Not a tasting at the library-although who wouldn’t enjoy a glass of wine during story hour? Perhaps the Public Library system will catch on to that idea...

From the Charles Creek Vineyard library of prior vintages, we’ve selected some winners in the 1.5 liter (magnums; perfect for the Holiday table or gift ideas) format to taste and offer for sale at the Tasting Room. Join us Friday, December 12 for an informal sampling of some of our past favorites, such as the 2002 “La Sonrisa del Tecolote” Cabernet Sauvignon (awarded 4 Gold Medals), 2001 “Miradero” Merlot (Best Merlot of California-CA State Fair-95 points), 2003 “Las Patolitas” Chardonnay (3 Gold Medals) and 2001 “Vista del Halcon” Chardonnay (Highly Recommended-California Grapevine). Drop in anytime between from 4 to 7 PM (overlapping with our “Meet the Artist” reception that evening from 5 to 7 PM) to taste and buy these rarities...

The “no brainers” would be the Cabernets and Merlots which are clearly built for the cellar (as well as the table) and would be expected to evolve gracefully in the larger bottle format. The exciting discovery, however, is how beautifully the Chardonnays are evolving! At last months Open House event, Alan opened a bottle of the 2001 “Vista del Halcon” (Chardonnay grown on the legendary “Hawk Hill” Vineyard in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. All in attendance were wowed by this wine...
This vibrant seven year old shows nuances of maturity (as so few of us do) with hints of hazelnut and spice but the light straw color and lively flavors suggest a younger vintage. Magnums are available at $55.00 each (Club members, your discounts do apply!). The 2003 “Las Patolias” is a softer, fruit driven style; at this point the subtle vanillin and spice flavors are more apparent than when the wine was initially released. 

The Magnum Prices:
2001 Miradero Merlot: $75.00
2002 La Sonrisa del Tecolote Cabernet Sauvignon: $65.00
2001 Vista del Halcon Chardonnay: $55.00
2003 Las Patolitas Chardonnay: $ 50.00

...and much more! If you can’t just drop in (because you’re in, say, Iowa) you can certainly visit our online “Magnum Store” (click here)

Meet the Artist

Our featured Artist for the last month of 2008 and the beginning of the New Year is Erika Schmitt whose work with collage and gouache is enticing and unique. Erika will be joining us for the evening of December 12 from 5 to 7 PM to share her work (while we share a bit of wine, including the above mentioned Library Selections) and some compatible cheeses. For more info and a peek at Erika’s work, click here

The Charles Creek Vineyard Tasting Room & Gallery
is located at 483 1st Street West (on the Plaza) in Downtown Sonoma.