Simple Hedonisms

I have been writing about wineries everywhere but Sonoma county recently it seems, so its time to come back home.

Carol Shelton is lauded as one of the early female winemakers in the industry, not so unusual these days fortunately, but much less common when she graduated UC Davis in 1978. She is featured in a book (which I recommend) “Women of the Vine. ”

Once Carol had completed her education in 1978, she worked for Robert Mondavi Winery, Saltrams Wines in the Barossa Valley of Australia, and Buena Vista Winery, where she was mentored by the great Andre Tchelistcheff. This was followed by Windsor Vineyards in Sonoma County, where the wines she made have garnered more medals in major competitions than wines made by any other winemaker in America, leading Carol to the title of “Most Awarded Winemaker in America” for 12 of the past 15 years. In 2000, Carol, and husband Mitch McKenzie launched Carol Shelton wines.

More Than Just Zinfandel

Carol is mostly widely recognized for her Zinfandel production, but over the years has made a variety of wines, including the rarely seen Trousseau gris (sourced from my neighbor Peter Fanucchi), a Rhone white called Coquille blanc, sourced from Paso Robles, that I am fond of, and other varietals, including this great Carignane rosé, sourced from Mendocino County.

I am a fan of carignane, as I wrote earlier this  year, it is a misunderstood Rhone variety. I am enough of a fan, I am considering making a barrel myself this year, and sourcing some from Mendocino, where dry farmed, head trained carignane c

an be found for reasonable prices. ( Mendocino growers insist on calling it “kerrignan” or similar mispronunciations.)

Review: Carol Shelton 2010 Rendezvous Rosé (Mendocino Carignane)

Color: Darker for arRosé;  deep pink watermelon flesh , clear light ruby to magenta. Vibrant.

On the Nose: Red fruit, ripe strawberry, watermelon

In the Mouth: Bright red fruit , light cherry, strawberry , good mouth feel and mouth watering finish, good acidity. A worthy summer sipper. Drink alone or pair with a wide variety of summer fare.

Recommendations: Excellent. Buy, drink, enjoy. $15.

Where to Buy: At the Carol Shelton tasting room in Santa Rosa, or online. Its also available at Big John's in Healdsburg. (and possibly other venues.)

Carol Shelton is part of the new Santa Rosa Wine Trail. Visit a member winery, grab a card there and get no tasting fees at 10 Santa Rosa wineries, which include other 'Wine of the Week' members Sheldon Wines, Inspiration Vineyards, and other personal favorites (Krutz, MJ Lords, D'Argenzio, Old World Winery, Siduri, neighbor Robert Rue, as well as Vinoteca, where we held our meetup last Monday for their soft opening.

The card also offers a chance to win a monthly drawing, and free corkage on first bottle of your purchase at Willi's Wine Bar – enjoy!

Have a Happy 4th, and grab a bottle of this great Rosé! cheers!

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