As Summer Winds Down, Four Vines Provides Some Tasty Sipping

Summer is coming to a close way too fast. The end of summer is a bit like a freight train coming down the tracks; it seems to pick up speed the closer it gets. Instead of decrying the arrival of fall, focus on enjoying the rest of the warm weather we have left. One way to do that is to hang out with good friends, good food, and delicious wine. I tasted through some wines from Four Vines that I found to be quite tasty as well as budget-friendly.

Four Vines 2012 Naked Chardonnay, Suggested Retail Price: $12

All of the fruit for this wine came from the Santa Barbara region. It's made up entirely of chardonnay. Fermentation and aging took place in stainless steel. Pineapple aromas dominate the fresh nose of this unadulterated chardonnay. The palate is studded with ton of pure orchard and tropical fruit flavors. Apple, pear and mango are all present and persistent. White peach flavors make an appearance as well. The finish is crisp, clean and refreshing with continued fruit and light hints of white pepper. This wine is best a couple of degrees warmer than the average white wine is served, which allows all the glorious fruit to shine.

Four Vines 2011 Truant Zinfandel, Suggested Retail Price: $12

The fruit for this wine was sourced throughout California. In addition to zinfandel (90%), some barbera (7%), and petite sirah (3%) were blended in. Black raspberry and blackberry aromas dominate the brooding nose of this Zinfandel. The palate is loaded with references to berry, jam, and nuts, proportionate and even-keeled. Fresh baked berry pie comes to mind when sipping this wine. Hints of savory herbs emerge on the finish along with sour cherry, raspberry and a bit of black tea. This is solid example of zinfandel, well priced for everyday consumption.

Four Vines 2011 Biker Zinfandel, Suggested Retail Price: $18

The fruit was sourced in Paso Robles. In addition to zinfandel (82%), some petite sirah (10%), grenache (4%), and primitivo (4%) were blended in. Red plum and raspberry aromas are in strong evidence on the nose of this Paso zinfandel. Bramble and jam dominate the palate which is loaded with sweet black cherry, raspberry and blackberry. The finish is intense, layered and long. Fruit flavors continue there and are joined by black pepper spice and a bit of cardamom.

The chardonnay is a delightful sipper that goes down easy all by itself. It will also pair with the lighter foods of summer such as pasta salads, shish-kabobs, and a variety of dips and spreads. The zinfandels will match up with heartier items that come off your grill. However neither of them is over the top so they are also well suited to drink solo and pair with foods that have medium body to them. The Truant in particular would work wonderfully with pizza. For other great pairing ideas head over to their website which has suggestions and recipes. Tasty wines with wide appeal and attractive prices; what's not to like?