On our last trip to Sonoma, one of my absolute must visits was to Bella Vineyards. I fell in love with Bella on our honeymoon and we joined their club at that time. However, when we bought our house, we had to make some sacrifices and I had to give up my membership. It was a difficult choice, and I was determined to rejoin as soon as we could.We twisted Russ' arm to come to Bella with us on our last day in Sonoma (trust me, it didn't take too much convincing!) and off we went, to meet him as soon as the place opened. We expected it to be a slow day, since we were there first thing, and it was a weekday morning, but alas, that was not the case. The cave was packed! I think Bella gets specific accolades from Russ though, as it was the only winery we visited where Russ bought wine!
Somehow, we carved out a tiny spot for ourselves at the tasting bar, and eagerly jumped into the current line up of wines.
2006 Dry Creek Zinfandel: $25. Peppery smoke, blackberries, dark berries, smoky fruit, toast.
2005 Big River Ranch Zinfandel: $36. Bark berry, blueberry, peppery, vanilla, fruity, oak, cinnamon. Very good.
2006 Belle Canyon Zinfandel: Sweeter nose, floral, chocolate, chili pepper, tannic.
2005 Hillside Cuvee: $28. 50% Cabernet Sauvigon, 50% Zinfandel, some Petite Sirah, some Petite Verdot. Big fruit, dark, plum, bold fruit, currants, earth, tannic, a little red fruit. We took home 2 bottles.
2007 Late Harvest Zinfandel: $24. 375 mL. Chocolate milk, earth, plum, blackberry, very nice.
After a lovely visit, I am very happy to be a member of the Bella Wine Club again. We received our first shipment about a month ago and I look forward to many more in the future. If you haven't had a chance to taste Bella's wines, you should seek them or stop by the vineyard if you have a chance!
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awesome! all of that sounds delish; i need to be on the lookout.
6/25/08, 12:33 PM
I got there so early that morning that the gate wasn't yet open, so I adjourned to the open lot on the creek just below and proceeded to do a little yoga in the warm Spring sunshine 'til Sonadora and Matt called me on my cell to say they'd arrived, and where the heck was I? ;)
I'm holding on to that Belle Canyon zin that I bought that day. I'm still a fan of the traditional big zin, and the Belle Canyon, with its mouthwatering berry flavors and great finish, really delivered! Quello zinfandel era bella!
6/25/08, 1:36 PM
You definitely should look for these wines Feisty!
Good call Russ...I think this Zin is one to savor!
6/29/08, 7:02 PM
This winery was one of the highlights of my trip to Sonoma - I brought back six bottles (Big River, Lilly Hill, Syrah, not an easy task these days...). Never tried that late harvest wine. I don't think you can get these wines if you are not a club member - sigh...
7/4/08, 2:31 PM
Maybe they were just sold out Joe...they were pouring it the day we were there! Bella is always one of my favs, glad you enjoyed it too!
7/6/08, 9:19 PM