Your First Taste in Sonoma? Visit Lambert Bridge Winery

What started as a “Wouldn’t it be fun if we…?” quickly became a “Let’s do it!”.  My good friend Melanie Ofenloch (Dallas Wine Chick) and I organized our own 48-hour press trip, of sorts, to Sonoma wine country prior to the Wine Bloggers Conference held in Santa Rosa, California in November 2017. In one of the fastest planning feats ever, we identified our preferred wineries in Dry Creek Valley and contacted the powers that be at Lambert Bridge, Mauritson Wines, Arista Winery, and Pellegrini Wine Company. Our fingers were crossed as we hoped that they would be amenable to our visit in exchange for some wine blogger love…and they were.

Our plans were finalized. Melanie and I stayed at the beautiful Lambert Bridge Guest House for two nights with the added treat of a tasting there on our first day. On the second, we arranged to swirl and sip at Arista and Mauritson. Our visit to Pellegrini was for the morning of the third day, prior to the beginning of the conference that evening. We were ready for this adventure and trust me, our 48 hours were memorable in so many ways.

 What none of us knew at the time was that our visit would occur only a month after the devastating wildfires that affected many residents, businesses, and much of the stunning landscape of this iconic wine region. We were heartbroken to learn of friends who lost so much but hopeful that the strength and determination of the region’s people would rage longer than the fires. Click here to watch our first Facebook Live video where Melanie and I share our thoughts. 

And now? The residents and those who work in Sonoma continue to move forward. Wineries are thriving, open for business, and waiting with a glass in hand to offer to those who step inside their tasting room. Following is the first of three articles about the notable wineries we visited. I encourage you to check out each winery’s website for more information and add all to your must-visit/must-taste list for your next trip to Sonoma. In fact, Lambert Bridge should be your first stop!

My initial visit to Lambert Bridge (4085 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg) was a few years ago. I was impressed with everyone’s hospitality towards our group, then fell in love with each wine I sipped in their stunning yet comfortable tasting room. Their Chardonnay was exceptional; I purchased a few bottles and enjoyed each sip that night…and for weeks after. I vowed to return to the place where I felt like family and finally I did.

New friend, Bill Smart, Vice-President and General Manager at Lambert Bridge, offered Melanie and me a complimentary stay at the Lambert Bridge Guest House for two nights. The stylish two-bedroom house was so well appointed, relaxing, and downright gorgeous that I willingly admitted that I could live there forever. Each of us immediately noticed the welcoming fireplace, a fully stocked refrigerator with bottles of Lambert Bridge wine and local cheeses, and a plethora of amenities…then realized how fortunate we were.

Founded by the C. L. Lambert family about a century ago, the land was purchased sixty years later by Jerry Lambert (no relation) who had every intention to craft stunning wines. And what better place to do just that than Dry Creek Valley where vineyard sites produce some of the best wine grapes in the state of California?

Patti and Ray Chambers were equally as mesmerized with the property and, in 1993, became owners. Their vision is to “honor this idyllic land, farm, craft Sonoma’s finest small-lot wines, and create an inspiring setting to relish wine, food, and friendship”. As far as I’m concerned, this vision has been realized because I experienced it all.

Sonoma native (and truly, someone I’d love to have for dinner, especially if she brings a bottle or two of Lambert Bridge wine!) is Winemaker Jennifer Higgins. Perhaps a dream job for any winemaker, she’s at the helm of a winery that, thanks to limited production, allows her to be in complete control of every facet of vineyard management and the winemaking process. In fact, “each individual cluster is cultivated to restrict yields and achieve optimal flavor concentration, balance, and complexity”.

 

Once Melanie and I settled in the Guest House, we took a short walk to the tasting room. There, we were treated to a special cellar flight with delectable cheese pairings by the knowledgeable and fun-to-taste-with Kim Wise, Wine Educator, in the beautiful Library. Premium quality thanks to terroir and brilliant winemaking? That’s just what was in each sip.

I truly loved each and, of course, I had a few favorites. The elegant 2014 Chardonnay, Chambers Vineyard ($70) presented a lush, rich profile that was more than “just right”, in part, because of its gentle treatment in oak. Aromas and flavors were broad with notes of apricot, orange peel, baking spice, sweet vanilla, and a lengthy, tart finish. The nose and palate of the 2014 Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County burst with elements of baking spice, tobacco, juicy red cherries, and chocolate. And that 2015 Zinfandel, Meyers Vineyard? This memorable Zinfandel delivered to my palate everything I love. Balanced and structured, I explored notes of pomegranate, juicy cranberries, white peppers framed with lip smacking acidity and firm tannins.

The 2013 Crane Creek Cuvee, Sonoma County ($110) was impeccable. Mostly Merlot with 10% Cabernet and 5% Malbec, the complexity and structure of this beauty were striking and I was reminded of a veritable Right Bank Bordeaux (boasting a distinctive Sonoma flair) with each sip. A stunning wine was the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Limited Selection ($110). With each textured sip, notes of exotic spice, pepper, ripe red cherries permeated my palate…satin-like tannins and bright acidity provided a firm foundation to this exceptional wine. Petit Verdot lovers will crave the 2013 Petit Verdot, Chambers Vineyard, a Liquid Assets Member Exclusive. Expansive from the first whiff to the last sip, I discovered elegant and sophisticated notes of dark plums, cola, coffee, and spice.

As soon as the tasting ended, I joined the wine club, clearly the next chapter to my story of the exquisite Lambert Bridge. Stay tuned!

Later that evening, Melanie and I had a lovely dinner at Valette in Healdsburg.  Bill Smart and Marcy Gordon, wine writer with an award-winning podcast, joined us for a sumptuous meal prepared by the talented Dustin Valette, Owner and Executive Chef.  Of course, on-point wine pairings were poured for sipping with each of the many courses specially made just for us. Wine, food and friends? Nirvana!

 

Although it was my first time to experience one of the best restaurants in town, it won’t be my last. Just like my first visit to Lambert Bridge years ago, I was more than impressed with what my palate discovered at Valette.

I’ll be back…to both Lambert Bridge and Valette. And I can’t wait.

 

 Cheers! ~ Cindy

For Melanie’s story about our experience at Lambert Bridge, please click here.