Narsai David Food & Wine Report: Two Sonoma Wines
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Two appealing wines from Sonoma County are at the top of my list for you to try this week. First from Kenwood Vineyards we have a 2012 Chardonnay that is bright and cheerful.
The aromas are like biting into a fresh green apple and it just follows through right on to the palate. There's a crisp mineral-like quality with just a touch of oak. This wine is delicious and it retails for just $14. The grapes are primarily from the Russian River Valley.
There's also a 2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Vines Zinfandel. These vines have an average age of 30 years. Blueberries and violets offer a distinctive fruity, lushness to the bouquet here.
Two Sonoma Wines
Then you'll feel a supple, soft juiciness on the palate. Juicy is such an apt description as your mouth fills with juicy flavors of ripe berries.
2011 was a really tough vintage for most grapes in Northern California. It may have just been a blessing in disguise for the zinfandel. Alcohol is not too high and there's a fine acid. There's a delicious balance with just enough tannin to provide the backbone for the fruit. Maybe you could give it one or two years to mellow it out and let it gain some complexity. It's absolutely excellently priced at just $19 a bottle.
Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades. You can hear him Saturdays at 10:53am, 12:53pm and 4:53pm, and at 2:53am Sunday on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.
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