It has been raining in Sonoma County since January.
Forever. The early morning drizzle had stopped and a pure delight seemed to
sparkle in every pool and drop of water.
In anticipation of sunshine and pleasure, my dear friend
Mary and I chose Gamba Vineyards and Winery for the private wine tasting. It
was a prospect of rapture that brought us together through a suddenly golden
and inviting spring.
Gamba Vineyards lay here, in the Russian River Valley,
as a promise, exposed to the first after long winter sun and to the loving glance
of the owners and guests like us. It is time for the vines to awake from
dormancy and begin to push water up from their roots, and for the tiny vine
buds begin to swell and break open with shoots.
These brilliant tear drops of spring of the vines are
most touching.
Our private wine tasting experience was incredible.
There was something overwhelmingly homey and welcome about the whole scene -
there was this golden sunlight outside, the barrels with Gamba wines, the beautiful
solid wood table top, a line of impressive Gamba wines and a great storyteller.
I was smitten by the new Gamba wine - 2018 Etrusca
Natalia Rose - which opens up to you immediately as crisp and refreshing
delight with an almost extravagant, but delicate bouquet of melon, nectarine,
rose petals and other notable floral notes. It's the wine of youth and early
afternoon dreams of friendship and love.
I was happy to discover that Gamba 2016 Zinfandel - Family
Ranches, Russian River Valley - has that strong allure of the aromas and the
silky and smooth texture of Gamba 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel I remember from my
visit in July 2014.
