The Spirit World

My latest artist pick (wine under $10/bottle) is the 2005 Castle Rock Petite Sirah. Grown in the Russian River Valley of California where well drained soils and a fog cooled climate offer ideal growing conditions, this medium-bodied lush wine with juicy berry, mocha and candy apple on the nose is on the verge of jammy but not so fruit forward as to turn off an old world wine lover like me. With blackberry and other dark berry fruits, the bare hint of plum and anise on the palate and a wonderfully dry mouthfeel as you head toward a peppery, spicy oak finish, I love the aggressive tannins that are tamed beautifully in this affordable California red wine ($9.99/bottle). An excellent choice for your favorite barbecue.
Russian River Valley vineyards tend to have a longer ripening period than nearby Alexander Valley because the river allows for cooler daytime and nighttime temperatures. In Alexander Valley, fog burns off earlier, bringing on the heat of the day. The soil is different as well - while the Russian River Valley tends towards sandier and more gravelly soils with some percentage of clay, the Alexander Valley has a heavier clay content and only small areas of gravel in the subsoil better suited to other varietals.

Castle Rock is not a winery per se but a company that produces quality yet affordable wines from grapes grown in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Monterey County, Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley. Their consulting winemaker August Briggs is known for making some of the best value Pinots around, many from California’s top regions.

Although you won’t be making a stop at this non-existent winery, there are many wonderful vineyards in this beautiful region that encompass the Russian River and Alexander Valleys. You can visit through a back road bike tour which includes a ride through the ancient coast redwoods, the tallest living things on the planet, as you navigate through the Armstrong State Natural Reserve. These gargantuan trees typically live to be 500-1,000 years old, grow to a diameter of 12-16 feet, and stand from 200-250 feet tall. Some trees have even survived over 2000 years and tower above 350 feet.

At the end of your vigorous ride, sample wonderful wine, indulge in a hearty guilt-free meal and kickback at a local inn with this all inclusive trip .
p.s. If you want to experience a slightly higher priced Pinot Noir from Castle Rock, check out their 2006 Monterey County Pinot Noir which scored an 86 in the May 2008 Wine Spectator for its “wild berry flavors, good focus and depth, spicy, toasty notes and a pleasant candied berry flavor on the finish.” It was also rated as one of the best American Wines under $ 15 in the Pinot Noir category by Food & Wine Magazine.