Tasting Notes 8/24/12

NCWC SONOMA WINE TASTING 8/24/12

J VINEYARDS BRUT ROSE
Sonoma Valley, called the Valley of the Moon by its original Native American inhabitants, could certainly be called the Valley of the Vine. With 12 appellations and scores of wineries, Sonoma produces an ocean of delicious vino. This sparkler exudes delicate aromas of strawberry, nectarine and juicy red apples. On the palate, flavors of cherry, blood orange, citrus peel and tropical star fruit are underlined by a bright acidity that keeps it fresh and balanced. 93 points Connoisseurs Guide. $22.97.

GARY FARRELL CHARDONNAY 2009
Chardonnay is one of the many grapes that feel very much at home in Sonoma, especially in cooler appellations like the Russian River Valley. This one is “clean and refreshingly rich without being weighty, delivering a core of creamy pear and apple, with spice and floral touches, ending with a lively white peach aftertaste.” 93 points Wine Spectator. $26.97.

FOG DOG PINOT NOIR 2009
Pinot Noir is another varietal that loves to stay cool, and Sonoma Coast is the place to do that. This one shows its pedigree, being “distinctly Sonoma Coast in the forest berry fruits and feral, earthy notes of anise, balsam and Dr. Pepper. Fine and silky in the mouth, with modest alcohol and a burst of cool-climate acidity. A more feminine style of Pinot, which is not to understate its power. Could easily develop over the next 6 years, but it’s pretty compelling now.” 93 points Wine Enthusiast. $26.97.

DAVID BRUCE PINOT NOIR 2010
Another excellent source of Pinot Noir is the Russian River Valley. This one from David Bruce offers intense aromas of cherries, blackberries, blueberries, blood oranges and nutmeg that leap from the glass. The classic Pinot flavors include dried black cherries, more nutmeg, tea, and round, velvety tannins. This brand new vintage of David Bruce has not yet been rated. $32.97.

BABY BLUE RED BLEND 2010
This consistent winner from Blue Rock Vineyard hails from Alexander Valley and contains 52% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, 13% Cab Franc, and 10% Syrah. Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt’s fingerprints are on this one, which carries aromas of red and black currants and baking spices. On the palate the texture is silky, with tannins guiding the fruit rather than subduing it. 91 points Wine Enthusiast. $22.97.

ARROWOOD CABERNET 2008
People are sometimes surprised that great Cabs can come from Sonoma, but it’s absolutely true. Here are the winemaker’s words: “The use of Sonoma Valley hillside vineyards gives structure to a particularly intense and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. This Cabernet has very rich aromas of cassis, black cherries, and plums with nuances of toasty oak in the background. On the palate, the wine shows its underlying depth of dark fruit. It is silky in texture with almost a sweet impression that lingers into a plethora of black fruits, cassis, and a nuance of dark chocolate on the finish.” 90 points Tobins. $26.97.

RIDGE EAST BENCH ZINFANDEL 2009
And last we come to this classic Dry Creek Zin, “a big, burly wine loaded with dark cherries, flowers, tobacco and sweet herbs, all of which come together on a medium-bodied frame. It shows lovely length and personality.” Also described as “rich, lusty and satisfying,” this earned a 91 point score from the Wine Advocate and 92 from the Wine Enthusiast. $23.97.