Unfiltered, Unfined

Last week I detailed the first half of my wine tasting adventure in Northern California (see Napa Wines in Napa). This time it’s Sonoma’s turn. Sonoma is quite a bit larger and much less tamed than its cousin to the east. Therefore I invited my friend Steve along, gaining the benefit of his palate while sharing driving, navigational, photographic and food-spotting duties.

Greeting old friends and making new ones has always been part of my job description, and nowhere is that easier than at a trade-focused wine tasting. With dozens of wineries presenting hundreds of wines, I’m able to focus on specific styles, production areas and vintages, which in turn allows me to make some conclusions as to what I most prefer. In this particular case, I also got to try a lot of Zin.

Regardless of nativity, it is clearly in California that Zinfandel has achieved its greatest variety of expression. Because Zinfandel continues to mature throughout the long growing season, Cali versions have characteristics all over the red wine map, from delicate, restrained berry elements to full-bore meatiness. Some even combine a bright raspberry nose with black plums and mushrooms on the palate, and most have sufficient acidity to pair well with a variety of dishes.

Another region doing amazing things with Pinot Noir is much closer to home. I’m referring to California, specifically areas along the coast that are close to the Pacific Ocean. These Pinot places are incredibly diverse in geography and climate, spreading from Central California to Mendocino. But one thing they all have in common is great Pinot Noir.