Here we go again – 10 wines in an hour. We taste, listen, smell… and write. About to begin.
First up – the first of 10 whites and rosés. Lucas Winery 2001 Chardonnay from Lodi. Making wine since 1978. Focused on wines that age. No malolactic. 30 % barrel fermented in new French oak. Picked around 22 – 23 brix. No longer distributed, from the library. It has aged magnificently.
Number two Harney Lane 2015 Albariño. Winery owner Kyle is pouring. Dry and crisp, all stainless steel. Kyle says they “love this wine.” Poured last night at WBC Opening Reception. Retail $20.
Markus Bokisch is here with their 2015 Albariño. Elyse his winemaker is here with him. Distinctively different from the previous wine. Markus has spent a lot of time in Spain. $18 retail. Very elegant expression. Jump on this one.
Lange Twins 2015 Estate Sangiovese Rosé. Fifth generation in Lodi. Winery opened in 2006. “New kids on the block.” $15 retail, gorgeous watermelon color. Pretty nose. Lots of strawberry on palate. Love this one!
2015 White Barbera from D’Art. Very pale color. Jessie and her dad presenting this $20 wine. Dave Dart is the owner and artist. Full of flavor, extremely expressive. In tank three months, then bottled. Available in tasting room and online.
2015 Michael David Sauvignon Blanc. 8000 cases, $16 a bottle retail. Great mouthfeel, very round. Cold fermented, full cluster press. This is one I recommend buying by the case. Michael David is Lodi’s largest family-owned producer.
Jessie is here from Trione Winery with their 2015 Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand nose. Very pungent. They own all of their vineyards. Trione is a Sonoma County Winery. $23 retail. 2600 cases, 7500 total case production. 50% neutral French oak for three months.
Wine number eight is Klinker Brick rosé of Syrah/Grenach/Carignane/Mourvedre blend. Subtle nose, but plenty of fruit on the palate. $15 and a great “patio pounder.” I would love to try this with salmon.
Old Soul Chardonnay from Oak Ridge Winery is the second to last wine being poured. The volume in the room is noticeably louder. Oldest operating winery in Lodi, tasting permit number 1. 70% stainless steel, 30% French and American Oak. $12.99 retail… yes, this is another case but. Jump on this one!
Here we go, the final wine… Jardesca – technically an aperitif. 18% alcohol, serve it over ice. Retails for $30, will last for weeks in the fridge after opening. It’s a double distilled eau de vie. Three botanicals, pink grapefruit, pink peppercorn and bay leaf. What a perfect way to end this tasting. I’m a big fan.