March Featured Wines -2021 Blazon Chardonnay & 2021 Brazon Merlot, Lodi, California

February 29, 2024 · by ·

The March Oak Ridge Winery selections come from the multigenerational Maggio family of winemakers. The family tradition continues at Oak Ridge with a twist. Its operation is overseen by three great grandaughters of the partiarch, Angelo. Their Maggio label has been a wine club selection with Maggio Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. We also offered Maggio Estates Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at a great price as a holiday duo. (We still have some of these special bottles on hand.)

This month’s wines are under the Blazon label. What makes Blazon wines different from some of the other Oak Ridge Winery labels is the relationship of wine and oak. Both wines 2021 Blazon Chardonnay and 2021 Blazon Merlot are aged 10 months in oak, the Chardonnay primarly in French Oak and the Merlot in Hungarian Oak. Both of these wines will offer a chance to better understand how oak affects fermentation and taste values. Once again, for those who “think” they do not like Merlot, the Blazon may change your mind.

2021 Blazon Chardonnay, Lodi, California $11

This Chardonnay has a rich, creamy texture and medium-bodied; tropical notes with aromas of pineapple, mango and ripe peach. Toasted coconut with a slight hint of vanilla contribute to a lingering finish. It is 95% Chardonnay topped with 5% Pinot Grigio. A nice well-balanced and full bodied wine. Alcohol: 14.5%

2021 Brazon Merlot, Lodi, California $11

One review calls this a “fantastic wine! Easy to drink, soft tannins, fresh fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Really enjoyed this!” This is a perfect way to get past Merlot’s reputation This is in fact 84% Merlot, 10% Petite Sirah 6% Petit Verdot so there is a nice soft mouth and light tannins. Alcohol: 14%

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Featured Wines for October – 2022 Maggio Sauvignon Blanc & 2021 Maggio Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi, California

October 1, 2023 · by ·

For five generations the Maggio family has been growing wine grapes in Lodi, California, providing winemakers with superb fruit to make their wines. In 2002, the family started making their own wine using the same estate grown fruit they sold for so many years. They now produce wines under the family name, Maggio Family Vineyards by the Oak Ridge Winery.

October’s white selection 2022 Maggio Sauvignon Blanc will bring a California Sauvignon Blanc to our shelves. The red selection is 2021 Maggio Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are sustainably grown in the Maggio vineyards. At $11 these wines come from their most affordable Maggio line. Their expensive labels are Maggio Estates, but for the price, this month’s wines are versatile and enjoyable, not $35-$40. If you attended any performances at the Freeman Stage this year and purchased wine, you were drinking Maggio Family Vineyards. Tastings will be against another California Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa.

2021 Maggio Sauvignon Blanc, Lodi, California $11

This unoaked wine has a smooth and refreshing mouthfeel and exhibits an array of citrus aromas. With white stone fruit accents and its softer lingering finish this wine offers a lighter alternative to white wines such as Chardonnay.This wine is perfect with light appetizers, grilled poultry, pizza, pork chops. Alcohol: 12%

2021 Maggio Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi California $11

This Lodi Cabernet has rich berry fruit with oak and vanilla notes. With hints of baking spices, it reminds one of a mouthwatering berry pie, tasty crust and all. It has a medium body and gentle tannins making for very pleasurable wine drinking. This is a go-to wine for food pairing flexibility with grilled or roasted meats. Alcohol: 13.5%

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October Featured Wines – 2020 Blue Quail Chardonnay, Mendocino, CA & 2019 Tassajara Pinot Noir, Monterey, CA

September 30, 2021 · by ·

This is a full-flavored Chardonnay, the hallmark of cool weather climates. It has a bouquet of apple and pear with a long mineral finish. This is not a buttery, oaky Chardonnay. The nose is fresh and bright with orchard fruit aromas and a touch of smoke and flint. Lush notes of ripe pear and apple blend with mouthwatering acidity to give backbone. This is fruit forward and built for food. Alcohol: 13.5%

This Pinot Noir is a food-friendly and sustainably grown with rich black cherry flavors and a smooth silky finish. There’s a touch of game on the nose of this affordable and complex wine, which also shows aromas of smoked berry, clove and garam masala. Roasted strawberry and red plum meet with game, orange rind, herbs and cracked pepper on the well-seasoned palate. Alcohol: 13.5%

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August Featured Wines – 2016 Hamilton Creek, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California & 2016 Gen5 Ancestral Red, Lodi, California

August 1, 2019 · by ·

2016 Hamilton Creek, Chardonnay Napa Valley is classic California Chardonnay in style. Hamilton bursts out of the glass with powerful aromas of vanilla, ripe citrus, golden apple, custard, honeysuckle, tropical fruit and oak, with more of the same in the mouth. It is buttery but not too much. Enjoy with grilled chicken, pork, scallops and salmon. Alcohol: 13.5%

2016 Gen5 Ancestral Red, Lodi California is a soft but full-bodied wine. It is comforting and inviting with its rich dark fruit flavors, creamy texture, and velvety finish.The grape varietals are 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Zinfandel, 5.5% Malbec, 4.5% Petite Sirah, 3% Merlot, 5% other varietals  which make this great with grilled steaks. Alcohol: 14.5%

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December Featured Wines – Truchard Vineyards 2017 Sauvignon Blanc “The Shepherd,” Caneros, Napa Valley & Donati Family Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paicines, Central Coast, CA

