Friday Sips

The term “Rhone Ranger” was first coined and batted about in the 1980s by a group of winemakers who were passionate about Rhone varietals being done in California. Among the early proponents were the likes of Bonny Doon’s Randall Graham, Fred Cline of Cline Cellars, Bob Linquist of Qupe Cellars and Edmunds St. John’s Steve Edmunds, whose wines we are featuring today.

Established in 1985, Edmunds St. John’s vision to produce site specific, balanced, sophisticated wines from various regions in California. As time has gone by, wine lovers in the know just how legendary this cat and his wines are. These aren’t glossy or gimmicky, PR-promoted bullmerde wines, they are some of the classiest, most detailed and prolific offerings that the Golden State has to offer. If you love Rhones, California or top wine in general, you need to come and taste today (May 17th)!

Rocks & Gravel is one of Steve’s flagship wines and this particular version comes entirely from the Unti Vineyard in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. 57% Grenache, 43% Syrah with a commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious presence. A multitude of complex perfumed aromas of exotic spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry dominate the nose while in the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure and very to the point. Layered and with pinnacle intensity, the slightly cooler temperatures of 2011 bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the pepper-pot finish that seemingly coats the entire palate. Very lovely now and will age well for a decade.

Grown at 2800 feet in elevation, this white (52% Vermentino & 48% Grenache Blanc) from the Fenaughty Vineyard in El Dorado County is quite a gem.

Exploding with character, this mouth-coating and electric white offers beautiful fragrances of peach, blossom, rose petal, ginger and gently placed acacia and anise-pepper tones. At the moment, there is a classiness and refinement that permeates through the wine. Lots of depth and richness, and an almost Lennon-McCartney kind of tension between fruit, terroir, acidity and spice. Incredibly intellectual and intense stuff that while young, takes off like a fighter jet on the finish and lasts, and lasts, and lasts. Drink with an array of fleshier seafood dishes, perhaps done with a Latino influence.

The Edmunds St John’s Syrahs are always some of the finest and most Northern Rhone-inspired offerings. Like the Heart of Gold, this too comes from the Fenaughty Vineyard. Almost every time I taste this wine, I think St-Joseph and 2011 is no exception.

A terroirist's dream and a real chance to see how a powerful yet elegant beast is born in the vineyard, this gorgeous expression of syrah, shows off youthful flavors and aromas of red plum, licorice, smoke meat, coffee, truffle, and fine zip and length in the mouth. One of most perfect matches for game and red meat, such as duck, rabbit, and venison. Enjoy over the next 15 years.