Urban wineries are a growing trend, and The Winery SF is helping to turn San Francisco’s Treasure Island into a fabulous spot for tasting top-notch wines. Thanks to some great sources of fruit from California’s Northern Coast and their talented winemaker, Bryan Kane, one can find craft boutique wine without leaving the city.
Winery SF 2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of plums, strawberries, clove, and earth rises up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors of strawberry, sweet cranberry, and dark plum with accents of sweet spice, truffles, and minerals. Expressive flavors along with a lively acidity mean a Mediterranean chicken or lamb dish would be a very nice pairing. 200 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Winery SF 2011 “People’s Blend” Rouge
Grape(s): Syrah, Zinfandel, & Cabernet
Region: North Coast, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums meld with highlights of pepper, lavender, and mocha on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of bramble fruit, plum, and blueberry that unfold into allusions of peppercorns, sweet spice, and dark chocolate on the palate. Dark with hearty flavors and supple tannins, it’s a fine wine and a fine value at less than $20 a bottle. 750 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Winery SF 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of currants, blackberries, and plums come together with notes of cola, earth, and spice on the nose. Flavors of cassis, bramble fruit, and cherry combine with traces of toasty oak, cola, and white pepper on the palate. With rich tannins and dark fruit, enjoy a bottle with your favorite cut of beef. 300 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Winery SF “Gliter” Sparkling Wine
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: California
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of golden apples, Asian pears, and sweet spices greet the senses. The palate offers flavors of apples and pears that flow into hints of custard, minerals, and lemon zest. Refreshing and welcoming, with a bit of sweetness, it’s an ideal aperitif for summertime.
Rating: 89
Winery SF 2013 “People’s Blend” Blanc
Grape(s): Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Roussane, & Grenache Blanc
Region: North Coast, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of peaches, apricots, minerals and buttery oak rise up from a glass. With a sip, flavors of peach, apricot, and pear meld with suggestions of limestone and grass on the palate. A round mouth-feel and pleasant acidity make it a fine choice to pair with fish like sword or sole. 1,000 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Winery SF “NV” Sweet Seduction
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: California
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Peach, passion fruit, and apricot aromas combine with traces of honey on the nose. A sip delivers tropical and stone fruit flavors that interweave with allusions of honey and sweet spice on the palate. Lush yet bright, with a friendly acidity, it’s a perfect after dinner drink for summer. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 90