The '06 is the third in the trilogy of 2004, 2005 and 2006. The next vintage release will be 2009. Every vintage release is different, but she strives for consistency in the non-vintage releases. She believes that aging adds complexity.
The hacienda is magnificent with vaulted ceilings and oak beams, stone walls made from local Carmel stone and a Mexican terracotta roof. There are mementos from the old West, posters depicting events from days gone by and photos of movie stars who frequented the ranch decades ago.
This wine offered plenty of citrus on the nose, mostly lime and was mineral on the palate. It proved quite food friendly and was wonderful with the St. Géric blue-veined triple crème from Fromagerie Guilloteau.
We walked around, exploring every nook and cranny we could. Attention to detail is evident everywhere. There's a sense you've stepped back in time and you can almost hear the sounds of the old west. We gathered inside the intimate chapel. We soaked in the magnificent views. We picked up a wine glass and met in front of the carriage house and sipped on Homan Ranch 2012 Sauvignon Blanc before heading down the hill for dinner at Will's Fargo Steakhouse, a restaurant and bar that dates back to the late 1920s when it was owned by Will Fay.
Kim called it a big, bold California style wine and enjoyed the blend. It sells for $38. Last up was Bel Vino's 2011 Zinfandel. Tony said it was like a spicy Tootsie Roll. "Yum!" Brain said "I like this. It's soft and coats the tongue with a velvety dark fruit. The Barry Manilow of wine."
Just last night we gathered again, friends with food, wine and cheer for our last wine tasting of the year.
Prior tastings, however, took place that I need t...
Diane and Ken Wilson own the Wilson Artisan Wineries as well as the Grape Leaf Inn. There are eight wineries all totaled and I visited three of them, starting with Matrix Winery. Formerly Rabbit Ridge Winery, the Wilsons purchased the property in 2007.
