Truet Hurst Winery

It is harvest time again!!  This is the best time of year to visit Napa or Sonoma Valley. Warm days, cool nights and crush in full swing. The aroma of fermenting grapes filling the air, which is way more pleasant than the time of year they are fertilizing. This is also the time of year for New Releases, such as Steltzner Family has released their 2006 Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (tasting notes coming as soon as I get the chance to research).

Which brings us to this weeks wine tour review Truett-Hurst Winery in Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma. This is a new winery (The new owners bought the property in November of 2007), which was formerly Martin Winery. The tasting room is spacious and tastefully appointed with 2 tasting areas. There is a comfortable patio area to have lunch or a snack, or you can take a brief walk down the path to the banks of Dry Creek and relax with a taste of vino. The setting is beautiful and has become a favorite stop on a Healdsburg area wine tour.

The Truett-Hurst staff gets my highest marks. They are friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable. On Saturdays they serve fresh munchies (BBQ, Pizza, etc)  and have live music too! On October 24th they will be having a new Zinfandel Release Party and offering their 2006 Three Vineyards Zinfandel at 50% off per case. What a deal!! Call Cindy (707-433-9545) for details.

And now, onto the wine! There are now 3 labels available for tasting and purchase. There are 7 wines and a dessert wine under the Truett-Hurst label. The winemaker, Virginia Lambrix, offers 2 limited production Pinots under the VML label. I enjoyed the Swicegood Vineyards (Green Valley) the most. 100 Cases produced. They also offer (usually only on weekends) A Stonegate Petite Verdot and Reserve Cabernet from the Napa Valley.

Lou's Faves

2007 Dark Horse - This is an elegant blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, Petite Sirah, & Syrah. Floral aroma with Cherry and licorice hints in the finish. I would age this an additional year or 2 to reach full potential. 180 Cases produced - $40 a bottle.

2006 Red Rooster Zinfandel - This is a full bodied tasty zin with forward fruit and hints of tea & spice. It has become one of my favorite zins. 2084 Cases produced - $29 a bottle.

2006 Rattler Rock Zinfandel - Not as forward as the Rooster, has nice cherry and spice notes and smooth finish. 984 Cases produced - $29 a bottle.

2004 Stonegate Petite Verdot - This varietal is usually part of a Bordeaux blend, but stands very well on its own. Fully flavored and well balanced, this has been a favorite of everyone I've taken to taste it.  $60 a bottle.

I highly recommend a stop at Truett-Hurst next time you are in Sonoma, you won't be disappointed! Or better yet, book a wine tour and I will take you to some other great wineries too. www.truetthurst.com

Lou - 10/7/09