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Wines of the Week: 90 Point Sips from Sonoma County

Sonoma County is famous for its wine and, while one can spend a small fortune on bottles from the area, one doesn't need to shell out more than $25 to enjoy 90 point bottles. Here are a handful of wines from the region our tasting panel enjoyed:

Click on labels to enlarge

Matanzas Creek 2017 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery: Matanzas Creek
Grape(s):
93.5% Sauvignon Blanc & 6.5% Semillon
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year: 2017

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
A bouquet of lime, pineapple, minerals, and wild grass greets the senses. Flavors of citrus fruits, pineapples, and melons come together among nuances of bell pepper and minerals on the palate. Crisp, with a fairly lively acidity, open a bottle when you enjoy a shrimp stir fry.
Rating: 90

Carol Shelton 2014 "Karma Reserve"
Winery: Carol Shelton
Grape(s):
70% Zin 14% Petite Sirah, 6% Alicante Bouschet, 6% Cab, 2% Carignane & 2% Viognier
Region:
Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 20-25

Review:
Aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, spicy oak, and chocolate rises up from a glass. Ripe blackberry and blueberry flavors are accented by elements of nutmeg, black pepper, and dark chocolate on the palate. Satiny tannins frame the wine well, and a good balance of flavors show its fine crafting.
Rating: 90

Hook & Ladder 2017 Chardonnay
Winery: Hook & Ladder
Grape(s):
100% Chardonnay
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California

Year: 2017

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
The noses offers up aromas of pears, peaches, buttered popcorn, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of peach, pear, and lemon come together with allusions of buttery toasty and vanilla. A balanced acidity and creaminess make this a Chardonnay to enjoy with crab cakes.
Rating: 90

Goldschmidt "Singing Tree" 2016 Chardonnay
Winery: Goldschmidt
Grape(s):
100% Chardonnay
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California

Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
Elements of peaches and tropical fruits meld with notes of citrus peal and creamy vanilla on the nose. The palate takes shape with flavors of passion fruit, peach, and tangerine flowing into suggestions of vanilla and brown spice. Balanced and bright, it's a fine value for Chardonnay drinkers who prefer a cleaner, less buttery style.
Rating: 90

By Jason Barlow

Other Related Links:

Ratings Key:
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

 

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