Deloach Vineyards–Elegant Winery in the Heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley

Walking up to the Deloach Vineyards tasting room from their parking lot you pass through a tranquil Biodynamic garden.  There is a lovely brick courtyard complete with umbrella shaded tables for those who prefer to take advantage of Sonoma County’s fabulous weather and do their tasting outdoors.  Inside, the tasting room is lined with bottles of their wine.  You can choose your own selection of 5 wines from their three tiers for $10. (The fee waived with the purchase of a bottle of wine).

We tasted the:

2009 Pinot Blanc – We found it citrusy, fresh and delightfully easy to drink with a clean finish.

2006 Sonoma Stage Pinot Noir, $48 – We enjoyed this spicy/peppery Pinot.

2008 “Our Finest Selection” (OFS) Pinot Noir – Nice aroma, but despite the name, we enjoyed the Sonoma Stage better.

2009 Russian River Zinfandel – We didn’t really enjoy this wine.  Perhaps it just needs more time?  We found it too light for our taste.

2007 Nova Zinfandel – Made from grapes grown in Lake County.  It didn’t really appeal to us.

2006 Syrah, $18 – Didn’t have enough “punch” for us.

2008 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, $28- Very sweet, as you’d expect from a dessert wine but without the fruit we’d want.  We’d pass.

DeLoach Vineyards Tawny "Port", $32 – Made from an equal blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah varietals grown and picked in Deloach’s estate vineyards.  Ian was a fan, Wendy, not so much.  She didn’t feel it delivered on the cherry cola and strawberry flavors as promised.