It’s been a few years since I dropped by Anaba Wines and tasted with them. Quite frankly I’m overdue for a visit and some things have changed since I last stopped by to taste with owner John Sweazey. For one they have a new tasting room called the Anaba Vintners House. Of course they’re closed for tastings at the moment due to the current crisis. You can however order any of their wines from the Anaba Wines website.
When the opportunity arose to sample some of their current releases I jumped at the chance. Like I said, it had been too long. I’ve always enjoyed their wines and was eager to see if they were as good as I recalled. Anaba Wines is very much a Sonoma County Winery. Most of their wines are produced from purchased fruit, but all sourced locally in Sonoma County. Their focus is on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhone varieties.
Every Friday they host a virtual tasting on their Instagram account at 4:30PM PST for 30 minutes and they taste a few wines. I followed and tasted along last week when they featured their current release dessert wines. Anaba produces a trio of Dessert Wines. It’s clear these wines are just as important to owner John Sweazey as any in their portfolio and evidence abounds that great care was taken in choosing the grapes to work with. While they’re greatly influenced in intent by Old Word Dessert Wines, for them, being a Sonoma Vintner means producing sweet wines from grapes that already thrive locally.
Tasting these wines makes me extremely eager to get back to Anaba when things return to normal. There’s no question they’re on my very short list the next time I’m in Sonoma County.
Anaba Wines 2019 Rosé of Grenache ($30)
The fruit comes nearly equally from two Sonoma County vineyards (Landa and Flora Marie). Just fewer than 500 cases were produced of this Rosé. I’m not going to lie; Grenache is one of the grapes at the top of my list when I’m day dreaming about Rosé (a common occurrence.) Fermented and aged in stainless steel Annaba’s Rosé rings all the right bells. It’s refreshing and crisp. It opens with hints of strawberry and also shows off citrus, tropical fruits and a dollop of nectarine. Every sip demanded another, this is a delicious Rosé.
Anaba Wines2017 Chardonnay ($46)
One of four current release Chardonnays this comes from their J McK Estate Vineyard which is named for John Sweazey’s children. Fewer than 250 cases were produced of this Carneros Chardonnay. Bits of orange zest lead the way. Anjou pear plays a role alongside a solid core of racy spices. Toasty oak notes provide a gentle kiss on the persistent finish.
Anaba Wines 2017 Pinot Noir ($48)
Five Sonoma Coast vineyards are the sources for this wine. It’s fair to say that Sonoma Coast has been a go to source for terrific Pinot Noir for a number of years now. This multi vineyard cuvee from Anaba does nothing to dissuade from that notion. Dried Montmorency cherry aromas are accompanied by bits of savory herb on the welcoming nose. Dried red fruits with interspersed hints of black fruit drive the palate. Wisps of earth emerge on the long acid-rich finish. This is a lovely Pinot Noir and a very solid value too.
Anaba Wines 2016 White “Aero Port Wine ($36) 375 ml
This white Port style wine is composed of 65% Viognier and 35% Muscat Blanc from two Sonoma Valley vineyard sits. Orange zest and white flowers emerge from the nose. Lychee, stone fruits and Asian pear are evident on the palate which has solid weight and a lovely mouth feel. Bits of mesquite honey emerge on the finish. If you prefer your dessert wines sweet but not overtly so here’s a wine for you.
Anaba Wines 2017 Red “Aero Port” ($36) 375 ml
This Red Port style wine is entirely Syrah from Sonoma Mountain. A mere 99 cases were produced. You could pair this wine with many of the classic Port pairings but frankly fill my glass with this and it is dessert all by its lonesome. Maraschino Cherry and bits of clove are evident on the nose. The palate is studded with fresh black and red fruit flavors and a solid core of spices. Hints of tart black cherry emerge on the finish providing a lovely counterpunch to the sweetness. Red “Aero Port” is sweet but balanced and fun to drink.
Anaba Wines 2018 Late Harvest Viognier ($32) 375 ml
This is entirely Viognier from the Landa Vineyard, a site in the eastern hills of Sonoma Valley. Just over 400 cases of this beatifically aromatic wine were produced. A mélange of stone and orchard fruit aromas nearly explode from the glass when you take a whiff. Ripe Bartlett pear, apricot and hints of marzipan are evident on the sumptuous palate. The finish is long and mellifluous. This wine is sweet but not so much so that it’ll tire your palate. It is in fact remarkably proportionate and easy to keep drinking. My advice is to have two on hand, just in case.
I’m fortunate that I have the opportunity to taste all sorts of Wine from all over the World in a myriad of styles and price points. Practically speaking one can only consume so much Wine. So I end up cooking with some, making homemade vinegar with some and of course just dumping some down the sink (which makes my friends angry and jealous). I couldn’t do that with a single drop of these. Every ounce of Anaba Wines was happily consumed; I don’t say that often.
