Bob Pepi is a Napa Valley Legend.. but so much more. It’s always a pleasure to pull up a glass and taste wine with him, this time we did it over Zoom. Watch our char here!
In 2020 just about everyone has spent some time on Zoom Calls. If you’re involved in the Wine Business in one fashion or another then you’ve definitely been on a lot of Zooms. There are so many Zoom invites it’s impossible to accept them all and do them justice. But there are those it’s wise never to turn down an invite from, if you can help it. My PR friends Tim McDonald, Rusty Eddy (Wine & Spirits Spoken Here), and Robert Larsen (The Larsen Projekt) are certainly on that list. Early on in the Pandemic they started hosting Zoom Tastings about once a month and as much as anything they proved to be a great hang. Of course we also taste some good Wines and from time to time Spirits too.
During the November Edition of this regular get together we made the Paper Plane two different ways. One using Straight Edge Bourbon and the other using Distillery No 209 Gin. Both were really tasty. Though I surprised my preconceived notions be preferring the one made with Gin a bit more. Recipes below. Before we got to those though we tasted some wine. One in particular stood out for me.
Girard 2018 Mixed Blacks ($35)
The fruit for this wine was sourced in Calistoga and it’s a true old school Napa Valley Field Blend with the varieties interplanted. The traditional way to approach these vineyards is to pick, ferment and age the grapes together regardless of variety. There was a time when wines of this nature were commonplace in Napa Valley; today they’re few and far between. So for me the existence of this wine, and it’s tip of the cap to a bygone part of Napa’s history is exciting on it’s face.
Sticking my nose in the glass and then sipping Mixed Blacks reveals a lot more reason than sheer nostalgia to get excited about. This is a wine of heady aromatics, black and red fruits and savory herbs. Oodles of spice and intermingling wisps of citrus peel are evident as well. Racy acid ties it all together. Girard Mixed Blacks will work well with all but the most delicate or heaviest of foods. A great choice for a Holiday Meal loaded with a cornucopia of flavors.
Along with the wine & spirits we tasted on this Zoom there was a 4-pack of “repour wine saver” stoppers. Sometime early in calls Tim started testifying about how well repour works. He was speaking with such fervor about repour I assumed (and asked) how many shares of the company he had in his portfolio. It turns out he neither owns stock, nor are they a client, he just likes things that work. That shouldn’t have surprised me, they often send out bottles or products for their Happy Hour Zooms that they don’t represent. Tim suggested using repour on one of the wines we were tasting and going back to it 8 days later, on Thanksgiving.
I decided to take that challenge and used repour on Girard Mixed Blacks. But not only did I re-taste it on Thanksgiving, I’ve been re-tasting it about once a week since. In fact I’m sipping the last of it as I write this. In short repour works fabulously. After you open a bottle of wine you stick the repour stopper in the bottle whenever you’re not pouring wine. repour removes oxygen from your botte. When you finish the bottle, throw out the stopper and use a new one for the next botte. Purchased in packs of 4 they come to about $2.50 each. But if you buy packages of 10 or more, they’re less than $2 per stopper. The last sips of Girard Mixed Blacks I’m drinking taste exactly like the first sips I took on November 19th. It’s truly a fantastic and well priced product that I plan to purchase a nicely supply of. The moral of the story here is, always listen to Tim McDonald.
Paper Plane Two Ways
The Straight Edge Bourbon Paper Plane
.75 oz Straight Edge Bourbon
.75 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
.76 oz Aperol
.75 oz Amaro Nonino
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake until cold. Strain into a chilled couple glass. Enjoy.
The No. 209 Gin Paper Plane
.75 0z No. 209 Gin
75 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
.76 oz Aperol
.75 oz Amaro Nonino
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake until cold. Strain into a chilled couple glass. Enjoy.
On Episode 10 of “One Bottle Each I’m joined by Jeff Kralik. Jeff is best known online as The Drunken Cyclist. As you have likely already surmised, from the name of his blog and Social Media handle, my friend Jeff is passionate about both Wine and Cycling. Most of the time he enjoys these separately. Jeff was my guest on Episode 02 and I’m thrilled to have him back as my first return guest.
In every episode of “One Bottle Each",” my guest and I each introduce a wine for us to taste and talk about.
