November 3, 2011: Angeline Wines of California

Angeline is the “second label” of Martin Ray Winery located in the Russian River Valley of California. Martin Ray Winery was founded in 2003. It was originally established in 1881 as the Twin Fir Winery and is the oldest winery in continuous operation in Sonoma County. In 1902 it was purchased by the Martini family and known as Martini & Prati until July of 2003.

The Angeline wines were created by Martin Ray head winemaker Bryan Davidson to be a value-driven brand made from single varietals, largely from fruit from mountain vineyards within renowned California regions; these include Russian River Valley, other areas of Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Mendocino County, Santa Barbara County, and the Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valley wine regions. Bryan has made wine in Sonoma for more than 20 years, starting out at Chateau St. Jean’s sparkling wine facility. His approach includes use of technically advanced equipment, stainless steel tanks and new barrels, and a winemaking philosophy that it’s his job to know when to step in and when to let nature take its course.

They state on their website that “these fresh, fruit forward wines will reward you with lush flavors from crisp apple and tropical fruits to ripe plums and berries. Soft tannins and smooth finishes, along with creamy oak accents are the essential structure of these fabulous wines.” Overall, they are fresh, full flavored wines at affordable prices- between $11.99 – $15.99 tomorrow night.

We hope you will join us!

The specific wines for the tasting are:

Angeline Sauvignon Blanc 2010– Russian River Valley. 100% Sauvignon Blanc that fermented in stainless steel tanks for four months to retail fresh fruit characters. Its fresh nose of melon fruit, floral, and bright tropical fruits is complemented by sharp and clean acidity on the palate. Citrus fruits of lemon, lime, and grapefruit with green apple are followed by a gentle and refreshing finish. Tasting $11.99

Angeline Chardonnay Reserve 2010– 60% Santa Barbara County, 40% Sonoma County. 100% Chardonnay that fermented entirely in barrel with 10 months of aging in French and American oak barrels. Rich aromas of ripe, tropical fruit, toasty oak and creamy vanilla are balanced with juicy acidity on the palate and flavors of orchard fruit within a textured mouthfeel. The finish is clean and bright with excellent structure for the price. Tasting $11.99

Angeline Pinot Noir 2010– California. 100% Pinot Noir from select vineyards in Santa Barbara, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. A richly colored wine with bright berry fruit aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry followed by a gentle palate of berry fruit and hints of kitchen spices. It finishes with hints of smoky oak, black tea, and spice. Tasting $11.99

Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir 2010– 36% Sonoma County, 34% Mendocino County, and 30% Santa Barbara County. 100% Pinot Noir that aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. It is dark brick red in color with intense aromas of black cherry highlighted by smoke, earth, and sweet spice hints. Fresh, ripe flavors of red fruit and dried red cherries are enhanced with soft tannins, and a light, smooth finish. Tasting $15.99

Angeline Reserve Merlot 2010– Sonoma County. 100% Merlot from hillside grapes in the Dry Creek region. The wine fermented in stainless steel then aged in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months. Deep, dark purple in color with bold, layered aromas of black cherry, blackberry, sage, and vanilla. It is richly flavored and full-bodied on the palate with ripe plum, black cherry, spice, earth hints, and tobacco, and lingering notes of toasty oak and vanilla. Tasting $11.99

Angeline Cabernet Sauvignon 2010– Alexander Valley. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that aged for 10 months in a combination of French and American oak. The wine is garnet red in color with aromas of pepper, spice, blackberry and plum fruits, and vanilla/oak. Rich black cherry and plum flavors are abundant on the palate with notes of vanilla and creamy oak that linger on the finish. A structured offering with integrated tannins, balanced fruit, and a supple texture. Tasting $15.99