December 1, 2018 · by ·

Truchard Vineyards 2017 Sauvignon Blanc “The Shepherd,” Caneros, Napa Valley $15

Truchard Vineyards 2017 “The Shepherd” Sauvignon Blanc, Caneros, Napa Valley comes from much improved weather with rains bringing relief from drought before severe wild fires near the end of harvest made this a memorable vintage. Fortunately all of Truchard Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc was harvested before the fires broke out. The wines are intense, but elegant with nice acidity and balance. The mouth is crisp and clean with bright flavors of Meyer lemon, guava, and lychee. This wine can be enjoyed on its own, or accompanying baked seafood, roasted vegetable salads, and even Thai food. This is a small production wine so enjoy it while you can. Alcohol: 13.9%

 

 

Donati Family Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paicines, Central Coast, CA $15

Donati Family Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paicines, Central Coast, CA shows the qualities of a cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Central Coast region. The aroma says this very well – herbs and leather.On the palate, this Cabernet shows an interesting medley of cranberry, pepper, and leather. It has rich tannins and a crisp finish. The delicate blend of the 4 grapes shows great balance. This is a bold wine that compliments a holiday prime rib roast or roasted beef tenderloin. If you are looking for a gift for your host, this Cabernet is a good choice at a great price. Alcohol: 13.8%

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April Featured Wines – 2016 Goldschmidt Singing Tree Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California & 2015 Goldschmidt Fidelity Red Blend, Alexander Valley Crazy Creek Estate, California

April 1, 2018 · by ·

2016 Goldschmidt Singing Tree Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California $20

2016 Goldschmidt Singing Tree Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California is a well-crafted Chardonnay with notes of toast, apple and caramel. It is dry and bright, yet rich. There is a dash of French oak. This is an impressive buy from a higher priced Chardonnay market. Alcohol: 14.1%

 

2015 Goldschmidt Fidelity Red Blend, Alexander Valley Crazy Creek Estate, California $16

2015 Goldscmidt Fidelity Red Blend, Alexander Valley Crazy Creek Estate is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. It is a medium-garnet with red fruit aromas of cherry, strawberry, and jam. There are also touches of vanilla, black cherry and black raspberry flavors. This is a nicely balanced wine with medium weight on the palate due to soft, supple tannins. Alcohol: 14.3%

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Opening Reception and Wine Tasting for “Winter Abstracts”

January 27, 2017 · by ·

 

Each February Bishop’s Stock’s walls pop with color and energy with Winter Abstracts. Come visit with exhibiting artists and taste wines from California and France.

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Featured Wines for February – 2014 R Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California & 2013 Donati Claret, Central Coast, California

February 1, 2017 · by ·

2014 R Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California $12

Our featured white selection for February is Raymond Vineyards’ 2014 R Collection  Sauvignon Blanc.   This is a lively, wine with bright aromas of white peach and lime accented by invigorating flavors of pineapple, lychee and green apple. It has a crisp acidity and a smooth, mineral finish which makes this the perfect pairing for a variety of dishes – particularly seafood stews or pastas.

 

 

2013 Donati Claret, Central Coast, California  $16

This is Donati’s  most popular wine. It is the only California wine that can be called “Claret” just as the French do for such blends. The grapes are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It is rich and intense and features aromas of ripe strawberry and cocoa with notes of cherry and cola on the finish. This is a great steak wine but one that also compliments veal and pork

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March Featured Wines – 2014 Emerald Bay Chardonnay & 2012 Emerald Bay Cabernet Sauvignon, California

March 1, 2016 · by ·

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2014 Emerald Bay Chardonnay, Central Coast California  $11

2014 Emerald Bay Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay grapes that are stainless steel and barrel fermented. The nose is fresh cut pineapple, peaches and pears. On the palate this Chardonnay is light and clean with a vibrant refreshing finish. As you would with lighter Chardonnays, pair this with buttery dishes or just enjoy as an aperitif. Alcohol: 13.5%

 

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2012 Emerald Bay Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast California, $11

2012 Emerald Bay Cabernet Sauvignon is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and is barrel fermented. The nose carries black cherry and currants. On the palate flavors are spice, chocolate and berries. As we get our grills ready for warmer weather think about pairing this with juicy steaks or dressed up burgers. Alcohol: 13.5%

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December’s Featured Wines – 2014 Vinum Cellars Chardonnay & 2014 Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir, Monterey, California

December 1, 2015 · by ·

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2014 Vinum Cellars Chardonnay, Monterey, California $15

2014 Vinum Cellars Chardonnay is rich and layered wine that relies on the natural acidity from the acidity of the Santa Lucia Highland fruit. This Chardonnay has a medium straw color with aromas of lemon custard, rich vanilla, cream and toasted oak notes. The palate is generous with it’s layered tropical notes of mango, papaya and pineapple which then transitions into silky rich custard and caramel toffee notes and does so in an integrated fashion.This wine pairs well with lobster or crab served with drawn butter and lemon. Try it with grilled wild King Salmon, wilted greens and roasted fingerling potatoes.

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2014 Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir, Monterey, California  $15

2014 Vinum Pinot Noir is a vibrant, medium garnet in color. It has aromas of black and rainier cherries with slight earth and black pepper notes. The palate is full with ripe cranberry, sweet and sour cherry flavors and is wrapped in exotic spice flavors such as star anise and cinnamon and fold into a blanket of integrated French oak, vanilla finish. This wine pairs well with many entrees but try it with duck or pork where the cooking method uses lots of black pepper.

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