Different varietals of grapes thrive in different regions of the world Over the centuries, French winemakers developed the concept of “terroir” by observing the differences in wines from different regions, vineyards, or even different sections of the same vineyard. The French began to crystallize the concept of terroir as a way of describing the unique aspects of a place that influence and shape the wine made from it. While wine experts disagree about the exact definition, particular consideration is given to the natural elements that are beyond the control of humans. Components often described as aspects of terroir include climate, topography, and geology. On Friday we will taste five different varietals from the places they are best known for producing.
The Sonoma County AVA (American Viticulture Areas) is one of California’s largest producers of wine grapes, far outproducing the Napa Valley AVA. Sonoma County’s large number (15) of AVAs reflect the wide variety of climate and soil conditions in the County, the large production in the County, and the prominence of Sonoma County in the wine market. The difference in climate and soil (terroir), means that cooler climate grapes grow well in certain regions and in others warm climate grapes are more suitable. On Saturday we will visit five different sub AVA’s within the larger Sonoma County one. As with the Friday tasting we will be concentrating on varietals from the places they are best known for producing.
Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:
Friday, June 21st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map
Friday, June 21st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
Tonight we will be exploring wines from five different countries, while focusing on what each Country is most well known for. The following five varietals are on the menu for the evening: German Riesling, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Argentinean Malbec, Italian Brunello, and an American (Napa Valley of Course) Cabernet Sauvignon.
2010 Weingut Robert Weil Riesling ($31.99)
- The Riesling Tradition is a cuvée from parcels that neighbor the estate’s top vineyard sites in Kiedrich. The deep and medium-deep soils of the vineyards consist of stony, fragmented phyllite mixed with loess and loam. The character of this Riesling, like all Robert Weil Rieslings, is defined largely by these mineral-rich soils. The 2010 Riesling Tradition has a complex, enveloping aroma of lush fruits, with a hint of sandalwood. It is full and juicy on the palate, with a spicy acid crackle and a long, tingling finish.
2012 Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc ($16.99)
- Elderflower and currant aromas are accompanied by notes of citrus and passion fruit in this years Sauvignon Blanc. It has a radiant light yellow hue, tinged with green and the dominant flavors are fresh and herbal layered over ripe tropical fruit and citrus notes. A fine line of acid ensures the flavors are focused and leads to a delicate yet persistent finish with underlying mineral tones.
2007 Colome Malbec ($29.99)
- The purple-colored 2007 Malbec Estate spent 18 months in French oak, 20% new. It has an excellent bouquet of lavender, spice box, black cherry, and black raspberry. Ripe and full-bodied on the palate, it has plenty of spicy, savory black fruit, good balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Give it 2-3 years and drink it from 2011 to 2019.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 89 Points!
2004 Terralsole Brunello ($89.99)
- This changes all the time as you taste it, with aromas of dark fruit and porcini mushroom turning to cigar box and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with masses of fruit and chewy tannins. Really powerful and long. Best after 2011. 1,450 cases made. – JS Wine Spectator 96 Points – #31 Top 100 Wines of 2010
2010 Snowden Napa Valley Cabernet ($49.99)
- Snowden’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch is one of the bigger, juicier wines readers will come across in this vintage. Mocha, chocolate, spices, plums and black cherries seem to literally jump from the glass. Merlot plays a pretty important role in the 2010, which gives the wine much of its roundness and early accessibility. Round, expressive and racy, the 2010 Ranch is a terrific effort from Snowden. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 92 Points!
Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
The Sonoma County AVA (American Viticulture Areas) is one of California’s largest producers of wine grapes, far outproducing the Napa Valley AVA. Sonoma County’s large number (15) of AVAs reflect the wide variety of climate and soil conditions in the County. Tonight we will visit five different sub AVA’s within the larger Sonoma County one. As with the Friday tasting we will be concentrating on varietals from the specific areas they are best known for producing.
2010 Lancaster Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($29.99)
- The 2010 Samantha’s Sauvignon Blanc has complex aromas of pear, fresh flowers, dried citrus & honeysuckle. The bright acidity is balanced with a layered texture and minerality that pushes through the smooth finish. Complemented with ripe grapefruit, fresh peaches & lemon drops.
2010 Vine Cliff Los Carneros Chardonnay ($29.99)
- This is a flashy Chardonnay, marked by scads of oak that contributes buttered toast and vanilla cream. You find rich fruit flavors of pineapples and golden mangoes, but they struggle to overcome the barrel influence. Still, there’s no denying the opulence.” Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points!
2010 Donum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($74.99)
- The 2010 Donum Russian River Pinot Noir is graceful and delicate, showing tremendous purity, with a core of red raspberry coulis, cherry and pomegranate juice. Whiffs of white pepper and forest floor lend this some traction, while it features plush tannins on the finish. Drink it now through 2022. Only 483 cases made. – MW – Wine Spectator 93 Points!
2010 Seghesio Rockpile AVA Zinfandel ($36.99)
- Offers floral black raspberry and smoked pepper aromas. The flavors are full and soft, yet more acidity would provide lift. Finishes with notes of licorice and briary sage. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases made. – TF - Wine Spectator – 89 Points!
2009 Athair Sonoma Valley Cabernet ($39.99)
- The rich, volcanic, red earth soils create an intricate and concentrated wine with savory herb, complex wild berry and ripe plum flavors. Rich and elegant, gaining depth and complexity on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Hope to see you all at the tasting!
Jason Perry
