Michael Hepworth

ARE YOU GOING CALLING ? SPORTSCASTER KNOWS HIS WINE

HOLLYWOOD(Spiritsman)1/14/14/– The Calling Wine Company puts out some pretty good wines judging by our recent tasting experience of three of their wines, the 2012 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, 2011 Rio Lago Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Alexander Valley Our Tribute.

However a bit of history is called for if you are unfamiliar with the winery which is based in Sonoma. The company is headed by CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz, the man who has called the NFL, PGA and then NCAA basketball championships. Along with winemaker Marco DiGiulio and Peter Deutsch of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. Nantz’s philosophy is quite simple, “I live on the road. My passion is finding great restaurants and great wines. I don’t want people to drink these wines because the guy behind it calls the Masters. These wines reflect what I like to drink. I’m very proud of them.”

The Russian River Valley, Dutton Ranch Chardonnay retails for $30 and spends 11 months in the oak barrels. Dutton Ranch consists of 1,100 acres of vineyards and fruit is located from three locations. Gail Ann Vineyard provides the tropical flavor, Mill Station Vineyard provides the minerality and structural body of the wine, and Dutton Hill is inn the cooler parts of the valley providing additional complexity.

The wine itself is rich and smooth with subtle tastes of oak, lemon, melon and nectarine. The year of 2012 was considered one of the best growing seasons in recent years because of the consistently moderate climate.

The 2011 Rio Lago Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) from the Alexander Valley actually spends 20 months in oak barrels which are 80% French, 10% American and 10% Eastern European. This is a deep and full bodied wine and the cool temperatures that season produced a wine where the fruit elements developed at a much slower pace than normal.

After the primary fermentation, the wine went through an extended fermentation period in order to soften the tannins, and then after the 20 months was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Star of the show might be the 2009 Alexander Valley Our Tribute ($60) and is a blend of four classic Bordeaux varietals. Aging time is 30 months, and prior to that the wine went through an extensive maceration period which softens the tannins. The Alexander Valley has 15,000 acres of planted top quality grapes, and has a variety of mini climates and a gravelly loam that is ideal for a range of grapes including Merlot and Rhone.

Lots of flavor with this wine such as toasted nutmeg, cocoa powder, black cherry, ripe raspberry and currant.

http://www.thecallingwine.com/

The Calling’s six wines include two Russian River Valley Chardonnays, two Alexander Valley reds and two Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs – one from Dutton Ranch and one from Fox Den Vineyards. They come from some of the most prestigious vineyards in Sonoma. The wines reflect the quality and character of these vineyards, exhibiting elegance and complexity from the first aroma to the lingering finish.

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Rio Lago Vineyard

Deep burgundy in color and full-bodied, this impressive Cabernet Sauvignon presents black cherry, currant and vanilla spice aromas. Soft, well-integrated tannins and a velvety texture combine with delicious flavors of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and a hint of clove for a powerful palate and a lingering finish. Balanced acidity makes this wine a perfect match with your favorite recipe or seasonal dish.

Experience the Rio Lago Cabernet Sauvignon

Russian River Chardonnay, Dutton Ranch Vineyards

A classic Chardonnay, this 2012 vintage was blended from select Dutton Ranch vineyards in the prestigious Russian River Valley appellation. Barrel fermentation and sur lie aging have created a rich and smooth wine with subtle hints of oak and crisp flavors of Meyer lemon, honeydew melon and juicy white nectarine. Food-friendly, it’s bright and refreshing with an elegantly full-bodied finish.

Experience the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay

Russian River Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch Vineyards

This Pinot Noir’s classic flavors of fresh cherries, mushrooms, and spice are framed by rich acidity, delicate texture and powdery tannins. A classic cool-climate Pinot Noir from select Dutton Ranch vineyards in the prestigious Russian River Valley appellation.

Experience the Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir

‘Our Tribute’ Red Wine, Alexander Valley

This complex and structured wine is a blend of four classic Bordeaux varietals. The intense edge of Cabernet Sauvignon combines with Malbec’s blackberry flavors, Merlot’s roundness and finesse, and Petit Verdot’s firm structure for a wine with layer upon layer of nuanced flavors and depth. Aromas of toasted nutmeg and cocoa powder accent the dark fruit flavors of black cherry, ripe raspberry and currant. Well-structured tannins round out this vintage with a smooth, rich finish.

Experience ‘Our Tribute’ Red Wine

Russian River Chardonnay, Jewell Vineyard

This Reserve Chardonnay perfectly reflects the world-class terroir of the cool-climate Russian River Valley. Capturing both sophistication and depth, it presents an array of flavors. Notes of lemon tart, fresh pear and a hint of crème brûlée combine with an elegant and subtle minerality. The rich mouthfeel is complex and evolving and the beautiful acidity contributes to a wine that is precisely balanced with nice aging potential.

Experience the Jewell Vineyard Chardonnay

Russian River Pinot Noir, Fox Den Vineyard

The wine is layered with floral, fruit and earth flavors, luxuriously decadent in texture, balanced by its rich acidity, and with seemingly unending length. This wine is age worthy and will evolve and delight for 5-10 years.