A Shot in the Arm - Next Release Opens February 8th

Hooray 2021 – a new year, bringing us new wines to explore, uncork, and enjoy at home.  As I write this, Sonoma County is just emerging from our second round of “stay at home” restrictions.  Happily, the winery is (again) re-re-opened for outdoor tastings, just in time for a week of torrential rain!  January is typically slow at the winery, but without guests, visitors, tourism or outdoor dining, Sonoma has been even slower than usual.  We miss you.  We miss your energy, company, and camaraderie.

So, I’ve taken advantage of my extra time to flex a completely different muscle.

As you may have seen on our social media channels (or in the picture above), I’ve exhumed my ancient scrubs and still-active medical license, volunteering to administer COVID vaccines at the county fairgrounds.  I’m grateful to support our community, our healthcare providers, and our teachers, while maneuvering our economy back to health.  I’ve told the Sonoma County Medical Association that I’ll inject arms as long as they need me.  Actually, it’s the best ever gig in medicine: every “customer” is exuberant, including the gentleman who called his vaccine “The Fauci Ouchie.”  (Cute, eh?).

As we roll into February, winery work resumes.  I’m bottling at the end of February, pirouetting right into our Spring Release, open to mailing list members on Monday, February 8th.  This release will feature three new wines- the 2020 Rose of Pinot Noir, the 2018 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, and the 2018 Sangiacomo Roberts Road Pinot Noir.

The 2020 rose is easy to love with sublime hints of tropical lychee, zesty gooseberry, and bright acid.  The 2018 Sangiacomo leans towards darker red fruits, black currant, and heady baking spices, reminiscent of the beloved 2016 vintage.  The 2018 Gap’s Crown is resplendent black cherry cordial and luscious raspberry.  Yeah, she’s all that!

Based on your overwhelming response and support, I intend to continue our virtual Zoom meetups and tastings.  If you have inspired ideas for topics, please share with me your areas of curiosity.  Our inaugural 2021 event will be Wednesday, February 3rd at 5pm PST.  I’ll be updating you on everything Bruliam and talking through the Spring Release wines.  Look for an email with Zoom details early next week.  I hope that you will open a bottle of anything and join us.