Davis Family Vineyards is located in the heart of California wine country — the Russian River Valley. Owners and husband and wife team, Guy and Judy Davis, began their love affair with wine while working in the restaurant industry. Early on, Guy worked with a restaurant owner and chef who were Parisian expatriates. They would “school” him on the finer points of French cuisine, the culinary lifestyle and the place of wine in a well-lived life. The couple traveled through France, touring, tasting and honing their acuity for finding little-known wine gems from the regions of France and Argentina. Their vineyards date back to 1896. Guy and Judy acquired the property in 1995, but it had been abandoned for nearly 20 years. It took just three years to get the ancient vines to produce fruit again, and they produced 70 cases in 1998! We will taste:

Russian River Valley Cuvee Luke 2020 — A blend of 62% Viognier, 26% Picpoul Blanc, and 12% Marsanne, it was named for the Davis’ eldest grandchild. This wine was inspired by traditions from the Rhône Valley. The three varieties come together, expressing stone fruit and floral aromatics, balanced with a distinctive minerality. Great balance supports subtle, complex fruit and spice flavors in this nicely tangy but also generous wine. Crisp apples, white peaches, lemons and a hint of vanilla mingle harmoniously in the aroma and on the palate. Wines from this vineyard are known to age well, so best from 2023. 13.4% ABV. $36.99/$12

Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel 2019 — Old vines produce only 3 or 4 clusters per vine, resulting in concentrated, rich flavors and a deep complexity. Layers of flavor and spice surface in the wine as a direct result of the relationship of the soil, the 30-feet-deep root system, and 100+ year old vines. 14.1% ABV. $42/$14

Russian River Valley Soul Patch Syrah 2019 — The Soul Patch vineyard is part of the original vineyard that dates back to 1896. It is on an eastern-facing hillside in the heart of the RRV, with vineyard rows running north to south. This positioning is important because it allows the vineyard to benefit from the gentle heat of the morning sun, while being shielded form the harsh afternoon sun. The soil is Goldridge series, with very high amounts of volcanic ash. This adds minerality to each vintage. The Syrah is co-fermented with 3% estate Viognier, a winemaking practice that has been widely used in the northern Rhone Valley of France for centuries, and is aged in 100% French oak for 10 months, using mainly neutral barrels, and in Puncheons (which are roughly equivalent to the size of a double barrel). This allows for more micro-oxygenation, which creates a fullness to the wine. A powerhouse of jammy blackberries, currants, bacon, pepper and sandalwood. Dry with rich, thick tannins and a long, spicy finish. $44/$14.50

See you Friday!