It feels like this week has been a week of awards. James Suckling and Robert Parker both released top 100 wines for 2020. Apple also announced music awards for Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Top Album of the Year. I mean, I get it. The end of the year is winding down, meaning everyone is rushing to summarize the year. I am making a mental note to myself about my winery/wine report being done mid-November next year. What I don’t get, and it goes back to my report, is how 100 wines can top the charts when there are millions of wines out there? How can one song be the best song of the year? Lil Baby was named Artist of the Year. I don’t even begin to know who this person is. Does this mean I am getting old? Nope! Never! My style of music doesn’t fit within the mainstream of what is “popular” right now. Plus, I refuse to get old ;-)

With all the rain this week, I have been reflecting on the sunny days we had not so long ago during my walks in the rain. Cramoisi Vineyard came to mind this week. I remember sitting on the deck late in the afternoon, the sun glaring down, and the desire to find shade felt like an ever persisting mosquito I tried to ignore. Yeah, the sun was a little annoyingly hot, but I knew days like this were ending soon. I needed to soak up the rays as much as possible.

Sitting on the deck with the sun bearing down, I could tell Ryan was done and not wanting to be in the sun after a long day in the tasting room. By the way, Ryan is the husband to Sophia, and they are the dynamic husband and wife team running the tasting room and proprietors. As I sat there in the sun, Ryan found some solace in the shade while we had a great chat. One of the topics was the winemaker Drew Voit. In case you don’t know, Drew is currently a very busy winemaker making wines for his own label (Harper Voit) along with Elizabeth Chambers, Five Fourteen Vineyards, Moffett Vineyards, Sylvanus Estate, Holmes Gap Vineyard, and of course Cramoisi. His resume includes Shea Vineyards and Domaine Serene. After our chat, I sat there basking for a few minutes tasting the Rose. It was nice having a chilled crisp, refreshing Rose while sitting in the sun.

There is a stunning view of the valley along with neighboring vineyards when you are sitting on the deck. There is also the dirt road leading up to the tasting room. I mention the road because I made the mistake of pulling into Sophia and Ryan’s house’s driveway. I knew I was in the wrong place, but there was a building with the big ole Cramoisi logo on it. I knew I was in the ballpark but completely unsure where to proceed. I decided to ring the doorbell, and one of Sophia’s sons answered the door. He directed me to the next left on Worden Hill Road, being the dirt road. I was a little surprised at how old he was. When you visit the Cramoisi website, Sophia’s boys are little.

Ryan snapped me back into reality with the 2017 Cuvee of the Estate, followed by the 2018 Cuvee of the Estate. It’s always wonderful to taste vintages side by side. Both of these Pinots were great! Dark red in color, silky smooth mid-palate, low tannins with a slight spice on the finish. Between the two, I enjoyed the 2018 over the 2017. A first happened for me as I pondered how the 18 had more complexity and character. Sophia walked up to me and mentioned that the group occupying the tasting room knew who I was and wanted to talk with me. I was shocked and didn’t know how to process it. My instincts kicked in, and I had a wonderful chat with the group!

Coming back out onto the deck, I tried the 2018 Sophia’s Block. Sophia is a huge fan of Dijon clone 667, naturally fitting this label with 100% 667. Sophia’s Block is deep dark red in color, a high tannin structure giving it the complexing to age, and to me, a sought after characteristic is the long spicey finish.

The group inside the tasting room left, and after tasting Sophia’s Block, I walked inside to gawk at the tasting room plus I wanted to chat more with Sophia and Ryan. Come to find out the tasting room recently opened the week of the fires. They hurried up, getting all the finishing touches completed so guests wouldn’t be outside in the smoke. Before the tasting room, guests would do tastings in the vineyard. As Sophia and I were talking, Ryan went downstairs and grabbed a bottle of wine. It was their 2017 Reserve. You could tell Ryan was ready to sit down, relax, and have some wine. He offered me a pour as we enjoyed the end of the day. I have to say the 2017 Reserve was downright delicious. I don’t have any tasting notes on it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As we were wrapping up, we got on the topic of corks, and Ryan mentioned how they use a cork company that guarantees no corkage. The company goes so far as to number every single cork, and if there are any issues, they can track down when and where the cork came from. Pretty snazzy tech stuff if you ask me.

I went to leave for the day and asked to get a bottle of their 2017 Reserve, and I almost cried when I was denied. They are putting a certain amount back for their library selection for a future date. I totally get it and respect their decision. Instead, I left with Sophia’s Block. If you are on Worden Hill Road, you should take the time to visit with Sophia and Ryan. They are great people; the view is breathtaking. Of course, the wines are a treat to sip and enjoy. When you do visit, please let Sophia or Ryan that “A.J. sent me.”

With Gratitude,

A.J.

PS - December 8th is the next #ajsHappyHour, and it will be a Secret Santa / White Elephant Virtual event you don’t want to miss! We have a good number of people signed up, and I seriously cannot wait! I know you won’t sign up, but the invite is there for you Reader. Hit that reply button, and let’s make this happen!

PPS - I felt so out of the loop when Apple Music played me Chris Cornell’s cover of Patience while I was finishing up the newsletter Friday afternoon. I miss his voice and music so much!