Wines of the Month - April 2020

Due to the restrictions set by the Governor, we will not be having our Wines of the Month tasting on Saturday, April 4th. We would still like to bring you all the information you'd learn at the tasting and make this information accessible to our club members! Sign up online to join our clubs and receive special selections at the beginning of each month!

• Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards, High Serenity Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2018
• Montenero, Pugila Primitivo 2016
• County Line Vineyards, Sonoma Coast Syrah 2015
• County Line Vineyards, North Coast Chardonnay 2018

About the Vineyards

Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards

Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards are located in the western section of High Valley at High Serenity Ranch on a truly distinctive and remarkable winegrowing property. Our valley floor vineyards sit at 1800 ft. elevation. The higher vineyard blocks rise to nearly 3000 ft. The temperature fluctuation on this unique property is always one of the most amazing experienced in California.  In 1973, Jerry Brassfield purchased the original 1,600 acres as a cattle ranch and wildlife preserve. Over the next three decades Jerry acquired additional contiguous properties. Today, the Brassfield Estate includes over 2,900 acres across both the eastern and the western sections of High Valley, as well as the Round Mountain Volcano.  In 1998, the different sections of the ranch were investigated for their potential to produce outstanding estate-grown wines. The vineyard development started in 2001 has grown to a state-of-the-art farming operation as well as our winemaking facility.

Montenero

When it comes to wines from Puglia, Italy’s heel region, the reigning varietals are fruit forward and red. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of variety and value, too. Puglia is where you can find some of the best quality wines made from rare grape varieties at highly competitive pricing. Known for its dry, sunny, Mediterranean climate that is perfect for olive growing, Puglia’s fertile lands are also ideal for grape vines, while sea breezes help in moderating the temperatures for the vineyards. For more than 2,000 years, grapevines have thrived in the region, with the most noteworthy varieties being dark-skinned grapes like the Negroamaro and Primitivo. We adore the full-bodied, earthy, deep-red wines from Puglia and the citrusy, mineral white ones as well. 

County Line Vineyards

The first vintage of County Line was solely dedicated to producing a dry rose from a whole-cluster pressed champagne clone of pinot noir.  A handful of varietals naturally followed.  Use of traditional winemaking techniques and a shorter elevage in neutral French oak barrels or stainless steel, each wine is made to provide a cool climate appellation snapshot of the Anderson Valley, Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley or the North Coast.

Tasting Notes

Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards, High Serenity Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2018

All of the fruit for this wine is grown on the floor of High Valley at 1,800 ft. Elevation. Diurnal temperature swings of more than forty degrees are frequent in the valley, enabling ripeness and the retention of acidity. The grapes are picked at the peak of ripeness and fermented separately in the winery. The resulting juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks and fermentations are kept cold. The wine remains on the lees as long as possible, for freshness and body. The wine is lightly fined and filtered before bottling. This wine shows the fruit forward side of Sauvignon Blanc while retaining ample acidity for a beautiful balance. Notes of cut grass accent delicious flavors of lime, pear, melon, pineapple, and orange rind. The soft coating mouthfeel leads to a dry and lengthy finish.

Montenero, Pugila Primitivo 2016

This month’s red is 100% Italian Zinfandel! Aromas of plum aromas, anise, cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate intense flavors of licorice, fig, blackberries, dark chocolate and cherries. Pleasant acidity with vanilla notes on the finish. Food Pairing: Beef, Pasta, Lamb, Poultry.

County Line Vineyards, Sonoma Coast Syrah 2015

The 2015 County Line Syrah from the Sonoma Coast is deeply concentrated - an almost opaque ruby with a blue hue. An intoxicating nose of black fruit including tart plum, blackberry and fresh black cherry are first identified. More subtle tones of dates and Kir liqueur follow. Complex even in its youth, this Syrah moves quickly to earthier tones. Fresh turned earth is prevalent on the nose along with a hint of leather. Wet stone adds texture and a mineral verve to the wine. Finally, an unmistakable juniper scent weaves its way through savory aromas of peppercorn and black olive. 

County Line Vineyards, North Coast Chardonnay 2018

The 2018 County Line North Coast Chardonnay entices with rich aromas of brioche, custard apple and Meyer lemon curd. A intriguing whiff of jasmine further beckons from the glass. The nose has a hint of honeycomb, sugar bananas and a touch of apricot. A mouthwatering acidity and gently minerality balance the lushness of the nose. This drinkable Chardonnay is the perfect pairing for butter poached salmon and seafood salads.