Wine Outlook

Readers and drinkers, it’s gonna be a long day. After the tasting room closes, we’ll be counting wine for the end of the month. That’s right–no getting away from inventory for this girl. At least it’s not every day, though!

Much later this evening, I’m heading down to Paso Robles, to secure an early start in the morning. I’ve had some fantastic suggestions but haven’t even had time to look and see when those wineries are open. I’m hoping to get a map in the very near future to make some specific plans.

In the meantime, here’s a link to my last Jackson Free Press column on Zinfandel, which I actually began before I even knew I had the job at Rosenblum.

When I get back, I’ve got to get working on my next column, that new writing project, and catch up on older posts, including the fantastic meal I had last night.

Healdsburg update is finally here. (I had written my notes in a random, misplaced notebook and just now found it)

When I asked for suggestions for winery stops, Megan came through with Mauritson. This is a fairly small winery (6,000 cases annually) with a young winemaker. Clay’s family had been growing grapes for years, but when he returned from college, he decided to take his prior winemaking experience and brand it with the Mauritson name. And a good idea it was: I enjoyed everything I tasted. The Sauvignon Blanc, the Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, which was so easy to drink, the mellow Cab. It was especially interesting to try the two Zinfandels from Rockpile Road, as Rosenblum helped to put this new AVA along the upper shore of Lake Sonoma on the map. I found the Zin from Westphall Ridge to be more complex than Jack’s Cabin and therefore had to take a bottle home.

Next, Tim recommended Unti Vineyards, and that was another great choice. (more…)

Healdsburg, Mauritson, Unti Vineyards

Last night’s member appreciation party seemed to go quite well, though I don’t have much to compare it to. At the Fogarty club events, I always had to work in the tasting room, far from the action (and the cookies). However, this time I ran a register, while kind souls brought me little tastes of library wines. I even got to slip outside once, where there was live music and more pouring stations. And at the end of the night, I had the chance to buy some of the older vintages, coming home with two of my favorites: the 2002 Rosenblum Monte Rosso Zinfandel and the 2002 Rosenblum England Shaw Syrah. Spending that paycheck before I even get it!

On another happy note, this was the first Saturday morning I’ve had free since I moved to California. The few that I wasn’t working were taken off for specific purposes, such as the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Today, however, I walked over to the Redwood City Farmer’s Market and took my time browsing through produce, flowers, and other fun items. My trip home was much tougher, loaded down with goodies such as tomatoes, squash, an olive boulot, and peaches that might make it into a cobbler later, maybe with some dessert wine.

2002 Rosenblum Monte Rosso Zinfandel, 2002 Rosenblum England Shaw Syrah, Redwood City Farmer’s Market

This Vintner’s Festival is two weekends long, and I was so wrapped up in my own issues, the first one smacked me in the back of the head. We were super busy filling glasses, and everyone seemed to have a great time, so don’t be shy–join in.

Split up to cover the eastern side of the mountains last weekend and the western side this coming Saturday and Sunday, here’s the explanation from the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association: (more…)

Vintner’s Festival

Readers, sometimes I like to turn the tables. Instead of offering you information, I want to ask for some. Tomorrow I’ll be driving up to Healdsburg for the day. I’ve got a couple places in mind, but I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for wineries (or other destinations) that I should not miss.

Healdsburg

Despite the great discussion in my last post over women’s rights when it comes to wine (resulting in this interesting piece by Gillian), I can be as girly as the next gal.

After a meeting last week, I drove into San Francisco to meet my Irish friend. We began with brunch at The Liberties (where I learned about black and white pudding) and made our way downtown, shopping as we went. A couple hours searching for shoes and clothes, to some success, made us thirsty.

We chose to go to Straits in the Westfield Mall. It was our second time to go and I was trying to figure out why I didn’t write about it before. Then I looked at the wine list and decided that was it. Not very many choices by the glass. They didn’t have one Cabernet Sauvignon listed, so LG got an Alvides Tempranillo instead while I opted for a Domaine de Nizas Rose from Languedoc. Neither was very note-worthy.

We didn’t eat at Straits on this visit, though I did remember that when we did on the last one, a shared salad was too full of hot spices to actually eat. Seems like it might be a better place to have drinks, though I’ll personally skip the ginger-infused vodka.

Straits

I’d like to extend yet another holiday invitation to Bay Area wine drinkers and readers. Thomas Fogarty Winery will be open for tasting today from 11 until 5 (we’re usually closed on Monday). Though I must admit, I hope it’s not quite as crazy as yesterday. I don’t think I had time to breathe until about 5:30 or so.

But I’m rested and ready to go again, so come visit us for tasty wine and spectacular views. There’s also plenty of hiking trails and the ever-fun Alice’s Restaurant to have some lunch. Or bring a picnic and have a bottle of wine at our tables out front.

We’re on Skyline Blvd/Hwy 35 between Page Mill Road and Woodside Rd/Hwy84. (call 650-851-6777 if you need directions.) If you tell me you came because of this post, I might even open something special for you.

