Kokomo Winery in Dry Creek

Kokomo Winery in Dry Creek is a phenomenal winery that is definitely a must go! Award winning wines that are second to none and focus on fruit purity and characteristics. I first found out about their wines when some guests first brought in their amazing Zinfandel and Petit Syrah. These wines absolutely blew me away. From the first appearance, to the last sip, I couldn't wait to get my own to enjoy. The wines were deeply ruby red in color, full bodied with beautiful structure and flavors worth drinking now or worth cellaring for a special occasion.

A little information on Dry Creek. Dry Creek AVA is in Northern Sonoma County bordering Healdsburg right off Hwy 29. This AVA is very small, charming and a must see for wine lovers. Author of  the infamous book, "The Wine Bible" by Karen MacNeil, says that Dry Creek is "perhaps the most charming viticultural area of all in Sonoma County... Time seems to have stood still there." She couldn't be more correct. The rolling hills along the low lying valleys with sporadically placed vintage farmhouses, feels like you have drove into another century. This area has been adapt to viticulture dating back to the late 1800's.  The area in total 32 square miles, 16 miles long by 2 miles wide it is easy to miss, but once you are there it could easily become a place you will want to return too.

Back to Kokomo, while there I was amazed by the hospitality and care they showed while we were there. Leslie was my tasting guide and as we got to talking, not knowing who was sitting right next to us quietly, was Ross. Ross is the hospitality manager for Kokomo and between the two of them, I can not say enough great things. As Leslie started asking questions wondering what I would like to taste, we went from a few wines to their entire library of extraordinary wines. I am only gonna touch on a few but believe me I could go on and on about what they do, amazing stuff!

2013 Timber Crest Sauvignon Blanc: $20 (from winery only)

Light and crisp with intense fruit flavors and structure for this style, aromas of citrus, pear and tropical notes, the mouthfeel is lush and viscous at the same time. Guava, tangerine and apricot will overwhelm your palate like nothing you will ever taste. While tasting this I thought the perfect pairing would be a fresh pear and goat cheese torte.

2012 Russian River Pinot Noir: $36 (from winery only)
Gold Medal Winner 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

This complex pure Pinot Noir focuses on the quality and complexity that Pinot Noir can have. Floral and fruity aromas with complex structure and mouthfeel this is not your typical everyday wine. You can drink it now or keep it in your cellar for years to come.

(These wines are almost exclusively sold through the winery. Very limited production of these wines are made and a must try.)

To find out more information on Kokomo Wines check out there website:
www.kokomowines.com

Fetzer Crimson 2010 Red Blend

This deep ruby red blend is by no means a traditional style California blend. Petite Syrah, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon make it fruit forward, earthy, funky and smooth all at the same time. Not the mixture of varietals that usually go together but who is to say what goes together? This wine was absolutely amazing and the price point was a selling point itself, $11! Score one for the good guys. 2010 was phenomenal year for California Reds. The right type of precipitation, weather, soil, and root stock made Reds grown in CA remarkable. Fetzer Crimson Red Wine brings to the table dark stone fruits, earth, a hint of smoke, cedar, with a smooth finish. Drink now with friends, by yourself with a significant other, pair it with some good food or on its own, the choice is yours and yours alone! (Totally had to say that) Cheers!

Wine tasting techniques

Have you ever gone to a restaurant or seen on T.V. people order wine and wonder why they try to swirl wine in their glass or smell the cork when the server places it in front of them? Tasting technique can play a huge roll in what the outcome of the wine can and will be. From the time you or someone else opens the bottle it starts to gain oxygen creating a different biology, evolving and transforming into something different. Not that oxygen makes Red darker and White more clear or golden, but the taste, texture and smell are different, because technically until that cork is popped or the screw top undone the wine is still aging.

When ordering a bottle at a restaurant whether it be your waiter, wine steward/sommelier, restaurant manager or the guy sitting next to you at the dinner party your at you want to look at a few things and make sure it is something you are going to enjoy. The label on the bottle is your first clue, the name, the vintage, the grapes used, does it say "old vine" (if ordering Zinfandel), does it have the AVA which it is from, "Reserve" or "Estate" bottled, are all your first indications on what you can expect, and if it doesn't then that is okay too because not all amazing wines want to give away their secrets on the label. A label or a name shouldn't just be the end all be all, it is only your first step into tasting.

