wineries

A long winter’s night…ZAP WINNERS ANNONCED

It’s that time of year again, where you curl up in front of your fake Amish fire (no wood burning here please, it’s Spare the Air!), open a big juicy zin, a good book, and your new furry slippers. It’s cold here these days, and the damp chill of the morning fog makes it feel more like London than San Francisco. That’s not all bad however, as it’s days like this that make me cook up a big pot of bean soup and open some of my deliciously California Zinfandel.

One of the most unique American wines, Zinfandel has a long history in California. From Italian field blends during the gold rush to the new gold rush of wine, zinfandel has a solid palace in history. There are so many different flavor profiles you can find, from raisiny ripe Paso Robles to spicy & racy Sierra Foothills, to brambly blackberry punch of Dry Creek. What better way to taste them than at the 2012 Zinfandel Festival!

January 26-28, 2012 join thousands of Zinfandel aficionados in San Francisco for the 21st Annual Zinfandel Festival. This year marks a departure from the past festivals, with both a venue change and event revamping. I am excited to see how these changes impact the festival. In 2012, the festival will be help for the first time in the Concourse Exhibition Center, an urban venue south of Market Street in San Francisco. While this can present a logistical nightmare, my hope is that it will encourage more taxis and bus travel than auto travel – which has resulted in some less than stellar behavior in years past.

But back tot he event! Thursday ZAP kicks off with Epicuria, formerly known as Good Eats & Zin. This has long been my favorite event, with it’s smaller crowd and delicious food pairings. At this gourmet extravaganza, you can discover the diversity of zinfandel, as it is paried with a huge variety of sweet & savory food sfrom some of the best restaurants in California.

Friday afternoon, Flights continues it’s journey with Forums of Flavor. At this exclusive seminar-style tasting you will discover themed flights of Zinfandels and interact with Zinfandel experts. Aimed at the true wine aficionado with an aptitude toward learning more, Flights offers in-depth insight into the Zinfandel varietal and provides the opportunity to experience the true character of the legend.

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Mumm’s the word!

Jan 4th, 2012

by winebratsf.

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It was a cool crisp morning here in Northern California, when I got up entirely too early for a Saturday. After my first 10 cups of coffee, I was somewhat alive, so I packed myself up in to my trusty German wine mobile, and headed up to the Silverado Trail for a 10am breakfast tour of Mumm Napa Valley.

As fate would have it, the roads were clear (mostly) of traffic, save a few particularly slow tourists, and I got to Napa in record time. As we gathered at the gates of Mumm, eagerly hoping they would open the door, the fog just started to back off the valley and we could see the winter vineyards layed out before us.

Finally, at last! The doors openeed and our assorted posse of bloggers was greeted by the Mumm assistant Winemaker Tammy Lotz and self appointed cruise directory Mitch Davis with a morning glass of Deveaux Ranch.

But first, who was Monsieur Deveaux? Mumm Napa was started as a joint venture between G.H. Mumm, the French Champagne House, and Seagram & Sons. As luck would have it, it has changed hands, and now is owned by the same parent company (Pernod Ricard) as G.H. Mumm, so there is a sense of continuity and quality that carries through.

Guy (that’s Gee by the way, not Guy as in Guy Smiley) founded the Napa operation, and he was convinced that the Silverado Trail location would be a perfect balance of foggy, cool nights and hot long days; these conditions are idea for sparkling wine’s dance of acid and ripe fruit. Having a location in the New World also allows Mumm Napa to play beyond the constraints of the rather strict Champagne region bylaws – adding Pinot Gris to the blend for example, and to play with the best wines from the best regions.

So, here we are, on a chilly Saturday morning, glass of rather delectable 2006 Deveaux Ranch in our hands. This sparkler is a perfect representation of Mumm Napa, since it blends 58% Pinot Noir, 28% Chardonnay, 9% Pinot Meunier and 5% Pinot Gris, something that you might see in a Cremant, but never in a Champagne. This is a perfect start to the day with green apple, pear, and tropical flavors with a crisp acidity. For something different, you should RUN out and grab this wine. Yes, you’ll need to go to the winery, but who doesn’t want to sit on the terrace and sip bubbles? ‘Nuff said. This is a winery exclusive wine, but it’s worth a trip. It’s what I opened on New Year’s Day and it was simply stunning – well worth the $36.

