Laurel Glen Vineyards Tasting Room, Glen Ellen, California
Friday morning we jumped out of bed, enjoyed the views with breakfast, and waited for our driver, John Burdick, to arrive. He has to be the funniest guy in Sonoma, and very talented to say the least. Don and John go way back to the early 2000's when Don started bottling wine in Sonoma.
So John arrives; we introduce him to our friends and the first thing out of their lips is that their daughter and son-in-law live in Napa! John gave them a hard time for saying the 4-letter word that should never be mentioned while in Sonoma! It was pretty hilarious! Check out my friend Linda's blog! She's a foodie blogger and travels all over the US to attend conferences!
Our first stop was in the little town of Glen Ellen, a quaint village steeped in Sonoma wines, local dining delights, and a just a small place or two to stay if you'd like. We headed for Laurel Glen Vineyards tasting room and what was about to be our very best tasting ever!
Upon arriving, Bettina Sichel welcomed us and jumped in our limo to head to her vineyards. She was so interesting to listen to as we learned how the business all begin and continues to grow today. I learned that it must be a lot of hard work and not all that glamorous. Personally, I could listen to her soft voice all day. She was so passionate about her wines and her German heritage. After seeing her vineyards, walking among the rows of vines, and experiencing what it must be like through her story, we jumped back in the limo and returned to the tasting room!
We began with 2014 Laurel Glen Crazy Old Vine Rose' ($25), "a juicy, flavorful tasting room exclusive, from a row of vines planted in the 1880's." Only 168 cases were produced and we bought 4 bottles and drank one while there! Bettina said the Rose' is 50% Cabernet and 50% of obscure red varietals that they can't even identify for certain! Let me tell you this Rose' is the best I have ever tasted, no matter what the other 50% might be!
The 2013 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) was fabulous. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and producing 2,128 cases. We bought that also! This wine just "bursts with aromas of raspberry compote, plum, blond tobacco and creme brûlée. The wine presents layer upon layer of ripe currant flavors, licorice and smoky, spicy oak. The finish is fresh and bright with a focused minerality and tannins that are firm, round and delicious.”
- Randall Watkins, Winemaker
We tasted her 2011 Laurel Glen Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($65), their flagship Cabernet! Watch the winemaker's video about this delicious wine!
Our driver purchased this amazing lunch from the Glen Ellen Village Market and we dined on the patio of the tasting room. Of course, we had a bottle of Laurel Glen Rose' with it!
Our driver purchased this amazing lunch from the Glen Ellen Village Market and we dined on the patio of the tasting room. Of course, we had a bottle of Laurel Glen Rose' with it!
Bettina, thank you so much for your kind hospitality! Your staff was great and made us feel so welcomed! We love your wines and will continue to sing their praises!
No comments:
Post a Comment