Wine Review: Leese-Fitch's 2012 Pinot Noir

Leese-Fitch 2012 Pinot Noir is a medium body wine that works well for nearly all occasions. Light aroma with ruby red color. It is a dry and sweet taste with little acidity or tannin aftertaste that hangs for about 8 seconds. It is easy to notice the dark cherries, plumb, and strawberries within the wine.  It is also possible to discern just a touch of vanilla.

Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow and requires special care. Grown in northern California’s cool coastal land the sweetness is unmatched. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with most other foods ranging from sauces to poultry. Most people consider it as a step up between white and red wine.

According to the website the brand can be described as, “The wines of Leese-Fitch celebrate the restoration of the Leese-Fitch building located in the Sonoma Square. Built in 1836, this historical landmark in Sonoma Plaza was named after Jacob Leese and Henry Fitch, brothers-in-law to General Mariano Vallejo, the founder of the town of Sonoma.”  You may learn more about the company HERE.

This wine is a keeper.

Wine Review: Beringer's Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Beringer's Cabernet Sauvignon offers a light ruby red wine with a high fruit taste. Think of black berry, plumb, cherry and a touch of pepper. Upon opening you should expect an aroma of high pitched fruit cocktail. Its contour is smooth and offers a mild tannin kick on the back of the tongue with a light palatable aftertaste. Hanging tears are average and the wine is medium bodied in volume. 

The Beringer winery started with an interesting immigration story. A German by the name of Jacob Beringer immigrated to New York in 1868. He and his brother moved to California and started one of the first wineries in Napa Valley in 1875 with their purchase of 215 acres for $14,000. They produced 40,000 gallons of wine in the first year which is considered an astonishing amount. In 1967 the winery became a historical landmark and is visited by people from around the world. 

The winery has tours open to the public for around $25. You may see the 1,200 foot Chinese labor built linear tunnel for storage, the Rhine House, Hudson House and much more. One can also consider joining their wine club which offers a variety of different options and prices based upon the exclusivity of the wine shipped. 

Even though Cabernet Sauvignon is a relative new wine of the 1700’s it has grown in worldwide popularity. French growers decided that they would crossbreed Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc to create an easy to grow and resilient grape.  At first it took hold in the new homes and vineyards of California before becoming popular in other states who found it adaptable to their environments.

Enjoy!

http://www.beringer.com/about