Once opened if it has a cork inspect the cork by squeezing the end by where it made contact with the juice. Look at the color of the area, does it have sediment does it have sugar crystals on it, is it dry, does it smell funny, it should your smelling a cork! You can still get some of the aroma but there again that is not your deciding factor, step two is the cork.

Now you have your first little bit poured into your glass. Before anything admire the color, the craftsmanship, the fact that what your about to drink not only took at least three years to grow, but was created and cared for, hand picked and sorted, pressed and aged, because what your drinking is a piece of art, the grandure of what it is, what will be and what it does is nothing to be taken lightly. Tilt your glass, raise it above your eye sight and look at it in the light, layers, layers of depth, complexity, color, structure, taste, and years. Now smell.

Smelling that first aroma gives way to the experience and relationship you are now creating with not only the people around you but creating an experience you always remember. Where there is wine there is memories being created. Think about what your smelling, flowers, berries, minerals, herbs, veggies, smoke, oak, vanilla, citrus, hay, pineapple or tropical fruits, apple, peaches, apricots there are so many things happening, and it all comes from one fruit. Swirl.

Swirling is the gateway to what will be, what will this wine be once it opens up from more oxygen, because that is what you are doing opening a gateway to another level, levels of flavor are now opening as the bouquet opens up and nuances and aromas released another dimension, characteristic and profile created. The "legs" linger on the sides of the glass like paint on a canvas, adding to what will be your first taste.

Now smell again, new aromas, new flavors, new layers of complexity, nose tingling, mouth watering, umami is happening.

Taste...

Mouth feel, the first indication that something is happening. As soon as it hit your lips you have again created a memory. Anything can happen at this time, by now someone has cracked a joke, made you laugh, asked a question, said something ridiculous, anything can happen. The texture, flavor, mouth feel, aroma taking over your senses like nothing else can because you know this is special. These are the moments you don't forget, everyone is watching, the ultimate decision is about to be made. Yes or no?

Roth Estate makes it great

Not the oldest or the youngest of wineries but Roth wines will certainly not disappoint. Known mostly for their Bordeaux style wines out of Alexander valley, Roth has now ventured into Burgundian style wines like Pinot Noir along the Sonoma Coast. The 2008 Estate Merlot was a beautiful example of an Old World wine done California style, bringing forward the exemplary fruit, complexity, depth and structure. As soon as you open the bottle to pour your first glass wild blueberries take over your senses like smelling a fresh pie from the oven. Full structured flavors of currants and cedar come through with round structured tannins that linger with a smooth finish. Between $20-$25 for the bottle I would highly recommend any of Roth wines. 2008 Merlot paired with seared duck breast with a jalepeno blackberry sauce, that just sounds to good! Cheers!

A personal favorite

Justin Reserve 2009 Tempranillo is one of my favorite wines I have drank. Spice forward with fruit finish as it opens up it only gets better. The spice integrates with the fruit weaving together to make this incredible win, dark berry fruit with an earthy spicy nuance with plum and strawberry makes it impossible to drink just one glass. 2009 was such an incredible year for Justin which is located about 20 miles outside of Paso Robles the drive to the winery is as great as the wine at the destination. Rolling hills, tree covered mountains, streams, lakes, peaks and valleys this is a must go winery if and when you go to Paso Robles. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon and their staple Isosceles blend, Justin winery is not only a staple winery in Paso Robles area it is absolutely beautiful. When you park you walk alongside some of the vineyards leading up to the "inn" at Justin where they have their award winning gourmet restaurant, exquisite library leading to the tasting counter which looks out among the grounds surrounding. Tempranillo traditionally a Spanish varietal from the Rioja region can be anywhere from medium and fruity to bold and spicy Justin Reserve Tempranillo is a medium bodied wine that will pair perfectly with grilled meats, creamy full flavored artisan cheeses, or just on its own. Justin makes both red and white wines and everyone they make is worth a try they consistently year end and year out make an incredible product from their food to their wine, next time you see the name Justin on a wine bottle, pick one up and give it a go. Cheers!

