Displaying items by tag: Santa Ynez Valley

TASTE News Service, February 17, 2021 — The reopening of the Santa Ynez Valley to visitors, most notably lodging for leisure travel and the resumption of outdoor service for restaurants and wineries, could not have come at a better time for those struggling with the Groundhog Day-like effects of pandemic fatigue.

TASTE News Service, March 11, 2020 — As travel habits evolve and new interests pique, the Santa Ynez Valley always seems to find itself at the forefront of the latest trends in travel.

TASTE News Service, January 8, 2020 — The Santa Ynez Valley has long been celebrated as much for its creative culinary scene as its world-class wines, but during Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks wine country truly meets dine country.

TASTE News Service, June 26, 2019 — Pinot Noir . . .  Merlot . . . and a bachelor weekend in the Santa Ynez Valley.

TASTE News Service, September 12, 2018 — Fall in the Santa Ynez Valley is a time when the region's relaxed and welcoming wine country vibe is enhanced by the energy and freshness of the California Central Coast's harvest season.

2010 Pinot Noir

"Seven Twenty Eight"

Fiddlehead Cellars

Santa Rita Hills

Alcohol: 14.1%

Suggested Retail: $42

“Maybe a little explanation about this wine's provenance is indicated. It comes from the Santa Rita Hills AVA, which is in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley. The grapes were sourced from the Fiddlestix Vineyard which is at the 7.28 mile marker on Santa Rosa Road, hence the 'Seven Twenty Eight' identity on the label. The winery thinks it would be a fine idea if folks enjoyed a bottle on July 28th and we don't disagree. However, the wine is so good, we recommend it any time you're thinking Pinot Noir.

“Initial impression is lots of black cherry aroma and some spice. These wafts of spice seem more layered as the wine opens up in the glass and it becomes apparent that this a complex and sophisticated example of Pinot Noir. Flavors of raspberries and blackberries follow, accompanied by a cola-like quality. Lots of personality here. We find the wine delightful.”

Food Affinity: “Pinot Noir is a versatile food-pairer and the Seven Twenty Eight would likely go well with any dish you think appropriate to serve with a lighter red. We'll suggest lamb chops that have been briefly marinated in olive oil, garlic and rosemary, then with rubbed with herbes de Provence and lavender before going on the grill.”

2011 Riesling

Producer: Koehler Winery

Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley

Alcohol: 12.5%

Suggested Retail: $14

“Aromas of melon, peach and a bit of honeysuckle in this Riesling from a cooler region of Santa Barbara County. At 1% residual sugar (RS), it's well within dryness profile to qualify as a food wine. There's a reasonable presence of acidity to offset the sweetness. More papaya and tropical fruit characteristics than apple. Surprisingly light considering the alcohol level, yet balanced and a wine we found delicate and attractive.”

Food Affinity: “Could be used as a pre-dinner aperitif with nuts or crackers and soft cheese with chives, or after dinner with pieces of fruit for an alternative to rich and sticky pie or cake desserts. Could also accompany main courses that had a little 'bite' to them (chicken breast slices in a light cream sauce with Mandarin orange sections and sliced almonds?) or spicy Szechwan or Thai dishes.”