Citrusy Chardonnay 2013 is a great fall wine
Cinnabar Winery’s crisp 2013 Chardonnay has a complex nose of pineapple, pear and orange blossom with complementary layers of kiwi and apples on the palate. Tangerine and citrus add a bright minerality, leading to a burst of freshness in the mouth. With the way it complements this late-September/early-October weather, it’s an ideal Chardonnay for going into fall. It’s also a pretty good deal at $20, an even better one (about $15) for wine club members, and it won a silver medal in the 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Grapes were harvested from Central Avenue Vineyard near Greenfield in Monterey–an area that can get mighty hot in summer, but provides the right amount of warmth and overnight cooling during the growing season.
Cinnabar’s tasting room is in the heart of Saratoga and a splendid place to visit. They make a goodly number of varietals and hold regular live music events on the patio or in the Mudd Room (named after winery founder, the late Tom Mudd).
Cinnabar Winery’s tasting room is at 14612 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, (408) 867-1012. Cinnabarwine.com.
Bargetto Winery’s Harvest and Futures Celebration
Join winemaker Olivia Teutschel for a vertical tasting of Bargetto Merlots paired with cheeses, followed by an Italian-themed dinner and music by the Scott Cooper Trio. Info: 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, tickets are $60.
Bargetto Winery, 3535 North Main St., Soquel, bargetto.com
Oktoberfest at the Scotts Valley Community Center
In addition to an abundance of interesting items to bid on—including artwork, restaurant gift certificates, weekend getaways, tickets to sporting events, and more—the annual Friends of Hospice Oktoberfest always has an amazing selection of wines, all to be had to the highest bidder in a silent auction. So treat yourselves to some tasty German-style food, including sausages and sauerkraut, enjoy the good Bavarian music and wonderful live auction, and remember what a worthy fundraiser this is, with all proceeds going to Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Info: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. Visit Hospicesantacruz.org/Oktoberfest. Admission is free.
PROFILE IN SILVER Cinnabar took home a silver medal in this year’s San Francisco Chronicle wine competition for their 2013 Chardonnay.