Pasanu the Spanish powerhouse

Pasanau Ceps Nous 2008 Priorat Red Wine is the purple people eater of Spanish Red wine. Priorat region is located in North East Spain just below Barcelona along the coastal region of the Balearic Sea. Consisting of 70% Grenacha or Grenache here as it pours into your glass all you see is a deep purple color as if you were looking into liquid obsidian. Beautiful color with a heavy nose and flavor to match this Spanish heavyweight. Blackberry, plum, spicecake fill your palate and take over your mouth with a long dry finish that leaves you wanting more and more. Blended with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Mazuelo this wine is big, powerful and would go perfectly with a grilled steak.

Priorat has become one of the most popular regions in Spain creating big wines that sell for 4 or 5 times the amount of Rioja. Creating more and more cult style wines it is very hard for everyday drinkers or even collectors to resist what is going on. Mostly consisting of Grenache based wines the next big grape varietal to blended with is Cariena, Carignan in France, this rustic grape adds depth and structure, where it lacks both in other parts of the world. Soil, weather, and appellation due play big roles in this. Other great wines to check out from Priorat are: Nita 2010, Cellar Pasanau Ceps Nous 2010 and La Perla Noster 2007.  

Special Thanks to Alex McClelland who showed me this awesome wine! Thanks buddy hope all is well!

Predictions 2014

Every year, new trends pop up and every year they change, grow, evolve or die. 2013 personally I saw red blends, old world wines, example Chateauneuf Du Pape, Spanish Rioja, Rhone and Bordeaux make huge jumps in world popularity. Rioja was ranked 2013 Wine Spectators #1 wine, 2014 will be no different, new popularity of different wines will start to show, another number 1 will be crowned and craft beers and spirits, farm to table, locally sourced ingredients, the expansion of the mind will start to happen and curiosity will take over. Questioning the ideology that the best wines can only come from certain regions will be put to the test. New American wines gaining ground, becoming more accessible will take place all over the country, with states like the Virginia's, New York, Texas and Idaho leading the way, producing smaller unknown grape varietals and thrusting them forward into the masses. Larger names such as Duckhorn and the Jackson family known for their ever popular "Kendall Jackson" wines are setting up stakes in other states like Washington and Oregon according to different sources. We will see the growth of sustainable, organic, bio-dynamic, microbial farming practices with production already taking place that will be another thing people will look towards while looking over wine lists in restaurants. Is it locally sourced? Will be the question you ask your server when asking about the veg on the dish. In London instead of the 2 meat and veg it will be reversed, 2 veg and meat will be the new popular way of thinking, Eastern Europe like Solvania and Bulgaria will modernize wine production creating great affordable wines, with Spain doing the same do to a crumbling economy.  The prediction of Chardonnay being the varietal come back made by the Washington Post was interesting to me considering Chardonnay is the most widely drank grape in the U.S. so to see what will happen is something to watch out for. According to WP American, New Zealand and Australian vintners say they have the right clones and the right vines. Don't count South America though, Argentina, Chile and even Brazil will come with some heat this year, with that being said I think a Chateauneuf De Pape will be the #1 wine for 2014, we will just have to wait and see.

Banfi 1st winery in the world

Banfi wines has some very interesting history behind it. It involves

the pope, his chief of staff before and during his reign and her family. Teodolinda Banfi a patriarch, inspiration, general, and mother was the inspiration to Banfi wines, started by her nephew John Mariani, born in Connecticut raised in Italy what he must have seen growing up never the wiser he was watching his future come to life. Teodolinda was the head of staff for Pope Pius XI even before he became Pope and was known as Cardinal Ratti. She was the one who chose all of the wine he would drink with his meals and make sure everyone knew their job, a formidable personality but took charge like a 5 star general, never escaping the eyes of her nephew John Mariani the future creator and visionary of Banfi. Banfi wines and exports was started in New York in 1919 right when prohibition was getting to start. John Mariani just had what we would call dumb luck to start a business at this time, but this man was a visionary. Instead of shutting his business down and calling it quits he transformed his business and started exporting herbs, spices and medicinal bitters from Italy, travelling back and forth from the US still taking the time to seek out and taste Italy, France and Germany's finest wines. A true pioneer in the wine world, he is and was a driving force, visionary, entrepreneur and personality beyond his time.