Thomas Fogarty Winery, things to do in the Bay Area on Memorial Day, Skyline Boulevard

Don’t forget tomorrow is Mother’s Day. I was much better this year than last, and my mom got her package yesterday… although she’s waiting to open it.

But if you haven’t done anything yet, here are a few ideas:

*My friend Val left me a voicemail saying I would be proud of her. For her mother-in-law, she bought a basket at World Market and filled it with those cute little single-serving bottles they have in the wine and food section. Reds, whites, and sparkling… and then she planned to put some different cheeses in there as well. Throw in some crackers and it’s a mini wine tasting for Mom!

*If you’re in the Bay Area, bring your favorite mom up to Thomas Fogarty Winery. They’ll be pouring late-harvest Gewurztraminer and Blanc de Blancs, with some strawberries, chocolates, and Harley Farms goat cheese on the side. Tasting room hours 11-5. The lawn will even be open for picnics, which usually isn’t allowed. Normally, I’d be there pouring wine, but I will be attending a tea party for my friend Sara. Her sweet mom once offered to adopt me, seeing as how my family is across the country, so I’ll have a surrogate tomorrow.

*And maybe there’s something your mom has been wanting you to do and you just haven’t done it yet. Now’s the time. For me, it’s to give my mom a list of a few wines to have around the house that aren’t too expensive and are easy to drink.

Red: low-priced Rosenblum or Ravenswood Zinfandels (great bargains and consistently good), Penfold’s Cab/Shiraz blends, Folie a Deux Menage a Trois
White: Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer (y’all know I love it!), low-priced Louis Guntrum Rieslings (one’s in a blue bottle and one’s yellow), or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, such as Matua Valley or Nobilo
Sparkling: Mumm or Gloria Ferrer ( I prefer the Blanc de Noirs for both, but you could also go for the Brut) Cristalino Cava (Brut or Rose’) and for something sweeter–the Toad Hollow Risque’.

Happy Mother’s Day, a little early!

Mother’s Day, wine for mom, suggestions for house wines

Though I didn’t get around to talking about it in my last post about Monday’s adventures in wine tasting, we also spent some time at Ferrari-Carano in Healdsburg. There are actually two locations for winemaking; the other sits above Geyserville and focuses only on reds. The owners decided that with so many vineyards (surpassing 1400 acres), it would be best to give more concentrated attention to the wines to better ensure their quality. And while the wines are good, the gardens may be just as effective at drawing customers in. Rhonda Carano and her gardeners truly outdid themselves…five acres of footpaths, gazebos, waterfalls, statues, and bridges. One section included row upon row of roses in full bloom, and we even spotted a cork tree.

Right before going into the winery, a rather large boar almost blocked our way. If I recall, this fellow was modelled after a creature who ruined some of Rhonda’s flowerbeds…only to meet his demise. But the signpost indicated you’d have good luck if you rub his nose. Hence the discolored snout.

As for the wine, we tasted downstairs in the Enoteca Lounge, where some of the more exclusive wines are poured. I believe the fee was $15 for four wines, which they will return with a purchase of at least $80, or if you’re in the business (yay, job perks). While I skipped most of the Chardonnays, I couldn’t pass up trying the interesting 05 Dominique with its crazy bursts of maple and honey, the jammy 04 Zinfandel from the back yard, and my favorite of the group: the 04 Sangiovese–dry farmed in Alexander Valley and full of smoke and dried red fruit. The 2002 Trésor, a Bordeaux-style blend, had a little too much green–bell pepper and oregeno–for me to really dive into it. PreVail is the new line of wines, featuring Cabernet and Syrah fruit grown on two different mountain estates. From that brand, I tasted the West Face and the Back Forty side by side, and while I can understand why more people prefer the West Face, I really enjoyed the nose on what Teri in the tasting room called their “John Wayne.”

Ferrari-Carano, Enoteca, PreVail

Monday my Irish friend, her family, and a few of us non-Irish had a grand time tasting up in Healdsburg. The first stop was J Vineyards, where the tax man among us had arranged for an introduction to The Bubble Room and an amazing line-up of food and wine. Let me just start by saying that I wish I had one of those in my house! A table was ready for us, and Genny began bringing out wine glasses as we looked over the menu. While we waited, she let us sample J’s first ever still rose’ from free run Pinot Noir. I was impressed with its flavors of watermelon, lemon, and slight reminder of the cotton fields back home.

As for the food, the first sampling was Puget’s Sound Steamboat oysters on the halfshell with the 02 J Vintage Brut. The doughy lemon and pear went perfectly with the saltiness of the oysters, as always. The second pairing was rather unexpected, and I honestly didn’t think it would work. The 02 J Chardonnay was full of clove, pineapple, and mango. To go with it? A spring artichoke bisque, which I never would have paired due to its slight bitterness. However, the soup brought out the flavor of coconut in the wine and somehow complimented the tropical fruits. Round 3 was pan-seared lamb with parsley and mint pistou paired with a 97 J Pinot Noir, which truly showed its age, conjuring up dried cherry and dirt. Though a lovely pairing, it was my least favorite of the wines, as I don’t think it can hang on much longer. The final item was the yummiest: grilled Snake River Kobe beef and the 03 J Pinot Noir, Robert Thomas Vineyard. We also tried the 04 Nicole’s Vineyard, which had aromas of cola and roses and the 05 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: my favorite wine of the day with its beautiful nose and earth, cola, cherry, and vanilla.

