ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA-Pt.5-Wine & Olive Oil

ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA

Part Five

Rodney Strong & Kokomo Wines

w/ a bit of Olive Oil

After our amazing wine/food pairing at Kendall-Jackson the day we arrived, Bob, Nguyen, Richard and I (w/ friend Paul) went to the beautiful Rodney Strong Vineyards winery.

 

As Ray, our friendly barista (and keeper of the bottle) told us...

... Founder Rodney, and his wife, Charlotte, were Broadway dancers during their 1950’s first incarnation.  As an ex-dancer myself, I thought that was cool.  Since 1989, however, Tom Klein has been this “carbon neutral, all sustainable” winery’s owner.  All 1,000 acres are Sonoma County vineyards which take great care of the ecosystem in ways that preserve and replenish resources, a la drip irrigation, covered crops, composting, etc.

 

Unfortunately, a good number of the wines were disappointing after that Kendall-Jackson experience.  However, I did like the 2007 cabernet sauvignon reserve ($45) and the 2007 Symmetry, red Meritage (California’s version of Bordeaux) ($55) which received 94 points from Wine Enthusiast.  Also good was the 2007 Brothers Ridge cab ($75) made w/ grapes grown at high elevation which received 93 pts. from Wine Spectator.  High marks from highly regarded arbiters – proving, once again, that taste (and tasting) is subjective.

On our last day, we four wine musketeers found ourselves once again driving on Dry Creek Road (Healdsburg’s ‘winery row’) where we discovered the Kokomo Winery, founded in 2004 by Eric Miller of Kokomo, Indiana…. not the Beach Boys' Kokomo off the Florida Keys - but, of course, that didn’t keep the song at bay… If I could have blasted out a fanfare, I would have, because we were soon to learn that we had hit the grape mother lode, but the Beach Boys musical vibrations were still ringing in my head.

Inside, the fun and funky tasting room....

...delightful Becky was our barista.  She started us with the 2008 Sonoma Coast pinot noir, reserve, Gopher Hill ($38).  The wine sang us a Kokomo tune of rose petals and red apple-skin.  The wine got 92 pts.in the Pinot Report… Lovely to look at… delightful to hold (sing it!).

Sipping the 2007 Dry Creek Valley zin, Timber Crest Vineyard ($32) w/ its jammy raspberry flavor and hints of cherry, pepper and vanilla again made me want to break out in song, but I didn’t want to scare the little dog that guarded the door!

Next up was the 2007 Dry Creek Valley merlot, Pauline’s Vineyard ($28) – great aroma.  I love merlot and this was so good it could sing its own praises.

The 2008 Dry Creek Valley petite syrah ($27) was not petite at all, but filled w/ big, syrupy wild berry flavors, w/ smooth, ripe tannins.  An aria of a wine.

All in all… very nice wines for a mere $5.00 tasting fee that’ll put your taste buds in Kokomotion…

As we were leaving, we noticed a little shop next door called Dry Creek Olive Co. 

 

We all love olives so we thought we’d check it out.  Dry Creek Olive Co. we soon discovered makes olive oil.  Entering the fresh and pretty ‘shop,’ we were engulfed in wonderful aromatic scents from the company’s on-site mill and tasting room.   

 

Yup.  The ‘shop’ had a tasting room.  So, why not?  Can’t have wine all the time, right? 

After a peek at the mill...

 

... we settled in for a little 'extra virgin' tasting.

 

Chris, our Dry Creek Olive Co. host, told us that all their olive oil is made from their own trees.  

  

We dipped pieces of bread into vanilla olive oil… then soaked up the Meyer lemon, the tangerine (my favorite) and the lime flavored EVOOs as well as the Tuscan blends tempered w/ Spanish Arbequina.  All delicious w/ that fresh, clean taste that good olive oils have.  But I “revisited” the tangerine oil so many times, Chris was running out of bread.  Told you it was my favorite!

Oh, did I mentioned the vinegar?  More bread dipping into Barrel-Aged California Balsamic.  Oh, my – it was like tasting port… And then there was the Pomegranate – white wine vinegar made w/ California pomegranates bursting w/ sweet, fruity, delicious flavor.

