The first time we drove through the Sacramento Delta, we were so surprised to find this completely unique part of California tucked between Sacramento and San Francisco Bay. A few minutes south of Sacramento, starting in Freeport, begins this lush, rural bayou, a network of canals and islands running from the Sacramento River and flowing out toward the Bay. Lining the levee roads are vineyards, pear and nut orchards, and marinas with everything from slapped-together floating shacks to expensive cruising boats. It's a magical place that beckons you to slow down, enjoy the sights, and perhaps pull over and enjoy a picnic next to the river or canal.
Off South River Road, just south of Clarksburg on the tiny, winding County Road 144, is Bogle Winery. We first were introduced to Bogle when their merlot was recognized in Consumer Reports as being a Best Buy, and indeed it was. I think that was 2005, and it started a love affair that continues to this day. As you might have guessed from the CR Best Buy award, Bogle wines are not high-end, most are under $20. These wines are proof that the price on a bottle is not always an indicator of quality - in this case, a low price does not mean a low-quality wine. Now, I do have friends who will not drink inexpensive wines, and I think they are missing some really wonderful experiences as a result.
So today, a beautiful sunny early-spring day with the almond trees in bloom, we headed to Bogle to pick up our Bogle Bandwagon club wines and taste what's new.
What we drank:
Blanc de Blancs, 2009, sparkling wine
Lovely, light nose of toast and cream, leading to a citrus palate with notes of lemon, mandarin, and toast. A lighter sparkling wine, this is quite young with a very tart finish. I gave it a 6 out of 10.
Sauvignon Blanc 2009
This had a very light nose with just a hint of pineapple. Overall, the wine was very light, with just hints of pineapple and lemon. The finish was much too light. This was aged in stainless, and I did not care much for it. It might be good on a hot summer day, although I think most foods would overpower it. I gave it 3 out of 10.
Ghosts du Blanc 2008
This is a chardonnay/viognier Bogle blend that they produce every year. This version had almost no nose, although it was quite chilled and in my opinion served too cold. The front of the wine had a burst of oak, followed by lemon and peach, ending with lingiering notes of oak and peach. Once the wine was warmer, the flavors really popped. I gave it 7 out of 10, and think it would stand up well to smoky, spicy food.
Merlot 2009
This is the wine that started our love affair with Bogle. This vintage has a very oaky nose, and opens with the same oak flavor, progressing to plum and black cherry. The wine has medium-strength tannins, and the tannins carry through the finish, which is nicely smooth. I don't think it is their best merlot, although I do like it. I gave it 7 out of 10.
Ghosts du Roam 2007
This is the red blend for Bogle. It starts with an oak and cola nose, progressing to cassis, cherry, and cola flavors and a nicely balanced palate with medium tannins. There was a nice burst of cherry on the finish that I loved. I gave it 7 out of 10.
Reserve Zinfandel 2007
I have always been a fan of Bogle's zinfandels, particularly their Old Vine Zinfandel. This reserve starts with a light oak and blackberry nose, with a big burst of vanilla on the front. The flavors progress nicely through the wine, developing notes of juniper and blackberry. The tannins are nicely balanced and present but not dominating. The finish has a strong note of black pepper that lingers on the palate, I cannot wait to try this with grilled pizza. 8 out of 10!
Bogle wines frequently win local wine competitions and are noted as being excellent "value" wines. This is why I love wine, though. A well-made wine does not need to make you weep when you buy it, and might make you love it all the more when you drink it.
Get out there! Taste wine! Have fun! Find those great bargain wines that you love and can drink every day.
No comments:
Post a Comment