Leese-Fitch Red 2018
-
Tasting
Panel
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Aromatics of blackberry cobbler, vanilla, cassis and hints of toasted sage. On the palate, dark black fruits – blackberry, black cherry and dried blueberry with hints of tart pomegranate and sweet leather. The finish showcases mocha chocolate, toasted coconut, dried cherry, cardamom and a touch of Mexican oregano.
The ultimate wine to sip while sitting by the fire or grilling on the deck, this red blend pairs well with grilled sausages on hearty rolls topped with sautéed onions, oven roasted chicken served alongside a sweet potato casserole, or beef and mushroom stir fry in an oyster sauce over jasmine rice.
Professional Ratings
-
Tasting Panel
A blend of eight varieties, including Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, and Syrah, with most of the fruit hailing from Clarksburg and Lodi. This accessible red offers dark chocolate, spiced blackberry preserves, and leather. Oak integrates well with tart black cherry and a liveliness ensues on the finish.
The wines of Leese-Fitch are wines that celebrate the deep heritage of California embodied in the iconic Leese-Fitch Adobe built in the 1830s and still at home in the historic town of Sonoma, California today. More than simple wines from California, these wines classically represent each varietal from which they are made.
Truly a representation of everything California, Leese-Fitch was born in the town of Sonoma. The state of California was also born in this now quiet, rural town. Before the glitz of Hollywood, prior to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the innovation of Silicon Valley – in California there was the town of Sonoma. Early one Sunday morning, General Vallejo, who possessed the land grant that included the town, heard a knock at his door. A small, yet heavily-armed group of Americans requested that he surrender Sonoma. The General, who later went on to serve in the California State Senate, peacefully acquiesced. To legitimize their conquest, the Americans drew a crude rendition of a grizzly bear on canvas along with the words “California Republic.” In the center of the Sonoma Plaza, a new flag was raised. The Republic of California was born.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!