If you’re a lover of Chardonnay, then Wrights Station is the place to go. Right now, they carry three different Chardonnays, including their superb 2014 Chardonnay Estate No. 9 – Santa Cruz Mountains. Owner and winemaker Dan Lokteff takes great care of his lush vineyards, and the result is voluptuous fruit and excellent wines.
The 2014 Estate Chardonnay ($30) is exceptional, with aromas of tropical fruit and touches of apple and lemon. The flavors bring out yet more tropical fruit—banana and pineapple particularly—and nuances of toast, hazelnut and aromatic vanilla. But if you prefer a completely unoaked Chardonnay, then the 2015 Santa Cruz Mountains ($25) is for you.
Wrights Station tasting room is in the original 1947 farmhouse, now completely remodeled, and there’s a beautiful patio area to sit and relax. Lokteff calls his estate his “dream property.” You’ll see why when you go there for a tasting—and don’t miss Lokteff’s impressive Pinots.
Wrights Station, 24250 Loma Prieta Ave., Los Gatos, 408-560-9343. wrightsstation.com. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Passport Day—April 21
Passport Day is a great time to go wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Tasting is complimentary if you have a Passport, and it’s also an opportunity to taste at wineries not usually open to the public. Passports are valid for one year and can be used all year round during winery hours. They can be purchased for $65 from the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (SCMWA) and at most participating wineries. The next Passport event is noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 21. There is more information on SCMWA’s website regarding Passport, local wineries, and upcoming events. Visit scmwa.com. Wrights Station participates in Passport events.
Dinner at Burrell School Vineyards
Burrell School is doing special events now and again, including holding dinners in their tasting room and historic school house. A wine and food soiree I attended recently came with a marvelous dinner prepared by Nicole Fischer of Depaysement Supper Club. Fischer, who hails from Canada, made four delicious courses—all paired with Burrell School’s outstanding wines. Visit her on Instagram at @depaysement.sc or email
de*******************@gm***.com
for info.