Though there was no Dry Creek Olive Oil Co. song to play in our heads, we left singing its praises.  But that delicious olive oil and vinegar soaked bread awakened all our hunger pangs.

It was time for a picnic.

Rodney Strong Vineyards

11453 Old Redwood Highway

Healdsburg CA 95448

707-431-1533

www.rodneystrong.com

Kokomo Winery

4791 Dry Creek Road

Healdsburg CA 95448

707-433-0200

www.KokomoWinery.com

Dry Creek Olive Co.

4791 Dry Creek Road

Healdsburg CA 95448

707-431-7200

www.drycreekolivecompany.com

ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA-Pt. 4-Amista Vineyards

ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA

Part Four

Amista Vineyards

Making Friends

As Bob, Nguyen, Richard and I continued our wine tasting road trip just outside of Healdsburg town proper, we discovered a winery that became one of my favorites: Amista Vineyards.  “Amista” loosely translates to “making friends” – and, that’s not only the slogan for this relatively new winery, but what proprietors Vicky and Mike Farrow practice.  They’ve made friends with the people of Healdsburg, its customers, animal lovers, the ‘earth,’ and they made friends with us.  And to top it off, their wines are user-friendly..

The winery itself is a big barn affair w/ welcoming rustic charm

that includes over-stuffed leather furniture, and walls covered w/ vibrant art hung in gallery fashion by Sonoma artist Carole Rae Watanabe. 

One of Amista’s proudest achievements has nothing to do w/ wine.  It’s the 2010 Amista Dog Day which raised money for CCI, Canine Companions for Independence (assisted living).  A book to commemorate the event is on display in the tasting room.  The winery has stayed committed to this worthy organization and so has artist Watanabe who donates part of the money she makes from each painting to CCI.

As we began our tasting flight, Clayton, our adorable barista, told us that all Amista wines are made from grapes grown “in the neighborhood” making it, like many wineries in Sonoma, a sustainable one - always important to the local economy and the environment as it decreases its carbon imprint.

We lounged.  We admired the art.  We took pictures.

  I took notes.  And, of course, we tasted.
 

Our first pour was a 2008 chardonnay from Morningsong Vineyards ($25).  This was a crisp, fruity chardonnay. No oak.  No butter.  Think green apples and Meyer lemons, but w/ a soft mineral finish.  Our friend Stu is not a chardonnay lover, but he would love this wine.  The suggested pairing on the tasting menu: sautéed shrimp in lemon butter and shallot sauce over linguine.  You listening Richard???

The 2009 “Rose of Syrah,” also from Morningsong grapes ($17), had a hint of rhubarb giving the wine a tangy acidity.  This wine, the menu told us, goes well w/ steamed mussels, grilled oysters, BBQ shrimp or a Thanksgiving turkey.  Chill it and bring on the mussels and oysters!  Shucks!

Next was the 2007 zinfandel from Saini Farms-Gene’s Block ($34).  This is an elegant  wine w/ rich, full-bodied fruit flavors and a subtle white pepper finish.  Yum.  Food suggestion: fresh seafood cioppino or braised beef over polenta.  A win-zin situation.

On to the 2005 syrah, again from Morningsong Vineyard grapes.  A silver medal winner at the Harvest Fair ($30), it’s described as a “muscular” wine.  I agree.  It was robust and smoky and would go well w/ grilled lamb or beef bourguignon, as stated on the tasting menu.  Where’s my plate?

Then came the tasting of the 2006 cabernet sauvignon, from Francesca’s Terrace ($42)…  this was a gold medal winner at the San Francisco International wine event… a classic cab w/ a deep red color and hints of black cherry and exotic spices.  Start grilling that filet mignon and, as suggested, serve w/ a crumbled Point Reyes blue cheese.  Oh, my… be still my heart.  Loved the wine – loved the food pairing suggestion.

Clayton then offered us two “off the tasting menu” tastes.

The first was a 2010 sparkling syrah ($30) – loved it.  He didn’t make any food pairing suggestions – but I’d definitely serve this bubbly on a warm summer evening, sitting out by the pool w/ Richard as the sun sets, sharing a few light appetizers or a crisp green salad.

