Simple Hedonisms

Archive for June, 2012

Dutton-Goldfield continues to climb

as a personal local favorite – not just for Pinot Noir, their specialty, but other interesting small lot wines as well. Tonight we taste anoth

er small lot, well made Pinot from Dutton-Goldfield.

Despite its youthful age, its showing wonderfully already, although I think a few more bottles to lay down for a few years are in order.
I always wonder why we don’t see more wine grown in Marin County (perhaps save the price of land) and this wine serves to ponder it again.

Tasting Notes: 2010 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir Azaya Ranch, Marin County

• To The Eye:A slightly darker ruby red, although clearly still Pinot by its color.

• On The Nose: Strawberries leap out of the glass, with undertones of spice and bramble.

• In The Mouth: Bright cranberry, cherry notes with lively acidity dance on the tongue. If you are looking for a Pinot fruit bomb, move on.

(Or buy a bottle, drink it and evolve your palate.) There is plenty of fruit, but it’s vibrant and fresh not big and jammy, with a lingering finish.

I enjoyed it more after being open for 15-30 minutes. Decanting not required, but allows it to show even better.

Recommendation: 91 points. Buy. Drink and enjoy now. Or buy 3-6 bottles and try them over time. The acidity will preserve the fresh vibrant fruit for years.
Unlike those hot jammy fruit bombs in your

cellar.

$58 at the winery. Media Sample

Wine Geek Info:

• ph: 3.60
• TA: .62
• Alcohol: 13.8%
• Cases Made: 190
• Barrel Program: 11 Months in French oak, 50% new

My first Syrah

from Vice Versa, and sadly maybe the last for awhile, as they have stopped producing this Russian River Syrah.

The wine is a perfect Napa meets Sonoma crossover – its cool climate RRV Syrah, matched with a Napa Cab maker of finesse, which is Vice Versa’s ‘core’ program. Long corks, heavy elegant Burgundy glass, it’s certainly Napa grade packaging and marketing.

When I popped the cork and poured it into the glass, I suspected I would

like this unfined, unfiltered beast that appeared to be be dark, brooding, and promising.
Buy our Wines

Tasting Notes: 2007 Vice Versa Syrah Ulises Valdez Vineyard, Russian River Valley

Courtesy of Vice Versa Facebook page

• To The Eye: Impenetrable to light, inky black purple.

• On The Nose: Layered nose of smoked meat, blackberry, leather, mocha, and a subtle note of earth.

• In The Mouth: A beefier Syrah, with the body to support the balanced 15% alc, as well as acidity. Modest oak has had time to integrate into the wine, and provide sweeter tannins, that combine with dark black fruits, pepper to make a Syrah with backbone, but isn’t a fruit bomb.

Bigger red wine drinkers, not looking for “Shiraz” will love this. But don’t wait, must call the winery to purchase, and its the last of its kind.  Contact the winery and see if you can get some of the <50 cases left.

Best served with grilled lean meats like fillet, lamb, or perhaps game. 91 Points. Media Sample

A Post by Tracy Logan, Wine Time TR, Wine Road Northern Sonoma County.

I believe!

On my recent visit to Avalon, A Luxury Bed & Breakfast, seemingly magically tucked away in an untamed, virgin redwood forest just 10 minutes from Sebastopol or Occidental, I learned that at the complimentary wine and cheese offerings in the

evenings, Innkeeper Hilary asks the six guests just what varietals they are interested in and then serves the appropriate, delicious, high quality Wine Road wines to educate and enjoy.  The full breakfast can accommodate any special dietary needs.  Romantic, special, unique- all these come to mind as I cross the delicate wooden bridge in the redwood forest and there, all of a sudden, the unexpected Tudor inn is revealed.  The Inn has just three rooms- so special attention is paid to all guests.  I imagine

that staying at Avalon is like staying with good friends who just happen to have luxurious accommodations, concierge knowledge, and everything I need to feel pampered.   Guest rooms are private and tucked away with views of pristine redwoods and gardens. There is a garden hot tub, an Exercise Room, wi-fi and a grand piano in the living room.  Click HERE for Avalon specials.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

While its safe to say I yet to visit

a wine region I haven’t liked, few have captured my heart and changed my life as much as Russian River Valley. Yes, I am all about the Rhones, but as I have said many times, Pinot Noir was ‘my first girl.’ My path

to moving to wine country, that changed my life, started in Russian River Valley, where I now reside with my own small vineyard. (Sorry, not Pinot Noir, Grenache.)

This Saturday and Sunday you have a chance to experience what put RRV on the global wine map – Pinot Noir.

The Russian River Winegrowers, of which I am a proud associate member, is holding “Passport to Pinot,” a don’t miss weekend Pinot experience.

What Is Passport to Pinot?

As one might guess Pinot is the center star of the show, but its more than that. Each winery will pull out the stops to showcase it with things like:
• Barrel tastings – get a

glimpse of the 2011 vintage of Pinot Noir before it’s bottled
• Futures purchases – secure your supply of the wines you love in barrel
• Library wines – discover the beauty of Pinot as it ages
• Vertical tastings – compare the past, present and futurye of a specific vineyard
• Amazing food pairings – with all the delicious local foods here in Russian River Valley, wine and food are a match made in heaven
• Artist demonstrations – from painters to potters to jewelers and beyond
• Vineyard tours – get out in the vines and learn why we say great wine starts with the grapes
• Entertainment – relax with a glass of wine while checking out fantastic local musicians
• And more!

For a list of participating RRV wineries, and their special offer, click here.

Tickets are $65 for both days, or $40 for Sunday, and are available here. https://ssl.sonic.net/rrvw/web/passport2pinot_order_2012_cc.shtml

If you read the food, entertainment, and special purchase discount offers, $40-$65 is a steal!

Quick, Enter and Win a Pair of Weekend Passes – Expires in 48 hours!

One lucky couple will get a full weekend pass. In comments below simply tell us.

If you one participating winery (or pick several) do you want to visit, and why.

A winner will be randomly drawn and announced.

I will be wandering around wineries on Sunday, say hi if you see me – cheers!