Come for the Wine

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Varietal of the Month: Merlot

Merlot practically needs no introduction; it’s one of the Nobel grapes, and one of the most planted grapes in the world. Perhaps you heard of Merlot in a movie that made the grape fall out of fashion? But that was decades ago and Merlot is back front and center and in the swing of things again. Although in truth Merlot never left the scene, it’s just been waiting for it’s moment to shine again and that moment is now.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot is rich, smooth and full flavored. On the nose it has notes of plum, black cherry, vanilla, fig newton, and a touch of graphite. On the palate it sings with juicy cherry, chocolate, cedar and a light note of sage. Soft and plush, with great texture, it has fine balanced tannins that stipple across the palate and through to the finish. Pair with a Sideways watch party.

AVB 14.0%
$24

Amphora 2019 Merlot, Dry Creek Valley

The Amphora 2019 Merlot from Dry Creek Valley is garnet in color with a pale rose edge. On the nose an earthy quality comes through with notes of violets, blueberry, cedar and leather. As it opens red raspberry and fig come into play. On the palate it’s deep and full flavored with plum, cassis, and chocolate. Smooth with well integrated tannins that linger on the spicy finish. Pair with spicy chicken-cheese enchiladas .

ABV 13.6%
$55

Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot from Alexander Valley, composed of 82.4% Merlot, 15.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1.5% Cab Franc; has an approachable complexity that makes it an easy choice for sharing among friends and family with diverse palates. On the nose, scents of chocolate, raspberry, vanilla, blueberry, dusty violets and a pleasant whiff of s’mores roasting over a campfire. On the palate it’s rich and plush with fine sandy tannins and flavors of chocolate covered raspberry, rhubarb, and note of black olive. Pair with a poetic and romantic musical such as One From the Heart by Francis Ford Coppola. ;-)

ABV 15.0%
$30

Ehert 2019 Merlot, Knights Valley

Imagine a circus of the senses and that’s what you’ll find in a glass of the Ehret 2019 Merlot, composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s exciting and vibrant on the nose with scents of bright red cherry, raspberry, vanilla and spun sugar aka cotton candy. On the palate it’s a smooth operator with notes of caramel, plum, huckleberry, cocoa and a note of bay leaf and black olive. Great texture with soft balanced tannins and a spicy finish make this a natural to pair with a variety of dishes from hearty lasagna to grilled salmon.

ABV 15.5%
$65

Ektimo 2020 Merlot, Russian River Valley

The Ektimo 2020 Merlot from Russian River Valley is like a poem written by the vineyard with earthy prose and poise you can taste. On the nose it has a gentle herbal note of bay leaf along with scents of dried strawberry, black cherry, and toffee. On the palate, it’s soft and plush with flavors of chocolate cherry, blackberry, tobacco and toasty vanilla. Long finish with supple tannins and a spicy tangy finish. Pair with a rib eye steak and chimichurri sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$36

Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley

The Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley is a field blend of Merlot and small amount of Malbec (11%) that is co-fermented. It smells like a warm chocolate éclair (so delicious) with rich scents of plum, caramel and red raspberry too. On the palate it’s plush and curvaceous with deep flavors of chocolate, thyme, and cafe au lait. Fine sandy tannins and great overall structure give it staying power to the last drop. It would be fun to buy a half dozen bottles now and open at two-year intervals to see where it will go. It’s sure to be a special destination. Pair with lamb kabobs and pomegranate sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$48

Robert Young 2019 Merlot, Alexander Valley

This meticulously made Robert Young 2019 Merlot from Alexander Valley is a pleasure from beginning to end. On the nose, a heady array of scents rises up from the glass with aromas of blackberry pie, raspberry, black olive, tobacco and chocolate. On the palate it’s luxurious and rich with soft tannins that ripple with flavors of cherry, Santa Rosa plum, dark cocoa, and dried strawberry. Pair with a simple charcuterie board or chili cheeseburgers.

