Wine Banter by John Haggard - January 2020 - Sonoma County
Woodenhead Pinot Noir “Wet Kiss” 2015, Russian River Valley. The nose is herbaceous, with raspberry, red cherry and floral notes. The palate leads with earthy tones and bright raspberry crabapple. The most pronounced flavor is a tangy spiced cinnamon.This is a pinot noir that will pair well with a duck confit and lentil salad, or a duck breast in orange sauce. The label happens to make it also a perfect pairing for your Valentine. If you’re not cooking for your Valentine, book that Sonoma County restaurant now! Enjoy this Pinot now through 2022. INFO:woodenheadwine.com
De Lorimier Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Barrel Select, Alexander Valley, 2016. Alexander Valley Cabernets tend to share a singular commonality: both the nose and palate are filled with minerality.Dark chocolate, sweet black cherry and black liquorice are on the nose of this cabernet, with the palate offering firm yet soft tannins of leather. Eucalyptus and licorice are also present in equal measure on the palate with leather tannins dominating the front of the palate. Pair this wine with red meats such as rack of lamb, prime rib and even wild game such as elk and venison.This wine is structured to age well through 2025. INFO: www.delorimierwinery.com
Wilson Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, 2014. The nose starts with sweet berries both red and black, and there’s also milk chocolate and hints of smoked beef. Dusty tannins fill the palate evenly leading to flavors of mocha mint and licorice. A great pairing for venison or rack of lamb. This wine will also make a great pairing for a multitude of full-flavored cheeses such as Point Reyes blue cheese, washed rind cheeses like Cowgirl Creamery’s Red Hawk, or an aged raw cowsmilk cheese such as Valley Ford Estero Gold reserve. This wine will age through 2026. INFO: www.wilsonwinery.com
Honorable Mention: HLR Cabernet Sauvignon, Fountaingrove District, 2014. Rarely have I reviewed a vintage twice, but after speaking to owner Steve Heller about the 2014 Cabernet, my curiosity was peaked. I do have several bottles of this wine aging in my cellar and also held back for my wine club. If you too have some of the 2014, it is absolutely drinking beautifully now. There is a nose of roast coffee, sweet berries, blackberry bramble and cardamom spice. The firm tannins change to soft velvet dark chocolate and dried cherries and raspberries. The alcohol comes in at 15.5 which is the highest of the wines tasted, but it is well balanced and likely why aging has helped this wine come into its own. Pair with grilled meats such as filet mignon, hangar steak or a standing rib roast. This Cabernet will age a further 8 years through 2020 if properly cellared. INFO: www.hlrcellars.com.
Upcoming Events:
Winter Wineland, January 18-19, 2020, 11a-4p each day. It’s the 28th Winter Wineland. Taste current vintages, multiple varietals grown in Sonoma County, and even try a few verticals. A great opportunity to meet winemakers, taste limited production wines, new releases or library wines. All participating wineries highlight a Vintage, Varietal or Vertical tasting for the weekend. INFO & Tickets: visit www.wineroad.com
43rd Annual Barrel Tasting March 6-8 & 13-15, 2020.11a–4p each day.Tickets Go On Sale January 21. It’s all about the WINE. Many wineries offer “futures” on their barrel samples. This is a chance to purchase wine now, often at a discount, then come back to the winery when the wine is bottled, typically 12-18 months from now. Many wines are so limited, buying futures is your only chance to purchase them. The ticket price includes the opportunity to sample wine from the barrel and in most cases also trying a limited number of current release wines. This is not a food pairing event so not all wineries provide food during the event. INFO & Tickets: visit www.wineroad.com
