(3/10/08)Wow. Too much fun! 

Barrel tasting '07s and '06s, buying wine futures, tasting current releases, visiting wineries and wine tasting rooms, and, of course, checking out the awesome scenery - fun, fun, fun!


Where'd we go and what'd we taste and like?

Our favorites-

Hanna Winery in both Alexander Valley and the Russian River Valley.
- '04 AV Cab Sav is affordable @ $30 retail and has a satisfying mouthfeel with flavors of cherries and spice. Balanced tannins and acidity.
- '07 Sav Blanc @ $18 retail appears to be another award winner for Hanna. Citrus fruits in the nose with a pleasant crispness and fruit on the palate.

White Oak Vineyards & Winery in Alexander Valley
- '06 Russian River (RR) Chardonney was smooth and creamy w/ flavors of butterscotch and banana. $24 retail
- '03 Napa Valley (NV) - 92 pts, Wine & Spirits- Not a wimpy merlot! Complex with layers of chocolate, mocha, black fruits and blue fruits. Intense but delightful.

Hawkes Wines In Alexander Valley
-Loved the barrels! The '06 Red Winery CS, the '06 Stone CS, and the '06 Pyramid CS. Wow. All three had great fruit with complex layers, and tannins that were tasted but not over the edge with acidity. Bought futures and joined the wine club. You get 50% off your futures if you are a club member so paid $30 a bottle.

Lynmar Winery
Beautiful views and elegant wines. Creating quite a reputation for themselves for lush and well structured Pinot Noirs. Speaking generally, the aromas are almost intoxicating but not because of alcohol, but rather because of their down home cherry pie, spice and floral essence. You'll want to smell and smell again. But wait, don't forget to sip! Ripe fruit yet not "fruity" with flavors of cherries and spice fill your mouth and linger long after the wine has been followed. The chardonnays are equally elegant. This is most definitely a winery to visit!

Martin Ray Winery
The old Martini & Pratt winery. You sort of feel like you are stumbling on Dorothy's farm only it's in color. Casual setting betrays the fun and affordable wines they are producing. Named winery of the year in '05 & '07 by Wine & Spirit Magazine, this is a delightful place to taste and picnic. If you can, try their barrel samples. A real treat as they are sourcing grapes from some of the greatest areas for the specific varietals.

Long Board
Fabulous and affordable Pinot Noir!!! Others in our group loved the Syrah!

Sapphire Hill
All of their wines were delicious. We couldn't decide which ones we liked the best so we called it a tie - we loved them all!

Selby
Great winery with a bright and invitinf tasting room and friendly staff. Wines were a hit with our group so, needless to say, we did not leave empty handed.



More reviews later today or tomorrow.. :)