By Rick Riozza
Since time appears to be going at record pace, this column will certainly have to get in our traditional holiday wine coverage within the few weeks remaining. But let’s first take a slow deep breath before we enter into the final wine fanfare of the season.
And that means we will be presenting “quenching wines”, which are the bottles that are always available at the market, are excellent table wines, perfect to hold us for fancier brands later in the year, and are reasonably priced so we can save some of that money for the holidays. So let’s get down to the quick:
We thought we saw the quest for the Sauv blancs come to a pleasant seasonal end. But have you been outside lately? We’re just stepping into October and it’s still over 100 degrees! We’re not going to fight facts here. You don’t need a weatherman to tell you the temperature.
Here are some very tasty Sauv blancs to consider for the moment:
For a lively garden party, 2023 Tapestry Wines Cenral Coast Sauvignon Blanc ($17) is a classic expression of fresh citrus, stone fruit, and oral aromas followed by notes of lemon zest and white peach. The newest wine from the makers of Beaulieu Vineyard, this wine serves as a love letter to the Central Coast wine regions that is brough to life through the art of the blend. The bottle itself is adorned with colorful floral and fauna, adding a decorative touch to any tablescape.
Rombauer Vineyards 2022 Sauvignon Blanc ($27). Your readers can join Rombauer’s mission of spreading the joy of wine by sharing this Sauvignon Blanc with friends and family. Its iconic Rombauer blue cap lets you know you’re quaffing good stuff. Its grapefruit and lychee aromas make this the perfect crisp sip for a daytime soiree. Pair this with the All-American Chicken Salad sandwich from Irma Rombauer’s Joy of Cooking cookbook.
2022 Stags’ Leap Winery 2022 Sauvignon Blanc ($32) is an elegant choice with flavors of white peach, lychee, lemon verbena, lime peel, and white elderflower floral blossom. The sips from this winemaking icon exudes the perfect expression of the Stags Leap districts in Napa Valley, serving as the ideal wine for warm weather occasions. The long length and crisp finish create a mouthwatering texture pairing perfectly with crudites and charcuterie for a refreshing snack.
2023 Beaulieu Vineyard’s Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($40). The price here is really reasonable considering the great quality. Beaulieu Vineyard is the winery that helped put Napa Valley on the map with its first “cult” Cabernet, and has now launched this Sauvignon Blanc, a fresh new sip for the summer. Offering fragrant notes of Meyer lemon, white peach, orange blossom, and bright pineapple, this wine captures the essence of the ocean breeze with its bright, fruity notes.
Let’s move to a sparkler to handle the heat, J Vineyards Cuvée 20 ($40). This sparkling white wine comes from the renowned Russian River Valley and displays notes of apple and cranberry with a soft palate of lemon meringue pie flavors. It’s a nice, crisp sparkler to sip on its own during the firework show, or your readers can pair this with grilled salmon for a patriotic al fresco meal.
Now a nice Pinot on the quick: Hahn Winery Founders 2022 Pinot Noir ($12) is known for its bright fruit flavors, such as raspberry and strawberry, with subtle earthy undertones and long silky finish. It’s an ideal match for the transitional weather, providing a refreshing contrast to the richer foods of the season. Pair alongside a roast chicken or duck. When alongside a roasted chicken dish, this Pinot Noir emphasizes the fruit-forward structure, bringing out the juiciness of roast chicken, and balances the fat content of duck.
Franciscan Estate has a delightful 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon ($14) worth reaching for on the autumn evenings. Sourced from California vineyards, it has deep, robust flavors of dark cherry and toasted caramel. Not overpowered by oak or tannins, it’s the perfect pair for any fall dish. Consider pairing it with a beef brisket with wild mushrooms or a butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary. Rooted in the terroir of Monterey County, and offering a fresh, approachable sipping experience.
All right—let’s offer at least one premium Cab Sauv to be on hand for unexpected family and friends who’ll just show up! 2019 Louis M Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($50). This red from Louis M. Martini exemplifies why the winery is known for producing premier Cabernet Sauvignon. This particular Napa Valley Cab presents a blend of cassis, vanilla, and smoky cedar aromas, layered with notes of black licorice and spice. It’s an approachable option for a wide variety of palates and will satisfy any Cal Cab lover! Pair it with a grilled steak or a juicy burger seasoned with zesty, smoky flavors.
Cheers! To quick quenchers!
Rick is your somm-about-town tasting at wine venues all about. You can reach him at winespectrum@aol.com.
