Mendocino, CA
We're taking a little trip down the California coast before the rain settles in. Four wines from Mendocino, where the ocean breezes keep things cool, and the winemakers aren't afraid to get a little creative. We'll start with some bubbles, move into a zippy white, and finish with two very different reds. A little sunshine in your glass, just as the weather starts forgetting what that is.
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, October 14th
HOURS: 2 PM - 8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Ultraviolet Blanc de Blanc Mendocino, California | $25
Winemaker Samantha Sheehan created Ultraviolet as her playful side project to Poe Wines. This California sparkler is made from Chardonnay in the Blanc de Blanc style, bringing crisp citrus, green apple, and fresh tiny bubbles. Aged 10 months on lees in the Charmat method, then bottled with no added Sulfur! Bright, uncomplicated, and a great way to awaken the palate.
Bonny Doon, Picpoul Mendocino, California | $18
I love this grape, and this wine! Bonny Doon helped make California wine a whole lot weirder, championing Rhone grapes in central California and using their labels to pay homage to the fun law against UFOs landing in French vineyards. They mailed me a giant Alien cutout stand-up and an awesome art book. I still have them. Picpoul literally translates to “lip stinger.” She has a laser-like citrus beam, a pretty good warning about its naturally zippy acidity. Scents of white flowers, pineapple, banana flower, clay, lime zest, a distinct hint of beeswax, and a salty little finish.
Rosenblum Zinfandel Mendocino-ish, California | $15
Rosenblum Cellars was founded in 1978 and became one of California’s best-known champions of Zinfandel. Sourced from all over central Cali. This baby is in the new classic Zin. Dark and dry with aromas of wild strawberry and blackberry, pencil shavings, layered with bramble fruit and warm spice. Oak stays in check, letting a long, energetic finish ride. A bold and balanced Zinfandel with edge.
Broc Cellars, Amore Rosso Mendocino, California | $32
Chris Brockway founded Broc Cellars in Berkeley in 2002, focusing on naturally made wines from organically farmed California vineyards. Amore Rosso takes inspiration from the easy-drinking reds of northern Italy and is built around Barbera and Dolcetto, fermented naturally and bottled with minimal intervention. Juicy cherry, cranberry, herbs, and a little earth make this bright, lively, and slightly wild. California wine with an Italian accent.
