Dry Creek Vineyards-2013 Malbec was nice, full of umami flavors and a hint of tomato leaf that I like in wines. Not herbal, more savory.
The 2013 Vogensen Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel was very earthy, floral with dark plum fruit, modest acidity, not too much alcohol. Went extremely well with the braised short ribs last night
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2012 Reserve Estate Cabernet. Wow. Already delicious in a restrained, earthy Bordeauxesque way. These wines age well, but pretty approachable right now. Not sharply tannic. Delicious. Fewer green notes than the 2009 vintage we just drank the other week.
Two Shepherds Winery A newish project tucked away in an industrial park in Windsor (Bell Avenue). Focuses on pure, laser-focused low alcohol cool climate Rhone varietals. We drank a brilliantly pink Grenache rose last night-strawberry and pomegranate, with just the tiniest hint of sweetness that is there but not there. Lovely lithe rose. The 2011 Syrah-Mouvedre Russian River Valley really stood out. Great cool climate Syrah character with the Mouvedre adding a distinctive savory edge. Quite rich for William's wines and the vintage.
Colagrassi Winery is right next door. He made a stellar if expensive Cabernet Franc from Coombsville that was just singing on the nose, despite being just bottled. The owner works for Demptos in his day job, so he knows oak!