As we meandered through the production facility, we stopped to try our hands at blending the 2011 Chard & Pinot, to create the different blends that Mumm creates. While they were still base wines, you can easily see how the high acid and low sugar content in the base wine creates a beautiful acid in the finished sparkler. I wouldn’t recommend drinking them however, as still wines, if you value the enamel on your teeth. I liken this exercise to tasting 70 New Zealand sav blancs in an afternoon; after a while your tongue is furry!

Winding our way through a rotating art gallery, next we were served the 2008 Pinot Meunier. While this is a common varietal in Champagne, it is often difficult to find in a domestic sparkler. This delightful wine is only crafted in exceptional vintages and evokes classic Champagne to me, with yeasty toast, and warm bread. This wine is aged 29 months sur lie, which really develop the flavor. If you are looking for something different, check it out! I love a 100% Petite Meunier, and this is a classic offering. Go for it! $36

As we gazed at Ansel Adams as well as rotating local artists, we worked our way back to the tasting salon, we were greeted by no less than 8 samples of sparkling wine. Whoo! Now this is what I call a Saturday! Winemaker Ludo Dervin, himself from Champagne entertained us with a pyramid of bubbles. Starting with the least expensive, but in no way inferior, wines of Brut Prestige, Brut Rose, and Cuvee M, we worked up to the Blanc de Blanc and Brut Reserve before the top of the line DVX. But, we were also surprised with a special bottling of the Santana Brut, a special join effort with the musician and, another treat, the Brut Reserve Rose.

While I enjoy the more commonplace offerings (aka found everywhere) of the Brut Prestige, Brut Rose, and Cuvee M, I have to admit they are somewhat boring to my spoiled taste buds. That said, at approximately $15 a bottle here in CA you really can’t beat that price.

More interesting to me were the Blanc de Blanc (made entirely of Chardonnay grapes) and the Brut Reserve for their clean, crisp flavor profile and toasty back notes.

Finally, at the top of the food chain, we tasted the DVX. The DVX isn’t made every year, and the first vintage was 1990. I used to love this wine, but it wasn’t really hitting the spot for me on this particular day. I remember when I was a young wineaux and a member of the club here at Mumm that this was my favorite, but it was either the weather or the flavor profile that just wans’t working for me today.

Finally, back to taste the Santana. This one of a kind wine was first created in 1999 as a partnership with the musician and Mumm Napa, with the proceeds going to the Milagro Foundation. Right! Drinking for charity is always something on my agenda! Made with with a pinch more dosage than the Brut Reserve, this wine had wonderful stone fruit, brioche and green apple flavors that I just adored. It’s a splurge, but well worth it in my opinion at $45.

The Brut Reserve Rosé, which is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, is also a special wine made with 5% of the Pinot Noir being a super ripe Carneros component that is blended back in to the base wine. The result is that you get crisp bright red fruit, but ti’s much drier than the Brut Rosé. This is a wallet friendly $22 and should absolutely be examined, for…research purposes.

And remember, you can add fizz to a oaky buttery chard, but you’ld have a disgusting fruit punch! (Thanks to Ludo for this slightly parapharased quote to protect the innocent). Making sparkling wine is an art form. You can truly screw it up or you can make magic.

I’ve come to find that I really enjoy a drier style of sparlking these days. Over the years, as my knowledge has increased, my taste has changed. A fairly natural progression, I moved from sweet whites and roses to much drier and, I suppose, Austere sytle. That said, all of these wines are delicious, and you really should teaste them for yourslef. If you appreciate a slightly sweeter or fruity edge, try the Brut Prestige, Rose, and Cuvee M. These are alle excellent values and should be tasted at your own pace.

Thanks to the team at Mumm for entertaining us! You can discover Mumm Napa for yourselves on the Silverado Trail. They are open from 10am every day of the week, with the first tour (no tasting), or the Tour & Tastings starting at 11. If you prefer, you can relax in one of two tasting areas as well, overlooking the valley just below.

Something in the way you Rhone

Nov 29th, 2011

by winebratsf.

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Attracts me like, no other lady!

True story. I am slightly addicted to Rhone wines, particularly Rhone reds. I’ve been on a Monastrell/Mouvedre/Mataro kick lately, but my first love really is Grenache. Of the 22 Rhone varietals, these are my go to babies. Luckily for me, I’ve been having fantastic luck lately at Whole Foods (not to mention The Spanish Table) at finding some great wine at even better prices.