The second off the menu taste was my favorite Amista wine… the 2007 syrah ($28) – it was so good, I’d drink it w/ any food or no food at all. 

By this time, Bob was so taken by the wines that he joined the Amista wine club right there on the spot.  That’s what friends are for!

Back to the tasting menu… our last pour was Illusion, a non-vintage wine, and the only blend that the winery makes.  It’s a port style wine made from half syrah and half zin grapes ($24) and a silver medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle.  The pairing suggestion:  a flourless chocolate torte… or all by itself as a way to end the perfect meal.  Sweet!

Amista Vineyards

3320 Dry Creek Road

Healdsburg CA 95448

707-431-9200

www.amistavineyards.com

Carole Rae Watanabe

www.artfully.com

ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA-Pt. 3- Sbragia Family Vineyards

ON THE ROAD AGAIN  IN SONOMA

Part Three

Sbragia Family Vineyards

You know that old joke – How do you get to Carnegie Hall?  Practice!  Well, my goal is to practice my way to the Carnegie Hall for wine tasters… So right after Richard and I left the delightful tastes and tasting room of Thumbprint Cellars, we made our way up Dry Creek Road to the Sbragia Family Vineyards winery and tasting room to continue my practice.

The large modern winery structure sat near the top of the mountain...

... w/ imposing views from the terrace of the vineyards and rolling hills below.

Inside, the tasting room was bright and airy, with colorful art on the walls.  My taste buds were ready.

As Sally, our wine specialist, poured our flights she told us a little bit about this family owned vineyard.  Ed Sbragia is a third generation vintner.  His grandfather immigrated from Tuscany in 1904 and worked at the Italian Swiss Colony winery.  But, Ed earned his bones as the wine master for Beringer Vineyards in Napa.  Then, in 2001, he decided to create his own label.  The family winery facility and tasting room opened in 2006.  So, Sbragia is a relatively new arrival on the block.

Our first flight started with a white…

A 2009 Schmidt Ranch sauvignon blanc – Dry Creek Valley ($24).  Rated 91 by Robert Parker and 89 by Stephen Tanzer, I’d split the difference and give it a 90.  It had a great beat and was easy to dance to!

The 2008 Home Ranch chardonnay, also from Dry Creek Valley vineyards ($26) is aged for ten months - half in new oak barrels and half in old (once used) barrels.  Another 89 from Stephen Tanzer and the Wine Spectator, this wine did not race to the finish, but lingered pleasantly, like the end of a satisfying first date when you’re waiting at the door for that good night kiss.

My favorite Sbragia chardonnay was the 2008 Gamble Ranch wine from Napa Valley vineyards ($40).  Aged in all new French oak, this was a luscious oak-y wine w/ hints of apples and vanilla.  And that oak flavor?  Like a French kiss.

Time for the reds in this flight…

We started off w/ the 2008 Home Ranch merlot – Dry Creek Valley ($25) which won the silver medal at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.  I like merlot.  I liked this wine w/ its subtle tastes of black cheery and brown spices… dark, but not too dark.  Call it dusk.

Next up was one of Richard’s favorites at Sbragia, the 2008 Gino’s Vineyard zinfandel – Dry Creek Valley ($30).  This wine was rich and husky w/ strong aromas of blackberry and cherries.  The ‘husk’ came from a hint of pepper which turned this into a real pepper upper.

The 2008 La Promessa zin – Dry Creek Valley ($32) was rated 90 by Robert Parker and its taste of ripe raspberries had a soft, smooth finish that conjured up visions of sinking into a goose down, velvet duvet, glass of wine in hand. 

The second, higher-end flight consisted only of cabernet sauvignons…

First up, the 2008 Andolsen Vineyard cab – Dry Creek Valley ($38)… deep in color, it smelled of ripe fruits, cassis w/ some roses and herbs thrown in, giving us our first taste of a day of wine & roses...

The 2007 Monte Rosso cab from Sonoma Valley ($50) rated 92 by Tanzer and 91 by Parker had delicious flavors of berries and cherries and spices… Oh my! 

