I thought I would share some details of our trip last week to California. I am not so good with the Tasting Notes, so I will simply make some general comments about each experience. This is something like out 15th or so trip to the area. We generally shoot for about 50% new (thus 50% old) places. We enjoy continuing learning about the entire wine process, so tend to ask a lot of questions. We are also primarily red drinkers, but always enjoy tasting the whites, since we have very few at home.
Arrived Friday 8/10 into SFO, landing at 11:43am. Hit the road north to Sonoma County. Google Maps took us across 580 to 101, wasn’t bad. Followed Google all the way, which included a bypass of a section of 101 by taking 37 to Lakeville. I assume there is still construction creating a back-up.
Redcar Winery, new. We had an appt. at Dutton Goldfield next door so we had this one as a possible if time permitted, which it did. Did not find this to be too special, but worthwhile to rinse out the mouths after travelling for a bunch of hours. The wine maker happened to walk through the tasting room and we had a nice short chat with him. Asked about the 2018 vintage and a few other normal things. Felt it was worth the stop.
Dutton Goldfield Winery, second visit. Had an appt. for a wine and cheese pairing. We did it a year ago and really enjoyed it. This time was even better. Tasted some Pinots, some Zins and a Syrah. Our host brought out a couple extra tastes for us. We ended up joining the club (Customized Case). We have been on the lookout for a new place that did their type of variety. The portfolio reminded me a bit of Copain where we used to be members. More laid back though. Will definitely be looking forward to the first shipment. I really liked the Syrah there.
Martenelli, new. This was also on our list if time allowed. It did, and our Dutton Goldfield host gave us tasting coupons. It was not like I expected. For some reason I thought they were a much larger outfit. We shared a tasting and ended up buying a bottle of Zin to take with us. I can see returning there for sure.
Cartograph, members for several years. We always make it buy Cartograph before heading to dinner when we are in Healdsburg. Tasted the 777 PN and are really glad we have one in the cellar. Just enough fruit and a nice smooth finish.
Barn Diva for dinner, 4th or 5th visit. Always enjoy the food there. No room for dessert.
So that was day one (well half day). It was way better than expected, since we keep expectations grounded due to travel / traffic.
Saturday
Mill Creek, 2nd visit. Our first appt. was at 11, so I was looking for someplace to go at 10 that was a drop-in. Mill Creek was the choice. I got lost trying to find it. It had only been a year, but I fully forgot the sequence of the Healdsburg exits. I quickly got my sea legs back and never missed again the entire week. We had a nice little tasting there. The Merlot was really tasty and we took a bottle with us. Also grabbed a bottle of their Zin as well. Just really straightforward, good quality, good priced wine. We had not been there in about six years, but can see dropping in again.
Limerick Lane, 4th visit. We have made it to Limerick the last few trips and have always had a good time, until now. Just had the wrong host. The wine was as good as ever, but we were ignored once some walk-in came in that our host knew. Oh well. They were busy bottling something (would have asked…) We went ahead and put in our order for the next allocation, which had come out a couple weeks ago. We really like the 1023 blend. Previous visits were always positive, so likely we will go back.
Kinsmoke, 5th visit. Besides good BBQ, they have Hamm’s on tap. I’d go just for that reason. The feel was a little different this time, but the food was just as good. Did I mention the Hamm’s on tap?
Michel-Schlumberger, fourth visit. We have had some nice seated tastings over the years at M-S. My mom was with us this day and she is mobility impaired, so it works well. The wine here is high quality, the Merlot is fantastic to me.
Dry Creek Kitchen, first visit. We had DCK on our list for years, finally made it. The food and general experience was good, though a little slow due to the chef rejecting one of the chicken dishes. They took good care of us. We started with a white that escapes me right now. It must not have been in the fridge because I saw the somm frantically dunking it in an ice bucket far across the dining room. He would jam it in and out then tilt the bottle a bit, then back in the ice. All the time giving some assistant the business. No room for dessert.
To be continued.