The Heritage Club - October 2020
October features a couple of wines from northern California. One from Lake County and another from further north in Mendocino. These regions feature a large variety of grape varietals and these two particular wines are varietals that you may not morally reach for at the wine shop. A modern take on Zinfandel and a Sauvignon Blanc grown at high elevation emphasizing brightness and vibrant tropical fruits.
High Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Producer: High Valley Vineyard (Shanon Ridge)
Winemaker: Clay Shannon
Region: High Valley, Lake County, California
Grape Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Viticulture: Certified sustainable vines farmed at an elevation near 2,000 feet on red-rock volcanic soil with an emphasis on the Ovis Cycle. This cycle allows for 1,000 sheep to roam wild in the vineyards. The sequence of changing stages that, upon completion, produces a final state identical to the original one.
Method: Stainless-steel at low temperatures to retain the fruit-forward nature of the wine.
Serving Suggestions: Serve cold, around 45-50 degrees. I would pair this wine with seafood, goat cheese, and Asian cuisine.
Age: 1-5 years is typical for Sauv Blanc.
Nose: Melon, pear, pineapple, and a slight showing of orange blossom.
Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, lemongrass, and fresh pineapple rounded out with a soft and dry finish.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
When I think about Sauvignon Blanc, I think about flavor. Sauv Blanc, to me, offers the most variety of flavor profiles while being consistently flavorful, no matter where it is from. Whether it is a French Sancerre, an intensely tropical New Zealand Sauv, or a rich Californian, you know Sauv Blanc will absolutely pack a punch flavor-wise. This is likely why this varietal has become a darling among wine professionals, tons of variety for great values.
This particular Sauv Blanc is really fun for a couple of reasons. First, it is 100% Sauv Blanc, unlike many from this area of California that blend with Semillion. Secondly, the elevation at which the fruit is grown allows for a brightness that normally is only found in New Zealand versions of this wine. Lastly, while this wine reflects the elevation, it has a softness that you simply cannot get with a New Zealand Sauv Blanc. In essence, the consumer is getting the best of a couple of different regions of this variety, all in one bottle.
Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel 2017
Producer: Carol Shelton
Winemaker: Carol Shelton
Region: Mendocino County, California.
Grape Varietal: Zinfandel (76%), Carignane (15%), Petite Sirah(9%)
Viticulture: Grown on the benchlands and slopes of mountainsides — this 60 plus-year-old vine Zinfandel was named for wild- looking vines and also for the uninoculated, yeast ferment that was used to create it. Sustainably farmed and organically grown.
Method: Vinified for 14 months in American oak barrels, 20% new and
20% 2-year-old oak, and 60% older French and American oak.
Serving Suggestions: Serve room temperature after a half-hour decanting. I would pair this wine with beef, lamb, or richly spiced poultry.
Age: 5-7 years. This wine still feels a bit tight to me, so if you do drink it now, decanting is a must.
Nose: Cigar box, blackberry, cinnamon, and black cherry.
Tasting Notes: Very ripe and palatable with Strawberry and raspberry jammy notes finishing up with a smooth textured finish of tannin and spices.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Zinfandel gets a bad rap, I sure know I have been guilty of overlooking this variety. It is largely unfair and a product of the wine industry really pushing Zinfandel in the late 1980s-1990s. That led to a lot of below-average wines and many unhappy customers. Like anything else, overproduction causes the consumer to tire. Zin is known for its' high alcohol content and jammy fruits. Other varieties feature those traits and began to be seen and more finessed and more balanced. I would like to see preceptions change because I know mine certainly has. Last month's Primitivo was delicious, interesting, and outright boozy. This Wild Thing Old Vine Zin is no different.
Carol Shelton is generally cited as the most awarded winemaker in the United States. She has been named winemaker of the year many times and continues her crusade to make Zinfandel beloved. Her Old Vine Zinfandel gives you the jamminess you expect from a Zin while astutely highlighting non-fruit flavors and tannin for those drinkers that do not necessarily crave a jam bomb.