On episode 10 Jeff and I taste and discuss:
I don’t know about you, but for me $20 is a very specific threshold when it comes to wine purchases. I fully believe that wine of any price point can provide value relative to its quality. But there’s something really sweet about finding wines for less than $20 that I enjoy drinking and want to recommend.
Here are eight wines that I’ve had recently which meet that criteria. All of them delicious, well made, and under $20. Most of them are meant for consumption in the next year or so, a few will drink well over the next 5 years.
Georges Duboeuf 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau ($13.49)
This is latest vintage of the wine that started the Nouveau craze. It’s entirely Gamay, In the 2020 vintage they sourced fruit mainly from the southern part of Beaujolais. There’s a tinge of purple in this mainly deep red wine. That tinge is the first thing I look for when I pour the Nouveau, it’s part of its hallmark in my eyes. Brilliant bright red fruit aromas lead the charge. The palate leans towards red cherry with hints of black cherry peeking through. Mineral notes and cranberry mark the finish. The freshness and vein of acid will keep you coming back.
Aerena 2019 North Coast Chardonnay ($13.99)
Sometimes those under $20 values I’m looking for are the product of a sister label to a better known brand. In this case the big brother is Blackbird Vineyards. Apple, pear and guava are all part of the generous aromatics. The palate is stuffed with fresh fruit that’s supported by a bevy of secondary characteristics. Bits of tropical fruit, citrus zest and roasted chestnut are all evident on the solid finish. Wisps of toast, good weight and bright acid complete the package. Count this among the choices here that will drink well for a handful of years.
Roaming Dog 2019 Columbia Valley Chardonnay ($14)
This Chardonnay from Washington State’s Columbia Valley was aged exclusively in tank. Bartlett pear, granny smith apple and a tiny dollop of butterscotch all drive the aromatics. Fresh, yellow-leaning fruit flavors dominate the palate. Mineral notes are evident on the above average finish. All of the incredibly fresh fruit is buoyed by firm, racy acid. This is really joyful glass of Chardonnay that might just help convert some of those who think they don’t enjoy the grape.
Knotty Vines California Pinot Noir ($14.99)
Knotty Vines is a new line of 4 wines priced at $14.99 from Rodney Strong Vineyards. Always a dependable producer of Sonoma County Wines, with this line they’ve dipped a couple of toes into the lifestyle brands demographic. Leave it to Rodney Strong Vineyards to do that in a way that’s approachable for the emerging wine drinker and with enough interest for seasoned drinkers to have something to grab onto. This Pinot Noir offers a blast of dark fruit from the nose all the way to the toes. Black currant, cherry, spice and dark plum are evident. It’s richer and with a bit more heft than a lot of Pinot Noirs, but no so much so that it’s still not clearly Pinot.
Firesteed 2019 Oregon Pinot Noir ($16.99)
This, the entry level Pinot Noir in the Fiesteed portfolio has been a bit of a standard bearer for me over the years. It’s a wine I grab in a pinch when I want a mouthful of Oregon Pinot Noir for Taco Night or to sip casually with my thoughts. Year after year it delivers and the 2019 is no exception. Red cherry and bits of mushroom inform the aromatics. Continued red fruit, earth, and a dollop of spices are evident on the palate. Tart fruit emerges on the solid finish. It’s tasty and reliable Oregon Pinot Noir that won’t break your weeknight wine budget.
Mandrarossa 2017 Frappato 2017 ($17.99)
Frappato is native to Sicily where it thrives. When handled appropriately the results are fruit driven, light bodied wines. For me they bring to mind Villages tier Gamay. Red and black, berry aromas are dominant. The flavors lean towards tart red fruit tinged by wisps of purple fruit. Solid finish and mouthwatering acid make this straightforward wine hard to put down. Pair this with a charcuterie plate for excellent results.
Primus 2018 Carménère ($17.99)
The fruit for this Carménère comes from organic vineyards within the Apalta region of Chile’s Colchagua Valley. Aromas and flavors lean towards red fruit such as cherry and raspberry. Hints of black plum peek through as well. Savory herbs and black peppercorn are evident. This wine is juicy and immediately appealing but proportionate. A rich vein of acid provides a nice backbone. The Primus Carménère will work well with all but the lightest of foods.
