Old Vine Zinfandel 2009
Hunter Hill’s new release of their Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 ($25) is a bold and luscious wine that has been aged for one year in American oak. Grapes to make this fruit-forward wine come from the ancient Mohr-Fry Ranches’ vineyards in the Lodi appellation, resulting in a rich and full-bodied elixir. Zinfandel lovers will truly appreciate the complexities, aromas and flavors captured inside every bottle – and the full-bodied, jammy rich finish only leaves you wanting more. Fortunately, 250 cases were produced, so the winery is not going to run out any time soon.
Hunter Hill is a gorgeous place to visit. Owners Christine and Vann Slatter are justly proud of their property – now complete with stunning pond and water feature. Vines heavy with fruit extend up the hillside, and at this time of year everything is green and lush.
Sit outside on their delightful patio with a glass of wine and think of all the gods who loved the grape – especially Bacchus – as you enjoy the scenery.
Hunter Hill, 7099 Glen Haven Road, Soquel, 465-9294. hunterhillwines.com.
Wine Events
Hunter Hill’s Dinner in the Vineyard
Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery’s summer series of dinners – held on their beautiful property in Soquel – are fun and festive affairs. The next one is on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 5-8 p.m. with Coastal Catering featuring Moroccan spiced lamb chops. Info: Hunter Hill, 465-9294. **@hu*************.com.
Farm to Table Dinner at Chaminade
The next dinner in the Farm to Table series will be on Friday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. when the wonderful local wines of Alfaro Family Vineyards will be featured. Food is carefully sourced from local farms and vendors – and consumed outside on Chaminade’s lovely patio. Cost is $75 per person. Call 475-5600 for reservations.
Vinocruz Opening
The new owners of Vinocruz, Jennifer Walker and Steve Principe, are holding a grand re-opening on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 3-5 p.m. Stop buy and say hello to them – and taste some splendid wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Vinocruz, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, 426-8466.
Windy Oaks at Annieglass
The fabulous wines of Windy Oaks are featured at the new summer series of wine tastings at the Annieglass retail outlet and store in Watsonville until Sept. 5. Studio tours are available at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. by calling 761-2041 ext. 21 or online at HYPERLINK “mailto:to***@an********.com" data-original-string="BQkE9mpF1MRlryt7ZCbpLVQXHFBWUaJrF3I1u+yB8Lk=" title="This contact has been encoded by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.” to***@an********.com. Tastings are Fridays, Saturday and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Annieglass, 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville.
