Chardonnay 2009
If you haven’t seen Cycles Gladiator wine on supermarket shelves, then you haven’t been paying attention. It’s most definitely out there—and in great quantities. The belle époque label of a naked woman on a winged bicycle catches my eye every time I walk by grocery store shelves when I’m looking for a new bottle of wine to write about. This time, I was shopping in New Leaf when—there it is again, the ubiquitous Cycles Gladiator. It is very reasonably priced for around $12, but happened to be on sale for only $7 at New Leaf.
With its aromas of peach and a hint of subtle oak spices, its ripe tropical fruit flavors are balanced with bright acidity. The winery suggests that it would go well with swordfish, blackened cod, barbecued chicken and steaks. And when the price is right, it’s certainly worth a try.
Cycles Winery, King City, Calif. cyclesgladiator.com. New tasting room: 3750 East Woodbridge Road, Lodi, (209) 263-3131.
Wine Events
Roudon-Smith Winery has a new tasting room in operation in Watsonville—sharing a space with Mica Cellars—and the grand opening is set for sometime in the next few weeks. Roudon-Smith changed hands at the beginning of the year and is now solely owned by Al and Diane Drewke. Visit them at the new tasting room at 18 Hangar Way, Watsonville, 438-1244. roudonsmith.com.
Sunset at Surf City Vintners – Food & Wine Faire
Surf City Vintners is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank for their first Food & Wine Faire. Their goal is to raise funds from this event for 6,000 Healthy Meals for Kids. This big “community banquet” will feature the Surf City Vintners group of 12 wineries, along with delicious food from local purveyors, and live music as well. Food and wine will be for sale by each vendor—but there is no additional entry fee. Guests are encouraged to bring their own plates, utensils and glasses in support of sustainable practices. The Faire will be held in the parking lot near Copious Winery and Equinox at 427 Swift St., Santa Cruz on Saturday, July 30 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. For more information contact Lois Sones, Sones Cellars, 818-1405,
so***@cr****.com
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Poetic Cellars
Poetic Cellars is having a Pets for Petite contest. By uploading your favorite pet photo on the winery’s Facebook page, you could win a whole case of Poetic Cellars Petite Sirah. The winery will be picking the top 10 photos on Aug. 6. So get your favorite photos of Felix and Fido in as soon as possible. Info: Poetic Cellars, 5000 N. Rodeo Gulch Road, Soquel, 462-3478. poeticcellars.com.
