Somm Wine Club April 2022
April 6, 2022
Wine Notes by Richard DeAngelis, Sommelier and Owner
It all started over 23 years ago. I was heading to Napa with the first two “employees” of my craft-focused wine company for a quick buying trip. From there we were zipping down to Paso Robles to meet some new producers. I was playing phone tag with a newcomer who was getting good buzz from other wine makers – Eric Ogorsolka, winemaker and owner of Zenaida Cellars.
Eric agreed to meet with us, and booked us in his groovy condo – built into a barn that also housed his winery and office. Eric’s property exemplifies Paso Robles: beautiful, diverse, quality-built, and extremely interesting. The long and the short: this trip to Paso created a love affair between me, the region, the wines and (of course) Zenaida Cellars.
I feel very lucky to be able to feature two of their exquisite wines for our April Somm Wine Club selections – and have them with join on April 13 for our Zenaida Wine Dinner.
The Somm Wine Club is meant to showcase wines that make you say “wow!” These two wines definitely deliver.
Zenaida Mourvèdre | 2019
Rarely seen as a solo act, Mourvèdre is the “M” in GSM wine blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre). To put it simply, think of your favorite central coast Pinot Noir having an affair with Grenache: the result being a lovely offspring called Mourvèdre. Medium to full bodied, dark cherry, black raspberry….in fact, I think I need to open another bottle just to get the descriptors correct …. I might be a minute. (This wine will be paired with our second course – Crispy Squash Blossom- at the Zenaida Wine Dinner.)
Zenaida Fire Sign | 2019
The next wine, Fire Sign, is an awesome blend of estate-grown Cabernet, Syrah, and Zinfandel. When I was just starting my wine business, I was invited to a tasting with an up-and-coming Australian importer. Of all the wines I tried, the one that I found most intriguing was a blend of Cabernet and Syrah (or Shiraz, as they call it). I was enthralled with the blend. Neither varietal competed for space, there was dark and purple fruits mingled with coffee, star anise, and spice. I was surprised that we weren’t seeing more marriages between these varietals. Then along comes Fire Sign! The richness of the Zinfandel seamlessly integrates with the Cabernet and Syrah. Not overpowering in the least, but a glass of nuances and intrigue, each sip drawing you in more and more. These are generally power varietals on their own, yet together they do what the Beatles couldn’t do… get along. (This wine will be paired with our main course – Grilled Quail – at the Zenaida Wine Dinner.)
Eric agreed to meet with us, and booked us in his groovy condo – built into a barn that also housed his winery and office. Eric’s property exemplifies Paso Robles: beautiful, diverse, quality-built, and extremely interesting. The long and the short: this trip to Paso created a love affair between me, the region, the wines and (of course) Zenaida Cellars.
I feel very lucky to be able to feature two of their exquisite wines for our April Somm Wine Club selections – and have them with join on April 13 for our Zenaida Wine Dinner.
The Somm Wine Club is meant to showcase wines that make you say “wow!” These two wines definitely deliver.
Zenaida Mourvèdre | 2019
Rarely seen as a solo act, Mourvèdre is the “M” in GSM wine blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre). To put it simply, think of your favorite central coast Pinot Noir having an affair with Grenache: the result being a lovely offspring called Mourvèdre. Medium to full bodied, dark cherry, black raspberry….in fact, I think I need to open another bottle just to get the descriptors correct …. I might be a minute. (This wine will be paired with our second course – Crispy Squash Blossom- at the Zenaida Wine Dinner.)
Zenaida Fire Sign | 2019
The next wine, Fire Sign, is an awesome blend of estate-grown Cabernet, Syrah, and Zinfandel. When I was just starting my wine business, I was invited to a tasting with an up-and-coming Australian importer. Of all the wines I tried, the one that I found most intriguing was a blend of Cabernet and Syrah (or Shiraz, as they call it). I was enthralled with the blend. Neither varietal competed for space, there was dark and purple fruits mingled with coffee, star anise, and spice. I was surprised that we weren’t seeing more marriages between these varietals. Then along comes Fire Sign! The richness of the Zinfandel seamlessly integrates with the Cabernet and Syrah. Not overpowering in the least, but a glass of nuances and intrigue, each sip drawing you in more and more. These are generally power varietals on their own, yet together they do what the Beatles couldn’t do… get along. (This wine will be paired with our main course – Grilled Quail – at the Zenaida Wine Dinner.)