Today Banfi is a leading export and import company of wine specializing in Italian wines and venturing into Chilean wines, they also export their own vinification to over 50 countries worldwide. Still family owned and operated today located in Old Brookville, NY, they also have their estate in Tuscany, Italy. 

Banfi was the first winery in the world to achieve exceptional enviormental, social and ethical responsibility, leadership and customer satisfaction awards, along with 2010 Wine Pioneering award and best Italian wines 12 years running. I definitly think its safe to say, if its not broke don't fix it. 

Banfi's Chianti Classico Riserva is a great wine that represents the classical tastes of Italian vinicultural and is a great wine for anyone wanting to get into Italian Red wines without getting your palate overwhelmed. A very subtle nose of cherry, spice and earth, the taste is a creamy texture of chocolate spice and a subtle finish of cherry vanilla. Food recommendations with this would be grilled meats, pasta dishes, tomato based dishes, and creamy textured cheeses.

'95 Alexander Valley Silver Oak

Silver Oak is one of the few wineries in all of Napa that has been a beacon of want and desire for me since I started drinking wine. Of course there are many wines I would love to try and many wineries around the world I love to get to go to but for now, I can say I have had the opportunity to try not only a '04 Napa Valley, '07 Napa Valley, '07 Alexander Valley, I have had the opportunity to drink a 1995 Alexander Valley Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon. Let me tell you, for an 18 year old wine, not to shabby, not at all! And before I forget I have to say a big THANK YOU to Mr. R.T. for giving me this marvelous gift! Beautiful Ruby red color, with ripe red and black fruits, earth and a small hint of spice overwhelmed every sense as I poured, smelled, swirled, smelled then sipped this masterpiece called Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon.

Silver Oak was founded by the Duncan family in the 1960's and is still family owned and operated. Dedicated to strictly making one type of wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, they do 100% Cabernet Sauvignon substantially grown grapes within both the Alexander Valley and Napa Valley continuing tradition set by founder Raymond Duncan in the early 70's. If your ever in the Napa Valley area Silver Oak is must see, that won't leave you disappointed. Cheers!

Wine of the week: Cambria "Julia's Vineyard" 2012 Pinot Noir

Youthful, balanced, supple, very fruit forward, light nose type of Pinot Noir. Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir is the quintessential expression of the Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. Light and fruity balanced and textured, red cherries, pomegranate, raspberries, and sweet oak fill your palate with a long dancing finish that makes you want to drink a second glass. 100% grown estate Pinot Noir for $20-$25 is a steal! I would recommend this to any Pinot lover or someone interested in getting to reds but don't know where to start. Also this wine could make a great gift for Christmas.                                                                          

Wine and Christmas go hand and hand

Christmas dinner is something that a lot of people look forward too, its a chance to be with family, friends and loved ones you might not get to see as much as you like or more than you want, don't worry that's what the wine is for. I always love Christmas because it's a chance to see family, you get to have another reason to feast like your royalty, getting and giving gifts, and enjoying the time of year where its cold and you get a reason to dress up and dress warm at the same time. Now its time for the good part, talking about the dinner your having and the wine to pair with it:

Big red meats such as beef and lamb you are going to want something that will hold up to flavor as well complimenting the wine your drinking. Cabernet Sauvignon is the obvious choice for most people, but lets go outside the box and try a Malbec, Syrah, or Old Vine Zinfandel.

Malbec is a classic Bordeaux style grape made famous by South American countries Chile and Argentina. This is a big fruit forward sometimes spicy type of wine. The deep purple color with floral, stone fruit, earthy spicy flavors will be the eye opening jaw dropping approach you will be looking for.

Syrah, the classic Rhone style wine that is grown around the world. Can easily be drunk in its early stages, it also has the ability to age with grace and taste even better than before. Flavors of dark cherry, chocolate, pepper, leather and earth feel as if you traveled around the world and back in one sip of your glass.

