Pettyjohn's Spring Spotlight Wine Tasting

 

DeLoach Vineyards has a significant place in California wine history. It was one of the first wineries in the Russian River Valley. Started in 1975 by Cecil and Christine DeLoach. Cecil had taken an early retirement from the San Francisco Fire Department, and decided that wine would be his full-time profession. Over the next ten years, Cecil and Christine would buy over 50 acres of vineyards, with many planted to century-old Zinfandel vines. 

 

As a wine-growing region, The Russian River Valley is known as “America’s Burgundy,” a distinction in which DeLoach has been an important factor. The De Loach’s also championed the site-sensitive and environmentally friendly farming practices – including the use of nutrient-rich cover crops and beneficial insects, birds and biologics – that today comprise “sustainable farming”. In fact, Christine went on to help draft the first California Code of Sustainable Wine-growing in 1999. The winery has received numerous accolades and 90+ ratings. The Wine Spectator’s James Laube calls DeLoach “one of California’s best producers of chardonnay,” and Wine and Spirits has proclaimed DeLoach “Winery of the Year” TWELVE times, including 2011 and 2012. 

 

In 2003 French Vintners of the Boisset Family Estates purchased the property. It was then the work for the Boisset’s began in Northern California. With a focus on biodynamic and organic farming practices, 

 

Today, DeLoach Vineyards produces distinctive wines in a responsible way, practicing sustainable viticulture and utilizing minimally intrusive winemaking techniques. 
 

Chardonnay 2020- The grapes were carefully chosen from warm, sunny vineyards sustainably farmed from the Delta Region of California. The nose is fresh with aromas of honeysuckle and citrus fruit. This medium bodied California Chardonnay is food-friendly with bright acidity and creaminess on the palate. Ripe pear, lemon curd, and vanilla flavors lead to a clean and lively finish

 

Merlot 2019- This wine is made from carefully selected Merlot grapes grown in prestigious, sustainably farmed vineyards across California. Select lots of Merlot were blended to develop complexity before being aged in primarily stainless-steel tanks. A small portion of the wine was aged in seasoned American oak barrels to impart a light oak characteristic while allowing the wine to stay true to its varietal character and retain its approachable, fruit-forward style. This Merlot offers enticing aromas of black cherry and mulberry with a note of cigar box. Luscious flavors of black plum, blackberry jam and raspberry are layered with dark chocolate and graham cracker. This is a well-structured wine with a lush mouthfeel and lingering finish.

 

Pinot Noir 2020- This is made using fruit carefully selected from premium vineyards throughout northern and central California. Vibrant red fruit notes waft from the glass with a hint of spice. Strawberry and raspberry flavors continue through to the juicy palate with a touch of white pepper. This is a balanced Pinot Noir with bright acidity and a lingering finish.

 

Zinfandel 2019- Select lots of old and new vine Zinfandel were blended to develop a complex, fruit-forward wine before being aged in primarily stainless steel tanks. A small portion of the wine was aged in seasoned oak barrels. This Zin has aromas of tart cherries, apricot and anise. Juicy raspberry and blackberry flavors are met with

notes of spice and undertones of black licorice. Medium bodied with well-balanced acidity, this Zinfandel has a long and satisfying finish.