But really, this post is about the mother of all Rhone gatherings: Hospices du Rhône . The annual Rhône celebration in Paso Robles will be celebrating her 20th anniversary next year!

April 26th through 28th, Rhône lovers and producers from all over the world will converge on the Paso Robles Fairgrounds. Over the last 20 years, HdR has hosted diverse personalities, from Charles Smith (aka AC/DC with Grower Bubbles) to Australian producers, to heritage growers from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

This year, HdR is pleased to announce that there will be an exclusive Conversations with Châteauneuf-du-Pape event, led by author Harry Karis, vigneron Philippe Cambie and Sommelier Kelly McAuliffe. After the seminar, which is sure to sell out well in advance, dinner will be served at Bisto Laurentin. These limited tickets are available a la carte at www.hospicedurhone.org. Sadly the dinner is sold out at this time.

This year, the seminars will focus on highlighting the last 20 years of Hospice-Du-Châteauneuf producers who have been center stage. I am especially looking forward to Why Spain (continues to) Rock – which will focus on what is happening today in Priorat and beyond.

Another fantastic seminar will highlight Walla Walla once again, with The Return of the Bionic Frog (say wha?), where Christophe Baron of Cayuse will make his debut at HdR.

On Saturday, France will be showcased with A Collective Quest, highlighting Les Vins de Vienne.

Finally, the seminars round out the day with Research, Revelations and the Art of Being Different. Here, Chester Osbourn of Australia’s d’Arenderg will explore how recent studies in geology and sub regions have changed his winemaking and growing practices since his last HdR appearance in 1999.

Phew! But that’s not all kids. Like a Ginsu knife commercial, the weekend is jam packed with more tastings.

The Rhône Rendezvous is back, where over 100 producers from near and far will share their Rhône wines from large-format bottles. To complement this BIG evening of BIG bottles highly-acclaimed chefs from Blackberry Farm in Tennessee will serve up a taste of the South in a BIG way.

But before that you need sustinance, right? If you’re not entirely dead by this point, don’t forget to participate in the Rosé Lunch, which is always a treat. This year, our friends from The Girl & Fig will fill us up with deliciousness once again! Remember the pot de creme from years past? Um yeah. MORE PLEASE! I had to taste all three flavors, and I almost left with some in my purse. The rosés for this delecitble feast will be provided by the attending producers, which is a departure (and a welcome one for variety’s sake).

If you are sufficiently recovered from Friday and still have steam after the final two seminars, the Saturday Grand Tasting will feature over 130 winemakers pouring tastes from around the globe. It has been said that to duplicate this tasting, one would need a passport, many weeks off work and thousands of airline miles to taste the variety of wines showcased at the Grand Tasting. Many producers who poured at the Rhône Rendezvous will also pour here but they will be featuring different wines.

On Saturday, the Live Auction wil lleave you tingling as lots of sought after wine are hard won and wine washes down the lunch provided by Guadalupe.

If you’re still upright at the end of the day, the Farewell BBQ promises a lot of beer, dancing, and casino action to wrap up your weekend.

After that, you can explore the other wines that Paso has to offer on Sunday! Or if you’re like me, sleep in, eat a lot of carbs (and bacon naturally) and then head back home with a belly full of delish Rhône and a weekend of memories.

A full weekend pass (highly recomended) is $795 but now is the time to save up! It’s so worth it. You can also opt to purchase events a la carte, but by the time you add up a couple of seminars ($155 each) and tasting events ($100-125 each), lunch and dinner, you might as well get the pass.

Hope to see you there! This year promises to be bigger and better, so if you do only one Rhône event, do this one!

Happy Zinsgiving!

Nov 22nd, 2011

by winebratsf.

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What’s more American than apple pie you ask? Well, Zinfandel of course! Long rumored to be the oldest vitus vinifera varietal cultivated in the US, zin has become America’s Heritage Grape. More than that, zin really is…California!