Old Vine Zinfandel big wine for the one who wants to be different. Old Vine Zin's are deep purplish, burgundy in color and can range from big fruity, jammy with a slight hint of peppery spice, to a smack you in the mouth spice that grabs you like you didn't know what to expect and makes you say "WOW, now that's a wine"

Milder but still full flavored meats like Duck, Chicken and Pork dishes you have a variety of ways you can go because these can make very versatile dishes and pair easily with both red and white, so lets go with Pinot Blanc, Tempernillo and Barbera also known as Barbera d'Alba.

Pinot Blanc in my humble opinion can sometimes get a bad rap. It varies so much in characteristics that people get confused by it because it can be so close to Chadonnay, yet soft and floral like a Rousanne. Beautiful caramel golden color, displays a hint of spice with pear and honey, perfectly different type of white wine.

Tempernillo my new favorite grape from the Old World to the New World. Medium bodied to full bodied, Ruby red in color, intense fruit with a slightly spicy earth finish this is a balanced wine that will go with your perfect Christmas dinner. Found mostly in Spain from the Rioja region, California, and South America do great things with the grape as well.

Barbera/ Barbera d'Alba classic Italian wine that pairs well with food because it has a brigh acidity, and crispness, low supple tannins and berry like flavors. Unfortunately not a lot of American winery's are planting Barbera but not to worry bringing or giving a bottle of Italian wine is sure to impress.

Seafood was never a tradition in my house hold around the holiday's but that doesn't mean your not allowed to make it one or just do something different this year. Whether your doing traditional or non traditional, wine can go with anything, so if Seafood is your choice for the holiday this year try pairing it with these; Gamay, Prosecco or Viognier.

Gamay or Beaujolais is low alcohol content softer version Pinot Noir. Grown in Loire Valley, France, mostly. Other countries use it more for blending and California has very small acreage in it, but if you want a wine that won't overwhelm you and you would like to try a soft red, this is your chance. 

Prosecco the Italian Sparkling wine. Sparkling wines just like any other wine can vary in tasting, texture, nose, color and body but the nice thing about Prosecco like other sparkling wines it gives a sense of celebration anytime you drink it. Floral, citrus, mineral, nutty, peach tones can all be flavors of any prosecco but the higher acidity that can cut the big flavors of seafood while complimenting it at the same time is the great thing about this pairing.

Viognier can be a spice driven floral white wine, but from my experience with it Viognier blended wines are fantastic. Viognier is mostly grown in France and very hard to grow at that, but the Central Coast California area's do a phenomenal job at producing low yields of this wine and when blended together with Rousanne or Chenin Blanc this is  makes a wine unforgettable. 

Last but definitely not least Vegetarian or Vegan pairings, which I personally think are the most versatile more than any other pairing because you can literally go across the board with this. Whether you are a red, white or sparkling fan, you definitely have your pick of the litter. Me personally though depending on how your doing these dishes you might want to play it safe and go with a lighter white either dry or semi sweet. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or a white blend will work nicely.

Riesling is probably the most widely grown grape throughout the world and vary from region to region. Dry to sweet, Riesling can do it all. Peach, citrus, floral, mineral spice, nuttiness tasting notes can with the heart of any wine drinker.

Sauvignon Blanc, the wine that grows great everywhere. Sauvignon Blanc takes many shapes and forms throughout the world and has a different name depending on the region its grown in. Fume Blanc and Chenin Blanc being the other names that takes place as well. Citrus, lemon grass, tropical fruit, tree fruit, green apple, orange blossom, lemon zest, pink grapefruit are just some of the many aroma's and tasting notes you will find from this exquisite wine.

White blends are awesome because it takes 2, 3, 5 wines and blends them all together bringing out each little nuance that wine brings to the table.

Whatever it is that you try this holiday make sure it is something you can enjoy with loved ones, be proud you brought it and enjoy the time being together. Happy Holidays and Cheers!