A high mountain grapes wine, the 2007 Ranch Del Oso cab from the Howell Mountain in Napa ($75) was rated even higher… 94 from Parker and 92 from Tanzer.  Rich w/ flavors of black fruits and cherries, this was the winery favorite for both Richard and me.

The 2007 Cimarossa cab, again from Howell Mountain/Napa Valley ($75) also received high marks… 92+ from Parker and 91 from Tanzer… Filled w/ aromas of dark fruit and exotic spices, I closed my eyes and imagined sipping this wine on a galleon in the high seas... perhaps with Jack Sparrow… though Richard might’ve chosen Penelope Cruz... just to discuss the wines, of course!

Last, but not least, we sipped the 2007 Wall Vineyard cab made from grapes from Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley ($75) w/ almost off-the-chart ratings of 96 from Robert Parker, 93 from Stephen Tanzer and 93 from J. Laube of the Wine Spectator.  It had a lot to live up to and it did.  Another truly delicious wine that left a hint of cocoa powder lingering in my mouth. 

Sbragia Family Vineyards may be one of the new kids on the block, but they’re definitely a great neighbor.

My practice over for the day, I looked forward to continuing my journey to the wine tasters’ Carnegie Hall.   

www.sbragia.com

9990 Dry Creek Road

Geyserville, CA 95441

707-473-2992

Tasting Room open daily: 11am – 5pm

Tasting fee:  $5.00, and $10.00 for the cabs

ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA - Part 2 - Healdsburg & Thumbprint Cellars

ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA – 

Part Two

Healdsburg and

Thumbprint Cellars Artisan Winery

Fortified by a “to die for” cheeseburger (made w/ Fiscalini raw milk cheddar, no less) at the Healdsburg Bar & Grill, Richard and I decided to explore the picturesque little hamlet of Healdsburg.  You know those places you visit and say “I could live here?”  Well, I really could live here!  Really! 

As we strolled...

 

...around the green grass town square (yup, it has a town square!)...

peeking into shop and restaurant windows to see what wonders we might discover, we made this wonderful discovery: Thumbprint Cellars Artisan Winery Tasting Room & Art Gallery.

  

Thumbprint is a “boutique” winery.  Its owner, Scott Lindstrom-Dake, started making wines in his garage some years ago.  He and his wife, Erica, loved fine wines, but like many of us, they had champagne taste and a beer pocketbook.  As the inventory of his garage-made wine increased, he decided to give some bottles to friends.  To make these gifts personal, Erica gave him a special gold paint pen so he could autograph each bottle.  But as he was signing… you guessed it… the gold paint began running down the side of the bottle.  Scott quickly used his thumb to stop the flow and inadvertently pressed his thumb in the paint, leaving a perfect gold thumbprint.  A “eureka” light bulb flashed over Scott’s head and a wine name and logo were born.   

 

Word of mouth spread creating a demand for that thumbprint wine, so in 2000, Scott decided to put his thumbprint (literally and figuratively) on the market and went commercial.

The winery’s tasting room (one of the first to open its doors in Healdsburg) is unlike any other Richard and I have visited.  More than a room to taste wine, this one had a Manhattan nightclub/lounge feel w/ rich fabrics, deep colors, custom-made furniture and colorful art. 

 

But taste wine we did.  And the tasting flight was free!  An appreciated added bonus... that beer pocketbook again.

Dan Weber was our barista.  Charming and knowledgeable, he made us feel right at home in the ‘lounge.’

 

First up was the 2009 Arousal (why “Arousal?” – I haven’t a clue as I was afraid to ask), a white wine blend (60% Reisling-40% viognier) from Dry Creek Valley ($49 – Wine Club $39.50).  I could smell the honeysuckle and taste the honey.  Dan told us it pairs well w/ Thai food which immediately triggered a craving for chicken satay.

Our next pour was the 2009 viognier, Janice & Brian Schmidt Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley ($32 – Wine Club $25.60) aged in French oak for one year.  This wine had nice body w/ a peachy, vanilla flavor.