Ravenswood Winery is one of the oldest zin houses in the area, starting in 1976 when legendary vintner Joel Peterson began his adventure in Sonoma Valley. Now, Joel has handed over the day to day operation of the winery to a larger interest, and while he isn’t making all of the wine anymore, he is able to focus on some very special wines at Ravenswood – the single vineyard series. I’m so happy that these wines exist because they are everything that the mass produced zinfandel is not. While the lower end Vintners Blend series is a passable BBQ wine, and great for any occasion, I would say that my tastes have graduated to the complex and distinct Single Vineyard Designates. I have had occasion to taste these with Joel, and it’s always a treat.

This time, I am preparing for Thanksgiving with two of these wines: 2008 Dickerson and 2008 Teldeschi Single Vineyards Designates.
The Dickerson is 100% zin from Napa Valley, and this big baby is aged for 20 months in 30% new French Oak. This wine has none of the Dry Creek brambly-ness, and is restrained and full of smokey meat, allspice, and pepper. This wine really is still a baby, with strong tannins. There is a lot of minerality in the backbone ,and it’s a great wine with a lot of complexity. There is a ton of licorice in there. This one needs to open up for a bit. It falls a bit flat for me, but I am waiting for it to open up.

Next up, the Teldschi is from Dry Creek Valley, but is blended with 20% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignange, and 2% Alicante Bouchet. It is a classic Italian field blend, and brings back images of the old wines of Asti and the home brewed red blends of Gallo in the old days. There are a lot of blackberry notes in here, with bittersweet chocolate. What I appreciate with this wine is that it has black and blue fruit without it being brambly and overdone. All three components are fermented separately and then blended to produce the final result. I am getting a strong espresso note in here, and the 31% new French oak comes out in toasty notes. The smokey finish lends itself to fig cake as well. There is a great lingering tasted of cracked pepper as well. Teldeschi is opening up slowly, very slowly, to espresso and blackberry notes, very dense and chewy

After a day, the Teldeschi has become a bit bitter. The Dickerson, however, has opened up very nicely, and I am getting more fruit, with smoke, meat and anise on the finish

The ruling? The Teldeschi is a fun wine that adds a littl extra to the traditional Dry Creek experience. You probably want to decant this for about an hour. The Dickerson on the other hand, is tight and closed off when first opening. For this Napa Valley zin, more time in a decanter will server you well. I would leave this open for at least 3 horus to get the full benefit o fhte wine. At first taste last night, I didn’t care for the Dickerson and was a bit dissapointed; however, this proves the point of my post on aeration – time in an open bottle or decanter can vastly change a wine.

Enjoy!

Hopping along

Nov 8th, 2011

by winebratsf.

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Ah the lazy days of summer seem long gone this week, as the cold weather settles in. Warm hazy days made room for crisp, clear winter days. Somehow, fall managed to escape us this year. On one of those last balmy weekends, I headed up to Hopland to do a little winetasting. Hopland is about 1 1/2 hours north of San Francisco, past Healdsburg and over the next set of hills in to Mendocino County.

There are about a dozen wineries in the town of Hopland itself, with many more just outside the tiny town limits. Having a main street that is 90% wine tasting rooms has its benefits! Park the car once, and stroll down the street experiencing the local wine.

I started my weekend off at Rack & Riddle, a custom crush sparkling wine house, that also produces its own label sparkling and still wines. I skipped right to the sparkling table, and enjoyed three different sparkling wines. I really like what they do here, and I wasn’t spitting ANY of these wines! If you get the chance, stop by and say hi. It’s worth it!

Next up, I headed in to town and started off at Cesar Toxqui Cellars. It was a bit hard to taste big reds on a day that was over 80, but my favorites here were definitely the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (because I’m a pinot freak) and the Heirloom. Heirloom is a luscious blend that is primarily Bordeaux varietals, with a dash of Hopland zin thrown in. You’ll see a theme about that zin soon, as I start to explore the Coro series of wines.

Across the street from Toxqui, there are 6 tasting rooms in a row. Rough! First, McFadden Vineyards where my fellow blogger and tasting room mad scientist John was holding court. The mastermind behind the blogger tour of Hopland, John introduced me to Hopland’s crown jewels, the whites. Pouring two Rieslings, the current release, which was fresh and full of stone fruit, it was the antithesis of the library selection 2006 Riesling which was all petrol and spice. This is a classic Riesling, and an exceptional wine. For a little fun, McFadden also produces a sparkling, which is a great way to have a picnic on the porch!

