I had the great fortune of being able to combine my leadership development work with some wineries visits while in Sonoma.
One of my favorite places to visit is B. Wise I’m always curious to know how some of these vineyards get started, and Brion Wise has an inspiring story. His roots are in farming, he became a chemical engineer, founded an oil company and another international firm. He’s even dined with Gorbachov! He’s been a restaurateur, farmed cotton, and started this Moon Mountain vineyard from scratch.
One thing that makes these wines spectacular, is the unique temperate climate and the thinner iron rich soils, that deliver a minerality, brightness, and balance to the wines.
I started with the Ronda Rosé – named after Brion’s wife. This Provence inspired wine is 82% Pinot Noir with the balance being Grenache. Lovely and crisp with some sweetness on the back end. This wine is currently sold out until next year.
I also enjoyed the 2016 Nobles Vineyard Pinot Noir Fort Ross-Seaview. This vineyard is located two miles from the ocean. On the nose, I experience black raspberry and dark cherry. As I’m sipping, I delight in the earthiness and vanilla, with a depth of tannin.
Wisdom is what I like to bring home with me. It’s a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Zinfandel, 11% Syrah, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc. This blend is an easy drinking wine to drink with or without food, and I’m looking forward to enjoying this with my family in the upcoming holiday season!
