Last week I attended a very special luncheon in Alexander Valley to honor Jordan winemaker Rob Davis. Here is a link to the Jordan blog and some of my photos that explain the significance:
Last week I attended a very special luncheon in Alexander Valley to honor Jordan winemaker Rob Davis. Here is a link to the Jordan blog and some of my photos that explain the significance:
We are heading into the 2015 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend from September 4-6! There you will find me filling various duties:
*Featured Sommelier Star throughout the weekend and the Head Sommelier at the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction on Sunday
*Host to a series of special tastings with Stolzle Glass on Saturday for the Taste of Sonoma event at MacMurray Estate Vineyards in Russian River Valley
*Guest at the luncheon at Benovia Winery and the Sonoma Starlight event at Francis Ford Coppola Winery on Friday
Be sure to tune in Tuesday August 18th at 1:30pm for another episode of The Tasting Room, featuring Brian Graham of 9.19 Wines. We will be tasting and chatting so get involved to share your questions or insights.
Christopher & Ziggy
Take a little break to watch Daedalus Howell’s interview show I did in June, which is accessible by YouTube. Follow his channel CMedia Labs for more interesting episodes and features!
Also, mark you calendar, Daedalus has a book release and reading of Quantum Deadline at 7 p.m., Friday, August 28 at Copperfield’s Books, 140 Kentucky St., Petaluma, CA.
Today, Tuesday August 11, is our inaugural episode of The Tasting Room on Allvino.com at 1:30pm PST.
Ziggy the Wine Gal and I will discuss some fabulous wines. Watch online and chat with us live via social media. Visit Allvino.com for more information.
I will try to post the video later for those that miss it LIVE today!
Yes, I have been keeping rather busy and it just continues, this weekend it will be the inaugural WIND to WINE Festival hosted by the Petaluma Gap!
The fun starts Friday night August 7th with two wine dinners at Keller Estate & McEvoy Ranch. Then at the Sheraton Petaluma on Saturday, August 8th there will be more than 60 wines available for tasting as well as a VIP Seminar “A Winemaker’s Perspective on the Petaluma Gap AVA” hosted by ME!
More information at the Petaluma Gap website.
Napa Valley’s cult-favorite-whole-animal-wood-fired-outdoor feast, brought to you by Cochon 555’S Heritage Fire, features 3000 pounds of fire kissed meat at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena this Sunday August 2nd, 3pm– 7pm.
Purchase your tickets online at the West of West Wine Festival.
This is the final installment of “stars under the stars” Outdoor Film Festival at St Francis Winery for summer 2015. Sorry to miss all the fun but you can have a fabulous evening!
Featured Wines
$8 per glass (Includes a keepsake St. Francis glass)
2013 Chardonnay
2012 Three Valleys Zinfandel
On the Menu by Executive Chef Bryan Jones
$10 per plate
Meatloaf Sandwich
Mac & Cheese
Admission & Popcorn are Free!
Wine, Food and Sweets will be available for purchase.
What is ZigSaw? It’s when Sawyer Somm and Ziggy the Wine Gal get together to talk about their favorite subject! Keep an eye out for our show on Allvino.com starting in August 2015.
Korbell NV Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine, California ($11.99) One of the most intriguing sparkling wines around! Unlike most Blanc de Noirs, which are made primarily with just Pinot Noir grapes; this magnificent new release has smaller portions of three other flavorful red grapes varieties: Zinfandel, Gamay and Sangiovese. As a result, the wine has lively flavors of raspberry, strawberry and cherry; soft, spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg; and a long, enchanting finish that makes you want more!
SawyerSomm Pairings: Great wine to serve with brunch, especially with Lox & Bagels, fresh fruit and tangy salads; for lunch, think chilled soups, BLTs, turkey sandwiches; and for dinner, salds with goat cheese and berries, tuna tartare, salmon, sushi, pork with fruit chutney.
Thirty-Seven 2013 Albarino, Paradise View Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($22) Crisp, dry and refreshing wine with fresh aromas of summer flowers, melon, citrus, and mineral. Lively flavors of Meyer lemon, lime peel, cantaloupe, white pepper, and a burst of bright tangy acidity on the finish.
SawyerSomm Pairings: fresh oysters, Ceviche, spring rolls, fish tacos, and grilled chicken with zesty lime aioli.
Trattore Farms 2013 Roussanne, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley ($28) Blended with a small portion of Viognier, too. This dazzling medium to full bodied wine has lovely aromas and bright flavors of white peach, ripe melon, fresh squeezed grapefruit, hint of apricot, vibrant acidity and lush creamy texture.
SawyerSomm Pairings: Medium cheeses, guacamole, Heirloom tomato salad, peaches and citrus, poached scallops, sea bass, pasta with tangy white sauce, and lemon chicken.
Acorn 2012 Dolcetto, Alegria Vineyards, Russian River Valley ($35) Dolcetto is best known for being one of the flavorful red grapes grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. Through the years, Acorn Winery in Healdsburg has made one of the finest offerings from the United States. Not surprisingly, this new release did great against selections from around the globe at the San Francisco International Wine Competition 2015. Captivating notes include: lofty aromas of wild berries, citrus peel, cocoa and spice; vibrant flavors of fresh-picked blackberries, blueberry, boysenberry, black pepper, espresso, and roasted walnut; tangy acidity; soft texture. Alluring, playful and generous.
SawyerSomm Pairings: Salty cheeses, especially parmesan or Vella Dry Jack; pulled pork sandwiches; grilled veggies, Ahi tuna with Espresso Rub, pan-seared Liberty Duck breast; gourmet sausages and juicy burgers done on the grill.
McEvoy 2011 Red Piano, Estate Bottled, North Coast ($35) Gold Medal winner at both the San Francisco International Wine Competition 2015 and the North Coast Wine Challenge earlier this year, this wine is all about Mediterranean delights. Made with a selection from special blocks of Syrah, Grenache, Montalpuciano and Refosco planted at the McEvoy Ranch south of Petaluma, the wine features lovely aromas of red fruits, red apple peel, blood orange and spice. On the palate, the flavors are layered with notes of dark cherry, pomegranate, licorice, white pepper, and fresh herbs.
SawyerSomm Pairings: A dazzling picnic wine, especially when paired with a selection of local chesses, charcuterie, baguette, fresh berries, roasted nuts, cured olives, and McEvoy Olive Oil. Other tasty pairings include grilled fish with savory herbs; pasta with hearty red sauce; pomegranate chicken; lamb sliders; sweet & sour pork; baby back ribs; and grilled red meats.