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Lambert Bridge Wines- Crossing the GapBy Darryl BeesonThe wines of Lambert Bridge pack power and flavor into every bottle. Dry Creek is an appellation within California's legend, Sonoma, where the sun focuses upon the rugged soil. The wine has attitude, giving back from what the sun delivers. Lambert Bridge Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley 2001 Luscious aromas of white fruit and crisp pear, then flavors of melon, citrus and Asian spice. A little viognier is added to the blend contributing a hint of peach blossom. Winemaker Julia Lantosca suggests serving this wine with grilled sea scallops or Mexican prawns served with tomatillo guacamole. "With its heady aromas and fresh crisp flavors, the Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc easily pairs with spicy, assertive dishes such as herbed goat cheese salad or a roasted garlic and lemon shrimp risotto," adds Lantosca. Lambert Bridge Chardonnay, Sonoma 2001 Aromas of oasted oak, white fruit and pear butter, are followed by flavors of spiced apple, lemon peel and pear butter. Lantosca suggests pairing this chardonnay with potato leek soup, linguine with scallops and Meyer lemon, or poached pears. Aromas of pear and citrus blossom combine with flavors of toasted hazelnut. "We recommend pairing this wine with potato leek soup linguine with scallops and Meyer lemon or poached pears," suggests Iantosca. Lambert Bridge Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2001 Aromas of brier, blackberry and cinnamon spice, then flavors of jamy black fruit, cola and more spice are all within the glass. Lantosca suggests pairing the wine's "ripe berry fruit with rich, jammy overtones, hints of vanilla and French roast coffee from the oak to foods such as Liberty Duck carnitas, homemade macaroni and cheese, or a burger from the grill. This wine exhibits concentration of fruit and supple, rounded tannins that will allow the wine to age gracefully over the next several years." Lambert Bridge Merlot, Sonoma 2000 There are aromas of rich plum with a hint of bell pepper, then flavors of plum, mocca, black cherry and spice. Lantosca suggests serving the merlot with grilled porterhouse steak topped with blue cheese butter or a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. Lantosca predicts that this red will continue to improve with some age, adding "While the composition may vary slightly from vintage to vintage, this Bordeaux-style blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec continues to produce a rich, full-bodied wine with refined tannins and soft supple textures. Aromas of ripe berry, cassis and plum are balanced by flavors of tea, cedar and tobacco." Lambert Bridge "Crane Creek Cuvée" Dry Creek Valley
2000 Crane Creek Cuvée is Lambert Bridge Winery's proprietary blend crafted from their finest barrel lots. This red wine is a blend of 58% merlot, 37% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. It is produced only in what they consider to be their best vintages. On the nose is cedar, cassis and spice, then flavors of rich plum, anise, clove and nutmeg then dusted with a little cocoa powder. Winemaker Julia Lantosca suggests serving this red blend with prime rib of beef, rack of lamb, or a lentil and wild mushroom ragout. "This classic Bordeaux-style wine has rich flavors that are the hallmark of grapes grown in the Dry Creek Valley," boasts Lantosca, "Look for cassis, cedar and sweet brown spice. Hints of vanilla and toast are combined with aromas of clove and nutmeg. Produced only in the best years, the 2000 vintage is well balanced with bright cherry flavors, supple textures and firm tannins. For more information, go to www.lambertbridge.com. Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine values. In the past, he has been wine steward or cellar master for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Voltaire, and The Adolphus Hotel. Not one for stuffiness or secret handshakes relative to wine, this Texan might now be described as a "ki-yi-yippee sommelier, sommelier." Beeson reports on wine, spirits, food and travel for numerous publications. |
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