Locals Favorites Blog

Notable New Wines This Spring at Locals

Ramazzotti Zin-Giovese Rosé, Dry Creek Valley - This popular wine offers a surprisingly big and fresh nose, it has been said that smelling this wine is like walking through a field of wild strawberries.  For 2008 the wine is drier than in prior years, a little hungrier for food perhaps.  Consider enjoying it with fried calamari, fruit and cheese, or an egg-salad sandwich; it is certainly a refreshing treat around the pool or patio as summer approaches and unfolds.

Ensueños Tropicales Pinot Noir 2006 Muñequita Linda, Russian River Valley - We are very excited about the latest addition to the Locals winery lineup.  The debut wine from this enticing new brand revels in the by-now classic Russian River flavor profile, built on brighter, red cherry flavors. Fruit-forward, it is also exquisitely balanced with solid tannins on the finish, and is eminently sippable today!

Peterson 2006 Sangiovese & 2005 Il Granaio Super-Tuscan, Dry Creek Valley - The first wine is a delightful expression of the lighter side of Tuscany's famed grape, made with 100% Sangiovese grape varietal.  Aromas of cherry with hints of earthiness offer an alluring entry.  With its firm acids and nuanced flavors,

Terra Rosa - Taylor's Pick for Extreme Value & Pleasure

Great Malbec is all about muscular mouthfeel, but this wine is also delightfully smooth and not overwrought...a real crowd-pleaser.  Taken along with its pleasant, slightly sweet flavor, this wine has it all.  Taken from four vineyard sources from south of the city of Mendoza, all of the vines are over 50 years of age, and one vineyard is pushing 100! Patrick Campbell's winemaking is hands-on and inspired, these wines are not made by remote control from another continent.  In the new world of cookie cutter, insipid, international style Malbecs, the Terra Rosa certainly stands out.

This luxurious wine also carries an extreme value price, so it is best thought of by the case, not the bottle ($129.60 / $12).  Its convenient screw cap and user-friendly attitude make it the perfect wine for leaner times...tri-tip beef is tasty anyway!  Or combine the versatile Terra Rosa with any beef - prime rib or plum sauce marinated ribs off the grill - you will enjoy a perfect liquid companion.

I especially enjoy this wine as a follow-up to a meaty Merlot or premium Cabernet Sauvignon, or for casual occasions with stout cheeses, or around the grill in the summertime...how about grilled portabella mushrooms and corn on the cob?!