An Evening at Somerston

A lovely summer evening at Somerston seems to be ideal for those who want to kick back and enjoy a warm summer night in Yountville, California.   It’s rare to find such wineries that are open until 10:00pm as some admirers of wines under the starlit skies escape to a different kind of wine tasting after work, a show in Napa Valley, or a weekend vacation.

Somerston offers tasting flights of their Priest Ranch and Highflyer wines and also foods such as Lamb Sliders or a Cheese and Charcuterie Plate consisting of different cheeses, nuts, dried fruit and Lamb Terrine.

We started off with their new release of the 2009 Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc. The nose had an bold essence of citrus, tropical lilikoi (yellow- island passion fruit, pineapple and naturally sweet hint of honey.   The very light pale yellow and crispness on the palate inched its way down from a pop on the tongue down the throat that was rich, yet proved to show quite a long finish, unlike any other Sauvignon Blanc around the region.   It’s perfectly refreshing with goat cheese and of course my favorite, fresh Small Sweetwater or Kumamoto Oysters.

The 2008 Highflyer Grenache Blanc was very light and clear in color.  The nose had aromas of cantaloupe, juicy peaches, floral and a lime citrus punch. There was a rich nutmeg and vibrant acidity that came through on the palate. This wine would pair beautifully with a Nicoise Salad.

We were pleasantly surprised with the 2008 Highflyer Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands).  We were not impressed with the light colored Pinot Noir down in that area prior; However, this particular wine was deep garnet in color and the aromas were of sweet plum, cherries, and cloves. It was paired up well with the Lamb Terrine that was offered.

The 2007 Priest Ranch Petite Sirah was very deep dark red in color with an inkiness against the inside of the glass, after being swirled.  The nose was of cherries, sweet blueberries, rich blackberries, and strong woody branches of the vines prevailed.  The palate consisted of resilient yet creamy vanilla and black currants. It had an alluring appeal when paired with the sheep’s cheese, dried blueberries and this wine would unite well with grilled vegetables or even a roasted duck.

Somerston’s new release of the 2007 Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon had wonderful color and after swirling, the legs of the wine seemed eternally long.  The palate showed to Lisa supple but light tannins.  Patrick thought the palate offered a more Sonoma Valley type of Cabernet Sauvignon, a more lighter lingering concentration of vanilla, raspberries, black cherries and a bit cedar. Possibly could be laid down for a few more years.   This Cab was perfectly paired with the aged cheddar cheese offered.

The 2007 Highflyer Centerline Red Wine (Napa Valley) showcased well with Tasti-Pairings. Both Lisa and Patrick agreed that this was their favorite wine tasted at Somerston. This Red Blend consists of 45% Syrah, 19% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 14% Tempranillo, and 7% Grenache. The color was inky, dark purple, With only 120 barrels produced, it was well worth the purchase.  The aromas were of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, dried flowers, coffee, and a bit of chocolate. On the palate, it was inviting, approachable, and seductive.  Centerline Red Wine is that nice bold, firm, and silky, but a more complex wine that paired well with the goat cheese offered.  How about a peppered steak, barbecued Baby Back Ribs, or even garlic bread?  Don’t let this wine pass you by.   Buy a few bottles at $28.00 per bottle, it’s a steal!

Special thanks to our host, Lamar Engel.

Somerston Vineyards
3450 Sage Canyon Road
St Helena, CA 94574
707-967-8414
Email: info@somerstonvineyards.com
Website: http://www.somerstonvineyards.com/

Tasting Room
6488 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
707-967-8414
Email: visit@somerstonwineco.com
Website: http://somerstonwineco.com/Visit