Wine Tasting Saturday

Who knew wine tasting could be sooooo much work! We started the day at A. Rafanelli. We were first introduced to Rafanelli Zinfandels in the late 80s. Yes, think big bold Zins. Rafanelli is a relatively small producer and requires an appointment to taste their wines. We were lucky enough to get one Saturday at 10:15 am. We added some great selections to our cellar:

• 2006 Rafanelli Merlot
• 2007 Rafanelli Zinfandel
• 2006 Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon

Next stop...Lambert Bridge. While we've driven past this winery many times we had never stopped. Our friends Randy and Debby told us it was their favorite winery and we now know why. We tasted some great wines:

• 2007 Viognier, Sonoma County
• 2007 Viognier, Knights Valley
• 2007 Zinfandel Maple Vineyards
• 2006 Petite Sirah
• 2006 Cabernet Franc

I don't remember what we bought...beyond the Knights Valley Viognier...but we did join their Wine Club...which means we'll be getting 24 bottles of Lambert Bridge wines a year. Woo hoo!

We then went to Geyser Peak. Well, actually we went to Lancaster Estates but that was because I had the days of our appointments mixed up. We are already Geyser Peak Wine Club members but for some reason that didn't stop us from buying more wine. We are coming home with:

• 2006 Tannat, Alexander Valley
• 2008 Late Harvest Riesling, Russian River Valley
• Tawny Port,
• 2008 River Ranches Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley
• 2002 Reserve Shiraz, Sonoma County

So we headed back to the hotel...except there are several wineries with tasting rooms right in downtown Geyserville. It's just a short walk from the Inn. First stop was Meeker. We've loved Meeker wines for a long time...and yes, you can get many of them in Ohio. But there are some that you can't and that's what we were looking for. Stand outs include:

• Lucas J 2007 Pinot Noir
• 2003 Tutu Luna (which comes with Martini recipes)
• 2005 Wine Maker's Zinfandel
• 2006 Barbera
• 2002 Petite Verdot
• 2004 Kelly's Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2005 4 Kings (available in Ohio)
• Fro Zin (available in Ohio)

Yes...we joined the Meeker Wine Club!

Just around the corner from Meeker is a new winery tasting room called Route 128. I'm not sure what we bought....but it should be arriving in Ohio soon. :) It really is hard to keep track.

Dinner Saturday night was a barbecue hosted by the owners of the Hope-Merrill House Inn in Geyserville. It was a lovely event...the cost of entrance...a bottle of wine to share. We brought a Geyser Peak Syrah that was fabulous with the spectacular barbecue that we had.