Photo by Wendy O. Dixon
Seaside’s exclusive new wine label ranges from light and zesty to full-bodied and complex, making it easy for you to find a new favorite. Seaside teamed up with Kokomo Winery in Sonoma County to bring these beautiful wines to the beach. I had the privilege to taste these wines and here are my notes to help you choose which bottle to open first.
2013 Sauvignon Blanc-Timber Crest Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
This beauty is light gold with hints of green in the glass. Aromas of lemon grass and guava jump out with a supple round mouthfeel that is becoming more prevalent in California sauvignon blancs. The suppleness is balanced by a zippy acidity making it a great food wine.
2012 Chardonnay-Peters Vineyard, Russian River Valley
This wine has a rich golden hue with notes of vanilla and orchard fruits. If you can imagine how fresh peaches poached in a sweet cream taste, you can imagine what this wine is like. Elegant and full-bodied, this typifies Sonoma chardonnay.
2012 Pinot Noir-Russian River Valley
The pinot noir has a very complex nose starting out with earth, mushroom and wet stone. On the palate it displays cherries, plum and spices. It has a long finish with a lively acidity that dances on the tongue.
2012 Zinfandel-Dry Creek Valley
This lighter style zinfandel has a bright garnet hue with cherries and berries on the nose. Most zinfandels are big, bold and jammy.However, this light take on the varietal still contains all the holiday spices, but features fresh fruit. Think of it as your go-to-beach barbecue wine.
2012 Cuvée-Sonoma County
The cuvée is a masculine wine showcasing Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. With aromas of flint, leather, cigar box and pepper, cuvée is a full-bodied wine with great structure and balance.
Note: Due to limited availability, I was unable to taste the Grenache rose; it will be available again with the next vintage.
Seaside’s new, private-label collection of hand-selected wines is now available by the glass or bottle at Seaside merchants including Modica Market, The Shrimp Shack, Bud & Alley’s, Great Southern Café and Amavida Coffee & Tea.
Karen Granger is a Sommelier who has poured wine in Chicago, Ill., Columbus, Ohio, and previously designed wine lists in the U.S. Virgin Islands.