20 Great Wines that Say Cheers from Sonoma County

In honor of Touring & Tasting’s 20th anniversary, we asked wineries across beautiful Sonoma County to join us in a toast with their finest celebration wines. Here's how they're saying “Cheers!”

Published: 1/01/2015

In honor of Touring & Tasting’s 20th anniversary, we asked wineries across beautiful Sonoma County to join us
in a toast with their finest celebration wines. Here's how they're saying “Cheers!”

2013 Dry Creek Fumé Blanc
“Our Fumé Blanc offers a distinct aromatic and flavor profile that sets it apart. In the glass, Meyer lemon, kefir lime, fresh citrus, and grassy characters are immediately evident. The cold stainless steel fermentation preserves the vibrancy in the wine—a characteristic that we love. The palate repeats, making the wine mouthwatering and delicious.” - Dry Creek Vineyard Winemaker Tim Bell

2012 Gary Farrell Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
"Only a few wineries are able to access fruit from this prestigious vineyard and we make extremely small quantities of this wine. It is quite elegant in structure, yet explodes with captivating aromas and flavors of fresh red fruits, baking spices, and floral undertones. It becomes even more alluring when paired with a celebratory gourmet dinner.” - Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery Winemaker Theresa Heredia

2003 Gloria Ferrer Carneros Cuvée
“The Carneros Cuvée represents the best fruit from our 335 acres of estate vineyards as well as our winemaking expertise in the art of blending. This special Cuvée is only produced in select vintage years and each bottle takes almost a decade to create, resulting in a wine that is rich and complex and certainly worthy of a great celebration.” - Gloria Ferrer Winemaker Steven Urberg

2010 Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée
“Iron Horse is best known for this bubbly. It is made from predominantly Pinot Noir; has a gorgeous rose gold hue; tiny, pinpoint bubbles; delicious flavors; and a wonderfully dry finish. Like all Iron Horse Sparklings, it is estate bottled and vintage. Absolutely perfect for an anniversary!” - Iron Horse CEO Joy Anne Sterling

2012 Ledson Sonoma Zinfandel Reserve
“This wine comes from a very special vineyard planted 134 years ago with excellent fruit consistently year after year. It produces only about one ton per acre. The wine produced from this vineyard has unbelievable flavors, mouthfeel, and complexity. The nose, palate, and finish of this wine is phenomenal in every vintage.” - Owner Steve Ledson

2011 Papapietro Perry Mukaida Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
“Named for Tom Mukaida, our grower who devoted his life to farming, this release represents the best of the best. Tom continued working in the fields right up until his passing at 94. His hard work and deep love of agriculture is embodied in this designate. We love to raise a glass to his memory whenever we can.” - Owner/Winemaker Ben Papapietro

2012 Patz & Hall Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
“Zio Tony Ranch is farmed by the legendary Martinelli family who has been growing grapes since 1887. This is one of our most acclaimed Chardonnays—a ‘wow!’ wine. It has gorgeous layers of lemon cream, peach, mango, green apple, toffee, clove, and minerals. With just over 300 cases made, this bottling is a true special occasion wine.” - Patz & Hall Director of Consumer Sales & Marketing Tiffany Kenny

2012 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
“This wine is an invitation to celebrate! Its vibrant jammy fruit and lush, lingering finish make it perfect for an outdoor soirée. The full, rich body can match any warm holiday meal, and the complexity and finesse pair perfectly with a wedding feast. It’s a fun, versatile, food-friendly Zinfandel that can stand beautifully on its own.” - A. Rafanelli Winery Winemaker Shelly Rafanelli-Fehlman

2009 Trione Cabernet Sauvignon
“This single block Cabernet comes from our most prestigious block. The fruit is consistent, ripens evenly, and results in a rich, big concentrated Alexander Valley flavor profile of forest fruits and forest floor. This is a wine that people open for a special occasion when there is time to let it relax and open up so that all of the rich flavors and aromas come forward.” - Trione Vineyards & Winery DTC Manager Jess Poshepny Vallery

2007 White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
“Like a good marriage, this elegant 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon—from the vintage of the decade—keeps getting better. Besides multiple Gold medals, it scored 91 points in Connoisseur’s Guide. I recommend the Jeroboam (3.0 liter bottle) to celebrate in a big way.” - White Oak Winery Proprietor Bill Myers


As seen in the issue Spring 2015 of Touring & Tasting Magazine.

BUBBLES & BEYOND
2010 Buena Vista Sparkling Brut
2011 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Musque
2012 DeLoach Estate Chardonnay
2010 Dutcher Crossing Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvée
2011 Hamel Family Isthmus
2012 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Pinot Noir
2009 Moshin Foppiano Vineyard Petite Sirah
2010 Russian Hill Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir
2013 Seghesio Vermentino