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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January Wines – Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Viognier (2020) & Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Old Vine Zinfandel (2019), California

January 6, 2023 · by ·

This month’s selection takes us back to California and to the Peirano Estate Vineyards. In 1992, Peirano Estate Vineyards began bottling and selling wine using their estate grown grapes. Until this point, Lance Randolph, fourth generation Peirano, produced wine simply for his enjoyment and that of his close family and friends. The rest of the grapes were sold to winemakers across the country. Their vineyards are located in the Central Valley in the Lodi region.

The white is Peirano Heritage Viognier (2020.) The red is Peirano Heritage Old Vine Zinfandel (2019.) The Viognier may remind you of a buttery Chardonnay. Even if you are not a buttery fan, you should enjoy this wine since it is lighter. Viognier grapes were first grown in France but now their are grown in many wine regions where weather and terrior give it different qualities. You will find the Zinfandel lush, all purpose wine for winter meals. If you remember the Terrilogio Primitivo pairs well with spicy Italian dishes, this Zinfandel will do as well.

Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Viognier (2020), California $14

This is a wine for poultry and fish that are mildly prepared. It has Aromas of honeysuckle, guava and butter are complemented by a hint of toasty brioche. On the palate, lush flavors of fresh ripe apricots, lychee, vanilla and floral are balanced by flavors of peaches and butter. For buttery Chardonnay lovers, this Viognier is for you. Alcohol: 14.8%

Peirano Estate Vineyards, Heritage Collection Old Vine Zinfandel (2019), California $14

This wine has a beautiful burgundy color. It has seductive aromas of spiced blackberry, plum, dried cherry and baking spices. On the palate, the initial sensation is that of luscious, juicy, freshly-picked ripe blackberries lightly spiced. The second sip explodes with moderate tannins and juicy acidity. Great with burgers and spicy dishes. Alcohol: 14.8%

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