posted 11-04-2010 07:30 AM            

My wife had seen something on Saturday in Healdsburg that she wanted to purchase, so we decided to just make a leisurely drive back over the two mountains, let her purchase what she wanted, then have lunch. Well, the closer we got, checking out a couple wineries that we did not get to visit on Saturday seemed like a good idea.

The first one was Wilson Winery on Dry Creek Road. We did not get to taste here last Saturday because of the large group we were with. It is always a treat here because the staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the Zins are GREAT. At Wilson’s, you get to select from a long list of wines to taste. They won many medals this year at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. We selected ‘09 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc first. A very nice citrus taste and one I would have purchased had I had more space. The ‘06 Dry Creek Valley Cab was also tasting really well. It had a nice bold taste with a long finish. But, Cab was not what I came here for, but I could not pass up sending two bottles of this one home. We tasted a several of their Zins, but the one that stood out in our estimation was the ‘08 Molly’s Vineyard Zin. We had two bottles of this shipped home. Unfortunately, they were not tasting the Reserve Carl’s Vineyard or the Reserve Diane’s Vineyard Zins. However, because of a recommendation here on the Message Board, I believe it was Yesilovewine, we shipped 1 bottle of each home. With all of the Gold Medals they have won, and the reputation of their Zins, Wilson is still within most people’s budgets. I highly recommend them.

We returned to the Center Street Deli for lunch. The sandwiches are great and my wife says that their chocolate milk shakes are to die for. After lunch, the shop she wanted to re visit was just around the corner and next door to Williamson Tasting Room.

After lunch, we started driving and came upon Family Wineries of Dry Creek. We have visited here before with Shaun the tasting room manager and enjoy his banter. I always tell him I like bold with a long smooth finish and tell him to pick what I would like. Sometimes it takes him a few tries, but he ends up finding something for me. This time it was an ‘07 Dashe Cellars Zin. This tasting room represents six different small wineries so you are sure to find something you like at a decent price. Please don’t try tasting all they offer.

Across the parking lot was the tasting room of Papapietro Perry Winery. Shaun at Family had suggested that if we liked Pinot’s, theirs was some of the best. I have a hard time with Pinot. It normally does not have enough body for me. However, of the 4 we tasted, I thought two were exceptional. The ‘07 Russian River Pinot and the ‘08 Russian River, Leras Family Vineyard Pino was outstanding. They also had a very nice Zin. I think this was one of the few times we left without purchasing but we will return on another trip.