Sosie Wines is a French-inspired boutique winery in Sonoma County. Sosie is the French word for “double” or “twin.” Sosie’s husband-and-wife team of Scott MacFiggen and Regina Bustamante say the name reflects their ambition to produce California wines in an Old World style: food friendly and well balanced between acid and fruit. In the past few months, we’ve tasted three Sosie Reds in their lively portfolio — two different blends and a Pinot Noir. Read on for Sosie’s story and our notes on Sosie Reds. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Sonoma
Adler Fels
Just in time for the holidays, Adler Fels has a reenergized vision and new releases of 2014 Pinot Noir and 2015 Chardonnay.
Although Adler Fels has been producing award-winning wines in California for more than 35 years, the winery decided on a rebirth in 2016 by focusing on “artisan wines with intense varietal character.” To do this, winemakers Aaron Bader and Linda Trotta “searched for the best vineyards in the best regions, grown by interesting people in interesting places.”
We joined the celebration by tasting samples, provided by the winery, of these two new releases.
Adler Fels 2014 The Eagle Rock Pinot Noir ($27.99)
Adler Fels is German for “Eagle Rock” — a fitting name since the winery is high on a crest in the Mayacamas mountains, with a fantastic view of many of California’s Napa and Sonoma vineyards.
This luscious wine is sourced from grapes in the Santa Rita Hills (76%) and the Russian River Valley (24%), and shows the true character of Pinot Noir. It features notes of black olives, earth, cedar, cherries, licorice and smoke, with a hint of caramel, vanilla and spices. We recommend decanting for a few hours, or cellaring this wine for a couple of years to truly bring out the flavors.
This lovely Pinot could be paired with turkey, mushroom dishes and hearty salads. Adler Fels recommends pairing it with grilled portobello mushrooms with garlic and baked brie. Yum!
Winemaker Aaron Bader says: “Making good Pinot is both a physical and mental exercise. And then it’s so darn delicious. It’s sexy, luscious, with that sweet perfume, a hint of maple syrup and lush fruit.”
Adler Fels 2015 The Eagle Rock Chardonnay ($19.99)
Also from grapes in the Russian River Valley (50%) in addition to Monterey County (50%), this is a wonderful wine for Chardonnay lovers. Well balanced, complex, creamy, yet fruit-forward, this true-to-character California Chardonnay features aromas and flavors of mango, peaches, pears and honey comb.
You could pair this full-bodied, easy-drinking Chard with with tuna, salmon, vegetarian dishes or even pork chops. Adler Fels recommends pairing it with salmon rillettes.
Winemaker Linda Trotta says: “Subtlety is key for well-made Chardonnay — a challenge I relish.” She describes this vintage as refreshing, balanced and rich on the palate. “The bright acidity makes it a delicious and food-friendly wine.”
You can enjoy both wines for any occasion, including your holiday meals or parties.
Cheers!
Margot and Dave
UPDATE: Ferrari-Carano Vintner Dinner at Semiahmoo Resort
As noted in an earlier post, Sonoma winery Ferrari-Carano is being featured June 16 at the popular Winemaker Series at the near-by and breathtakingly beautiful Semiahmoo Resort here in northwest Washington state, near the Canadian border.
The dinner at Semiahmoo will feature Ferrari-Carano wines paired with a mouth-watering five-course meal created by the resort’s Executive Chef Bruno. Yes, we said mouth-watering – check out this menu! David Mowforth, Ferrari-Carano Northwest Regional Manager, will also be available to answer your questions.
Dinner and luxury accommodations included with the overnight package start at $395 for two. Book tickets here. People like us who live in the area and would like to make dinner reservations only, without an overnight stay, please contact (360) 318-2044.
This is a perfect opportunity for wine lovers and foodies in Seattle, Vancouver and well, everywhere, to come to Semiahmoo Resort for relaxation in a scenic location, excellent wine and a delicious dinner. For those of us fortunate to live near Semiahmoo Resort, what a fantastic way to spend the evening!
Cheers!
Margot and Dave
Ferrari-Carano Virtual Tasting; plus Winemaker Dinner Soon at Semiahmoo Resort
We recently had an opportunity to taste three wines from Ferrari-Carano: 2014 Fumé Blanc, 2013 Merlot and 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The virtual tasting was timely because the Sonoma winery will soon be part of the popular Winemaker Series at the near-by and breathtakingly beautiful Semiahmoo Resort here in northwest Washington state, near the Canadian border.
We are hoping to attend the Winemaker Dinner at Semiahmoo on June 16, so we were delighted when Ferrari-Carano coincidentally invited us to a virtual tasting for wine writers, and sent us samples of these three wines.
2014 Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc Sonoma County ($14)
Hello summer! This crisp, refreshing Fumé Blanc blends Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River Valleys. The wine has aromas and flavors of peach, pear and ripe fruit. Enjoy it on the patio or deck on a warm summer day, or pair it with spicy dishes, sushi, seafood, chicken or even a simple salad.
2013 Ferrari-Carano Merlot Sonoma County ($25)
This is a lovely Merlot, rich and fleshy, yet velvety, complex and well-balanced, with a soft, elegant finish. This easy-drinking wine will go well with Italian dishes, roasted chicken, steaks or pretty much any red meat course.
2012 Ferrari-Carano Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($65)
Cabernet is King in our family, so this big beauty is our favorite in a very good lineup. With such a beautiful nose, lovely aromas and concentrated fruit, this Reserve Cab is simply delicious. Try it with BBQ steaks, lamb, pork or strong cheese such Cambozola triple cream blue cheese or sharp cheddar. And check out this winery recipe for Gorgonzola, Walnut and Cabernet Spread. Wow!
The Winemaker Dinner at Semiahmoo will feature Ferrari-Carano wines paired with a mouth-watering meal created by the resort’s Executive Chef Bruno. This is a perfect opportunity for wine lovers and foodies in Seattle, Vancouver and well, everywhere, to come to Semiahmoo Resort for relaxation in a scenic location, excellent wine and a delicious dinner. For those of us fortunate to live near Semiahmoo Resort, what a fantastic way to spend the evening!
Of note, the wines at the dinner might be different than the ones listed above. More details about the Winemaker Dinner will be posted here soon. We hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Margot and Dave