Tamarack 2017 Firehouse Red ($19.99)
Syrah (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Merlot (18%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Mourvedre (3%), Grenache (2%), Counoise (2%), Sangiovese (2%), and Petit Verdot (2%) are all part of this Blend from Columbia Valley. Firehouse Red is assembled after the individual lots have a year in barrel. Aromas and flavors here lean towards dark, purple fruit tinged with red. Tart blackberry, black pepper, and black tea are evident on the above average finish. Terrific mouthfeel impresses. Bright acid allows the innate freshness of this wine to shine. This is an absolutely killer red blend for the money. Flavorful, proportionate, eminently food friendly and a lot of fun to drink, what more do you want for less than $20? It was even better the second day Store shelves are teeming with generic red blends that are innocuous at best and hard to drink in a lot of cases, at worst. Here’s one that spins all of that on it’s head. At this price and this level of value it’s a wine you might want to grab a few cases of to drink over the next five years or so.
Happy Giving Tuesday!
There will be many opportunities in the month ahead to enjoy a glass of wine. Whether you’re having a Holiday Meal, Toasting your friends and family over Zoom, or knocking back some for simple gustatory pleasure, there will be a multitude of reasons to enjoy wine.
On this Giving Tuesday I’m recommending a Chardonnay from a stalwart Sonoma County Producer. Sonoma-Cutrer has been producing wine for nearly 40 years. In that time they’ve become a go to producer for so many consumers and a standing selection of restaurant wine lists across the country.
While they grow and bottle a number of distinct Chardonnays, it’s the Russian River Ranches Chardonnay that they’ve become best known for. In light of Covid-19, Sonoma-Cutrer has taken the step of donating $100,000 to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (RWCF). This non-profit is an advocacy and action group created by and for restaurant workers. Sales of Russian River Ranches Chardonnay will directly support their donation.
Sonoma-Cutrer 2017 Russian River Ranches Chardonnay ($28)
The fruit for the 2018 vintage of this Chardonnay was sourced at all six of their Estate Vineyards as well as some outside growers. The result is a well hewn composite of Sonoma County Chardonnay. Green apple, Bartlett pear and an undercurrent of baker’s spices inform the aromatics. The flavors are soft, fruity, and direct. Lemon ice, granny smith apple and a underpinning of minerals are the most prominent. The finish is above average, acid-rich, and mouthwatering. It’s a wine you’ll simply want to keep drinking.
You should certainly, drink this Chardonnay because it helps support a worthy cause, but also because it’s consistently well produced and delicious. It’s worth noting that Sonoma-Cutrer’s recent charitable work also incudes a joint donation with Woodford Reserve of $50,000, announced last month, to No Kid Hungry.
On Episode 09 of "One Bottle Each," I’m Joined by his friend Jessica Dupuy. Based in Austin Texas, Jessica contributes to Texas Monthly and Forbes.com, among others. She's recently released her 7th Book, "The Wines of Southwest USA." Jessica and I touch on a number of topics including the wines of Texas.
In every episode of “One Bottle Each,” my guest and I each select and introduce a wine for us to taste and talk about.
In Episode 09 we taste and comment on a couple of Malbecs. One from Texas and the other from Argentina.
While I haven’t been able to travel very far physically during the pandemic, I’ve spent quite a bit of time in front of my monitor, travelling virtually. Last week I was transported to Tuscany. The occasion was a tasting of four wines by Castello di Fonterutoli. This Gran Selezione tasting was hosted by winery family member and Export Director Giovanni Mazzei. The winery and property, which encompasses 290 acres, and seven vineyards spread across three districts, has been in his family since 1435. Prior to that, they were Coopers.
Giovanni briefed us on winery and family history as well as filling us in on the distinct sites that make up their vineyards. Along the way we tasted four wines from their portfolio. Three of the wines, are Gran Selezione Chianti Classico’s, and a fourth a Super Tuscan. Gran Selezione is a relatively recent (6 or so years) official designation of Chianti Classico DOCG. The fruit must be entirely estate for starters. There are also thresholds tied to yield, grape composition, aging and alcohol content.
Badiòla Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017, ($99)
This offering is new to the Castello di Fonterutoli portfolio. Over time they recognized that this part of their vineyards, “Badiòla,” which sits just below it’s name-sake Parish was exceptional enough to bottle separately. Of the four wines we tasted, these vines sit at the highest elevation. Rose petals and leather are the most pronounced aromatics alongside fresh red fruit. An undercurrent of red apple supports the red cherry fruit that dominates the palate. A core of spices and bits of toast are evident on the solid finish. This is a delicious Chianti Classico that will be even better with a few additional years of bottle age.
Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017 ($74)
This bottling is Castello di Fonterutoli’s Flagship Wine. The fruit comes from 11 blocks surrounding the Winery Hamlet. Six distinct clones of Sangiovese are represented. Red rose petals, black cherry and wisps of citrus zest are evident on the nose. The palate is akin to a bowl of fresh red fruit, gently tinged by bits of darker fruit. Black peppercorn, mineral notes and a dollop of earth are evident on the lengthy finish. This is a remarkably elegant wine and the tension between the bright red fruit and firm vein of acid is off the charts. There’s depth, lightness, proportionate intensity and a killer mouthfeel to boot. It’s easy to see why this is their flagship wine. At a suggested retail price of $74, it easily over delivers.
Vicoregio Chianti Classico 36 Gran Selezione 2017 ($99)
The fruit for this offering comes from a single vineyard, Vico Regio. However, that vineyard is home to 36 distinct Sangiovese biotypes. The lots are hand harvested and vinified separately. Boisterous black cherry aromas and black peppercorn lead the charge. Black and red cherry dominate the palate along with bits of chicory. The finish is long and velvety with red and black fruit continuing to reverberate. Three things impress me most about this Chianti Classico; the texture, mouthfeel and depth.
Siepi Toscana IGT 2018, SRP ($130)
All of the fruit for this Super Tuscan comes from the namesake Siepi vineyard. It’s equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot. What immediately impresses here is the approachability of this wine at just 2 years of age. By and large I have found that Super Tuscans tend to be reticent in their youth, needing years of bottle age to show off their charms. Make no mistake, Siepi will age well for several decades and improve, but It’s delicious right now. Bright red cherry aromas are buttressed by intermingling bits of black fruit. These characteristics carry through the palate alongside blackberry and a solid core of spice. The prodigious finish is loaded with earth, chicory and bitter cocoa nibs. Siepi is an impressive wine. It's got heft but it’s also measured and precise.
To the best of my recall, I’d not had any wines from Castello Di Fonterutoli prior to this virtual trip to Tuscany. I can say with conviction, it won’t be my last. While each wine is impressive on its own, what really sets the trio of Chianti Classicos apart is how distinct they are from one another. That said there is a connective tissue running between them. The Super Tuscan is vastly different, of course. But still tasted in a flight with the others, one can see they’re related.
It’s a day that a strong segment of wine lovers eagerly anticipate each year; Beaujolais Nouveau Day, This year’s day is bittersweet as it’s the first Nouveau day since the passing early this year of Georges Duboeuf. While many Beujolais producers bottle a Nouveau, no single person or house is more associated with it than Georges Duboeuf. That’s particularly true in the United States where he nearly single handedly created the Nouveau Craze. So this year when you take your first sip of Nouveau, you might want to raise it skyward. No doubt Mr. Duboeuf is looking down, smiling at everyone who’s enjoying his wines.
Over the last few vintages Duboeuf has added two wines to the Nouveau line, a Rosé, and a Beaujolais-Villages. Here’s a look at these wines which are hitting store shelves all across the United States and the World, Today.
Georges Duboeuf 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau ($13.49)
This is latest vintage of the wine that started the craze. It’s entirely Gamay, In the 2020 vintage they sourced fruit mainly from the southern part of Beaujolais. There are 80,000 cases of this wine landing on shelves today. There’s a tinge of purple in this mainly deep red wine. That tinge is the first thing I look for when I pour the Nouveau, it’s part of its hallmark in my eyes. Brilliant bright red fruit aromas lead the charge. The palate leans towards red cherry with hints of black cherry peeking through. Mineral notes and cranberry mark the finish. The freshness and vein of acid will keep you coming back. Probably best to grab a case and avoid repeat trips to the wine shop.
Georges Duboeuf 202 Beujolais Rosé Nouveau ($13.49)
I’m not going to lie, I did a little dance the first time I learned there was going to be a Nouveau Rosé from the folks at Georges Dubeouf. Gamay, Nouveau and Rosé, three of my favorite things in the wine world. Like classic Nouveau, much of the fruit was sourced in the Southern part of Beaujolais. 10,000 cases of this wine are hitting U.S. shelves today. The Nouveau Rosé is a brilliant red-tinged deep pink. Ripe wild strawberry and stone fruit aromas are joined by a wisp of orange zest. Those characteristics reverberate on the palate. A wisp of flintiness and hints of candied cherry drive the crisp finish. If you need a Rosé to drink all winter, Duboeuf has you covered. It’s just delicious. Try it with fried chicken for incredible results.
