What To Drink Now: Wines of Sonoma

Dallas has been a buzz this week with an influx of Sonoma winemakers. From Alexander Valley with their hearty, dense Cabernet, to Russian River with their mineral rich and incredibly distinct Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to Chalk Hill and Carneros, with their fresh, bright and crisp Chardonnay, to Dry Creek, with their juicy, jammy, old vine Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley truly has it all for wine lovers, often presenting itself in a very casual and laid back environment. Though the saying “you have to start with a large fortune to make a small fortune in wine” is true in any part of the country, I have often found winemakers and winery owners (many who are on in the same) are very salt of the earth types who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Though the round about ways many got into the business is different from winery to winery, the consistent theme that runs true for all is passion.

I was a guest at several tastings with winemakers throughout the week. Here are a few old and new favorites, as well as some that were sent for editorial consideration.

Kathleen Inman of Inman Family Wines

Kathleen Inman’s life would seem to be a bit of a fairy tale as how she got to where she is happens more in movies than reality.  The Napa native was working in a tasting room one summer while home from college when an English gentleman paid a visit and did a tasting.  A few weeks later a letter arrived at the winery simply addressed to the “pretty blond assistant.” From there the two began corresponding, eventually leading to a romance and Kathleen moving to England and marrying Simon while entering into the world of finance.  Years later the two threw caution to the wind and moved back to California to allow Kathleen to follow a dream and a passion she had had her entire life, eventually creating Inman Family Wines from her organically farmed Russian River vineyards in 2000. In honor of her husband she created her Endless Crush Rose of Pinot Noir on their anniversary and produces it every other year, with the 2012 just released this month.  I love a good Rose, especially from Pinot Noir grapes, with a delicate salmon pink color and layers of fresh ruby red grapefruit, watermelon and strawberry filling the palate. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Wines of Sonoma"