*samples received
Welcome to the Lodi Wine Region which sits east of San Francisco on the Sacramento River Delta. Known for it's warm summers and cool winters, Lodi's grapes are treated to maritime breezes to cool the grapes maintaining structure and acidity while the heat of the day produces full flavored ripe fruit.
The Mettler's have been farming grapes for 8 generations traced back to Alsace. While 6 generations have farmed and planted grapes in Lodi they continue to both produce wine from their vineyards and sell grapes to many well known wineries. Truly a family affair with Larry and Charlene Mettler the founders and their children involved from GM to Winemaker, Sales and Vineyard Management. What you taste is handmade wines from a family who produces quality juice, elegant and sophisticated.
As we began the taste with several folks across the county the first wine out was the 2018 Lodi Estate grown Albarino. The vineyard which these grapes were harvested comes from the Mokelume River sub appellation known for its sandy loam soil and cool evenings. The grapes were cold fermented in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation or oak. 1000 cases produced retails for $19.99 per bottle. Open the screw cap enclosure and your nose fills with citrus aromas of pear and honeydew melon. Crisp and clean treats the palate with sweet pear, melon, apple and tangerine. What a great wine....off to a wonderful tasting.
Up next is the 2017 Lodi 'Epicenter' Old Vine Zinfandel. These grapes come from the 50 year old vineyard located in "Old Lodi" Mokelumne River known as historic and perfect for zin. The wine was aged 16 months in both American and French Oak. Only 704 cases produced retailing for $24.99. Awesome zin both on the nose and in the mouth. Pull the cork and your nose is surrounded by plum, succulent dark berries, vanilla cream and a hint of spice. The mouth explodes with triple berry jam of plum, blackberry and raspberry and a kiss of spice and toasted oak on the finish. Love this wine.
Third wine of the evening the 2017 Lodi Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine comes from 3 sub appellations Jahant, Clements Hills and Mokelumne River. Each region brings a special character to the wine. Aged 16 months in French oak, the Mettler Family produced 5,308 cases retailing for $24.99 per bottle. A really elegant cabernet easy on the nose with raspberry and cherry, a hint of spice and dusty earth. The mouth bursts with red berry clusters, surrounded by a splash of vanilla and a hint of oak. What a solid tasty Cabernet.
Final wine of this great evening the 2017 Lodi Estate Petite Sirah. The grapes for this wine are organically and sustainable grown harvested from the Mokelumne River vineyard. Aged 16 months in French oak only 944 cases produced. Retail price $24.99. I believe when I opened this wine all I said was WOW! On the nose blackberry, bread dough, honey blossom and sliced vanilla bean. the mouth is intense dark berry clusters with baking spice and caramel cream. Stunning wine.
Well our night has come to an end. Thank you to the Mettler Family and Robert Larsen for including me and introducing me to the Mettler Family Wines. Please stop by and visit them for your own taste of these fantastic wines.
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