Dutcher Crossing normally charges $10 for their wine tasting, but recently Ian and I happily discovered that our Visa Signature card gets that waived!  So off we went to taste their wine.  Their tasting room is bright and airy with large French doors opening onto a terrace with beautiful views.  It’s also right next to the fields, so you’re surrounded by grapes – especially lovely in the fall with all the changing colors on the vines.  They have picnic tables outside with shade which would make for a great lunch time spot.

As always, we’re wine enthusiasts but hardly wine experts.  For what they’re worth, however, here are our tasting notes:

2008 Sauvignon Blanc – finished very cleanly, fruity

2007 Stuhmuller Chardonnay – fruity, not as clean a finish as the Sauvignon Blanc

2007 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel – very clean, with a dry finish, but – a favorite of ours at Armida, this one didn’t live up to theirs…

2006 Cabernet – it’s actually an 80%/20% blend with Syrah and that 20% is really noticeable!  Juicy, light, but the finish isn’t clean

2006 Taylor Reserve Cabernet – dry, smoky, bolder with a clean finish – nice!

2006 Proprietors Reserve Syrah – typical Syrah bite, smoky (ok, so we’re not huge Syrah fans…)

Overall, the service was friendly and welcoming and we enjoyed the wine!