We all know American commercial winemaking began in earnest in California during the 1870s.
One of the older successful winemaking entities is Simi Winery, where wine has been made since 1876. Longevity alone is a testament to the quality of the Simi wines and the standards they have set for themselves.
Since timing is everything in sports, theater and business, Simi just released four wines - two whites, one red and one somewhere in between - that are perfect for the hot summer.
2013 Simi Sonoma County Chardonnay ($18) At last, a chardonnay that loudly proclaims its heritage: Sonoma County, Calif. There is no searching to find the fruit in this chard - it is all there, up front and announcing itself boldly.
The most obvious aromas are apple and citrus, backed by a host of summertime fruits. The flavor of this medium-bodied wine is a blend of light-colored fruits.
2013 Simi Sonoma County Pinot Noir ($26) The 2013 Simi Sonoma County Pinot Noir is a rare find among pinot noir wines made in the U.S. The grapes come from some of the finest vineyards in the Sonoma County grape-growing area of California.
This wine displays a ruby red color, which cradles an impressive cherry, spice and vanilla nose followed by a hint of oak. The flavor also presents a cherry element, which is balanced by an exquisite and often hard to find grape component.
2014 Simi Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc ($18)This is an easy drinking wine and is typical of a California savignon blanc, but without accenting the grassy flavor that is often associated with this variety.
Both the aroma and flavor stress the melon and grapefruit characteristics of the variety, while maintaining a slight fruity sweetness.
This bit of sweetness raises this wine from the ordinary to the position of an impeccable sipping wine. The 2014 Simi Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc is a great wine to accompany shellfish and other lightly prepared seafood dishes, but it also is a wine to serve with summer fresh-fruit salads, with or without mild cheese, and pasta dishes with light white sauces.
2014 Simi Sonoma County Roseto Dry Rose ($18)This delightful wine has been made from carefully selected cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and syrah grapes, all from vineyards located in the cooler portions of California’s Sonoma County.
The wine displays a lively, bright and clear pomegranate color and a complex aroma of pomegranate, strawberry, pineapple, cherry, fresh peaches and a spicy, slightly peppery taste on the palate. It is well balanced with a fresh, long and fruity aftertaste.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and manages ArticlesOnWine.com. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.
