Winery
of the Week:
Valley of the Moon - Sonoma County, Ca
At
Valley
of the Moon, they don't think of their wines as a commodity,
simply bottles to be sold. Instead, their philosophy is to craft
wines that embody a senses of place, that show off the unique
character of Sonoma. That mandate has served them well; just
taste their wines and discover for yourself.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Valley
of the Moon 2013 Blend 41
Winery:
Valley of the Moon
Grape(s): 44% Zinfandel, 24% Syrah, 18%
Barbera, 8% Merlot, 4% Petite Sirah, & 2% Sangiovese
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries, plums, cherries, and spice
greets the senses. The palate showcases flavors of dark
cherry, blackberry jam, and cassis that flow into notes
of all-spice and oak. Supple tannins and ample dark fruit
make this wine a fine companion for BBQ pulled pork.
Rating: 89 |
|
Valley
of the Moon 2013 Zinfandel
Winery:
Valley of the Moon
Grape(s): 97% Zinfandel & 2% Petite
Sirah
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, plums, and black cherries intermingle
with traces of pepper and sweet spice. A sip reveals flavors
of bramble fruit, dark cherry, and plum, along with elements
of black pepper and clove. A nice balance of fruit and
spice make this a very compelling Zin.
Rating: 90 |
|
Valley
of the Moon 2014 Chardonnay
Winery:
Valley of the Moon
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Fragrances of tropical fruits, golden apples, and toasty
vanilla rise up from a glass. Passion fruit, guava, and
apple flavors emerge on the palate, accented by creamy,
toasty suggestions. A pleasant acidity and balanced barrel
influence make this an inviting Chardonnay.
Rating: 90 |
|
Valley
of the Moon 2014 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Valley of the Moon
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and plums coalesce
with allusions of bacon and clove on the nose. Lots of
cherry, strawberry, and raspberry flavors come together
with expressions of sweet spice, rose petal, and earth
on the palate. Plush tannins and a balanced acidity make
this an ideal wine to pair with grilled salmon.
Rating: 89 |
|
Valley
of the Moon 2014 Pinot Blanc
Winery:
Valley of the Moon
Grape(s): 91% Pinot Blanc & 9% Chardonnay
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose offers notes of tropical and orchard fruits.
A sip reveals flavors of mango, apple, and pineapple that
open up into nuances of honey and white flowers. Fairly
round with a pleasant acidity and slight sweetness, it's
a very approachable wine.
Rating: 89 |
|
Valley
of the Moon 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Valley of the Moon
Grape(s): 86% Cabernet, 8% Malbec, 4%
Merlot, 1% Cab Franc, & 1% Petite Verdot
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Blackberry, currant, and dark cherry aromas mingle with
hints of oak and spice on the nose. Black cherry, bramble
fruit, and plum flavors come forth on the palate, alongside
suggestions of cocoa and toasty oak. Firmly structured,
the wine may open up more after a few years in the cellar,
but if you're not that patient, pair it with a roast beef.
Rating: 88 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|