Wannabe Wino

On our second day in Sonoma, we were graciously toured around by a local, Patrick of Iridesse Wines. We couldn't have asked for a better host, it's great to be able to see what's wonderful about a town from the eyes of someone who lives there and knows all the good places to go. I can almost still taste the duck we had at Zin, a place I probably wouldn't have known about/stopped at if Patrick hadn't suggested it.

A new stop for everyone was our last winery of the day. Stephen & Walker Winery just opened as a tasting room in May of 2007 in downtown Healdsburg. They sell all of their wine through the tasting room and produce about 4000 cases.

(Image from the winery website)

We tasted through their line up, though sadly they didn't have any Petite Sirah around since it was limited to club members only.

2005 Monterey Pinot Noir: $36. Cherry, earth, smoky, spice, reserved, strawberry, leather. We took home 2 bottles.

2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley: $36. Smoky, oak, berries, blackberries, thick fruit.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: $65. Little funky, saddle room, black fruit, very dark stormy Cab.

2005 Portentous Mendocino: $65. 62% Petite Sirah, 36% Zinfandel, 2% Syrah. Chocolate, berries, blueberry, sweet.

Always fun to check out a new place, and the tasting room was gorgeous. Very nice selection of wines, I only wish I could have tried the Petite Sirah!