WeinNotes by A.J. Weinzettel, August 2022

Snap back to reality after four days of whirlwind excitement, wine, food, friends, and much more! I had the opportunity to talk with a multitude of people and to taste wines I will never get to taste again. There were also people I didn’t have the chance to speak with and wines I missed. There is always next year to try again, the following year as well, and the one after that. The world is wine is endless, with so much to learn and stories to soak up.

Tonight I am exploring a Biodynamic farm in Lake County, California, with a 2019 Sparkling of Rose made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Hawk and Horse Vineyards in the Red Hills AVA. I had never tasted a Sparkling Cab before, and my curiosity was super peaked! However, when I opened the bottle and took the first sip, my body tensed up a little. Doesn’t everyone tense up a little getting outside their comfort zone?

I am beyond thrilled to have explored something new, and I enjoy the heck out of it! On the nose and mid-palate, it is super light and floral. The finish leaves classic signs of a young cab with a pleasant tannin structure. With a 12.4 ABV, turning this down at a $60 price point is challenging.

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