Wines
of the Week: Sips from Sonoma County
Sonoma
County is famous for its wine and, while one can spend a small
fortune on bottles from the region, one doesn't need to shell
out more than $30 to enjoy the quality. Here are a handful of
wines from the region our tasting panel enjoyed:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Rodney
Strong 2018 Rose of Pinot Noir
Winery:
Rodney
Strong
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River Valley, California
Year:
2018
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Lots of strawberry and peach aromas rise up from a glass,
alongside a few floral and mineral hints. A nice acidity
lifts up the palate, carrying flavors of strawberries,
peaches, and passion fruits, accented by whispers of minerals
and spring flowers. Fairly crisp and quite clean, enjoy
on a picnic with turkey sandwiches plus a watermelon and
arugula salad.
Rating: 90 |
|
Ferrari-Carano
2017 Pinot Grigio
Winery:
Ferrari-Carano
Grape(s): Pinot
Grigio
Region: Sonoma
County, Caliofornia
Year:
2017
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A glass present aromas of peaches, melons, citrus blossoms,
and minerals. Plenty of peach and honeydew flavors emerge
on the palate, flowing into elements of orange peal and
minerals. A good body and pleasant acidity make this a
rather approachable wine. Pair with baked tilapia.
Rating: 89 |
|
Beringer
2016 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Beringer
Grape(s): 88%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, &
2% Petite Verdot
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County,
California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
The nose weaves together aromas of blackberries, blueberries,
and currants with nuances of herbs, anise, and clove.
Cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry flavors take center
stage on the palate, backed up by notes of mocha, clove,
and olive. Classically structured and rich, match it up
with roast beef.
Rating: 90 |
|
Roth
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Roth
Grape(s): 90%
Cabernet Sauvignon & 13% Syrah
Region: Alexander
valley, Sonoma County, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, black cherries, and cassis
play among nuances of dark chocolate and toasty oak on
the nose. Lots of dark fruit, including black cherry,
currant, and blackberry, comes forth on the palate, accented
by elements of toasty oak, minerals, and olive. Match
it up with beef kabobs.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Photo
By: Joe-Shlabotnik-Foter-CC-BY
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|