Our tastes turned to reds… 

Dan started us off w/ the 2008 pinot noir, Schneider Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($49 – Wine Club $39.20), made from dry-farmed grapes from the Pommard Clone vineyard.  Dry-farming, Dan told us, allows the grapes to find their ‘natural balance.’  More and more California vineyards are becoming pesticide and chemical fertilizer free, but dry farmed vineyards go even further.  The land is not irrigated and is consistently tilled, allowing the roots to grow deep down into the soil, making them more resistant to disease that irrigated vines might get, thus making the grape richer in flavor.   I liked the water conservation principle and I liked this wine which had a nice, smooth, shall I say “rich” finish.

Our next taste was the 2007 syrah, Ramazzotti Vineyard, Alexander Valley ($45 – Wine Club $36), a bold wine w/ a rich finish (there’s that “rich” word again – but it was rich!) and would definitely hold its own w/ any “rich” food.

The 2006 cabernet sauvignon, Gallaway Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley ($45 – Wine Club $36) had a lovely cherry flavor w/ a hint of cedar and blueberry (really, I could taste the blueberry).  I liked this wine and I liked that Brian Gallaway is using sustainable practices in farming his grapes… something that’s becoming more and more important for small, local farmers and businesses to survive.

Dan then gave us a pour off the tasting menu of Thumbprints’ 2007 cab-franc ($41), my favorite wine of the day so far.  Smooth as silk.

Last, but not least, we sipped the 2006 petite syrah port, Russian River Valley ($59). This is definitely a find for port lovers.  Dense as fog and velvety smooth.  Mel Torme in a bottle.

Our Thumbprint tasting was over. And how did we rate the wines?  Definitely two thumbs up.




www.thumbprintcellars.com

ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN SONOMA - Pt.1 - Kendall-Jackson

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
IN SONOMA...
 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Part One

Kendall-Jackson Wine Center

Last year, Richard and I, along w/ my brother Bob and his wife Nguyen, enjoyed a ‘long and wine-ing road’ tour in Sonoma.  In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we decided to do it again this year.  So many wineries, so little time.  Our first stop was the beautiful Kendall-Jackson Wine Center estate - a lovely villa w/ its beautifully appointed tasting room enveloped in butter yellow walls, slate floor and white-washed beamed ceiling w/  huge brass chandeliers.   

Paul & Richard at the tasting bar

A stove fireplace was crackling (it was a cool, rainy day) and people were gathered along the long wooden tasting bar or sitting at individual tables enjoying the wine or a wine pairing.  A romantic table for two on a balcony above overlooked the room…

As we stood at the bar sipping the wine and chatting w/ our tasting barista, we were asked if we’d like to take part in a private food/wine pairing in a VIP room “upstairs.”  We were all over this idea like ‘just-popped’ champagne fizzing from the bottle.

Kendall-Jackson’s Executive Chef Justin Wangler, Chef Matt Lowe, and Wine Educator Dale Cullins offered two pairing choices:  cheese or food.  Bob’s friend Paul (visiting from Connecticut) and I chose the cheese – Richard and Bob, the food.  Nguyen, our designated driver, didn’t take part in the wine half of the pairing, but took photos and had a few of the culinary ‘tastes’ as Dale and Matt told us about each wine and the food that Matt had prepared and I took notes.

 Me taking notes, Matt s'plaining & Paul listening

Bob sipping

cheese pairing close-up

Paul and I started w/ the 2009 Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($20) paired w/ Delice de la Vallee from the Epicurean Connection - a soft and creamy cow and goat’s milk blend cheese (sort of a fromage blanc).  I’m not a white wine ‘blanc’ kind of girl, but this wine was lovely.  Not too ‘thin.’  And it really went well w/ the ‘fromage blanc.’

Next up for us was a 2008 Jackson Hills Chardonnary ($25) made from 100% new and old French oak barrels.  The cheese?  California Crottin from Redwood Hill Farm, a dense goat’s milk cheese w/ a wonderful ‘husky’ aroma.  An adult cheese that went beautifully w/ this delicious ‘adult’ wine.

Then it was time for the 2009 Vintner’s Reserve Riesling ($12) w/ a residual sugar level of 2.1- making it a nice 'dry' wine.  This time we had Carmody, a Jersey cow’s milk cheese from Bellwether Farms w/ a hint of caramel and a strong milk flavor.  Yum.

