Five (or more) great things I drank at the Lodi tasting

October 12, 11:07 AMSF Wine and Drinks ExaminerLiza Zimmerman

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I remain impressed with a handful of winemakers from Lodi, even though they haven't managed to win me over to their Zins. I actually spent a fair amount of time tasting through Spanish-, Portuguese- and Rhône-inspired whites at yesterday's tasting at Treasure Island and really enjoyed quite a few of them. More than anything I still appreciate the warm, down-home vibe most of the producers in this region still embody.

So here goes my short list:

1) Bokisch Vineyards: the name might seem hard to pronounce but the Spanish grape varietals produced here are delicious and affordable. The 2008 Albariño is fresh, crisp and redolent of stone fruit. It's also fairly well-priced at $16. I also enjoy the spicy 2006 Tempranillo, priced at $21.

2) Peltier Station rocked the house with several new, delicious and super-affordable blends under their new label Hy.brid. their 2008 Pinot Grigio is one fourth Vermentino which gives it lift and style and is priced at a show stopping $6 to $8 retail. I don't expect it to last at this price. I met an exporter who is ready to ship it all to Hong Kong next month. Their Petite Sirah, with hints of Syrah and Viognier was also pretty amazing and it's currently at the same price point.

3) Harmony Wynelands 2005 Alicante Bouchet is still delicious, rich and enchanting.

4) Ripken's Under the Sea Rousanne Viognier blend from the 2008 vintage still impresses as a great American interpretation of classic white Rhône varietals.
5) Uvaggio's winemaker Jim Moore has been somewhat of a legend for me, as he worked in Italy for years and is trying to create a counterpoint of Italian grape varieties produced in Lodi and environs. I think he's doing an amazing job. His 2008 Vermentino is crisp, balanced and begs for seafood. It's priced at $14. His Barbera from the 2005 vintage is just coming around, in slower-evolving and deeply gratifying Italian style. It is priced out a bargain $18 a bottle.

It's always fun and exciting to discover new wines from an off the beaten path region. I hope Lodi will continue to hold this tasting in SF and will hopefully have better weather next year.

Cheers,

Liza the Wine Chick