Here we take another look at variations on the taste and feel of dry red wine.
ZD Carneros Pinot Noir 2006
Lots of sweet cherries and palpable acidity make this a refreshing Pinot. This wine originates with Pinot grown in certified organic vineyards. The wine is then aged for 10 months in French oak. Winemaker Chris Pisani. P&B in Napa 13.5% $40 at the winery ZD
Benziger Sonoma Valley Stone Farm Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Black fruits and oak on a tannic chassis – lay this down for at least 5 years. Though, with the balance that is here, if you like tannic reds and have a ribeye handy, this will be delicious. This wine also originates with certified organically grown grapes. The Benziger family has certainly been a leader in championing ‘back to nature’ grape growing. After fermentation, the wine spent 17 months in French oak. P&B in Glen Ellen 15.5% $40 at the winery Benziger
Rusina Alexander Valley Petite Sirah 2005
The latest release, the 2006 has 10% Zinfandel in the blend. These two grapes often work together so perhaps we have a similar blend in this back vintage that we are tasting tonight. Quite funky upon first opening so give it some air. This is quite tannic, as we expect with Petite. The brett is definitely showing so if you like a little animal with your Petite, this wine’s for you. P&B in Healdsburg 15.2%. The latest vintage retails for $30 at the winery Rusina
