Friday, February 18, 2011

Quick Jaunt to Sonoma!

 

IMG_2236Sonoma Wine Country is arguably the home of some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the planet, and has always been "the other wine destination" for those seeking to avoid the wine crowds in Napa, but now more and more of us are realizing the true charm of this easy to-get-to jewel.

I only had two days for a getaway to wine country, and with Horizon Airlines now flying right into the heart of wine country, "popping in" couldn't be easier and more affordable.

I left Los Angeles at 8:30 AM, and was at Iron Horse Vineyards, sipping bubbles by 10:30!

At Iron Horse,IMG_2268 not only are they making ten amazing sparkling wines, but also 6 Chardonnays and 4 Pinot Noirs. The Sterling family has become known for top-notch wines as well as a strong commitment to the environment. When you buy a bottle of  their "Ocean Reserve" Sparkling Wine, they donate $4 to establish marine protected areas, in partnership with National Geographic. 

Up the road a tad, I stopped in to visit Shane Finley, winemaker at Kosta Browne, who is pushing the envelope in the world of Pinot Noir. The single-vineyard Pinots are IMG_2326incredibly expressive and unique. Shane took me through barrel after barrel of Pinots that were amazingly opulent, intense, well-structured, and consistent. His track record at Paul Hobbs and in the Rhone speaks for itself. These wines are not for the faint of heart! I could have stayed here all day, but I had to get moving. There were more wineries to visit on this whirlwind trip!

Next on the agenda, Jordan, one of the most beautiful wineries in Sonoma. Tom Jordan struck oil and natural gas in Indonesia back in the 60's, and with that fortune set out to build the most perfect Bordeaux-inspired winery he could. He settled on this gorgeous spot in the Alexander Valley in 1972,IMG_2352 and built one of the most consistent Cabernet houses in California winemaking history. Winemaker Rob Davis has been with him since 1976, taking over the helm from Andre Tchelistcheff, and still turns out this top-notch iconic Cabernet Sauvignon today. We also had the fortune of trying their crisp, Burgundian Chardonnay and even their home-made extra-virgin Olive Oil.

After these 3 vineyard tours, it was time to hit the town and explore Sonoma Town Square. There is no shortage of great restaurants here, including Cyrus, Ravenous, Zin, Willi's Seafood Bar, Rustic, and Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen, just to name a few. I was craving seafood so went with "tapas style" small plates of seafood at IMG_2677Willi's, then went for jazz and after dinner drinks at the Dry Creek Kitchen where a wintry night was countered by a blazing fireplace and a live jazz trio. Great wines by the glass and top-notch mixology were in no short supply here! But I kept it an early night as there was an early morning agenda for more wine tasting!

That 2nd day started with a visit to Cline Cellars, where winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos is making more than 17 different wines!  It is an impressive lineup of Zins, Syrahs, Mourvedres, Carignanes, Viogniers, Marsannes, and Pinot Gris! What a great way to start my day!

It was an IMG_2809incredibly beautiful and windy drive up to Kenwood, on this frost-covered morning. It was my first trip to Chateau St Jean, a stunning 250-acre Estate built in 1920. It is meticulously maintained and has the charm and feel of the Great Gatsby! I was taken on a journey through the impressive lineup of Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Merlots, and Cabernets, including of course, the seminal Cinq Cepages red wine blend that was Wine Spectator's wine of the year in 1996.

It's no wonder that winemaker Margo Van Staaveren was named Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2008. The wines and  winery are gorgeous pure Sonoma!

Last stop before popping back onto the Eco-friendly Horizon Q-400, I had the privilege IMG_2905of visiting with Tripp Donelan, whose family makes Donelan Family Wines, formerly Pax. Nobody makes more dense, age-worthy Rhone-style wines than Tripp and family. We tasted through an array of 08 Syrahs such as the Cuvee Moriah, Cuvee Christine, and Kobler Family, as well as some of the 07 Pax gems. These wines are huge and muscular with a long life ahead of them. Impressive wines from an impressive family.

But alas, it was 2:45 PM, and the 3:30 back to LA beckoned. A 10-minute drive from the Donelan's and I am back at the Charles M SchulzSonoma Airport and a one hour flight back home to LA, and back to The Palm for me!

Don't worry, Sonoma, I'll be back soon. You can bet on it!

IMG_2875

The Wine Minute Featuring Jeridan Frye

 

In this video, Jeridan and I have the pleasure of drinking (and talking about) Cheval des Andes! It's a wine venture between Frances prestigious Cheval Blanc and Argentina's much-heralded Terrazas de los Andes. Sorry about the sound quality!!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Top 5 Most Romantic Wines

 

The big V-day is coming! Here are my recommendations for the most romantic wines for Valentine's Day. These tips are sure to impress that special someone!

1. Moet Chandon Rose Imperial- $45

  This lovely, fresh, pink bubbly from the Champagne region of France, will certainly ensure a romantic evening. Great as a starter wine with light appetizers, and also as a wine for the rest of the evening. Looks as sexy as it tastes.

2. Lewis Cellars Sauvignon Blanc- $37

   Another wonderful wine for starting out the evening on a light, yet luscious note. the Lewis Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is redolent of spicy ripe lime, mandarin orange, and gooseberry, with custard and key lime pie notes. A seductive wine for sure!

3. Swanson Merlot- $36

  This is a flagship Merlot boasting classic black cherry, plum, cocoa and spice notes. It is elegant, soft, and silky. No girl could resist it. Men, go buy a bottle and make her yours! 

4. Bolla Amarone- $39

  Amarone is the ultimate romantic wine expression, with it's roots in Veneto, Italy. It is a seductive blend of soft and elegant Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, which have been patiently dried out on straw mats for months, becoming raisiny and sweet. Then they are crushed, giving this wine complexity and sweetness, properties we hope your Valentine's date will have as well. The Bolla is a steal at this price!

  5. Quady Essencia Orange Muscat- $25

IMG_3190

Last but not least, you need something sweet to enjoy after dinner, with your dessert, or the Valentine's Chocolates, which will overpower that red wine you were savoring with dinner. The Quady Essencia is made from 100% Orange Muscat grapes, giving you gorgeous fresh apricot, peach, and mango notes, without being too heavy or sticky. It is fresh and light, and will leave you wanting more.

Enjoy, lovebirds!!

The Wine Minute Featuring Wei Fung Li

 

Here is wine expert and icon Wei Fung Li at Wino Wednesday on 2-2-2011
Chinese New Year!!