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SONOMA VALLEY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
Tasting Room of the Week:
Mayo Family Winery
by Brendan Conroy
While searching the Sonoma Valley for
superior wine tasting experiences, one may
have difficulty discovering a winery that sets
itself apart from the rest. Mayo is unmatched
in its diverse selection of activities. The first
tasting room exploit for wine country
explorers to enjoy is the wine and food
pairing program based out of the Reserve
Room in Kenwood. Mayo masterfully weaves
together wine and food perfection over a
seven course food and wine pairing experience.
Imagine the delight of friends and
family alike as they embark upon a quest
towards culinary perfection as they savor the
juicy 2008 Reserve Zinfandel paired with the
decadent guava braised lamb leg ravioli with
red and gold beets. The sense of sheer delectation
from this meal will linger on as a
memory of a time well spent in wine country.
Next visit the Main Tasting Room located
in Glen Ellen so that one may delve into the
world of artisan single-vineyard, smallproduction
wines. Mayo believes that each of
its wines should be intricately tailored in
limited production so that the quality of the
fruit will be displayed to its fullest. Making
anywhere from 7000-9000 cases annually,
Mayo’s wines are only available through the
tasting room and through the wine club. This
ensures that the majesty of the wine will be
exemplified on the palate as opposed to
creating a larger production for the sole
purpose of distribution. Select from any one
of the anomalous varietals such as Alicante
Bouchet, Grenache or Cabernet Franc for a
unique experience, or stick to more traditional
Sonoma Valley varietals with Mayo’s
selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel
or Pinot Noir. Any decision will surely be a
wise one.
As a part of an in-depth study of the fortitude
of Mayo’s wines, let us dissect a few
specific standouts. Sangiovese itself is originally
an Italian varietal which is most
commonly associated as being one of the
primary grapes in Chianti. The 2007 Unti
Vineyard Sangiovese lives up to its rich
heritage by being a light to medium body
style wine with a refined concentration of
spice. It imparts notes of allspice, ripe cherry
pie and a hint of oak. Ideal pairings for this
wine would include anything from meaty
pizza to succulent pork tenderloin.
The 2007 Unti Vineyard “Antonio’s Cuvee”
Zinfandel is the most austere of Mayo’s
Zinfandels. Rich in spice and black pepper,
this wine could enhance any heavy meat and
would be a perfect pairing with filet mignon.
Dry hay is the focal point of the nose and
introduces elements of both cranberry and
black pepper in the palate. The elegant
tannin structure makes it easy to appreciate
the supple, rounded mouth feel that
continues long into the finish.
The tasting rooms themselves are open
daily until 6:30, so no more chaotic rush at
4:20 in order to enjoy one more winery
before closing time. Make sure to stop by
Mayo for quality wine and experience all that
Sonoma Valley has to offer.
Visit Mayo Family Winery at 13101
Arnold Drive at Highway 12 in Glen Ellen;
(707) 938-9401 or Mayo Family Reserve
Room at 9200 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood;
(707) 833-5504. For more information, visit
the website at www.mayofamilywinery.com.
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