Zinfandel – Page 4

2016 Wine Road’s Wine & Food Affair Tops All Expectations

November 12, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Nothing could be finer than to be in Northern Sonoma County in the fall ~ especially for the annual Wine & Food Affair which was held November 5 & 6, 2016. What an awesome event! Sponsored by the Wine Road, this event spans the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley and features over 100 wineries with delectable wine and food pairings. Recipes can be found on the Wine Road website www.wineroad.com

The highlight for me was meeting Victoria Wilson, Super Star Winemaker at Matrix Winery on the westside of Russian River Valley. Victoria’s exuberance and passion for handcrafted small lot Pinot Noir was abundantly clear as we tasted through three single clone (667, 777 and 828) estate Pinot Noir vineyards. Matrix’s 2014 Estate Pinot Noir was artfully paired with a Crispy Mushroom Roll with Butternut Squash Ketchup. www.matrixwinery.com

Dutton Estate put on a fine show as always, highlighting a Chardonnay, Kyndall’s Reserve 2013, and a delightful Pinot Noir, Karmen Isabella 2013, which was paired with mouth-watering North African Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce. As a special treat, the 2014 Late Harvest Syrah was served with homemade chocolate chip cookies. www.duttonestate.com

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Revel In Woodenhead’s Terroir-Driven Pinot Noir & Zinfandel

July 10, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Woodenhead‘s tasting room is somewhat tucked away on River Road in the Russian River Valley, yet once discovered, it will become a favorite haunt. Commanding views atop the hill rival the extensive array of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel on the ever-changing tasting menu.

The funky, dimly lit tasting room resembles a mountain chalet, complete with big raw hewn beams, a massive stone fireplace and an inviting outdoor deck that boasts one of the best views in the valley.

Winemaker, Nikolai Stetz spins a very Burgundian twist on the handcrafted Pinot Noirs, showcasing the unique terroir from Mendocino, Russian River and Anderson Valley.

” Our wine is handcrafted from a hard labor of love in tune to the natural rhythm of the land, the water, the air, and the seasons. Small and unique lots are our goal, ultra premium wine is the result.”

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Battaglini Winery Touts “Viti Vecchie, Vini Buono”

May 30, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Italians have a wonderful saying, “Viti Vecchie, Vini Buono” which translates to “Old Vines, Great Wine.” This is certainly the case at Russian River Valley’s Battaglini Winery off Piner Road. Unassuming at best, it’s easy to pass the driveway on the windy country road mistaking the Battaglini Winery as another of the area’s old farmhouses with colorful red outbuildings and antique lawn art.

Being an Italian wine aficionado, I ventured down the gravel lane. Giuseppe,, aka Joe, Battaglini, sauntered out to unlock the tasting shed for me on a rainy winter’s day following the 2016 Winter Wineland weekend festivities. Joe warmly welcomed me to Battaglini Winery and invited me to taste his award-winning wines.

Ribbons were proudly strung across the back wall and photographs of Italy adorned the walls. Quite a bit of history in this tiny rustic tasting room! Roots run deep, literally speaking, on this old homestead.

Giuseppe and his wife Lucia, immigrated from Italy to California in 1956, seeking a similar Italian lifestyle amongst the vines.

The original owner and vintner, Bartholomew Lagomarsino, also an Italian immigrant, planted Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in 1885 on this very site.

Today, the 1885 vines still flourish and produce incredible full-bodied Zinfandel and Petit Sirah, which have become the Battaglini Winery flagship wines. In addition, the vineyards are planted to Chardonnay.

For a truly authentico experience, stop by for a game of bocce and a glass of Old Vine Zin! www.battagliniwines.com

Syrah is King at Rusack Vineyards

May 14, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Ballard Canyon AVA is no longer a well-kept secret. As a matter of fact, my recent travels took me along the winding backcountry roads to Rusack Vineyards. The oak-studded rolling hills and dramatic backdrop was ideal for my quest for the perfect Ballard Canyon Syrah and a dose of much-needed serenity.

Unpretentious and inviting, Rusack Vineyards‘ tasting room was a welcome sight, as it is one of the few tasting rooms in the pristine Ballard Canyon.

In the mid-1990’s, Geof and Alison Rusack purchased the legendary 48 acre property, previously known as Ballard Canyon Winery.

Seventeen acres were planted primarily with Syrah. Alongside the Syrah are smaller blocks of Bordeaux varietals ~ Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Petit Sirah, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel are planted on the couples’ Santa Catalina Island vineyard, El Rancho Escondido.

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Dry Creek’s Wilson Winery Wins Gold Medal

March 13, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Just because you perceive something a certain way, doesn’t make it true. Thank goodness! Exploring the Dry Creek Canyon road in all it’s glory after much rain during the 2016 Winter Wineland festival, I decided to stop at Wilson Winery.

Admittedly, the Wilson Winery roadside facade was truly understated and I have driven by it often over the years. The allure to visit the Dry Creek winery was to confirm the scuttlebutt heard at nearly every winery by fellow winery employees throughout the valley. Who was this Diane Wilson, woman winemaker extraordinaire? My curiosity and love of Dry Creek’s big bold reds got the better of me but not before I rounded the corner…

Lo and behold, stood a magnificent wolf iron sculpture standing guard to the entry to Wilson Winery, probably howling at the moon in elation after tasting the decadent estate Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon! [Read more…]