July winner, Rick and Darlene Lamb
On July 18 Mike and Susan Miloser gave a warm welcome to the Tuesday Tasters and invited us into their lovely home for some delicious wine, food and friendship.
Summertime at the Ranch is a very busy month with visiting family; therefore, several members were unable to attend. While we were a very intimate group, those of us in attendance enjoyed Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. This spectacular region is a place of unparalleled beauty with unique growing conditions and vineyards. To accompany the wine we enjoyed several tasty appetizers, and the results of the tastings were as follows:
Third place was a 2014 Pinot from Picket Fence, a family-farmed vineyard, served by Mike and Sue Miloser. This wine boasts mouthwatering bing cherry and spice married with moderate French oak revealing a rich, velvety finish. Works well with meaty and smoky dishes.
Second place was a 2014 Pinot from Kenwood Vineyards, brought by Bob and Ann Jones. This Pinot, scoring 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, is earthy and inviting with wild raspberry, cherry and strawberry flavors. Tart and peppery, it finishes with rhubarb accents. Perfect with mushroom bruschetta and grilled wild salmon.
And the winner was a 2015 Reserve Pinot from River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, a small production winery, brought by Rick and Darlene Lamb. This Pinot reflects the benefits of a cooler climate by exhibiting loads of elegance with sweet cherry and plum flavors. Perfectly balanced refined fruit and soft tannins create a seductive, silky smooth wine. If you are a Cab lover, this is somewhat lighter and a really good summer wine.
Until next month, happy tasting!