2011 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, Day 3

My third and final day of tasting at Sonoma County's big wine event, the Harvest Fair.

Part of the Sunday afternoon crowd

Sonoma County's Pasta King, Art Ibleto, spent his 85th birthday dishing out spaghetti and polenta for folks at the Harvest Fair as he does every year. Thanks Art!

Following are the wines I tasted on Oct 2nd. Two previous posts list the wines I tasted other days. Note that there are multiple categories for some varietals such as Pinot Noir under $25, $25 to $35, and over $35.  I didn't distinguish these breakdowns below.  As before I rated the wines as follows:
EX = excellent, VG = very good, G = good, OK = just okay

Kids' grape stomp. Start 'em young!

Bordeaux Blends

Chalk Hill 2008 Chalk Hill Estate Red, $70. Gold
Dusty, tannins, needs time. VG

de Lorimier 2005 Alexander Vly Est Artisan, $40. Best of class
Soft, rich, good body. VG

Deerfield 2006 Sonoma Vly Rancho Salinas Meritage, $75. Gold
Peppery. VG

Cabernet

Rodney Strong 2007 Alexander Vly Brothers Ridge, $75. Best of class.
Ripe, medium body, good tannins, lingering somewhat rough finish. OK

Rodney Strong 2007 Alexander Vly Rockaway, $75. Gold
Ripe, fruity, spicy, tannic finish, needs time. VG

Owl Ridge 2007 Sonoma County, Sonoma Summit Vyd, $48. Double gold
Nice fruit. VG

Pinot Noir

Armida 2009 Sonoma Vly Durell Vyd, $45. Gold
Bright fruit but in balance, softer, good finish. Pleasing but a bit simple. VG

Graton Ridge 2009 Russian River Vly Paul Family Vyd, $50. Gold
Lots of flavors, could age a bit, good structure. VG

Lost Canyon 2009 Russian River Vly Saralee's Vyd, $45. gold
Medium fruit, some tannin, seems well made. VG

Sandole 2009 Russian River Vly Oehlman Ranch, $34. Gold
Bit thin, lighter, but nice and easy drinking. G

TR Elliot 2008 Russian River Vly Burgonet, $42. Best of class
Medium fruit, medium body, other flavors. VG

Watkins 2009 Russian River Vly Crinella Vyd, $34. Best of class
Structured, not fruit forward, dry, bit astringent, needs time. G

Syrah

Alexander Vly Vyds 2007 Alexander Vly Big Barrel, $45. Silver
Nice fruit and spice. VG

Hughes 2007 Sonoma County Savannah Vyd, $40. Gold
Some red fruit, pepper, tannins, dry, needs time. G

Jus Soli 2008 Sonoma Vly Romano Vyd, $24. Best of class
Softer, lighter body, nice pepper finish. VG

Zinfandel

Christopher Creek 2009 Dry Creek Vly, $27. Gold
OK

McClain 2007 Alexander Vly, $28. Gold
Nice fruit. VG

Meadowcroft 2009 Sonoma County, $28. Gold
Medium body and fruit. VG

Italian varietals

Armida 2009 Dry Creek Vly Estate Il Campo Field Blend, $39. Best of class
Zinfandel & Petite Sirah. Red fruit, nice spicy, can't taste the PS.  VG
No, I'm not sure how this wine fits into an Italian varietals category.

Other reds

De La Montanya 2009 Russian River Vly Calandrelli Vyd Tempranillo, $38. Gold
Red fruit and tannins. G

Apple display. Sonoma grows something other than grapes!