Georges Dubeouf 2020 Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau ($14.99)
The fruit for this higher tier of Nouveau came from the same 38 Villages that their standard bearer Beaujolais-Villages A.O.C. is sourced. A mere 5,000 cases of this far more limited Nouveau are hitting shelves today. While the classic Nouveau is red in hue, tinged with purple. Flip that around for this deeply purple wine with a bit of red on the fringes. Everything here is a bit deeper, darker and with a bit more heft. Black fruits such as raspberry supersede red. All of that dark, fruity goodness continues on the substantial finish. This is a more than worthwhile addition to the Georges Dubeouf Nouveau Portolio
If you love New World Cabernet Sauvignon, odds are very high that Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District is on your super short list of go to Appellations. Napa is blessed with a handful of distinct areas for growing high end Cab. Even within that small group, Stags Leap stands apart. Tasted side by side with other neighboring AVAs, the Cabernet’s of Stags Leap District are unmistakable.
For a number of years now the Stags Leap District Winegrowers have been assembling the Appellation Collection. It’s a luxury set of one Cabernet Sauvignon from each producer. The 2017 vintage is represented this year by 17 Cabernets in one set. There are a limited number of sets available. They can be purchased exclusively through the Stags Leap District website. The retail price, shipping included is $1999.99.
I’ve been fortunate to visit Stags Leap District many times over the years. I’ve tasted their wines on the regular, and had the opportunity to attend their signature events and spend time with the winemakers and owners. This is a group fiercely proud of their valley, their district, and perhaps most of all their Cabernet Sauvignon. Ample reason exists for their pride; the Cabernet’s of Stags Leap stand up next to any on the world stage turning the comparison not into a competition of quality, but simply one of personal preference.
Over the last handful of years I’ve had a few opportunities to taste the entire Appellation Collection. It was, to say the least, a delicious undertaking. What struck me the most though tasting through is the consistency of quality that exists. Vintages vary of course, but the quality is always there with these wines. This year being a lot different than those before it, I was able to get together over Zoom and taste a quartet of wines from this years collection. The virtual get together and tasting was led by representatives from Silverado Vineyards, Regusci Winery, Clos Du Val, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. I look forward to getting back to Stags Leap District, but in the meantime the virtual tasting was a great way to hear about current events in the district and taste some great wine.
Silverado Vineyards 2017 SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Jon Emmerich has been leading the charge in the cellar for coming up on 30 years. SOLO is entirely Cabernet Sauvignon and the fruit source is the vines surrounding the winery itself. Dark fruit leads the aromatic charge along with wisps of spice. The palate shows off black cherry and raspberry along with bits of chicory A dusting of baker’s chocolate, mineral notes and a a kiss of toast drive the long finish.
Regusci Winery 2017 “The Elders” Cabernet Sauvignon
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Cabernet Franc (7%), and Merlot (2%) are bended in. Boysenberry and blackberry aromas lead the way. The flavors are also dark and brooding, with power and grace, Dark chocolate, mission fig and baker’s spices are in abundance on the long finish.
Clos Du Val 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondele Vineyard
This offering is entirely Cabernet Sauvignon and all of the fruit comes from four specific blocks. Black plum and spice aromas lead the charge. The palate has black raspberry, blueberry and a continuing thread of spiciness. Chicory and toasty oak notes are part of the long, textured finish.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2017 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
This is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop (1.5%) of Cabernet Franc blended in. The aromas and flavors here lean more to red fruits. Fresh strawberries, cherries and plum are of note. Bits of of pie crust and subtle savory herbs are present too. Wisps of darker fruit peek out on the long finish in addition to a gentle kiss of chicory.
These four wines are a terrific snapshot into Stags Leap District. Head over to the website and grab yourself a set before they’re gone. Last I heard there were only a couple dozen left!
It’s often said that Zinfandel is the most American of grapes. The same could be said about Thanksgiving when it comes to Holidays. As it happens Zinfandel is a perfect choice for your Holiday table for a number of reasons that include, it’s ability to pair with a wide range of favors, the tremendous value it offers, and how delicious and crowd pleasing it can be.
