Crikey! Here comes another great wine from expert winemaker Randall Grahm—a Gravitas 2014 that will thrill your palate.
If you haven’t yet visited Grahm’s Bonny Doon Vineyard tasting room in Davenport, then I recommend you head there at the first opportunity. A welcoming spot with an upbeat vibe that is all Bonny Doon Vineyard’s own, it’s a jolly place to hang out and taste some excellent wines. Four of us recently did just that for a special evening of readings and talks by four contributors of the Catamaran Literary Reader—including Grahm himself.
I meant to try several different wines, but once I tasted Grahm’s Gravitas, I kept going back for more. The 2014 Gravitas—a simply gorgeous wine with enticing flavors—is resonant with the haunting perfume of magnolia flowers and the scent of white peaches. Suggestions of ripe Bosc pear, sweet green grass, saffron, and a touch of lavender honey make this blend of Semillon (54 percent), Sauvignon Blanc (43.5 percent) and Orange Muscat (2.5 percent) a perfect wine to pair with seafood, cassoulet and lighter entrees. With all the food laid out for the event—cheeses, fruit, nuts, dried figs, grilled veggies, and more—it was an excellent pairing.
But wait, as ebullient winemaker Grahm says, there’s more … You’ll also find bergamot orange blossom, jasmine, key lime custard, quince, and Madagascar vanilla—all of these aromas and flavors add up to an intoxicating mix. Blimey! It can’t get any better.
The Gravitas, which comes with an imaginative label and a screw cap, sells for only $16—an absolute bargain for such a splendidly delicious wine.
*Crikey! and blimey! are two exclamations in every Brit’s vocabulary, including mine. I was thrilled to see them both on the Gravitas label, reminding me of Dear Old Blighty.
Bonny Doon Vineyard, 450 Highway 1, Davenport, 471-8031. bonnydoonvineyard.com. For info on Catamaran Literary Reader visit catamaranliteraryreader.com
Kurt’z Kreations
Kurt Zellerhoff, who says he grew up loving to cook, has recently gone into business with his Triple D sauces and seasonings. His entire line of organic products are “vegan- and vegetarian-friendly,” with no salt added. Triple D makes about 10 different sauces and about five “shakers,” which are blends of seasonings to “shake” over your food for extra zing. The Savory Medium shaker is an all-natural blend of onion, garlic, jalapeño, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder. You can now find Kurt’z Kreations on the shelves of New Leaf Community Markets. Info: Kurtz Kreations, 216B Fern St., Santa Cruz, 925-639-5465. kurtzkreations.com
Winemaker’s Dinner at Pino Alto Restaurant
Mark your calendar for a special winemaker’s dinner at Pino Alto Restaurant in the historic Sesnon House in Aptos on Friday, May 15, where the featured winery will be Roudon-Smith. For info visit pinoaltorestaurant.org.
