Ledson a winery so big… Part 1
Ledson Winery and Vineyards was one of many “must see” stops in Sonoma County that we like to include for our out of town guests to experience. It’s a bit different to see a castle-like estate, such as you’d see back east in the rolling hills of Sonoma. However, here in Kenwood there was lush greenery and wonderful hospitality that showed that the two places were very much alike. With about 70 plus wines to choose from, we were impressed from start to finish. Although prior to arriving at this winery, we had several tastings of white wines, so we were ready for a bounty full of red wines. In fact so many red wines that we are splitting this into three parts.
We started with their 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($58.00), which had aromas of bright cherries, a bit of caramel, floral scents of roses, and tobacco. As it was very light red in color, it seemed well balanced with medium boldness and a bit of tartness and vanilla on the palate. A nice finish of strawberries, cranberries, and a bit of cinnamon. A very popular delicate wine and has sold out after our visit. There were approximately 2,200 cases produced.
2009 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($60.00)
92 Points Gold Medal – 2010 World Wine Championship
Gold Medal – 2011 San Diego International Wine Competition
This Pinot Noir was earthy on the nose as there was aromas of soil, dark cherries and herbaceous greens. On the palate were bright red cherries, a pop of tartness and spiciness at the tip of the tongue. There was a bit of citrus and strawberries that lingered quite long at the finish.
An excellent wine that would pair well with Turkey, Salmon, Duck, Pork or Ham.
2006 Sonoma Valley Estate Merlot ($40.00)
Known for their Kenwood Estate Merlot grapes, Ledson produces ripening fruit and seems to be one of our favorite, “Big Style Bordeaux” in the area. On the nose was dark cherries, tobacco, white pepper, and a bit of vanilla. Much of the fruitiness comes out in the begining and then nutmeg, sweet black cherries and a hint of chocolate proceeds through, adding complexity in the end.
Truly a fine wine that pairs well with Bacon, Pork Chops, Scallops, or even Onion Soup.
2006 Sonoma Valley Estate Merlot Reserve (Patrick’s favorite at $56.00)
This estate’s vineyard, known for their rocky volcanic soils of the Ledson Estate, is a two-acre block of vineyard that produces the majority of the fruit for this Reserve Merlot. This dark, delicate, yet richly intense Merlot coats your palate with flavors of dark chocolate, gentle sweet raspberries, a bit of tobacco, and toasty vanilla . It’s soft, yet firm tannins linger long at the finish and beyond.
No case discount on this wine. This wine pairs well with Chicken Caciatori, Hearty Beef Stews, or nice bowl of Chili.
To be continued next week…
