Something New in Lodi Wine Country

This month's top picks from the Lodi Wine and Vistor Center

compiled by MICHAEL PERRY

With summer upon us and the growing season in full swing, Lodi wineries are beginning to think about the upcoming harvest. Since tank and barrel space at most wineries is limited, wineries will try to bottle as much as possible at this time to free up tanks and barrels for the new vintage. As a result, we tend to see a bevy of new wine releases for our summertime enjoyment. Here are a few of Lodi’s newest releases.

Uvaggio 2008 Moscato 

This is a brand-new wine from Uvaggio winemaker Jim Moore. The Moscato is a light gold color with brilliant clarity, and offers up heavenly aromas of pear, melon, and citrus with a slight floral note. This dry Moscato’s flavors echo its aromas, and its rich mouth feel offers just the right amount of acidity. A long clean finish invites you to have more. Try this wine with delicate fish dishes involving citrus accents. ($14) www.uvaggio.com

 

 

Grady Family Vineyards Petite Syrah

The Grady Petite Syrah is a first for this very small winery. The wine is deep purple with red accents. This Petite Syrah has earthy aromas with dark berry fruit and oak. Soft tannins and moderate acidity balance nicely with the dark berry flavors. This wine is approachable now, but will age well for several years. A nice compliment to all grilled or barbequed dishes. ($16) www.gradywine.com

 

 

 

Lot 06 Pantheon Cellars Panthos

The first-ever release from one of Lodi’s newest wineries, Panthos is a Rhone blend of 55 percent Syrah, 35 percent Petite Sirah, and 10 percent Mourvedre. The deep purple color of the wine is almost opaque. This complex wine features aromas and flavors of both red and black berries with toasted oak, spice, and earth. The wine is full-bodied with mature tannins, and is a perfect balance of all components. A long finish completes this elegant new wine. Only 99 cases were produced. Try with a grilled rib eye steak or braised short ribs. ($45) www.panthos.com

LangeTwins 2007 Zinfandel

A light ruby-red with nice clarity, LangeTwins Zinfandel has aromas of raspberries and boysenberries with black pepper and oak nuances. This medium-bodied Zinfandel’s flavors are of dark berries, and the tannins are smooth and easy on the palate. A finish of berries and spice invites you to enjoy another glass. Try this wine with a crisp salad and your favorite pasta. ($15) www.langetwins.com

 

 

 

 

 

For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, and taste from a selection of over two hundred award-winning Lodi wines. 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com