Rocca Vineyards a welcome stumble

Cheers to Taste on April 6, 2011

We stumbled upon a Four Sisters Inn in Yountville, California, called Maison Fleurie (flowering house”).  This quaint French Inn, reminiscent of southern France was directly across from the Cheers To Taste event, located at the new Bardessono Resort and Spa.  It made Lisa miss Paris, France and its charming, yet small cafe’s.  A big thanks to Karen Gary for pouring us some awesome Rocca Family Vineyard wines and grand smiles on such a cold Spring evening.

2007 Rocca Cabernet Sauvignon:
Deliciously rich, the 2007 Rocca’s Grigsby Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was smooth in texture with notable symmetry.  It’s deep red color blend was of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% of Petit Verdot.   On the nose, this wine illustrated a beautiful touch of sweet cherries and a bit of vanilla.  On the palate, this Cabernet was thick and silky as the medium tannins danced with a sweet fruit of blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, and a creamy caramel finish.

Cases Produced: 491
Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
Retails for $75.00

Wine pairing suggestions:
Appetizer: Cream of Broccoli Soup or Spinach Salad with bacon, eggs and tangy Catalina dressing.
Entree’:  Lamb Chops with Balsamic Reduction and Rosemary potatoes
Dessert:  Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

2007 Rocca Syrah:

Truly complex, this 2007 Rocca’s Grigsby Vineyard Syrah was rich in texture.  There were aromas of sweet fruits such as dark cherries, prunes, spices, and hints of dried flowers.  Mild on the palate, this wine was supple and displayed layers upon layers of tannins at the finish.

Cases Produced: 349
Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
Retails for $45.00

Wine pairing suggestions:
Appetizer:  Aged Cheddar Cheese
Entree’:  BBQ Ribs, Cheddar Bacon Hamburgers
Dessert: Goat Cheese Tart with Apricot and Orange Blossom Honey