Frank and Nancy Freisheim brought the winning wine.
Pat Wilson
Fall was in the air on October 20 so it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to spend an evening outside. Hosted by Donn and Pat Wilson, the group ventured out onto the patio to enjoy the setting sun. Scarecrows, jack-o-lanterns and skeletons helped set the mood for a fun evening. A little time was taken for pictures with props: mustaches, bats, witches, Frankenstein and his wife all made an appearance. Laughter echoed across the golf course as we enjoyed those times that you just have to be a part of to fully appreciate.
Wines from the Sonoma Valley were the choice for this tasting. We had five wines to taste and wonderful appetizers of meats and cheeses, a pepperoni Italian casserole, pita chips and dip, tasty filled wonton cups and cheesecake bites for dessert.
The winning wine was brought by Frank and Nancy Freisheim and was a first time win for them. A 2014 Meiomi (May-Oh-Mee) Pinot Noir is made with grapes from California’s most notable coastal areas: Monterey County 48%, Sonoma County 27% and Santa Barbara County 25%. Vinted and bottled in St. Helena, CA, it is described as a layered blend of Santa Barbara’s spice filled aromas, Sonoma’s bright berry flavors and Monterey’s rich textures. Tasting notes describe this wine as a bright, deep garnet color with aromas of cola, blackberries and a sweet cedar note. It has a greatly layered palette in flavor and texture. The first entry incases the mouth with a velvety richness. Then the wine unfolds with flavors of bright cherry, cola and dried leaves undertoned with vanilla, leather and high style oak. The many layers emerge independently, then refocus while the supple tannins carry the wine through to a lingering, succulent finish.
The other four wines were Sebastiani 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, produced with grapes sourced from sites throughout Sonoma County. Trellis 2011 Merlot from Sonoma has a deep purple color with a rich black cherry finish. Alexander Valley Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Healdsburg is an estate wine, a blend of small amounts merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot making it complex and polished. DE Loach 2013 Zinfandel from Santa Rosa is produced by eco-friendly viticulture and minimally intrusive practices. It has flavors of dark berries and a hint of prune mingled with herbs and florals.
With the voting very close, it was clear that the tasters enjoyed all wines sampled. It was a fun evening, and we all look forward to next month. Until then, happy tasting.