Sonoma: An enchanted encounter

It may keep a lower profile than neighbouring Napa, but Denis Lin is enthralled by the dramatic scenery of Sonoma, and the distinctive complexity of its wines, on his first visit to this coastal paradise...

Top 10 Sonoma wines

Iron Horse Vineyards, Joy, Green Valley, Russian River Valley NV

18.25/20pts (94/100pts)

Produced only in magnum and aged for 10 to 15 years on the yeast in the bottle, this is medium to deep yellow in colour with tiny bubbles. Yeasty, bready notes with a hint of floral scent. Creamy, round and complex. Enjoy for up to 15 years after release.

Price £115 (magnum) AWC Global

Drink 2014-2029

Alc 13%

J Vineyards & Winery, Cuvée 20 Brut, Russian River Valley NV

17.5/20pts (91/100pts)

Elegantly opens with fresh lemon peel, honeysuckle and autolysis aromas. Followed by a mix of apple and citrus notes with toast, caramel and almond flavours on the mid-palate. Lively acidity of citrus zest leads to a long, warm pear and lush aftertaste. Layers of depth and complexity.

Price £25 Solent Cellar

Drink 2014-2030

Alc 12.5%

Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2012

17.5/20pts (91/100pts)

A style very close to Burgundy. Abundant aromas of fresh apple and pear, laced with intriguing hints of lemon custard, flinty and a gentle touch of integrated vanilla and spices from French oak. The mid-palate is creamy and complete, with a firm acidity that carries through the persistent finish.

Price £30.98 Fine Wine Sellers

Drink 2014-2020

Alc 13.5%

Paul Hobbs Winery, Crossbarn Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2012

17/20pts (90/100pts)

Light yellow colour, with fresh green apple, pear and honeysuckle aromas. Defined lemon zest and pineapple notes, with orange marmalade and subtle oak flavoured finish.

Price £20.83-£25 Aged in Oak, Davis Bell McCraith

Drink 2014-2017

Alc 14%

Ridge Vineyards, Geyserville Zinfandel, Sonoma County 2011

17.75/20pts (92/100pts)

Nice mix of aromas and lovely, complex mix of sweetness and brambly freshness. The palate starts quite light, fills out in the middle with some sweet black fruits and ripe red fruits. The finish is long, herbal and spicy.

Price £23.76-£27.56 Fine & Rare, Justerini & Brooks, Lea & Sandeman, Swig, The Wine Society

Drink 2014-2019

Alc 14%

Seghesio, Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma County 2011

17.75/20pts (92/100pts)

Intense ruby red with bright highlights. On the nose, ripe red fruit, spices and green pepper, nutmeg and liquorice. Sweet, firm tannins deliver a streamlined body and structure. Warm, long finish.

Price £44.26 widely available via UK agent Liberty Wines

Drink 2014-2028

Alc 14.8%

Kendall-Jackson, Jackson Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley 2007

17/20pts (90/100pts)

Plenty of blackcurrant, with hints of roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate. It offers lushness on the mid-palate, opulent texture and elegantly balanced tannins.

Price £24.99 Edgmond Wines

Drink 2014-2025

Alc 14.5%

Pedroncelli, Three Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 2008

17/20pts (90/100pts)

Generous aromas of ripe raspberry and cherry highlight this full flavoured red. Medium high acidity delivers elegance and freshness. Ripe plum, toasted oak notes and warm clove spice combine to round out the flavours. Firm tannins define the structure, which finishes long.

Price £10.13 Amathus Wines & Spirits

Drink 2014-2015

Alc 14.1%

Ravenswood, Teldeschi Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2009

16.75/20pts (89/100pts)

Intense ripe black and red berries on the nose. Rich flavours of blackberry jam, vanilla and smoke lead to a ripe, concentrated, long, fruity finish.

Price £25 We Are Wines

Drink 2014-2019

Alc 14.8%

Siduri Wines, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2012

16.25/20pts (87/100pts)

Medium intensity of ruby red colour. Fresh black fruit and subtle oak notes on the nose. On the palate, it shows bright red fruits and cherry flavour. Medium

body with fine tannins balanced with refreshing acidity.

Price N/A UK siduri.com

Drink 2014-2018

Alc 14.7%

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