Two Enchanting Reds from Amador County CA

 

The winery rep for these two brands was in town recently and these two wines were unreal! 2015 is current release for both. The winery sells them when they are ready to drink. 

Terre Rouge and Easton Wines was founded in the late 80s by husband and wife team Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan. Bill is one of the original Rhône Rangers and pioneered the Rhône varietals in the Sierra Foothills. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhône Rangers in 2016.

2015 Terre Rouge Ascent Syrah...$94.99

Each year Bill crafts his top Syrah named ASCENT from several Sierra Foothills vineyard sites ranging up to 3,000 feet in elevation. All of the grapes are grown in granite and volcanic-based soils. Only 8 barrels are produced and spend 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels before bottle aging. These vines were grafted from Chapoutier Hermitage cuttings!

Smoky, earthy anise and dark-chocolate aromas give way to concentrated and layered black-plum, clove and blackberry flavors as this full-bodied wine expands on the palate. Its texture is richly tannic and the mouthfeel is generous, prolonging the lush flavors on the finish. A perennial standout, this wine has proven it can age well. Best after 2025. — Jim Gordon
Rated 96/100 Wine Enthusiast "Cellar Selection" -- #37 Top 100 Wines of 2018

2015 Easton Zinfandel Fiddletown...$37.99

This hand-crafted Zinfandel is made from grapes harvested from the historic Rinaldi Vineyard in the Fiddletown appellation of Amador County, California, dating back to 1865!

Hardly a run-of-the-mill wine, this potent liquid exudes tobacco and flint aromas that join with wood smoke, cocoa and blackberry flavors to make it dramatic and spicy. Full body and firm tannins build great structure to pair with indulgent proteins and give it the stuffing to age. Best from 2022. — Jim Gordon
Rated 94/100 Wine Enthusiast "Cellar Selection"