Nothing like standing in a vineyard with the breeze blowing through your hair as you look out onto the waters of the Pacific. There is a reason that much of the “New World” vineyards of the world are located on the coasts… The balance of high sunshine and cool air make wines with ripe fruit flavors, but a balanced finish. On this weeks flight we are adventuring down the California coast visiting some of our favorite regions from Sonoma down to Santa Barbara. Grab a flight for $5!
Featured Wines:
1) Gundlach Bundschu Chardonnay 2017
Sonoma Coast, California; $19.99
“Gun Bun” is California's oldest family-owned winery and second oldest overall to only Buena Vista. They are home to some of the oldest Gewurztraminer vines in California and were the first Sonoma winery to graft European vines onto American rootstock to resist the phylloxera outbreak of the late 1800s. The Chardonnay is a combination of different plots off the estate with the oldest vines dating back to the 70s. They utilize the cold Pacific breezes through the Petaluma Gap to produce a very old world meets new world style of Chardonnay.
Aged 10 months in mostly neutral French oak barrels. No butter in this one, but aging on the lees added a creamy mouthfeel to the wine. Crisp green apple, white nectarine and key lime flavors with a zesty and fresh acidity. A much more French approach to an often misunderstood grape varietal. - Sample $1.50
2) Folly of the Beast Pinot Noir 2018
Central Coast, California; $14.99
Affordable and well made California Pinot Noir is a true “White Whale”. The Central Coast is home to some of the coldest growing areas of California and this Pinot Noir predominately comes from Santa Barbara right along the coast. Lots of sunny days give the wine a round juicy red fruit flavor, but without being overripe. Aged a year in oak to just soften and round out the edges. It reminded me of a strawberry and rhubarb pie with a little cedar and pepper in the finish. - Sample $1.00
3) J. Lohr “Wildflower” Valdiguie 2018
Monterey, California; $8.99
The name Wildflower actually comes from the Greenfield vineyards these grapes come from where the topsoil holds enough water to grow wildflowers among the vines. Made of 100% Valdiguie, a grape that was for many years identified as Gamay due to its similar qualities. J. Lohr mimics a lot of the same wine making practices common in Beaujolais with a combination of traditional and carbonic maceration fermentation methods. The wine hits you with a brambly wild berry quality up front, but finishes on the palate with a little pepperiness. An amazing lighter bodied wine that is just a killer value. - Sample $1.00
4) Bull by the Horns Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Paso Robles, California; $19.99
This is what I think of when I think of Paso Robles Cabernet. This is one of the flagship wines from McPrice Myers a young up and coming winemaker that is passionate about Paso Robles and everything the region has to offer. The areas hot and sunny days in most of the area lead to dense fruit forward wines, while the calcium rich soils help the grapes develop more acidity. Most of the vineyards Myers works with are located in the Templeton Gap region stretching from the southwest of Paso Robles to the coast. The cooler breezes running through the hills lead to a more balanced wines. In comparison to Sonoma or Napa the Cabernets of Paso have a dense black fruit character. This one shows lots of black currant and blackberry with lots of depth. Mint, chocolate, coffee, clove, black licorice, bay leaf... - Sample $1.50