Right next to McFadden are McNab Ridge Winery and Weibel Family Vineyards. I didn’t get to pop in there on Saturday because the crowd was a bit…crazy, but I will tell you that at dinner, the McNab Ridge Coro stole my heart.

What is this Coro I keep talking about you ask? Coro Mendocinio is a wine project that incorporates the best of Mendocino County wine, with a distinct voice by each winery. In Italian, Coro means chorus, and these wines reflect the collaborative sprit of Mendocino winemakers. Each participating winery has their own version, and I was fortunate to be in Hopland the weekend when most of the current vintages were open.

Coro Mendocino is made exclusively from Mendocino Country fruit, and must adhere to a particular standard. Since Zinfandel is such an important grape in Mendocino, each Coro blend must contain at least 40% but no more than 70% Zinfandel. To further complicate matters, the next largest percentage cannot be more than 5% of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Sangiovese, Grenache, Dolcetto, Charbono, Barbera, or Primitivo. Phew! But wait, there is also a free for all blending varietal, since you can add up to 10% of whatever the heck you want to. Well, as long as they are wine grapes. You can see all the details here if you are so inclined.

The fun in Coro is that you have what is essentially the same building block, twisted and turned to build any number of Lego castles. The only limitation is your imagination. My favorite happened to be the McNab Ridge we had at dinner, but I also enjoyed the Weibel, as well as several vintages that were also being poured at McNab on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was so hot outside that the wines suffered, so I hope to get a chance to taste them again in a better setting.

Up the road about a mile Jeriko Estate offers an interesting mix of wines. I’ve had several wines from them before, and on this day, the Sangiovese was tasting beautifully. They also have a sparkling, and it’s a great place to end up.

Hopland is well worth a visit! The white wines stood out on this warm summer weekend, but I will certainly return to taste the reds now that the weather has cooled off. If you go, you can stay in Ukiah, about 20 minutes north, or Cloverdale, about 30 minutes south. I will certainly go back up there now that the weather is cooler.

Thank you to Destination Hopland for the hospitality! I look forward to experiencing more soon!

Bubbles bring me Joy!

Nov 7th, 2011

by winebratsf.

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It’s a terrible thing, be able to enjoy sparkling wines whenever I want to. I personally love bubbles with potato chips, hamburgers, and at the ballpark, but that’s just me. I’m a firm believe that wine (especailly sparkling wine) is made to celebrate life, and not just life’s special occasions!

In celebration of my life and my friends, Iwas ~~invited~~ crashed dinner with friends, including the venerable Chuck Hayward of JJ Buckley Wine, his Girl Friday Paige (also of JJ Buckley) and my sistah from anotha motha, as well as Joy Sterling, CEO of Iron Horse Vineyards, the far western Sonoma County bubble house.

Iron Horse was founded by Audrey and Barry Sterling in 1976, in a quiet corner of Green Valley, in the lush rolling hills of Green Valley. This western Sonoma area is in the rainy side of town, and it’s a perfect place to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. So off they went, to grow grapes for still wine.

But why would a vineyard, known for creating delicious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, make the leap to sparkling? It’s not exactly easy. The answer is easy - necessity is the mother of invention. In 1980, the first vintage of sparkling wine was made when there was an excess of still wine. Since 1985, Iron Horse sparkling wine has been served in the White House continuously. Not too shabby for a creative solution to a common problem.

Audrey and Barry passed on the Iron Horse legacy to their children, Joy and Laurence. Joy, educated in paris and at Yale (yeah, she’s a smart cookie that one), is the face of Iron Horse and the CEO. Her brother Laurence and his wife Terry live on property and he is the Director of Operations.

I was lucky enough to meet Joy through Paige several years ago, and it’s so much fun to drink with her! But that’s enough about that. Never one to say no to a glass of stars, we ran through all (oh yes all) of the current releases at dinner.

2006 Ocean Reserve is a special bottling that was created in partnership with National Geogrraphic to help raise funds to protect marine areas. This 100% Chardonnay is aged for 4+ years and has a briny flavor that actually does taste like the ocean. There is a seaweed taste in there, with a creamy limestone and bitter lemon note that tastes of oysters and burnt toast. So very interesting!

2006 Classic Vintage Brut is fresh and bright, and has a classic (no pun intended) flavor of freshly baked bread. There is a ton of fresh lemon and bright crisp citrus as well. With 68% Pinot Noir, it’s a great example of a Green Valley wine.