Overall, it was a terrific experience. If you’re heading that way, it’s definitely worth the stop and the $45 ($35 for wine club members). Call 707-431-5430 to make a reservation.

….Farley Walker

J Vineyards, The Bubble Room

I gladly welcomed the suggestion of a trip to 750 ml in San Mateo a few nights ago, as the visit marks another item I can check off my list of things to do/ places to go. And, I’d have to say, my best wine-tasting experience over the past couple weeks. Part shop, part tasting bar…the space is not large, with a few tables and less than 10 seats at the bar. I’m guessing it can get cramped when there’s a crowd, but this particular night was fine. I found it to be inviting, especially with the abundance of artwork on the walls. BK and I started by getting a few tastes from the Enomatic–the wine dispenser dishing out 24 (not run-of-the-mill) wines. We also ordered wine from the bar, which I actually enjoyed even more. (more…)

750 ml in San Mateo

Monday I finally made it to La Nebbia on Highway 92, nestled among Christmas tree farms and garden supplies. It’s one of the wineries closest to where I work, and visitors are always asking for suggestions as to their next stop. As Half Moon Bay is a quaint little coastal town, people love to go there. So, it was about time. I met BK outside the tasting room and was surprised to find that it’s open 10-5, daily. For those wanting to get an early start, I suppose. While the room itself is small, it was welcoming, with a short bar, big window, and wall full of goodies–almost enticing me to buy a champagne stopper except A) I already have one and B) sparkling wine is usually the one bottle I have no problem getting through. (more…)

La Nebbia, Half Moon Bay

Last weekend my Irish friend had a great idea: have dinner and wine in a Spanish setting (since she missed the Rioja tasting). We met up at Andalu, a fun tapas bar in the Mission, on the corner of 16th and Valencia. With great menu choices for both food and wine, I can see why we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table at 10 pm, even with a reservation.

This is definitely a place where you feel good about ordering wine by the glass. Variety and value always make me happy, anyway. Price range is from $7-12, with about 30 choices. There were even several choices for wine flights, including a Spanish progressive, Pinot Noir trio, and one for bubbly (were I not in the Spanish mindset, that would have been right up my alley.) I wanted to start with the Albarino, but it was sold out, so I opted instead for the 2003 Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio. (more…)

Andalu, 2003 Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio

A few updates in the wine world:

*This Saturday is one of 4 each year that are part of the Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Program. I won’t go into too many details, as I’ve written about it before. Just remember it’s a great chance and a good price to try some SCM wines that you might not be able to otherwise.

*Mississippi readers–don’t forget this Saturday is also Sante South.

*Wine Blogging Wednesday #33 is set to go for May 16 over at Doctor Weingolb (see his post for more details). The theme? Mid priced ($15-30) wines from Languedoc-Roussillon. I tend to avoid French wines unless it involves my winetasting group, so this is a good WBW for me….

*Sonoma County Showcase Weekend of Wine & Food will take place July 12-15. Sounds like 4 days of wine and food from Sonoma’s best winemakers and chefs. Luxury packages (spa, golf, etc) are available as are private winery lunches and dinners, a Sonoma Family Style gala dinner, and Taste of
Sonoma: a grand tasting with over 100 wineries, 50 chefs, wine seminars, plus some. For more information or reservations, visit the website or call 800-939-7666.

*Yesterday’s post marked my 200th one, as I noticed when replying to comments! Wow…

Wine Blogging Wednesday 33, wine news, winetasting

Finally made it over to Murphys and the Twisted Oak Winery. And even though it was a Monday and therefore not very busy, it was still the tasting room with the most personality I’ve ever been to. In fact, I came across the place where the twisted rubber chickens come from…or where they go to die…couldn’t really tell the difference. Just know that they’re everywhere. Even half disguised as frogs greeting you at the door.

El Jefe and his cracker-lovin’ companion, Nacha, (short for garnacha blanca and that dog really does know her wine) poured me the entire current release menu (which, by the way, is always complimentary). All were solid, but the ones that really did it for me were the crisp Verdelho, the “I already know I love it with French toast” Petite Sirah, and, of course, the Spaniard: a stand-out red blend that tasted more like a Cab at first and then moved into rich, red fruit. I admit, I didn’t spit that good %@#$! We also tasted from the outside tanks, including a Viognier with a deceptively fruity nose and then went into the cave for barrel samples. You won’t see it in stores, but the River of Skulls is quite the tasty Mourvedre.
(more…)

Twisted Oak Winery