The typical Thanksgiving Table is filed with dishes that are savory and sweet, spicy and sometimes gooey. Zinfandel is primed to hold serve on all of those, and quite frankly more. Depending on site, picking choices and winemaking techniques well-made Zinfandels can be structured and spicy, big and boisterous, or fruity and earthy delights.
Zinfandel has crowd appeal. They most often feature lots of eager fruit of various shades. Those flavors can go down easy and please the various palates of those you’re enjoying your meal with. They can also have the depth, structure and persistence to keep the more wine savvy of your friends happy.
Even many of the higher priced Single Vineyards out there offer a tremendous amount of value for your purchasing dollar. But if you want a real steal of a deal, look no further than the better Zinfandels available in the $25 and under tier. These are often (but not always) broader in scope. Sometimes appellation cuvees for example.
I always drink at least my fair share of Zinfandel, but this year I’ve dug in a bit deeper and tasted every example I’ve had the opportunity to sample. If you want to read about some of the great Single Vineyard Zinfandels from Legendary Vineyards I tasted over this year, just click here. Today though, I present nine $25 or under Zinfandels that are all well made, incredibly delicious and terrific values. In several cases, which I’ll note, the wines are Zinfandels that I’ve been drinking for many years with consistently satisfying results.
Pedroncelli 2018 “Mother Clone” Zinfandel ($19)
This Dry Creek Valley Zin comes from the hills surrounding the winery. The name is derived from the fact that when they replanted this site in the early 80’s they used Clones from the same vineyards, originally planted in 1904. Some of those vines still exist and are part of the wine. An early 90’s vintage of Mother Clone was the first Zinfandel to knowingly pass my lips some 25 plus years ago. In the time since this wine has in so many ways become my benchmark for Zinfandel. It’s always approachable, affordable and just so delicious to drink. I’ve bought cases of it, had the opportunity to try older vintages of it and I’ve shared it with way too many friends and family to count. I’ve probably pulled the cork on more bottles of Mother Clone than any other specific wine. I keep coming back because it always makes me, and anyone I pour it for, happy. The 2018 is no exception. It has 10% Petite Sirah blended in which provides good backbone. Dark berries drive the aromatics. Blackberry, raspberry and a core of spices are evident on the palate. Those characteristics continue on the above average finish alongside hints of vanilla bean.
Peachy Canyon 2017 Westside Zinfandel ($20)
Primitivo, Alicante Bouschet, and Petite Sirah are blended into Peach Canyon’s flagship Zinfandel. Black raspberry and a core of spices drive the aromatics. The palate leans towards red fruit with strawberry, rhubarb and hints of raspberry. The spiciness continues on the long finish along with hints of black tea and vanilla. This is an approachable and impeccably proportionate example of Zinfandel that represents a terrific value one vintage after another.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2017 “Old VInes” Zinfandel ($22)
14% Petite Sirah and 5% Mixed blacks are blended with 81% Zinfandel in this Sonoma County Wine. The fruit comes from Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. At a production of just under 39,000 cases, this Zin will be on a lot of shelves. The nose brings to mind a bowl of fresh berries sitting on the counter. That continues on the palate where juicy red and black fruit are joined by cranberry and sour black cherry. Cardamom and peppercorn are evident on the solid finish. Bottom line here is that it’s tasty, readily available and priced to move.
Bear Flag 2017 Zinfandel ($24)
This is largely Zinfandel with small amounts of Petite Sirah and other varieties blended in. The fruit was sourced from a number of AVA’s within Sonoma County. The screen painted bottle looks glorious on the shelf and the wine looks and smells great in your glass. This is approachable, easy drinking, juicy Zinfandel with dollops of richness, and more than sufficient depth. The red fruit on the nose and the darker leaning fruit on the palate are joined by scores of spice and wisps of minerality on the finish. All of it adds up to a wine with lots of Curb Appeal.
Mettler Family Vineyards 2018 “Epicenter” Old Vine Zinfandel ($25)
Epicenter is entirely Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi. First and foremost the Mettler Family are farmers. It’s something they’ve done for over 100 years and 6 generations. They utilize a tiny portion of the fruit they grow to make some wines too. I’ve had the last couple of vintages of their Zinfandel, as well as other Mettler wines and have been quite impressed with the quality in the bottle at the price point. The latest vintage of their Zinfandel epitomizes their ability to overdeliver. Dark and brooding fruit aromas as joined by bits of leather and chicory. The palate shows off blackberry, boysenberry and savory herbs. It all leads to an above average finish studded with spice and bits of toast. This tasty Zin benefits from about 30 minutes of air, so decant if possible for best results.
