Murphys (Law) didn’t show its hand at Lavender Ridge Vineyard…

Over the mountains and through the woods to Sierra Foothills I went. I came down south from Lake Tahoe, through Carson City and followed Highway 4 known as Ebbetts Pass, a national scenic byway, which is one of the most scenic drives across California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Ebbetts Pass was an adventure as there was a lack of a center line, narrow and curvy two way passages and large elevation changes. The sparkling blue lakes, scenic vistas, and “Big Trees” campsites made it worthwhile as we stopped to breathe in the fresh pines and experienced some quietness. Calaveras County has an annual four day Frog Jump Festival. Surrounding cities include Angels Camp, Vallecito, Murphys, Avery, and Arnold. There’s something to do for every age group in beautiful-historical Gold Country like Wine- tasting, discovering Caves, exploring Caverns, Climbing Rock Towers, Twin Zip Lining, Horseback riding, Golf, Fishing or even panning for Gold at the Sutter Gold Mine.

There were two wineries of distinction that I enjoyed and hopefully in the near future I will be visiting more when time permits.

Lavender Ridge Vineyard

Lavender Ridge Vineyard is located in the Sierra Foothills of California 25 minutes south of the small town of Murphys. Located on 42 acres at 1200′ elevation, the land has a southern exposure with climate and soil conditions typical of the Southern region of France known as the Rhone region. Because of these conditions, Lavender Ridge Vineyard specializes strictly in Rhone varietals and produces hand crafted, unfiltered wines in small quantities.

Rich and Siri Gilpin are the owners and operators of Lavender Ridge Vineyard. Both have a passion for organic farming and the use of herbs in the culinary arts, including the use of lavender in special dishes they have created. Their Tasting Room offers many unique experiences in addition to sampling their wines. Wine enthusiasts will learn about the characteristics of Rhone varietal wines, taste and bottle your own Organic Olive Oil, taste and learn about Artisan Cheeses from various regions around the world, and be able to sample Lavender products and purchase for culinary and or therapy recipes.

The Lavender Ridge Cheese Market features a selection of extraordinary specialty cheeses to pair with their handcrafted artisan wines. My experience was enhanced with remarkable food and cheese pairings with the help of their professional host, Chloe. Their cheese market is guided by cheese-monger, Judy Creighton. Judy is a core instructor at the Cheese School of San Francisco and C’est Le Cheese in Sacramento. She is a columnist in the Sierra Lodestar and locally she is known as “The Calaveras Cheese Lady.” So yes, a wonderful way to introduce to wine enthusiasts alike food and wine pairings with spreads, cheeses and olive oils all in one place.

My first taste was the 2009 Sierra Foothills Grenache Rose’ ($15) from Frogs Tooth Vineyard in Calaveras. There was no residual sugar and was processed in stainless steel and cold fermentation. The color was of a brilliant red tourmaline. The aromas were of strawberries and watermelon. On the palate, this wine was dry yet well balanced with acidity. A perfect wine for summer nights with friends.

The 2009 Sierra Foothills Cotes du Calaveras Blanc ($16) from Cooper Vineyard, Lavender Ridge Vineyard, and Frogs Tooth Vineyard in Calaveras. There was about .3% residual sugar and was also processed in Stainless Steel tank fermentation. A wonderful composite of Marsanne, Roussane, Viognier and Grenache Blanc was blended perfectly with a bit of sweetness and fruitiness as there were aromas of Pineapple and Peach. Full bodied for a white wine, yet smooth and seductive. This wine was paired with aged Gruyere de Comte (French) cheese. I can see this perfectly with Thai food, spicy and sassy. This one, a favorite for sure.

The 2008 Sierra Foothills Grenache’ ($24) was from Mansfield Vineyard in El Dorado is 100% Grenache grapes, has no residual sugar and barrel aged nine months in French Oak Barrels. Medium beet red in color, this wine may have looked like sweet dark cherries, but aromas were packed of Sweet and Fresh Strawberries with a bit of cherry and dark chocolate. It’s very silky, smooth, and jammy fruit throughout this delightful wine. The pairing of Le Provincial de Herbs Chervil Cheese brought out the herbaceous touch for the perfect match. This was one of my favorite wine and cheese pairing as well.

The 2008 Sierra Foothills Mourvedre ($26) was from Cooper Vineyard in El Dorado, Mansfield Vineyard in El Dorado, and Tanner Vineyard in Calaveras. There was native yeast fermentation and this lovely wine was aged for eighteen months in 100% French Oak barrels.
Medium Magenta in color, this wine had aromas of cherries, raspberry, vanilla, and a bit of coffee. On the palate was a bit of tartness and acidity. Medium tannins makes this wine slightly complex, but well structured. The pairing of the Brebirousse D’ Argental (sheep’s milk, soft and creamy coral wash grind cheese from France) and a Black Cherry with Liquorice fruit Brebis spread from France led this wine to an even smoother lingering finish. Good job!! Yum!

The 2007 Sierra Foothills Cotes du Calaveras ($18) was deep red in color and blended with Syrah, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Alicante Bouschet. This angelic fusion of reds had aromas of earthy, smoky tones of raspberries, currants, and dark cherries. On the palate, there were luscious and full but subtle jammyand spicy tones. Again, the sheep’s milk cheese makes this wine a synthesis of tastes –jammy, fruity and spicy. The finish was rhythmic and long as this wine danced in my mouth. Delightful indeed…

The 2007 Sierra Foothills Syrah ($30) was from Cooper Vineyard in Amador and Mansfield Vineyard in El Dorado. Barreled in 100% French Oak for 18-20 months, this dark magenta colored wine erupted with aromas of plums, ripened cherries, and blueberries. Definitely a full bodied wine on the palate and delicate spices at the finish. This Syrah was paired with La Peral, a lightly blued, rare and delicious cheese from Spain. It is made from pasteurized cow’s milk to which sheep cream has been added. Also from Gracious Gourmet, a Rosemary Pear Spread morsel was put atop the blue cheese. The combination was outstanding!

The 2008 Sierra Foothills Vin Doux Dessert wine ($18) was fermented, half in Stainless Steel and half French Oak barreled. Gracefully, this 100% Viognier wine was fortified with neutral brandy, then cold fermentation in stainless steel for one month. This dessert wine was rich and creamy with floral aromas abound. Paired with the La Peral, it was a match made in Heaven.

It was a fulfilling experience in this small winery. I tasted some unique Artisan cheese pairings, as well as olive oils, spreads and vinegars. Special thanks to Chole for an epic adventure in the quaint town Murphys.