Warning: Personal anecdote ahead. I recently moved from SF to the North Bay. (I will, very shortly be moving again from North Bay to winecountry proper…but that’s a diff story). Walking down the street of downtown Corte Madera, I came across the Madrigal Family Winery tasting room. It was a Sunday morning, the doors closed. My partner in wine crime asked if I knew who they were. Heard of them? Yes. Tasted from them, no. So, here is my first look at and taste of Madrigal Family Winery.
(more…)
Category: Booze
Wine reviews, pairings, events, and getaways
Talley Vineyards 2015 Estate Pinot Noir
I can’t say that I’ve tasted a LOT of wines from SLO. But if Talley Vineyards is any indication to the vibrancy of Pinot Noir this region produces, then I will definitely be tasting a lot more. This, here, is a review of their estate Pinot Noir, a blend of two estate vineyards. Lovely, well-rounded, and (again) vibrant. Hey, Tally, think I can get a sip of a single vineyard? 😉
(more…)
Troon Vineyard Cotes du Kubli White Rhone Blend
Biodynamic wine anyone? Honestly, you may be sipping on more biodynamically farmed and made wines than you realize, as many who do don’t necessarily advertise it. (Hello, Tablas Creek.) Anywho, that’s not actually why I gravitated to this wine—it was the fact that Troon is consistently in pursuit of planting with vineyard specificity, replanting and grafting new vines appropriate to their Applegate Valley estate. Thus, more Rhone varieties are being planted, Rhone-style wines being made. This is the first release of this white blend, made in partnership with fellow biodynamic farmers and winemakers, Barbara and Bill Steele of Cowhorn Vineyard.
LTL 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
I’ve been going on and on to my partner in wine crime about how Washington Cabernet is the fun, approachable alternative to Napa Cabernet. Is it the terroir? The winemaking? Or the fact that the folks up here want that alt-personality reputation. All of the above? Anyway, I was so happy when the folks at Upchurch queried me for sampling. It’s a welcome opportunity to taste wines from outside my state. And also prove to my partner that (once again) I was right…
Terra d’Oro 2017 Deaver Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel
From the winery: The story of the Deaver Vineyard starts in the 1800s during the California Gold Rush. Italian immigrants brought Zinfandel cuttings from the East Coast and planted vineyards in the Sierra Foothills. The fourteen acre piece of the Deaver family vineyard used to make Terra d’Oro Deaver Vineyard 130+ Year Old Vine Zinfandel was planted in 1881 but that is not the only reason the fruit is singular and exceptional. As vines mature they produce less but more concentrated fruit. The dry farmed vine’s roots continue to grow deeper into the soil as years pass and pull water and nutrients from multiple soil layers. Last but not least the relationship between the Trinchero family of Terra d’Oro and the Deaver family, stemmed in the 1960’s over a passion for Amador Zinfandel, and has since been one of loyalty and mutual respect.