Tastings

I enjoyed a visit yesterday from Tim and Sue Decker, from Minnesota. They're out here celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary, so a hearty "Congratulations!" is due. We walked out into the vineyard while we enjoyed a glass of 2006 Clary Ranch Pinot Noir.

Out among the vines, at the top of "block 6", the view of the Petaluma Gap is an easy demonstration of what makes this place special in terms of climate and terroir. The other part of the demonstration, of course, is what's in the glass.

Tomorrow, we'll be pouring at a benefit concert just a few miles away, at Kamal & Pari Azari's home and winery on Spring Hill Road. Cinnabar Theater, for whom the benefit is being held, is a non-profit organization. California Law allows small wine brands such as Clary Ranch to pour tastings for non-profits, a critical aspect to staying in business in these trying times. The more we can put ourselves out in front of the wine-buying public, the better.

There are five tasting tickets to be included with admission. When we started the planning for the event, I had intended to pour two library wines: my 2004 Pinot and 2004 Syrah. Teela and Mike Ridgeway of Ridgeway Cellars will be pouring their 2006 Pinot. We had no other wineries stepping up to pour! So I offered to pour two additional wines: my 2006 Pinot and 2006 Syrah. Looks like 4 of the 5 tastes will be Clary Ranch.

I'll follow up with a report...