Easton 2015 Zinfandel ($25)
This 2015 Zinfandel is an Amador County Cuvee. The fruit is sourced from mountain sites. Red fruit aromas jump from the nose alongside white peppercorn. The palate shows off cherry, strawberry and rhubarb. It’s stuffed with eager and delectable red fruit flavors. The finish is lengthy and persistent. Two things impress me the most here. There’s a lightness on the tongue when you sip this that simply invites you back for additional sips. There’s also a vein of acid running through that keeps things fresh and vivacious.
Rodney Strong Vineyards 2017 Old Vines Zinfandel ($25)
I’ve been drinking and recommending Rodney Strong wines for many years and there are a few reasons for that. They’re always well made, delicious, and represent their place (Sonoma County) well. And on top of that there is nearly always more value in the bottle than whatever the sticker price says. This 2017 Old Vines Zinfandel tows the line on all of those points. This offering combines fruit from their Russian River Valley Vineyard planted in 1904 with fruit from both Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley. The result is a Zin loaded with fresh red berries on the nose and darker fruits such as blackberry on he palate. A triumvirate of black, white and green peppercorn are evident on the finish along with vanilla bean and a final kiss of black plum.
Paydirt 2018 “Going For Broke” Zinfandel ($25)
81% Zinfandel, this wine also has Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvedre, Barbera, and Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. This is a bit of a California Cuvee with fruit coming from Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, Amador, Lodi, and Marin County. This was my first time having this wine, and it won’t be my last. The heady aromatics lean towards dark jam with an undercurrent of citrus zest peeking through. The flavors here are an immediately appealing burst of red and black fruit. Red and black raspberry are of particular note. The persistent finish shows off bits of chocolate sauce, spice and hints of chicory
Three Wine Company 2016 Old Vines Contra Costa County Zinfandel ($25)
Having recently tried Three Wine Company’s “Live Oak” Zinfandel, I was eager to sample another of their selections. 8% each Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouschet are blended with 76% Zinfandel here. The average age of the vines is over 100 and they’re dry farmed. Everything about this wine impresses. It has depth, precision, length and oodles of proportionate fruit. This Zin is like a well oiled machine with every part running perfectly. Up front there’s dark fruit in the form of blueberries and blackberries, they’re buttressed by bits of violet. The palate is stuffed with red and black cherries and peppercorn. A sprinkling of spice and hints of espresso and chicory all appear on the long finish. Textbook Old Vine Zin.
On Episode 08 of “One Bottle Each,” I’m joined by my friend Diane Letulle. Diane has written and spoken about Wine & Travel since 2007. In addition to her Blog, Wine Lover's Journal, her credits include Snooth, Palate Press, and Broadway World.
Diane and I touch on topics such as Old World versus New World, and Red Blends among others.
In every episode of “One Bottle Each,” my guest and I each select and introduce a wine for us to taste and talk about.
In Episode 08 Diane and I Taste:
Puiatti 2016 Archetipi Ribolla Gialla -Venezia Giulia IDT ($42)
On Episode 07 of “One Bottle Each,” I’m joined by my friend Gil Kulers. A former New Yorker, now based near Atlanta, Gil is the Maitre D' & Sommelier at Piedmont Driving Club. He’s written about wine for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and Golf Digest, among others.
Gil and I dive into demystifying wine as well as the vagaries of Chardonnay styles, among other topics.
In every episode of “One Bottle Each,” my guest and I each select and introduce a wine for us to taste and talk about.
In Episode 07 Gil and I taste and discuss:
Winderlea Vineyard and Winery 2017 Chardonnay Willamette Valley ($45)
Chehalem 2018 Coral Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains ($50)
It’s not as if there’s a bad time to drink Zinfandel, but the Autumn chill in the air make my taste buds crave this grape just a little bit more. I recently participated in a Zoom Tasting of Four wines from Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards. This was just the latest example of several delicious experiences I’ve had throughout this year drinking and chatting about Zinfandel with Winemakers, Owners, Sommeliers, and other Writers. You can read about my other recent Zinfandel tastings here. And for further reading about Zinfandel please read my story Excellent Zinfandel Begins with Legendary Vineyards.
