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Wine Banter by John Haggard - July 2018

Winemaker and winery owner, John Hart (alongside his wife, Desiree Hart) has been producing wines in Sonoma County under his own label since 1991. John has perfected his craft over the years, consistently producing high quality low production wines from numerous Sonoma County AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Their wines are available in a selection of local restaurants, shops and their tasting room in Healdsburg. For more information on Hart’s Desire Wines, visit hartsdesirewines.com or their tasting room in the “Old Roma Station” at 53 Front Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Hart’s Desire Viognier Russian River Valley 2017 ~ Primarily a stainless-steel fermented wine with minimal oak contact. This viognier has a floral hibiscus nose with a scent of plumeria flower and the palate is that of lemon verbina, with tannins of bosc pear, firm acids fill the palate with an elegant creamy finish. This is an excellent quaffing wine and is also a versatile food wine. Try pairing with a crab sandwich, seared scallops or lingcod. This viognier is also versatile enough to pair with Thai dishes and, especially, spice. 112 cases produced. Enjoy now.

Hart’s Desire Sauvignon Blanc Hillside Vineyard Dry Creek Valley 2017 ~ A floral nose comingled with lime and lemon zest directly transferring into the palate with flavors of pineapple. This sauvignon blanc is dry and crisp and its complex flavors are partly the result of fruit harvested from low-yield thirty year-old vines. All stainless steel fermented, Loire clone. Small production. This Sauvignon Blanc would make a fine paring for a fresh green salad, Caesar salad, chicken or prawns. Enjoy now through 2018

Hart’s Desire Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2014 ~ This Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose of robust oak, red berries and cassis. On the palate there are distinctly eucalyptus and orange rind flavors with a finish of caramelized sugar. This wine combines firm yet soft tannins throughout the palate. There are also hints of cherries, cola and mint. Best paired with ribeye. Enjoy now through 2022, no decanting necessary.

Hart’s Desire Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Wylie Vineyard 2014 ~ This wine has a nose of herbs with a wild California sage herbaceous quality. The palate is bright and acidic with flavors of red raspberry, cardamom, red cherry and plum and tart crabapple. Fermented with 35% new French oak and second year barrel which imparts the cinnamon and spice-cake qualities through the mid-palate and finish. The fruit is sourced from Peters Vineyard which is located in the Green Valley. A great pairing for filet of salmon. Enjoy now through 2024. No decanting necessary.

Hart’s Desire Claret Sonoma County 2015 ~ This Claret is a three-vineyard blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The nose is distinctly Graham cracker with notes of cassis and plum. The palate is a bright red fruit compote with subtle tartness and very distinct Chinese five-spice. There are also subtle notes of cedar and caramel. This claret has the ability to age through 2025 if properly cellared. This wine is also ready to enjoy now, no decanting necessary. Pair with grilled red meats: venison or rack of lamb.

Hart’s Desire Sonoma Mountain Syrah 2015 ~ With a nose of black fruit and nutmeg, the palate is filled with flavors of black raspberries and brambly blackberry. With a gamey finish, this wine would pair well with barbequed red meats. Enjoy now through 2025. No decanting necessary.

Hart’ s Desire Semillon Dry Creek Valley 2017 ~ Old vine Semillon grown in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley produces some of the finest Semillon in California. While often made into a late harvest sweet wine in the style of sauterne, this small production Semillon is harvested early to produce a dry white wine with flavors of lemon verbina and meyer lemon. A refreshing sipper, however this Semillon has a capacity to pair with a variety of foods from light fruit salads to seafood such as oysters on the half shell. Enjoy now through 2019.

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