

Sonoma-Cutrer 2016 Pinot Noir Vine Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley 
Bold and spicy this 2016 Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir is grown in the famed loamy Goldridge soils of the Russian River Valley. Dark garnet in color it presents a rich and multifaceted flavor profile full of ripe raspberry, dark plum, and blackberry with a lift of earthy sage and notes of cinnamon and black pepper. Texture abounds with round firm tannins and juicy acidity that carries through the lengthy finish.

Woodenhead 2015 Pinot Noir RRV
This brilliant ruby red Woodenhead 2015 Pinot Noir RRV has a pretty nose of dusty lavender and sagebrush. The palate presents a dichotomy of flavors—from ripe sweet blueberry and raspberry jam notes to tart bright cherry, strawberry and rose hips. Then, just when you think you’ve got it pegged, it opens up with surprising savory notes of leather, juniper and clove. It’s a complex kid that strikes a balance of soft tannin and zesty acidity as it continually evolves in the glass. A boost of French oak gives it a round and toasty warm finish.

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

Wine Road Podcast --Mercury WInes with Brad Beard

 

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.