Wine Banter by John Haggard - August 2018
Keller Estate Pinot Gris, La Cruz Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, 2014
A nose of green tea, honeysuckle and hibiscus, the palate translates into the green tea with flavors of Bartlett pear, soft full acid throughout the palate with hints of floral. Pair with poultry dishes such as a Caesar salad or enjoy with a green salad. Enjoy now through 2019.
Kellermann Rosé of Old Vine Zin, Russian River Valley, 2017
The nose is a refreshing lime citrus, with red berry of strawberry and leads to a palate of distinct watermelon and lime zest and yellow peach. With only 25 cases produced, this rosé of old vine zinfandel is a rarity and really quite spectacular. Pair with oysters on the half shell, white fish, scallops, chicken, light salads or just an every day sipper.Enjoy now.kellermannwines.com
Hawley Sauvignon Blanc Hopkins River Ranch, Russian River Valley, 2017
Nose of lemon curd, jasmine. The palate is lemon grass, orange rind with bright firm acid and a finish of lemon rind. This sauvignon blanc is a superb pairing with fresh local seafood, shellfish, fatty fishes such as king salmon which will pair brilliantly with the bright acidities – it’s important to recognize the benefits of pairing bright acid citric wines with fatty fishes – a superb pairing for fried sardines.hawleywine.com
Thomas Henry Barrell Fermented Charonnay 2016 produced by Meadowcroft Wines of Sonoma County
The nose is a lemon orange blossom and the palate is a citric green apple pear. Subtle notes of custard toward the finish of the palate. The oak, while distinctive, is also subtle throughout the palate. This is a delicious introductory chardonnay for those looking to introduce themselves to or looking for a value Sonoma County chardonnay. This is a delicious sipping wine compatible with lighter fair. Enjoy now through 2020.
Banshee Pinot Noir 2016 Sonoma County
Sweet red cherry, and walnut on the nose. The palate has more of a cinnamon, crabapple, red cherry flavor. A great value pinot not noir from Sonoma County. Enjoy this pinot noir now. This wine will pair with grilled country ribs.bansheewines.com
Martinelli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Belle Vigna 2015
Red berries and red cherries and wild fennel on the nose. Both red and black fruit flavors on the palate and distinctly caramelized flavors throughout. Pair this pinot noir with duck breast and other gamey meats such as lamb. This wine is filled with spicy flavors of cardamom. This pinot would also be a great pairing for pork dishes. Enjoy now through 2021.
Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppi & Luisa Russian River Valley 2016
The nose is filled with sugar beet, ripened plums, vanilla and a subtle caramel leading to a palate of red berry compote, pencil shavings, plum skin with hints of smoky cedar cigar box – it is truly divine – there are few zinfandels this refined and this big. Pair this highly sophisticated zinfandel with pork ribs. This wine has the capacity to age for a decade properly cellared or is ready to enjoy now. martinelliwinery.com
UPCOMING: Old Grove Festival, Saturday, September 15, 2018 - 4:30pm - 9:00pm
A wonderful local event supported by many local wineries, providing the opportunity to enjoy great music, sip some local wine and enjoy some local foods all in the majestic redwoods. The Annual Old Grove Festival takes place at the historic Redwood Forest Theater in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve each September. This beautiful open-air theatre was built in the 1930s. Concerts and theatrical events took place there for decades until the theater was closed in the 1980s out of concern for natural resource protection. In 2006, the theater was reopened for limited use. Event reservations are limited to alleviate environmental impacts and due to parking limitations.
The Old Grove Festival features an outstanding variety of musical and theatrical productions that help Stewards raise funds to support educational and stewardship programs and State Parks.