ABV 14.1%
$60

Wine Road Podcast: Lucas Meeker, Co-Owner and Winemaker at The Meeker Vineyard

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Wine Road Podcast: Tom Birdsall, Winemaker and Artisan Cheese Festival Representative

Friday, February 16, 2024

Wines of the Month: Winter Whites - Riesling and Gewurztraminer

This month we offer reviews of two cool climate varietals—Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Winter is a great time to try these aromatic white wines and add a bit of tropical sparkle to your day with the crisp fresh flavors of these delicious food friendly wines. Check out the Winter Whites below that you may find along the Wine Road.

CAST Riesling 2022 Sonoma Coast

The CAST 2022 Riesling from Sonoma Coast has a light white floral nose of honeysuckle and jasmine. On the palate it leads with bright citrus notes of Meyer lemon and pink grapefruit. Secondary notes of apricot and ginger meld with a zesty hit of orange peel that boosts the acidity. The finish is long with soft notes of chalk, beeswax and limestone. Bright and focused it’s the first Riesling vintage from CAST and one to be savored. Enjoy with spicy Shrimp Pad Thai.

ABV 11.8%
$45

Dutcher Crossing 2021 Riesling Wine Makers Circle Russian River Valley

As I tasted the Dutcher Crossing 2021 Riesling from Russian River Valley, I was struck by its magical qualities. Well, not really magical, more like irresistible. So charming and enchanting a Riesling, I fell under its spell. On the nose, aromas of honeysuckle, beeswax and jasmine, with a slight hint of petrol, a characteristic note in Riesling. On the palate, flavors both tart and sweet—a crisp tropical explosion of juicy pineapple, guava, mango, green apple and candied ginger. The long finish is tart with a wonderful creamy coconut note. Pair this magical elixir with slow-roasted pork smothered in a spicy chili crisp-apricot-pomegranate glaze.

ABV 12.5%
$40

Furthermore Wines 2021 Riesling Sonoma Coast

The Furthermore Wines 2021 Riesling has all the earmarks of a classic. On the nose it’s aromatic and refined with scents both floral and honeyed including notes of beeswax, jasmine, orange blossom, and a touch of wet slate and petrol. On the palate it’s zesty and zippy with lime and juicy grapefruit at the forefront along with notes of pineapple, ginger and beeswax. Tart acidity and minerality on the finish makes it great for pairing with a spicy dish such as Thai red curry.

ABV 12.6%
$35

Williamson Wines 2021 Frisky Riesling, Lake County

The Williamson Wines 2021 Riesling from Lake County has the moniker “Frisky” for a reason. It’s quite the character exuding a bright juicy personality brimming over with flavor and brilliant acidity. On the nose, fresh citrusy aromatics with initial notes of honeysuckle, pineapple, lilac and ginger. It’s steely and precise with tart and juicy flavors of ripe peach, crisp green apple, pear, lemongrass and a grounding mineral note of limestone. A splendid balance of texture and flavor this is a Riesling that needs no pairing to enjoy, but will certainly shine with Spicy Crab sushi rolls.

ABV 13.5%
$39

Harvest Moon 2021 Sparkling Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley

The Harvest Moon 2021 Sparkling Gewurztraminer from Russian River Valley is a focused confluence of flavor and body. First of all how often do you find a Sparkling Gewurztraminer? Not that often and when it’s made like this one, best grab a bottle or two. On the nose warm scents of brioche, marzipan, rose petals and spicy ginger. On the palate, it walks a tightrope between creamy and steely body weight with delicious flavors of lychee, grapefruit, quince and orange peel. You’ll find a fine bubble stream and great balance in this lean but luscious sparkler. I had one glass, and before I could have another my husband had finished the bottle. Pair with someone who knows how to share!

ABV 12.5%
$48

Russian River Vineyards 2022 Gewurztraminer Sonoma Valley

The Russian River Vineyards 2022 Gewurztraminer from Sonoma Valley smells like a tropical rain with soft aromatics of peach, lychee, spicy carnation, Turkish delight (rose water) and honeysuckle. On the palate it exhibits great texture with bracing acidity and lush flavors of ripe peach, grapefruit, ginger, lychee and coconut. On the finish, a lingering note of juniper and lime with a hint of bergamot. It’s juicy yet steely; a fine balance of sweet and tart. Pair with spring rolls and Hoisin dipping sauce.

ABV 14%
$35