Benziger has a long-standing family reputation in Sonoma. The family made the migration to California’s northern wine country when it was still had its “wild west” status and together groomed the land to make some top quality wines. Since 2000, all four of Benziger’s estate vineyards have been officially certified Biodynamic, meaning they’ve eliminated the use of all synthetic materials, encourage biodiversity in the field, and nurture a closed nutrient system. The effects? Well let’s have a taste and see, shall we?
Siduri 2014 John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir
I wandered into the Siduri tasting room on a cold, rainy day in Healdsburg purely for the atmosphere. Comfy couches, warm lighting, it was the perfect ambiance I was looking for. As further luck would have it, I just happened to be the only customer, so the two tasting room staff members were more than happy to give me a bit of one-on-one attention as we all tasted through the winery’s current line up.
A tasting at Siduri is a study in Pinot Noir — because that’s all they make. They’ll start you with the open-textured and elegant offerings from the Willamette and slowly walk south, through all the major winemaking regions of California. The last stop will be Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA — and though they source from several vineyards in the area, I found the 2014 Pinot Noir from John Sebastiano Vineyard the most unique Pinot in my entire tasting that day.
Sea Smoke 2015 Southing Pinot Noir
Once upon a time there was a little girl who was so excited by her delivery of Sea Smoke wine, she decided to try both bottles on the same night. She so enjoyed starting her evening with the Chardonnay that it seemed only natural to open up the Pinot Noir to pair alongside her Friday night fun meal. And so it was…
Sea Smoke 2015 Chardonnay
Sea Smoke is one of those names that I’ve heard all about, comes highly recommended, and…I’d never had before. So I was so pleased when I received a shipment featuring the winery’s flagship Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In fact, I was so excited to try their wine — I tried them both in one night. And you know what? I’m glad I did. The Sea Smoke Chardonnay was the perfect way to start my Friday evening…
Ladera Vineyards 2015 Pillow Road Chardonnay
I’m always curious when wineries who’s main focus are heartier red wines produce a white varietal. Ladera, who’s primarily known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, recently purchased acreage in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley — known for top quality Pinot Noir and — yes — Chardonnay. Sourcing fruit from the right region is one thing, knowing how to do that produce justice is another. And Ladera does, indeed, do the Chardonnay grape proud…