For our next ‘tasting’ Dale had poured a smooth 2006 Grand Reserve Syrah ($25) served w/ Estero Gold, a raw cow’s milk cheese from the Valley Ford Cheese Company which was aged for 3 months in its natural rind to enhance its buttery flavor.  I fell in love at first bite… and sip.

And I continued to fall truly, madly, deeply in love sipping the velvety 2005 Highland Estates Trace Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon ($70), a gem of a wine (if it really were a gem, it definitely would be a multi-carat rich, red ruby) was paired w/ Capricious, a semi-firm, toasty-flavored goat’s milk cheese w/ a slight crumbly texture and a wonderful pungent, cheesy aroma from the Achadinha Cheese Company.  Now this was a pairing!  A little ‘label’ note:  Trace Ridge got its name from the ‘trace’ animals leave on a path… or is that too much information? ;o)

Last, but not least was the winery’s 2006 Late Harvest Chardonnay ($25), a sweet dessert wine that went beautifully w/ Point Reyes Blue from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company.  This cheese boasted a slight salty flavor that some claim comes from coastal fog and was aged for 6 months for the blue ‘veins’ to deepen in color and flavor.

A little ‘sustainable’ food note:  All the cheeses served to us came from a 20-30 miles radius from the winery.

To ‘cleanse our palate,’ Paul and I were given Kendall-Jackson Pinot noir Verjus Jello and a side of nuts & honey.  Not your supermarket My-T-Fine, but definitely mighty fine.

For the first two ‘food’ and wine pairing, Richard and Bob began w/ the 2009 Avant Chardonnay, served w/ a perfectly cooked Jerusalem artichoke latke (not your everyday Passover latke) w/ that Delice de laVallee cheese and a smidgen of salmon gravlax.  The wine was crisp and clean, yet had “gravitas” (well, something had to go w/ “gravlax”).  I, of course, had a sip and loved it.

Next they had that same 2008 Jackson Hills Chardonnay that Paul and I had savored, but theirs was paired w/ a dreamy, creamy spring green garlic soup.  I was green w/ envy.

Two more pairings followed.

1. The 2006 Highland Estates Alisos Hills Syrah along w/ a Neiman Ranch pork belly slider brined in sweet tea and served w/ a syrah BBQ sauce.  Both boys fell in love w/ this wine and this slider.

2.  It was now their turn for the high elevation, 2005 Highland Estates Trace Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon which went perfectly w/ the cabernet-braised oxtail and creamy grits (stone-ground grits from the Old Mill of Guilford in North Carolina).  Tasting doesn’t get any better than that.  And how do I know?  Because Richard shared a small bite… a very small bite.

Time for dessert.  First, a pairing of 2007 Late Harvest Riesling w/ a buttermilk pecan tart w/ Ruthie’s Meyer Lemon Curd… a southern-style buttermilk pie filling baked w/ pecans in a brown butter tart.  A sweet feast, and a sweet feat because the Meyer lemon curd and dried apricots in white verjus perfectly complemented the citrus in the wine, and…

…Second - they, too, had the “dessert” 2006 Late Harvest Chardonnay whimsically served w/ Mama Frischkorn’s Caramel Corn from an old family recipe… More sweets for the sweet.

To finish the tale of wine and food, Matt and Dale told us that Kendall-Jackson would soon be making grapeseed oil and offered a taste. The oil had a rich, nutty taste and a beautiful, dark green color… and still we weren’t finished!  Before we left for the day, Matt wanted us to try the winery’s non-vintage port w/ a piece of dark chocolate.  Who were we to say no?

Sated and happy, we thank Matt and Dale

Matt, Richard, Dale

then left 'singing in the rain' as we danced around the lawn to our car.

So, if you ever find yourself in Sonoma run, don’t walk, to the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center estate for one of their incredible pairings.  The wines – delicious.  The food – divine.  The expectations fulfilled!

For more info & wine prices, contact:

Kendall-Jackson Winery

5007 Fulton Road

Fulton CA 95439

707-571-7500

http://www.kj.com/visit/wine-center/

Sadly, the morning after our tasting, the winery's founder, Jess Jackson, passed away.  We thank him for his wonderful legacy.