Wine Outlook

The morning started off correctly when Aura brought in baskets of homemade scones (courtesy of the ever-thoughtful Anne Marie): currant, hibiscus flower & ginger, or the savory ham & cheese. All was right with the world to get the day going with some coffee and nourishment and, of course, a few bottles of bubbly during our staff meeting before the madness began.

Though this is the smallest turnout of the four open houses we have, the crowds were sizable all weekend (somewhere over 2000 people flowed through the doors). Things seemed to go more smoothly on Sunday, and from what I hear, that’s always the case. Maybe practice does make perfect. Don’t get me wrong—people were having a grand time both days. Plus, BK and my Irish friend accepted my invitation to come visit, and they definitely enjoyed themselves. I even got to walk around at the start of each day, tasting just a handful (mainly new releases) of the 51 wines on hand. I know for a fact the food was good stuff because co-workers kindly made sure those of us chained to the registers got a sampling of meat balls, sausage, gnocchi, cheeses, and more.

This particular table of reserve Zinfandels was definitely one of the most popular and a must-stop on my list. It had the ever-favorite Monte Rosso, the brand new Lyons, and the last-ever vintage of Hendry (and my top pick) to be made by Rosenblum. Many wines were poured by eager volunteers,such as Dee there on the right, although some of the growers travel to pour the wine made from their own grapes. Overall, I think there were seventeen tables, with about sixty volunteers a day.

And of course, the day would not be complete without a taste of ice cream made from Zinfandel and chocolate chunks. Last time they used the Rockpile Zin, but the man serving up scoops didn’t know which wine went into this batch. I tried to figure it out from the taste, but then I was a little too busy saving precious drops from sliding down the cone and onto the pavement….

Later I’ll post tasting notes for the new releases, some of which are being poured in the tasting room as we read.

Rosenblum Cellars Open House, Zinfandel ice cream