Our Thanksgiving "One & only picks"

Fall is in the air in Alexander Valley. Winemaker Tim commented this week that the wind has shifted, and with it comes frost covered mornings and golden hued vineyards. Harvest has quietly come to its final days and the smell of grapes fermenting into wine drifts across the driveway as you make your way up to the winery. You would think with all the hustle and bustle of Harvest we would be sick and tired of wine but we just can’t get enough. It’s no coincidence that just as harvest comes to an end the season presents us with an opportunity to share our passion with our families and friends. This year we asked the very hypothetical question “If you could bring only one bottle of Stryker Sonoma to dinner what would it be?”. This little question has become a full blown discussion of what wines to serve at this year’s gatherings. Everyone has a favorite and here are six of ours to share with your friends and family this holiday season.

2010 Chardonnay, Estate Ashley “Captain of the Shipments” Wine Club Manager “Because I LOVE IT” was what Ashley had to say about her top holiday pick and I have to say we all do! 2010 marked the first vintage of Estate Grown Chardonnay and it’s been a favorite of Winemaker & guests alike. A wine of fuller body and balanced oak character this wines golden hue matches the changing colors of our vineyards and adds a touch of warmth to the crispness of fall. 2007 Cabernet franc, Rockpile Vineyard Jenn “Grape Wrangler" Assistant Winemaker The fact that we brought in just 1.6 tons of Rockpile Cabernet franc must of got Jenn thinking about how rare this wine really is. We are still the one and only Rockpile Cabernet franc, and the inaugural 2007 vintage was just a ton more then this years crop. Not only does the rarity appeal to Jenn, but so do the varietal characteristics. Lighter in character then Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc is the delicate Bordeaux, think violets, raspberry, herbs and light tannins. A wine like this belongs with turkey and all the fixings. 2008 Tannat, Estate Tim “Wine Whisperer” Head Winemaker What a wine, what a grape! Tannat? Yes Tim’s pick for this holiday season has to be one of the most obscure grapes in California. Why does Tim love this wine so much? Because of it’s complexity and character, like a chameleon this wine changes character as it breathes. Pour yourself a glass right from the bottle and you get an almost Beaujolais nose of fresh fruit and bubble gum pop. Decant the wine about an hour before dinner and by the time the turkey ends up on the table you have an incredible example of tannic structure, balanced body and deep rich fruit. I may want to change my choice just thinking of how great this wine will go with the heavier dishes this holiday. Smoked turkey? Yes PLEASE!

2007 Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyard Michael "Mr. Tasting Room" Tasting Room Manager Monte Rosso, that incredible vineyard tucked into the slopes between Sonoma and Napa always shines come holiday time. A glass of Zinfandel that can "take you places" is the best way to put the 07 vintage. Michael knows this wine will inspire passionate tales of vineyard vistas and a winery that is quintessential Alexander Valley. When the family heads out of town for the holidays there is always at least a handful of these bottles to share with friends and family. 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon “3” Bill “Snake Charmer” Facilities Manager It really came as no surprise to me that Bill would pick this wine, he’s quiet, not a big talker but when he does have something to say, it matters. It’s always something funny, quick witted and smart. Hidden innuendos and meaning always make their way into his conversations bringing a smile to those lucky enough to spend the day working with him. Cabernet “3” is just that! What does the “3” mean? Three of what? If you know, you know simplicity is only skin deep with this wine, balanced, bold and in charge and excellent addition to his holiday table I must say. 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Monte Rosso Vineyard Brian “Social Bumble Bee” Media/Marketing I just couldn’t help myself with this pick. Monte Rosso holds a special place in my heart and on my palette. The first wine I ever experienced from Stryker Sonoma was a 2001 Cab Sauv from Monte Rosso, and the 2004 vintage is just as incredible if not better. I poured the wine for an event at Sonoma State recently and a guest made a keen observation “You love this wine just as much as we do” She said, I replied “How do you know!?” her answer, “I’ve been watching you sniff and swirl your wine from across the tent, the faintest smile and longful look comes across your face after every sip.” She winked, and walked away.  She’s right, I DO love this wine!