Tapas Grand Tasting, Fort Mason

The 2nd annual Tapas Grand Tasting at Ft. Mason, SF showcased 36 North American wineries specializing in Spanish varietals. The seminar before the tasting focused on regional differences of Albarino and Tempranillo. One outstanding medal winning wine, the Tempranillo from the Rogue Valley, Red Lily, is hand-crafted by Rachael Martin. The winery is locate outside of Medford, OR Limited production. Great food wine, soft tannins, light strawberry. The event was lots of fun and worth the time spent exploring Spanish varietals from all around the West Coast.

2003 Piocho, Happy Canyon Vineyards

I just pulled out an 03 Piocho blend from Happy Canyon Vineyards. It's a blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot. It was very good and is sold out. The 06 is available for $30, over the recession affordable pricing but worth the money. I would lay down the 06 for 2 more years though. This is a high quality wine produced by Barrack, Los Olivos, CA. Gravelly loam soils and the finest barrels attribute to its quality.

06 Zin Cooper Vineyards

Located in the Shenandoah Valley, California, Cooper Vineyards 06 Zin won the blind tasting at last Sunday's event at the Back Wine Bar in Folsom CA. I also voted for this Zin, candied apple, cinnamon, smooth finish/tannins. It is an excellent wine for $23 bucks. Mike Roser is the winemaker of this award winning wine.

Tudal Family Winery

06 TractorShedRed, by the Tudal Family Winery, Napa is a very recession proof wine. It's $7 bucks at Costco but it's $12 at the winery. The blend of Sangio, Merlot and Zin make this a good, full-bodied, every day wine you can afford. It serves with grilled meats and veggies. Normally a wine at this price point can be OK but not that great or memorable. Tractor Shed is is a decent everyday wine that won't break the budget. You won't be disappointed. This wine does have several Gold Medals.

Sierra Foothills

I was told that Cooper, Z and R, and Jeff Renquist wine are the top wineries in the Sierra, CA. Can anyone confirm which are their favorites?

05 Petite Sirah, Gold Note, Fairplay

O5 Petite Sirah, Godl Note, Fairplay AVA. Hearty black cherry and exotic spice with smooth tannins. I give it 90 points. This wine is full-bodied, dark and rich. You will love it just to sip on it. This time, food may get in the way.

Back Wine Bar

The Back Wine Bar (named after Jeff Back) is located in Folsom off Riley. Went to one of their blind wine tasting events and thought that is was nicely organized. Check out events at www.backwinebar.com and sign up for their events schedule. I'm certainly going back to their next blind tasting, with a theme, that is held once/month. The wine list but the taste and glass if very good. I had a Petite Sirah from Gold Note (gold medal winner). In addition, to a great tasting wine list, they offer appetizers. The Ahi Poke $13 was to die for. I think I can go there at least once/week and sample wines with this appetizer. The owners are a hip couple, with lots of energy, great hospitality. There is a side patio for dining al fresco. I will be a regular now that I am residing in Folsom. To get on their newsletter, go to www.backwinebar.com.