The 2007 Wedding Cuvee has a lot more color than in most years. The gorgeous strawberry and raspberry notes had a fresh floral feeling, with rose petals and cream. Delicious! This is probably my favorite Iron Horse sparkling wine.

The 2006 Brut Rose is a gorgeous deep salmon blush color. With Blood orange and oom on the nose and almost a bit of tomato, this purpose made rose has a rich flavor that brings some thing different to the table.

The 2006 Russian Cuvee is another classic, with buttered popcorn flavors springled with fresh yeast. It is slightly sweeter than the others and has delcious stonefruit falvors . This is my other favorite! Starting it’s life as the same base wine as the Classic Vintage Brut, the Russian is given a richer dosage (more sugar). This makes the Russian more opulent, and fitting for any Czar. It’s got a touch of sweetness, and was created for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit at the end of the Cold War. Pretty cool!

Iron Horse Vineyards is located on Ross Station Road, just outside of Sebastopol in western Sonoma County. If you go, make sure you you bring your four wheel drive and mud boots in the winter, and a hat int he summer! Sitting on the top of a hill above the vineyards in the valley, you will be able to sip wine among the apple trees, in the outdoor tasting bar. There is no table serviec here, just pure fun!

Trick…or…Treat!

Oct 31st, 2011

by winebratsf.

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It isn’t often that I come across a winery that creates wines that are a screaming value, but also delicious, and also actually cares about farming practices and winery employees. For that reason, this Halloween treat is one that you should investigate yourselves!

I’m happy to say, at a recent dinner, I was able to explore the wines, and values of one such winery in Mendoza, Argentina – Santa Julia. Santa Julia is one label a party of the much larger Familia Zuccardi operation, one of the largest family owned operations in Argentina. For over over 40 years, the family has produced wines here. The Santa Julia wines are handcrafted from estate fruit, and the quality shows.

This time, I was able to taste a wide variety of the Santa Julia line, from Chardonnay (someone what unexpected) to Malbec, the traditionally Argentinian signature wine. Several of the wines were Santa Julia [+] wines, a new label that seeks to spotlight the family’s quest for environmentally sustainable wines, as well as a value wine of distinction. The four pillars of sustainability for Stan Julia are based on people, the vineyards, wise energy use, and respect for teh environment.

The commitment to sustainability stands out to me, as I know the challenges winery owners in this state face, trying to employee vineyard workers, and still make a profit. Satna Juila and the Zuccardi family has resolved this issue but adding agriculture to their line of business, which allow them to employ workers year round; not to mention produce olive oil and peaches to boot! They also offer housing, eduction, health care and training, ensureing that employees are taken care of, and committed to the family company.

And now tot he wines! The first thing that struck me was the value. No wine was priced over $13, but you would not know it by the quality. Santa Julia wines are made to be fresh, and young, and offer refreshingly and easy drinking wines.

Starting with the Brut Rose, made of 100% pinot noir, this refreshing sparkling wine is a fantastically affordable alternative to domestic and other sparkling wines. It is fresh, with a hint of strawberries and melon that dance on your tongue. MUST BUY

The 2011 Chardonnay Organica (remember they are on the opposite harvest schedule so this was made from grapes harvested this spring) is fresh and lively. With no oak, it screams Meyer lemon and citrus and was beautifully tropical without being overly done. This is a great summer sipping wine, and for someone like me, that rarely enjoys chard unless it’s called white burgundy, this was a MUST BUY.

Ahh Torrontes! I adore Torrontes. The flagship white wine of Argentina, it is a great alternative to Chard or Sav Blanc and offers some nice body. The 2011 Santa Julia [+] Torrontes has fresh honeysuckle and floral notes, a with stone fruit and citrus flavors. A great white! For $10, you have no excuse for not seeking this out.

My favorite red of the evening was the [+] Malbec. I love a good malbec! It’s tricky to make this dense and chewy red wine right, but the 2101 hit the spot with my beef rib. A blend of grapes from several vineyard sources, it had rich ripe black berry and cherry, covered in a dusting of cracked peppercorn and bittersweet chocolate. A hint of coffee was lingering on the finish. This full bodied but not big wine is perfect for a hamburger or steak. Again, at $10, go out and find this!

