8 Intriguing Wines to Discover Now

While a number of wine lovers engaged in “Dry or Dry-ish January,” a few friends and family members came to my assistance to work through my stash of wines (sent as samples) that were begging to be opened. Enjoy the read and if you’re inspired, contact the winery (links provided) for more detailed information. Then, look for each at your favorite wine shop or online wine retailer. Let me know what you find!

La Follette Wines

La Follette 2021 Los Primeros Chardonnay Sonoma County ($25) was a mouthwatering pairing with goat cheese and fig jam prior to dinner one evening. Pale straw in the glass, this refreshing choice offered citrus and white pepper on the nose and a palate rife with snappy acidity, lemon curd, pineapple and pears. (Note: “Los Primeros” means “the first.” These wines from La Follette honor California’s early grape growing pioneers who planted vines along the coast.)

La Follette 2020 Zephyr Farms Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($60) is from grapes cultivated on the West Sonoma Coast where classic Goldridge Soil, coastal fog in the morning and winds in the afternoon help grapes develop high acidity and minerality. This Chardonnay was a delight with its enticing aromas of golden apples, lemon peel and hint of crème brulee. On the round, creamy palate, ripe melon, tropical fruit, lemon scone, ripe apricot and tropical fruit were notable. Pair with roast chicken alongside potatoes au gratin.

La Follette Los Primeros Pinot Noir Sonoma County ($25) is of 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from some of the winery’s top single vineyards in the County and aged for 10 monthis in 60 gallon French oak barrels of medium toast. Garnet in the glass, I found aromas of chocolate covered cherries, mushrooms, spice, dried leaves and touch of earth. The palate, with moderate tannic structure and acidity, offered flavors of bright red cherries, pomegranates and leather. Our group swirled and sipped this well priced Pinot Noir with smoked salmon blinis and capers – amazing!

La Follette 2019 Heintz Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($60) reminded me once again that Russian River Valley is a very special place. Heintz Ranch is a 50 acre vineyard located in Occidental, a cool section of the Russian River Valley within the Sonoma Coast AVA. Coastal influences and cooler temperature allow for a longer growing season resulting in wines with intense flavors. On the nose, the Pinot showed notes of baking spice, red apple, crushed strawberries and cranberries. The palate was complex with layered notes of earth, spice and red fruit. Enjoy a glass or two with butternut squash soup or glazed ham.

Ron Rubin Winery

Pam’s UN-Oaked Chardonnay 2021 ($14) is a passion project of Ron Rubin whose wife, Pam, was surprised with the wine after Ron and his winemaker collaborated on a style that she loves. Crisp and light with a touch of sweet, I found lemon, melon and golden apple on the nose and a fruit forward profile with high acidity on the palate. Refreshing, affordable and easy drinking, this is a crowd-pleasing picnic wine.

Pam’s UN-Oaked Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($16) is an interesting take on Cabernet Sauvignon since it didn’t see a bit of oak. On the nose, blackberries, cinnamon and raspberries wafted from the glass. The palate, light in body with mild acidity and tannins, was fruit filled with red berries. This wine is lovely on a hot day, served chilled with light appetizers or paired with chocolate brownies for dessert.

Tenuta di Arceno

Tenuta di Arceno 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva ($30), from the Chianti Classico DOCG Collection, is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 10 months in neutral French oak. Beautiful aromas of dark red fruit, dried herbs, leaves, earth, black olives and oak led to a palate bursting with strawberries, pepper, cherry liqueur, spice and the slightest hint of balsamic on a foundation of moderate tannins and bright acidity. The lingering finish with notes of ripe oranges and black tea was savory and elegant. Pair with Nonna’s lasagna or eggplant parmigiana for a sensational dinner.

Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana 2016 ($100) is part of the brand’s premium Toscana IGT collection and is the flagship offering. 100% Cabernet Franc, cultivated in 12 different vineyard blocks at the estate, was aged for 12 months in 80% new French oak. The nose burst with minerality, salinity, red currents, violets, earth, cinnamon and oregano. The seductive, complex flavors included red cherries, raspberries, spice and dried rose petals with subtle acidity and integrated tannins. Just wow… pair this beauty with an elegant dinner and a special friend. (NOTE: Tenuta di Arceno has produced wine since the 16^th century. It’s located near the fork of the Amra River that flows north towards Florence and the Ombrone River that flows southward, towards Grosseto. Historically, the area was the epicenter of the Etruscan civilization. As an homage, the word “Arceno” comes from the Etruscan word “arche” meaning “point of origin.”)