Chardonnay 2009
Taking a sip of Vino Tabi’s 2009 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, is a joyful experience. Lots of butterscotch and candied pear on the nose is the first hint that this is a worthwhile juice. And in the mouth, there are flavors of baked apple, light buttery oak and a touch of nutmeg—ending with a delicate light vanilla finish. This delicious and tantalizing wine is well worth the price of $24.
Winery owner Katie Fox works incessantly to craft her fine wines. When last I saw her at the beginning of November, she was relieved that harvest was over and can now concentrate on other wine-related events her winery is involved in.
Fox does wine education classes at her tasting room; assists people in creating their own vintage; pours her wine at numerous events; and organizes fun evenings such as Friday music nights at Vino Tabi, featuring acoustic guitar, wines and Gary’s gourmet snappy hot dogs—a good time with no cover charge.
I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving. I think my husband and I will be drinking more beer than wine over the holidays, as we’ll be in Jakarta, Borneo and Bali.
Vino Tabi Winery, 334-C Ingalls St., Santa Cruz (in the Swift Street Courtyard complex). 426-1809. vino-tabi-wine.com. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
WINE EVENTS
Winemaker Wednesdays at Shadowbrook Restaurant
Vino Tabi will be the featured winery at Shadowbrook on Jan. 25 from 5-8 p.m. Info: Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, scmwa.com.
Winemaker’s Dinner with Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery
The Pino Alto Restaurant at the Sesnon House is the host for a winemaker’s dinner with Richard Alfaro. Four courses will be prepared by culinary students at Cabrillo College—paired with four wines from Alfaro Vineyards on Thursday, Dec. 1. Sesnon House at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 479-6524. pinoaltorestaurant.org.
Mackenzie’s Kandy Kitchen’s Special Chocolates for Hunter Hill
At an event at Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery recently, owners Christine and Vann Slatter were handing out samples of Mackenzie’s chocolates. Delicious little truffles—of both dark and milk chocolate—are a new item, specially made for the winery, and filled with Hunter Hill vintage port. So try a port-filled chocolate with a robust glass of … what else … port. Wine and chocolate go together like Tweedledum and Tweedledee.
Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery, 7099 Glen Haven Road, Soquel, 465-9294. hunterhillwines.com.
