My sidebar didn't make it into my Edible East Bay, Issue 2, article about Rosenblum, so I decided to run the text here. The tasting notes cover wines that stood out as I researched the piece. I've also added the contact info for the wineries that I wrote about, for anyone interested.
Finally, a slight correction for those who have picked up the issue. If you're confused about the transition to the second page of the article, this sentence fragment will help: "Thomas Coyne, one of the best wine makers in the Livermore Valley (see Edible East Bay, issue 1) got his"
Tasting Notes
2002 JC Cellars Ventana Vineyards Syrah, Monterey, $30
A standout wine with beautiful blackberry aromas and an earthy aroma. Pleasant hints of pepper and herbs. Solid cherry flavors and a vanilla finish mingle well with the vibrant acidity and mild tannins. The alcohol gives it a heavy mouthfeel that stands up to rich food like rack of lamb, but it also gives it a hot finish.
2001 Dashe Cellars "Todd Brothers Ranch" Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, $23
This well-balanced wine has bready, earthy aromas and an almost floral flavor. The tannins and acidity assert their presence without overwhelming the wine. Its high alcohol (15%) makes it tough to pair with food, but a fatty steak would certainly stand up to it.
2003 Rosenblum Cellars Napa Valley Zinfandel, Lyons Reserve, $32
"That's mountain fruit for you," said Kent Rosenblum with a shrug when I commented on this lovely wine. Aromas of boysenberry syrup and baking spices with a wonderful acidity. The vines are a century-old-clone of Zinfandel.
Winery Contact Info
Dashe Cellars
http://www.dashecellars.com
55 4th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510-452-1800
JC Cellars
http://www.jccellars.com
3000 Washington Street
Alameda, CA 94501
510-749-9463
Rosenblum Cellars
http://www.rosenblumcellars.com
Tasting room hours: 11am - 6pm
2900 Main Street, Suite 1100
Alameda, CA 94501
510-865-7007
Thomas Coyne
http://thomascoynewinery.com
51 E. Vallecitos Road
Livermore, CA 94550
925-373-6541
Zoom Vineyards
3058 Soscol Avenue
Napa, CA 94558
707-258-1488
