The wines we currently have available for purchase are listed below. These are all in the $15-20 per bottle price range.
2016 Zinfandel (DAMAS Vineyard, Fiddletown AVA)
A full-bodied, complex wine with aromas of dried fruit with hints of clove and anise. Bright, concentrated flavors of blackberry, fig, black tea, and white pepper. Ripe tannins linger on the palate for a long and complex finish. Pairs well with beef, rack of lamb, pasta Bolognese, or Brebirousse d’Argental (perhaps our favorite cheese at the moment).
2018 DAMAS Zinfandel (DAMAS Vineyard, Fiddletown AVA)
Another full-bodied, complex wine with a bit more tannic structure than the 2016. Exudes boysenberries and black plums and has a smooth texture. Soft tannins and a mouthcoating richness give it plenty of personality. Pairs well with burgers, lasagna, and pizza.
2018 Duo (Amador County–50% DAMAS Vineyards Zinfandel, Fiddletown AVA and 50% Oakmont Vineyards Barbara, California Shenandoah Valley AVA)
This popular blend of Zinfandel and Barbera brings together our two favorite Amador County varietals, balancing the dark fruit of the Zin with the red fruit flavors (plum, cherry, raspberry) of Barbera. Aromas of cassis, fennel, and white pepper. Balanced fruit taste, soft tannins, mineral undertones and loads of exotic spices. Pairs well with a wide variety of foods, especially barbecue and Mediterranean dishes.
2019 Zinfandel (DAMAS Vineyard, Fiddletown AVA)
Our Zins usually require 4-5 years to settle down and mellow out. But this stellar vintage is precocious. (Mara calls it a ‘frisky puppy’). It’s delightful to drink now but should also hold well in the cellar for 5-10 years. This Zin follows our tradition of rich dark fruit, with a hint of blueberries, herbs, white pepper, and smooth tannins. Full-bodied and balanced, with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish. As with our other Zins, it’s a versatile food wine, which pairs well with red meats, tomato-based dishes, and even spicy foods.
2020 Shenandoah Blanc (Hawk Creek Vineyard, Fairplay AVA, El Dorado County)
In 2010, we made a white Rhone blend that we named Shenandoah Blanc. It wowed the judges at the 2011 Amador County Fair, where it won a gold medal and Best of Class. Consumers and wine reviewers like Mike Dunn of the Sacramento Bee loved it, too. Reminiscing about it ten years later, we decided to try it again in 2020. Our new Shenandoah Blanc is a blend of 65% Viognier and 35% Roussanne. Some wisecracker suggested we call it “ViRo” (first 2 letters of the grapes and in acknowledgement of COVID). This wine has a pale honey color and faint aromas of orange blossom and lychee, tastes of honeydew and Fuji apple, with a hint of almonds in the finish. It’s ready to drink now but should age well for years. With its crisp acidity and good underlying minerality, this wine pairs well with seafood and a wide range of Asian dishes. (We enjoy it with Marcella Hazan’s grilled Adriatic Shrimp made with olive oil, garlic, parsley and breadcrumbs).
2021 Picpoul Blanc (Terra Alta Vineyard, Clements Hills AVA)
Picpoul (pronounced peek-pool) Blanc is a white Rhone grape varietal grown mostly in the Languedoc AOC in southern France, but we were fortunate to find a source in the Clements Hills AVA above Lodi. The wine has a pale straw color and aromas of lemon and pear. On the palate, it has crisp acidity, medium light body, and notes of lemon, lime, and stone fruit. The finish is long, lingering, and refreshing. Minimally processed, this wine may throw a slight sediment or show a bit of haze that will not affect your drinking enjoyment. Since the home of Picpoul in France is just off the Mediterranean, the wine is famously paired with oysters, but we enjoy it with fish or shellfish.
2021 Albariño (Acampo Vineyard, Clements Hills AVA)
Albariño (alba-reen-yo) is a white grape varietal native to the northwestern coast of Portugal and Spain, grown mostly in Galicia. This well balanced wine is a golden straw color with engaging aromatics of stone fruit and citrus. It has bright acidity with flavors of peach, nectarine, and almond, and a subtle minerality. The finish is clean, long, and lingering. It will drink well in the near-term and will cellar well for 2-3 years. This Albariño is the perfect summer white, but its naturally crisp acidity and peachy citrus flavors make it enjoyable year-round paired with a variety of foods, particularly seafood, chicken, Caesar salad, and semi-hard cheeses such as manchego, gouda and feta.
2021 Rosé of Barbera (Hannah’s Vineyard, Shenandoah Valley AVA
Barbera is one of Amador County’s standout red wines. This rosé is pale salmon in color, with aromas of rose petal and melon. It brings bright acidity, lively spice-tinged redberry, peach and fresh strawberry flavors with a light minerality. The finish is long, creamy, and complex. Enjoy over the next 3 years. This is a perfect picnic wine, but also a serious pairing with a variety of dishes including grilled lobster or chicken, salmon, pesto, and soft cheeses.
Using the services of Amador 360, a small shipping business located in Plymouth, California, we are able to ship wine to adults over 21 years old in many states. Shipping rates vary by size of shipment and destination, but we can ship a case of wine for around $30 within California or $60-65 to East Coast locations.
