Earlier in the week, I braved the ice, snow, wind, cold...all of it, to attend a wine dinner hosted by St. Francis Winery and Grapeseed Bistro & Wine Bar in Bethesda, MD. The event marked the launch of Wild Oak by St. Francis, a new line of premium wines from the Sonoma County winery. Many of you know that I am not usually a big fan of big name, big production, big marketing budget wines (If you missed the story, click here). I did however, enjoy the Wild Oak Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauv. Are they worth $28.99 retail? Maybe, I'll let you be the judge if you can get ahold of these wines, which are apparently only available in small quantities in select markets at this time.
2005 Wild Oak Chardonnay, Sonoma County--notes of toasted almond, oak, baked apple with a hint of tropical fruit. Fat and buttery on the palate. Slight mineral notes on the finish. Supposedly made in the 'burgundian style' but I have yet to find a fat and buttery White Burgundy. Could be my palate was off.
2004 Wild Oak Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County--sweet raspberry and spice notes. Smooth and balanced. Not overripe and alcoholic like some Zins. Touch of smoke on the finish. Medium bodied.
2003 Wild Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County--mineral and green pepper aromas. Smooth and silky with black plum and cassis notes. Silky tannins leading to spice on the finish. Medium-full bodied. Uses only fruit from mountain vineyards. Nice show.
No comments:
Post a Comment