Ancient Oak Cellars

You will find this tasting room just off Courthouse Square in the Corrick's Store.  They will be moving to their own space a few doors down soon.

I've been meaning to visit this tasting room for quite some time.  I was very excited once I came in. You walk in to Corricks and you'll find Ancient Oaks to the left in a beautiful area appointed with cork flooring, artwork and photography of the vineyards, wine gift boxes and the well-appointed tasting counter.  You'll most likely be greeted by Jordan, who is very knowledgeable about the grapes and terroir of Sonoma County.  He is passionate about both the wines and the customers' experience in the tasting room.

The winery was started by Melissa Molhort-Siebert and her husband Ken.  She hails from a biology background, but the siren song of the grape lured her to the fields and to wine.  The current vintner is Greg La Follette of DuNah fame.  Greg is known worldwide as one of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay artists in the field.

Most of the grapes are sourced from the Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County.  The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Alexander Valley.  Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and accompanying blends round out the tasting menu.    I'll hit the highlights here.

The Chardonnay is quite unique.  It wasn't too buttery.  It wasn't too oakey.  It was a perfectly balanced, fruit flowing, lightly kissed chardonnay with a core structure that caught my attention.  Jordan shared that it went through about 60% malolactic fermentation, just enough to impart some different qualities but not enough to be lost in the crowd with everyone else.  I don't normally tell when I've taken something home, but I will here.  My wine group enjoyed it, as well.

The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with grapes sourced from Laguna Ridge and Green Valley areas of Sonoma County, tasted of earthy strawberry and baking spices with a nice long acidity and finish.  It was a bit darker than other pinots I've had.  

The Siebert Pinot Noir appeared to have a lighter color than some pinots, more acidity and a finish like a crushed raspberry.  Very nice.  Both are worth trying.

I really liked the 2011 Pagnano Zinfandel.  It was a nice jammy, happy zinfandel with little tannin and drinkable without food. Most Zins have to have food in order to bring out their fullness.  Nothing will get in your way of enjoying this one.

There are two red blends.   I sampled the Sappho and it was delicious.  It is a Merlot-based blend with Cabernet Sauvignon standing it up like having your big brother in your corner.

If you are in downtown Santa Rosa, do make it over to this tasting room.  Don't [pass this place up.  You'll be missing a hidden gem in the area.

Looking forward to revisiting them once they are down at their new location.

http://ancientoakcellars.com/


Cheers!