Girard
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: The Girard tasting room opened in Yountville in the spring of 2008. When planning your visit consider setting up an appointment for an individual tasting. These special tastings include appetizers to pair with the wines. Girard wines are sold in boutique wine shops and restaurants.
The Girard tasting room is located in the small family friendly town of Yountville. This winery with highly respected wines offers wine tastings at a public tasting counter and with reservations. Tastings with wine reservations are held in a room adjacent to the public tasting counter area. These special wine tastings are accompanied with several appetizers from around the world. A porch in the front of the building is available for visitors to enjoy a glass of wine and treasure the ambiance of the town.
During our tasting, Eric Jensen, guided us through the appetizers, from Dean & Deluca, to be paired with the wines. The tasting room uses Riedel stemware, which enhances the wine tasting experience.
White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was produced in stainless steel tanks. The aroma was of citrus with hints of peach. The taste was also of citrus while the finish was crisp and fruity. This wine was paired with Goat’s Leap goat cheese. Chardonnay 2007 Russian River Valley was a light yellow and barrel fermented. The aroma was of citrus nuances. The smooth taste was citrus with notes of light peach and green apple. The finish was smooth with citrus nuances. Ewephoria Dutch Gouda was paired with the Chardonnay.
Red Wines
Old Vine Zinfandel 2007 Napa Valley grapes were from 113 to 115 year old vines. The wine offered an aroma and taste of dark fruit. The finish was crisp with mild tannins. This wine was paired with Manchego (sheep cheese) and fig cake. Cabernet Franc 2006 Napa Valley, with 16 percent alcohol, was a dark purple/black opaque color. The aroma and taste were of dark fruit while the crisp finish had tannins with black fruit nuances. Artistry 2006 was a blend of 59 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 13 percent Cabernet Franc, 13 percent Petit Verdot, 8 percent Malbec and 7 percent Merlot. This wine had a ruby color and the aroma was fruit forward with mineral nuances. The taste was also fruit forward with layers of blackberries and black cherries. The wine finished with bold tannins. Salame Nostrano was paired with this blend.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Diamond Mountain was a dark ruby color. There were notes of blackberries and minerals on the aroma. The taste was very fruity. The well-balanced finish had bold tannins. There were long fruit nuances with mineral notes. This was paired with Truffle Paté Mousse. Red Wine 1999 was produced with 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 percent Cabernet Franc and 18 percent Merlot. The color was ruby with a slight brown tinge along the rim. The aroma was of black fruit and minerals. The taste was of black fruit. There were mild tannins on the finish. Petite Sirah 2007 Napa Valley was a dark purple. The aroma and taste were of dark fruit and the wine finished with bold tannins. This wine was paired with Coppa.
Girard has several vineyards with one in St. Helena where 16-20 acres of Sauvignon Blanc are planted. Thirty-five years ago Steven Girard’s father began the winery. Eventually Steven became the winemaker. Later Pat Roney and Leslie Rudd purchased Girard. Today Marco DiGiulio is the winemaker.
Enjoy a visit to the Girard tasting room in Yountville, California where you will discover quality wines and a very welcoming staff.
Girard Winery Tasting Room
6795 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599
GPS: N38º 24.391’ W122º 22.015’
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