The Philosophy
It is almost impossible to open the Press Democrat around the beginning of October and not see results from the annual “Sonoma County Harvest Fair” dominated by the wines from the Wilson Winery Family portfolio. In the last five years they have earned four “Sweepstake” awards and many gold medals from a panel of professional wine judges. To say they are a local favorite would be an understatement.
For Mayacama Members, you will soon see the 19 acres around our entrance being transformed into vineyards and may already notice that the old barn is being beautifully restored. Within the next 3-4 years, the Wilsons will be crafting wines from vineyards just inside the lower gate. Not only will this add to the beauty of the property, but it will also give us a “Vineyard Laboratory” where we can share the secrets of viticulture with our members.
The Wilson Family Portfolio is distinguished not only by its outstanding wines, but by the twin pillars of family and tradition on which its reputation rests. The tradition predates the winery’s founding in 1993 and is evident in the century-old tin barn that houses the Wilson’s facility. One of the oldest structures in the legendary Dry Creek Valley, the barn has been lovingly restored by Ken and Diane to provide a state-of-the-art venue for their award-winning winemaking while offering glimpses into both a storied past and a promising future.
Today, modern stainless steel tanks stand in place of the redwood vats that once held the valley’s most sought-after wines, and French and American oak barrels line the walls of the historic building. What hasn’t changed is the sense of pride that permeates the place, and the tradition of quality that finds its way into every bottle.
The old tin barn is more than the home of Wilson Winery; it is a landmark that, perhaps more than any other building, represents the history and tradition of winemaking excellence in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley.
When Diane and Ken Wilson first visited Sonoma County they fell in love with the patchwork of oaks, vineyards and expansive vistas. Diane and Ken are devoted to things they value most—family and friends—and are committed to the stewardship and sustainable farming of the Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River Valleys.
Diane, a native Californian, cherishes her high-energy lifestyle that includes raising children, making wine at the Wilson Artisan Wineries and taking an active role in the community.
Ken, born and raised in Ontario, Canada, is passionate about his vineyards and wineries. It was Ken’s wisdom and vision that created the diversity of vineyard sources over the years. These vineyards provide the premium quality fruit that has brought notable recognition to the Wilson Artisan Wineries.
The Wilson portfolio of wineries include; Wilson Winery, Mazzocco, Soda Rock, Matrix Winery, deLorimier, St. Anne’s Crossing, Pezzi King and Jaxon Keys.
The Wilson Winery will be participating in this year’s Vintner Pour so our members will be tasting the Wilson Winery varietals. This offering is to introduce wines from some of their other properties. Enjoy!
Cheers.
The Wines
deLormier
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Smith Orchard Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Smith Orchard is their highest elevation estate vineyard at 2400 feet. This mountainous terrain on the western slopes of Dry Creek Valley has shallow iron-rich soils consisting of alluvial and volcanic composite. This soil allows the vines to produce fruit at a slow, even rate of maturity. The wines produced from Smith Orchard offer strong high-elevation influences with rich intense flavors and a hint of minerality. The wine shows an opaque violet black color. There are lively aromas of blossoms, cassis, and olive with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-long, dried berry, spice, and sandalwood finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. A delicious, zesty cabernet that is sure to please.
Matrix Winery
2013 Pinot Noir, Boschetti Family, Russian River Valley
Dark alluring aromas of red fruit merge with toasty oak, minerality and traces of red soil, citrus and spice box. A smooth entry and mouthfeel add a layer of bright acidity mid-palate. Red and dark fruit—plum, pomegranate, rhubarb and brambly berry—mingle with traces of wood spices and cedar that expand and linger in the finish. This youthful wine will benefit from additional bottle aging, and it is best now if decanted before serving
Mazzocco Winery
2013 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Vineyards
Concentrated aromas of violets, blueberry and cedar notes open to a rich pool of dense tannins infused with dark cherry, raspberry jam, cacao, and vanilla bean. This wine is exemplary of Petite Sirah possessing savory characteristics in the mouth with hints of baking spices and licorice bound by leather.
Pezzi King Winery
2013 Chardonnay, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Russian River Valley
The Bacigalupi Chardonnay is a stunning example of just how spectacular the 2013 vintage in the Russian River Valley was. White peach, fresh pineapple and soft woody notes gracefully intertwine on the nose. Peach carries onto the palate in harmony with bourbon baked apple and citrus undertones. The creamy rich finish of bosc pear, grapefruit and toasted oak will leave you beckoning for more.
Soda Rock Winery
2014 Chardonnay, Meola Vineyard, Alexander Valley
Luscious and rich, the West Soda Rock Chardonnay offers a bright bouquet and a creamy mouth-feel. Aromas of pineapple, vanilla, and lemon custard are woven together in the nose, leading to a palate that reveals flavors of pear, butterscotch, and toasted hazelnuts. Notes of apple, allspice and a hint of flint are integrated into the lingering finish. Made with grapes from the esteemed Stuhlmuller Vineyard, this is Chardonnay sure to delight. Try it paired with mussels in beurre blanc sauce, shrimp scampi, or your favorite seafood recipe.
St Anne’s Crossing
2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Maggies Block, Dry Creek Valley
Bright and fresh. Guava and hints of key lime pie jump out of the glass. The entry is vibrant, yet maintains elegance. On the palette, there is a harmonious dance of peach, passion fruit and crushed rock. As you would expect from a wine that sees no oak and no malo-lactic fermentation, it finishes clean and smooth with perfectly balanced acidity. Enjoy this wine with light appetizers, salads, seafood dishes or on its own on a warm summer evening.
The Offer
10% discount on orders of 12 or more bottles, mix and match ok
deLormier 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Smith Orchard Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
$54
Matrix Winery 2013 Pinot Noir, Boschetti Family, Russian River Valley
$38
Mazzocco Winery 2013 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Vineyards
$35
Pezzi King Winery 2013 Chardonnay, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Russian River Valley
$36
Soda Rock Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Meola Vineyard, Alexander Valley
$36
St Anne’s Crossing 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Maggies Block, Dry Creek Valley
$22
Ordering
For all questions and orders, contact Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.
Jeff McCarthy, Wine Director
[email protected]
707.569.2906 |
