Today on Treasure Island today we had the opportunity to taste a number of stellar wines from Lodi. Here are just a few standouts from a much longer list.
Vino Con Brio, Lodi, Estate, Brillante White 2008 In the nose the fruit is bright and clean, showing oranges and peaches. In the mouth the fruit is super concentrated, with a zippy acidity that makes it quite refreshing. The grapes behind this wine are 70% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Pinot Grigio and 5% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is all stainless without a hint of ML. 13.6% $16 at the winery.
Vino Con Brio, Lodi, Estate, Petite Sirah 2007 This wine features dense black fruit with ripe tannins that support the wine rather than dominate it, creating a texture that is pure pleasure. The acidity carries the flavor a long way, extending the enjoyment – very nice.
The grapes are 100% Petite sourced from the Amorosa Vineyard and the wine was aged for 19 months in French and US oak. Anne Matson says that managing the pH is the key to the great mouthfeel. 14.6% $20 at the winery.
Harney Lane, Lodi, Zinfandel 2007 This Zin sports sweet oakiness with ripe fruit and liquer-like richness – first class. This is a new release combining fruit from multiple vineyards in the region. Proprietors Kyle and Jorja Lerner, the 5th generation growing grapes in the region and the first generation putting juice in the bottle. Harney Lane Winery