There are three particular characteristics of Zinfandel, which are among the things that I value most in many of my favorite grapes.
1) Zinfandel is particularly suited to influence from the characteristics of the site it’s grown on. Slope, sun exposure, and soil type are some of the factors that make one site unmistakable from another. Add them all together and it begins to explain why Single Vineyard Zinfandels from Legendary Vineyards are so distinct and sought after.
2) On the list of grapes whose bounty pairs with the widest array of food styles, Zinfandel must be counted. Whether you’re eating Pizza, Tacos, Pulled Pork, Pasta with red sauce, Grilled Eggplant or an entrée Salad dotted with blue cheese (to name a handful) a well-made Zinfandel will provide excellent results.
3) Within the field of carefully grown, thoughtfully produced Zinfandel exists a number of styles that will provide a myriad of nuanced flavors and characteristics. From picking choices, blending components (hello Petite Sirah!) to fermentation and aging vessel decisions, the final flavor of the Zinfandel in your glass is impacted by them all.
All of those factors come into play when we’re talking about Zinfandel from Legendary Vineyards. The quartet we tasted on our Zoom Event represented Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and El Dorado County, all famously fantastic places with the opportunity to grow great Zinfandel.
Robert Biale Vineyards 2018 R.W. Moore Vineyard Zinfandel ($62)
This vineyard, planted in 1905, represents the only Zinfandel in all of Coombsville. Raspberry and rose petals are evident aromatics here. Flavor wise this Zinfandel is a study in sweet, dark fruit such as plum, blackberry and cherry. Mineral references, and Breyer's Black Cherry Ice Cream are in evidence on the long, beautifully dry finish. 888 cases were produced. This is simply one of a long list of distinct, vineyard specific wines from the folks at Biale.
Ridge 2018 Lytton Springs ($45)
Composed of Zinfandel (72%), Petite Sirah (18%), Carignane (8%), and Mataro (2%) this offerings hails from Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. Ridge has been producing a Lytton Springs wince since 1972. Black and red cherry as well as savory herbs dot the alluring nose. Dark fruit dominates the palate with has depth and elegance to spare. Wisps of spice and a dusting of chicory emerge on the long finish. Racy acid and firm tannins lend to the excellent structure.
Louis M. Martini 2017 Gnarly Vine Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard ($75)
When speaking of Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards, Monte Rosso would be on any well considered short list. This wine is composed entirely of Zinfandel. As the name would suggest the vines are both old and gnarly. Black and Red Raspberry Jam lead the powerful and intoxicating aromatics. Berry fruit continues once you take a sip. Black pepper, dark echolocate and sour black cherry are present as well. Dollops of minerals appear on the persistent finish alongside a complementary drove of spices. Make yourself some Lasagna and pair it with this Monte Rosso Zinfandel for incredible results.
Rombauer 2018 El Dorado Zinfandel, Twin Rivers Vineyard ($42)
In addition to Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah is blended in. Hedonistic dark fruit along with wisps of licorice drive the inviting and somewhat ostentatious aromatics. The flavors are rich, robust, and incredibly juicy. Blackberry, boysenberry, and black raspberry are all evident. Cocoa and white pepper emerge on the finish. This Zin is a study in grace under pressure. It’s big, bold, and bodacious without straying over the top. Brisket with a Honey Siracha glaze would be an inspired pairing.
It’s worth noting that all four of these Zinfandels, not only held on during the second day, but were more expressive and giving. So decanting them is certainly advisable and laying them down for a handful of years will also provide great results. That said each of them has 10 useful drinking years ahead, at bare minimum.
On Episode 04 of “One Bottle Each,” I’m joined by my friend Matt Landy. Matt is a wine lover who works in the Hospitality Business. He runs “The Fiesta” in Wood-Ridge, NJ, a Banquet and Catering Hall with a a Family history dating back more than 60 years.
Matt and I discuss his first Aha moment with wine, our shared love of more esoteric offerings and more.
In every episode of “One Bottle Each",” my guest and I each select and introduce a wine for us to taste and talk about.
In Episode 04 Matt and I sample and discuss:
KOBAL BAJTA 2016 Bajta Haloze Belo ($21)
A Skin Contact wine from Slovenia composed of Pinot Gris, Welschriesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Traminer.
R. Lopez de Heredia 2007 Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva ($43)
A blend of Tempranillo 75% , Garnacha 15%, Graciano and Manzuelo 10%
