Wine Tasting Preview: Spencer Roloson Winery

Friday evening, when I got home after work, I was greeted with a package from Spencer Roloson Winery in San Francisco. Inside? Four bottles of wine.

They emailed me a few weeks ago, wanting to introduce my to their wines and after reading a bit about them online, I welcomed the idea with open arms.

The winery, founded by Sam Spencer and Wendy Roloson in 1998 "stives to make wines that reflect and illuminate the inherent beauty of the fruit that comes from unique vineyards. Sam and Wendy firmly believe that great wines are gently coaxed out of the fruit, not forced. No tricks, no crutches, no smoke and mirrors. To that end, the winery works with growers who share its own vision and hands-on management style to create exceptional wines. Both Sam and Wendy spend extensive amounts of time in the vineyards with their growers to ensure crucial farming decisions are made cooperatively and the highest quality standards are maintained."

I've read a bit about the winery on Vinography, a great site maintained by Alder Yarrow, a California wine lover. Alder loves Cali's small producers...so if he thinks we should "keep an eye out" for a winery...listen up.

Anyway, they sent me:

• 2003 Viognier, Sueno Vineyard, Clements Hills, Lodi ($26)
• 2002 Tempranillo, Madder Lake Vineyard, Clear Lake ($25)
• 2002 Syrah, La Herradura Vineyard, Napa Valley ($35)
• 2002 Palaterra Red Table Wine (a blend of Carignane, Syrah and Valdigue) ($16)

I had to admit, I'm excited about each and every one of them.

I don't think I've ever had a wine with Validgue (that blend is 33% of each varietal). Anyone out there had Validgue?

I will feature each of these wines individually, so keep an eye out for the reviews.

Comments

[enoch choi]

if you've had beringer's ubiquitous nouveau beaujolais, you've had valdigue....

[Dan]

Valdigue is another name for that old California standby, Napa Gamay.

[Cara Leigh]

J. Lohr makes a great wine, which is deep, yet bright. Easily paired with meat as well as fish, or cheese. The "wildflower Estates" is entirely Valdigue.
At around $9.00/bottle, it's an incredable value.
Drinks like a more expensive wine.
Of course, the 2002 was exceptional, and I'd give blood to have another bottle of it.
Try it and let me know what you think.
Cara Leigh