Finishing up with an Argentinian Neopolitan – dulce de leche between layers of puff pastry (which, had I not been stuffed, I would have asked for thirds of) we had a late harvest Torrontes that was turely amazing. 85% Torrontes and 15% Viognier, it is not a syrupy thick dessert wine, but rather a fresh and light wine with intenser stone fruit flavors and richness. This is the perfect Thanksgiving Dessert wine, and you can’t go wrong at $13.

All in all, Santa Julia is a great value, with great values. They are nationally distributed and can be found in your favorite local wine shop (or search online). You can’t beat the price, and I hope you’ll find out for yourself!

Hapy sipping!

Rockaway baby on the hilltop, take 2~

Oct 19th, 2011

by winebratsf.

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Here we are, several years later, and the Rockaway blogger scandal of past years is – I hope – a distant memory.

2007 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley* The fog has come in, fall is rearing it’s ugly head after a teaser week of Indian Summer, and I wanted a big red wine.

The 2007 Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon is from the vineyard of the same name in Alexander Valley, somewhere between 225 and 700 feet in elevation. This 100% Cab is a huge monster right out of the bottle, with bitter chocolate, espresso, chicory and blackberry notes followed by cedar & menthol.

When I run this through an aerator, it immediately softens up to show more of the blackberry, but the black licorice is also coming forward. Underlying the leather and subtle black pepper there is a tinge of cherry fruit.

One hour, three aerators and some other wine later, it was luscious and rich with mellow tannins. A touch of chewy leather remained but mostly what was left was dark blue and black fruit covered in dark chocolate.

I can see this wine being an excellent match with a big piece of steak, after some time in the decanter. If you want to splurge and impress yoru friends by not buying Napa, TRY IT!

Thanks to Rodney Strong for sending me another tasty winter treat!

I’m Hopping along…

Oct 18th, 2011

by winebratsf.

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To Hopland! I’ve never actually been to Hopland, and while I”ve had some of the wnies that are produced there, next weekend will be the first time I’e been able to spend time focusing on the area. The 20th Annual Hopland Passport kicks off Saturday, and runs through Sunday, showcasing 16 wineries, as well as food pairings and live music.

Hopland has gone to great lenghts to make this festival enjyable, including a shuttle that will whisk you from winery to wienry in air conditioned (err heated?) comfort. I’m going to be pretty spoiled since they will even pick me up at my hotel! Shuttle tickets are $20, but tha’ts a small price to pay to be able to drink in relaxed ease all day.

Tickets for the Passport are $45 for both days, and can be purchased in advance online or at any of the wineries listed below. They include all wine tastings and activities, as well as a keepsake logo glass. The 16 participating wineries are:

Jeriko Estate – serving roasted pig and tri tip paired with Estate wines
Saracina Vineyards – Truffled Cannellini bean puree and grilled flank steak (YUM!
Weibel Family Winery – Shitake mushroom bruschetta
Cesar Toxqui Cellars – Garden fresh pumpkin soup paired with new release 2010 Chardonnay.
My hosts at McFadden Vineyard are serving organic steak, and new releases.
Parducci Wine Cellars will be serving fresh oysters at their new tasting room
Campovida is pouring sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines paired with Mexican street food
Milano Family Winery will be releasing their ’09 Sangiovese and ’06 Lolonis Zinfandel! Now I know this zin, and it’s not like any zin you might be expecting. A great wine!
Jaxon Keys Winery has live music by the Felt Tips and artisan pizza
McNab Ridge Winery is pouring pinotage
Nelson Family Vineyards is also serving pizza, this time int he redwood grove. Ahh relaxing!

Wait, did I just see PORK AND PINOT? I might never leave Jeriko! But then again, there are oysters are Parducci!

Hopeland is approixmately 2 hours north of San Francisco, just past Ukiah, in Mendocino County. THe cooler climate products some great wines! Hope to see you there!

Hopland is the center of a thriving wine community and gateway to beautiful Mendocino County – America’s Greenest Wine Region. Explore the pages in our site for information on wine tasting, arts & culinary events, health & wellness and other fun activities offered in our area, then get on the road and make the trip to visit us here in the beautiful upper Russian River Valley.

Thank you to McFadden Vineyard and the Hopland Passport for inviting mne to this wondeful event!