#gothamwines

Last Wednesday I travelled to the beautiful region of Sonoma in Northern California. I decided to extend my palate from the traditionally big Australian wines and see what California had to offer. There is a widely known following for Napa valley and Sonoma wines. Not only in the US but also across the wine regions of the world.

I must also make special mention of the company I did the tour with, Platypus Wine Tours. Our tour guide Greg had extensive knowledge of not only the wineries but the process involved in viticulture. I had a ball! Cheers Greg!

Here are the gems that I found: DRY CREEK FAMILY WINERY Producing a number of different brands this winery is welcoming and has an extensive range to offer. A small production winery which is unfortunate because I won’t be able to find any of the wines in New York! Dang! Special mentions- Sanoma Valley ‘Forth’ 2012 Sauvignon Blanc. Sitting at $20 it’s a bloody barrrrgin mate! Fresh pear on the nose, with pineapple and grassy tones also. Soft balanced palate with a zing to finish. Easy drinking! Alexander Valley ‘Histoire’ 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. $24. A tasty delight! I am hesitant to say sweet, due to my father in my ear saying “it’s not sweet, it’s fruity!”. So yes, perhaps it’s fruity, perhaps it’s sweet, either way it’s a mouth full of plum, chocolate and ribena! I don’t think I could finish a big glass, but I would definitely enjoy a small glass to finish a meal.

AMISTA VINEYARDS This vineyard is where we stopped for lunch. Absolutely breathtaking view mixed with a ‘Greg special’ lunch. A family owned vineyard, we were lucky enough to meet the lovely couple who owned the vineyard. With a ‘bottle smashing’ ceremony to welcome us in. Special mentions- 2010 Amista Chardonnay. $28. Only 364 cases were produced. No oak yet soft creaminess on the tongue which must come forgot a bit of malolactic fermentation. Fresh grapefruit on the nose with a rounded balanced mouth feel that lingers for a while. 2006 Amista Cabernet. $42. Worth every penny. This delightful Cabernet comes from the wild vineyards of Rockpile. A rare find indeed. The tannins are very present making a full bodied rich cab. A little spice to the nose with a finish that makes you want more. Perhaps it’s my expensive taste, but this one I will not forget.

DE LA MONTANYA Another family owned winery, we didn’t get to have a real look around the place, which is disappointing because it looked like there was a lot to see, but we were on a tight schedule. I tried my first Gewürztraminer which i had never heard of, a bit to rich for me, borderline dessert wine. I don’t think I could finish a glass. There was a dessert wine on offer too which our pourer claimed “smells like honey, tastes like heaven”. Too right. Special mentions- 2010 Primitivo. $40. Grandfather to the Zinfandel, this one caught my attention. It was not overly aromatic however it packed a punch in your mouth. Strong acidity, creating a lot of salvation. Spicey and vegetative.