California and it's glorious wine growing regions are full of found memories for me. Living and working in the US for a number of years I was lucky enough to visit on a few occasions and my work in a New York City wine institution helped solidify my love of the Golden State and it's viticulture.
This case contains one bottle of each of the wines listed below.
- Four Vines, Old Vines Zinfandel 2020
90% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 1% Rubired. From thirty to fifty year old, low-yielding vines in Lodi. Picked during the cool night and early morning hours and immediately for crushed and destemmed into fermentation tanks.
Racked after ten days to two weeks of fermentation on skins into a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak (25% new) for malolactic fermentation and a further ten months of aging.
Dark berry and black pepper spice aromas with wild berry. Juicy and softly structured, well balanced, bold, rich, and full-bodied.
- Hitching Post, Gen Red 2020
A blend of Merlot, Valdiguie, Tempernillo, and Syrah. "GEN RED" is a blend of grapes from several vineyards along the Central Coast. This vintage is mostly Valdiguie that adds a little spiciness however this wine is utterly reliable and ends with a lovely burst of rich black fruit.
- Tooth & Nail, Destinata Santa Barbara County Syrah County Syrah 2021
From sustainably farmed vineyards in Santa Barbara,
Fresh and lively on the nose with aromas of blueberry, blackberry and mace. Quenching acidity is married to flavours of blue fruits with a touch of pink peppercorn. Bright, juicy and pure, softly textured even at this youthful stage, this is a vibrant and fresh style that could be served slightly chilled.
- Rodney Strong California Chardonnay 2021
The west and southwestern regions of Sonoma County are ideal for growing chardonnay grapes. The cool maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean arriving reliably in the form of fog each summer evening maintains the bright natural acidity that is key to the balance of any fine Chardonnay, while the warm summer afternoons ensure plenty of ripe fruit character. A combination of estate grown and locally farmed fruit, grown in the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Coast appellations make this wine. Bright lemon and apple aromas mingle with hints of toasty barrel complexity (brown spice and vanilla), and on the palate, pear and pineapple with spice and refreshing acidity.
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Skinner Grenache Blanc, El Dorado 2021
Skinner source grapes from 6 vineyards of various aspects, soils, and elevations ranging from 1300’ to 2800’ to make a wine representative of El Dorado. Nearly one-third comes from Fenaughty in the northern part of the region followed by equal representation from South Fork, Withers, and Sumu Kaw plus a dash of a few other sites as well. The resulting wine is approachable and ready to enjoy upon release.
- Schug Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2021
This well-balanced Sauvignon Blanc is grown in cooler vineyards at the southern end of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The Hi-Vista vineyard in western Carneros and the Grossi vineyard north of Petaluma contributed spice and bright, tangy acidity. The Leveroni vineyard south of Sonoma adds the unique floral character of the Sauvignon “musqué” clone, and the Robledo Vineyard adds freshness and liveliness. This wine bursts aromas of lemon and grapefruit zest and offers subtle flavors of white peach, key lime, and honeydew melon. It finishes with a refreshing minerality and zesty acidity.
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