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Want to spend a lazy afternoon with excellent wine and views to match? Then, Nicholson Ranch Winery in Sonoma is for you.
I was especially impressed with the 2006 Estate Reserve Chardonnay Cuvee Natalie with its soft, warm honey notes reminiscent of Crème Brule in a glass. The 2005 version was denser with a nose of pineapple and sweet oak. Both sell for $48.
Winemaker notes for the 2004 Sonoma Valley Syrah ($40) point out blackberries, lavender, sagebrush and crushed rocks.
(I have noted recently that two of new buzzwords in wine tasting are “wet stone” and “crushed rocks” neither of which I understand or can identify.)
The 2006 Russian River Pinot noir ($37) has fruit forward and is the newest of the vintages. Nicholson Ranch recommends serving this wine with roasted duck breast.
A 2005 Los Madres Carneros Syrah ($35) rounded out the afternoon’s tasting. It had a nose of blackberries and lavender and ends with sage, rosemary and mint. Dark fruit flavors of olives and herbs linger on the palate.
When I visited their tasting room a flight of six wines was $10, a fair price. The hosts were knowledgeable and happy to share their expertise.
The combination of soils makes this area of Sonoma ideal for growing Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
Maybe it’s the ambiance that makes the wines taste so good. A Grecian scene is enhanced with soaring columns and a sparkling lake, home to catfish, bass, an occasional river otter, blue Heron and an assortment of ducks, is surrounded by picnic tables. High above the winery is a tiny chapel originally built for family gatherings. The view is worth the hike up the hill.
Small, education-based tours are available with prior reservations. Groups visit the vineyards, fermentation facility, tasting room and caves. The cost for tasting and tour is $15.
The winery is open for tasting daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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