Great Elements create great dishes

Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, the best of Napa and Sonoma counties blended together to make a soft tannin, fruit forward, great with food type of Cabernet Sauvignon. This was what we enjoyed after we had the Capture Sauvignon Blanc, and it was totally worth it. Paired with Beef Short Ribs, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Asparagus with Pan Jus, this was another great pairing. Granted this is a Cab that you could easily drink on its own it was a very nice food wine as well. Whats funny is I have had this wine sitting for a few years now because I bought it from my last job, working in restaurants has its perks...sometimes! Not every place will allow you to do this and even if they do, do your research first because you might be able to get the same wine for cheaper in the store depending on the sales that they have going on. 

Aroma's of blueberry and casis with hints of chocolate, on the palate black cherry and stone fruit dance around with soft tannins and a very long finish.

Wine of the week

I chose the 2009 EOS estate Zinfandel from Paso Robles, CA as my wine of the week for a few reasons: 1. Could not beat the price, it was only $9. 2. I have tried it before and remembered it being tasty and wanted to see if I remembered correctly, I did. EOS winery is located right outside of Paso Robles with beautiful rolling hills and vineyards surrounding the grounds, from my experience with their wines they continually make complex big reds and beautifully composed whites. Paso Robles is really starting to become more well known as a wine destination more and more every year and recently was named 2013 Wine Region of the Year. Specifically becoming more known for their Rhone style Reds such as Zinfandel and Syrah, Paso Robles wineries specialize in upwards of 40 different varietals, so whether you like Red or White Paso Robles not only offers a different style of wine and winemaking, its laid back nature makes it a place you just want to be.

Tasting Notes:  Aroma of Raspberry, charred oak, with hints of pepper and vanilla. On the palate Raspberry jam, pepper, black cherry with a long supple finish. Definitely worth a try!

Great Priced Wine from Southern Rhone

This was a treat I got for only 15 bucks and got a second one for 5 cents got to love Bev Mo! My wife and I enjoyed this wine with a plate of Artisan cheeses, dried fruits and nuts, with some nice deli meats. Very good stuff! Rhone style wines are usually bigger and bolder in flavor and great to eat with bbq'd meats, artisan cheeses, or bold flavored cuisine. This one considering it still being young was ready to drink right out of the bottle and consisted of bright berry flavors with a pepper, smooth tannin, with a slightly lingering finish and considering it is old world style it helped that the alcohol level was a little lower, we were able to enjoy this bottle no problem. 

Chateau Lafite Rothschild

This one particular night was an opportunity of a lifetime to not only taste a great wine, but a historical wine, Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1986 Pauillac. Now not only has this wine and winery been around for centuries the quality of it rarely changes throughout the years. Obviously with age comes some oxidation, color, bouquet, body, taste and cork change but the quality never dissipates. When I saw this exquisite bottle my jaw dropped, my mouth watered and my eyes couldn't believe it, and I knew when the time came to open this bottle the cork it was going to disintegrate, and guess what it did and was already falling apart as I was taking the foil off. Once the cork was out and the wine was decanted the color and clarity of this remarkable feature was still second to none, as I poured the first glass from the decanter and watched this beautiful burgundy brick red liquid fall into its glass I couldn't help but be in awe. Watching as the rest of the table looked with confusion as to what was so special about what they had in front of them I turned back to the gentlemen who had so graciously given this gift and asked if I could get him anything else, he said yes "Another glass for yourself," I could not believe my ears. Of course I returned with a glass so quickly all he did was laugh, but he knew that I knew about Chateau Lafite Rothschild and what that bottle represented. I was very restrained in the amount that I poured for myself considering I didn't want to be greedy but he insisted I have a good taste.  As I swirled my glass opening up the bouquet and layers of flavor all I could say was "WOW," the gentlemen looked at me smiled, looked at his glass and said "Yep," then began to take a sip still with a smile on his face. Once I finally got past looking at the color, bouquet and layers in the glass, I tasted, the complexity yet simplicity of the flavors was overwhelming. Earth, cedar, and black fruits filled my mouth with such as smooth supple tannin it was wondrous, the taste lingered and when the glass was empty it gave a beautiful burgundy hue, I didn't want it to end. I left the table after shaking the gracious gentleman's hand with a very heartfelt thank you, wondering if I will ever get a chance to taste, and give someone the same experience I had. A very big thank you again to you sir!