Now that the warmer weather has descended upon us, it’s time to think about lighter wines. Of course, there’s always an occasion to drink a hearty Pinot Noir or a robust Merlot, but on a warm spring day, then a glass of cold Sauvignon Blanc is just the ticket.
Roudon-Smith Winery makes a delightful Sauvignon Blanc. Their 2007 Lake County is crisp and refreshing—and suited to a whole array of food. The label says, “This single-vineyard wine opens with a nose which blends lemon zest, key lime pie and pineapple aromas with undertones of banana.” Now doesn’t that sound perfectly cool and fruity for a summer day’s picnic? The label goes on, “This veritable tropical fruit basket continues with a wave of flavor that zips across the palate and leave you refreshed and wanting more.” And I would agree with that. It’s a light and very drinkable wine that goes down very easily. I would also suggest chilling this wine and serving it as an aperitif before dinner. It perks up the taste buds and makes your mouth water.
This particular wine won a bronze medal in the 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains Commercial Wine Competition. And at this point I have to mention another of their wines—the 2007 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains Private Reserve—a gold medal winner in the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Being a huge Pinot fan, I really enjoy the dark fruit and bold flavors of this luscious wine.
I head over to Shadowbrook to meet up with a group of friends for one of the restaurant’s popular Winemaker Wednesdays. The featured winery is Roudon-Smith so I know I’m in for some good wine tasting. Annette Hunt, owner of the winery with her husband David Hunt, is pouring wine—along with winemaker Brandon Armitage. Both of them are sharing their knowledge of wine and answering any questions.
It’s easy to see why the Winemaker Wednesdays always fill up the Rock Room with happy wine tasters. First of all, it’s an opportunity to meet the folk involved in making the wine; complimentary hors d’oeuvres are served with the wine flights, and wine can be bought at 50 percent off normal retail prices. And last but not least, it’s downright fun!
Roudon-Smith Winery, 2364 Bean Creek Road, Scotts Valley, 438-1244. roudonsmith.com. Open Saturdays from noon to 4:30 p.m. and for group appointments. Visitors are welcome to enjoy Roudon-Smith’s picnic area – surrounded by redwoods.
Shadowbrook Restaurant, 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511. Winemaker Wednesdays run from October through May. The remaining wineries are: Odonata Wines, April 14; Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, April 21; Bonny Doon Vineyard, April 28; Alfaro Family Vineyards, May 5; Storrs Winery, May 12. Tastings are from 5-8 p.m. in the Rock Room.
