Yesterday I met with Robert and P.J. Rex, owners of Deerfield Ranch Winery in Sonoma, to taste their new releases. We sat on the terrace at the Presidio’s new Le Terrasse restaurant (www.laterrassepresidio.com) and while the sun wasn’t completely shining, the stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands was spectacular.
Of the seven wines I tasted, I was most impressed with the 2004 Deerfield Red Rex North Coast ($25), a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 20% Syrah, 9% Sangiovese, 8% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc.
Ruby red and viscous (at 14.6% it should be), the wine had inviting aromas of sweet cherry, black currant, baking spice, clove, and nutmeg. On the palate the fruit was lush and soft, framed by cedar and vanillans. Tannins were soft and well-integrated, and the finish was long. The wine has structure and depth, but is understated enough to pair with complex or subtle dishes.
Deerfield Ranch is only one of three Sonoma County wineries who is Certified Organic, so not just the grapes are clean, but the whole production line is as well. The wines are also extremely low in sulfites and histamines - Mrs. Rex is super-sensitive so her winemaker husband doesn’t release the wine until the SO2 reaches non-reactive levels, and keeps the histamines produced by yeast during fermentation in check.
Visit www.deerfieldranch.com for more information.
Pale yellow and moderately viscous, this 2007 Adler Fels Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley ($14.99) has lovely aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, and nectarine fresh from the farmer’s market, along with pineapple and guava, lime, sea spray, ginger, and honey. It is medium-bodied, clean, soft, and satisfying and has a long, ginger-lime finish. The winery is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a new look and an expanded line including some new Russian River Reds. They are very well-known already for their Gewurztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs. Visit www.adlerfels.com for more information.
