 If you find yourself in Sebastopol, California, make your way past vineyards, up a hill and through a palm tree lined entrance to Iron Horse Vineyards. There you will taste effervescent excellence in a gorgeous spectrum of sparkling wine. Prepare your palate for twelve vintage estate cuvées to experience.   My favorite? That's like asking a parent to pick they're favorite child. However, if I had to pick just one, it might be the 2011 Russian Cuvée. While I was was enamored in different ways with each wine I tried, it was this particular bottle that I fell (and fell hard) for, rightfully so with its regal presence on the palate. With fresh green apple, ripe mandarin orange, bright key lime & caramel kissed flavors, this was a wine I had to take home and have my way with. My way? Yep, with brie, a baguette and spiced strawberry chutney. The Iron Horse Russian Cuvee commemorates the style of sparklings they made for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings that ended the Cold War. It's been served at the White House for five consecutive presidential administrations.  What makes a tasting experience even more memorable? The person pouring, of course. In this case, it was Jon. Not only is he an incredible chalkboard artist and talented graphic designer, but he's a fabulous story teller as well. With stories of how Iron Horse got its name from the railroad that used to run on the property to why two rows of palm trees line the entrance drive, Jon shared chapter after chapter of the Iron Horse tale. Entertaining and engaging, the tasting was top-notch. Merci beaucoup, Jon. Thank you, Iron Horse Vineyards, for reminding me just how much I love sparkling wine. Keep on rockin' it like you do. Cheers,  |
