On the Road with The Wine Wrangler: A view from Adelaida.

New Adelaida Tasting Room

Adelaida is set breathtakingly high. Not just in quality but also as the highest elevation in the region. At above 2000 feet, Adelaida not only offers great terroir to its grapes but competes with other fine wine regions around such as Argentina's Salta and Catamarca. Steep slopes, lined with limestone and chalk soils take advantage of the cooling breeze from the Pacific Ocean. It goes without saying that the views are stunning.

Adelaida's philosophy is understated glamour: less is more. The new and modern tasting room is elegant with seating space overlooking the walnut orchard. The focus is on the beauty of the wines. Meet winemaker Jeremy Weintraub, whose approach to winemaking is firmly grounded on understanding that each grape has its unique character, treated right the vines can be worked to producing delicious and characterful wines. 

The vineyards are somewhat of a patchwork quilt. Seven properties woven together, each well matched with its appropriate varietal. Jeremy organically grows Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon among others. The Pinot is from 54 year old vines, expect low yields but great quality and concentrated fruit. It is no surprise that is a best seller. 

Making Pinot Noir is rare in these parts mostly because they are so delicate. Just one false move and everything can come crushing down. Fortunately for us, between the estate sites, the natural terroir and Jeremy's capable hands, we are assured of good wines. Made to drink now-just unscrew the cap at your earliest convenience the 2016 vintage is both earthy and herbaceous with deep expressions of dark fruit, spice and earl grey tea. At the tasting room, try the GPI 'General Paralysis of the insane', a deeply aromatic and well-developed blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The estates wines are an absolute treat. So well loved that they are mostly sold out on their website. 

On Wine Wrangler tours, you get to try out their extensive tasting list. Keep your palate ready for the sensation that is Anna's Estate Signature Syrah. The 2015 vintage earned itself 91 wine spectator points!  This deeply hued wine starts with black fruit and violet on the nose. It is soft on the palate with well-structured tannin ending with a long spicy finish.