Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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During this time of COVID-19, there’s a lot of virtual wine tastings for wine writers and wine lovers alike.  While it’s not the same as tasting in person, these online wine experiences are getting out the message, that there’s a lot of great wine out there that might not have been on your radar, and serves as a great introduction to wines you might not know much about.  Recently I had a virtual tasting with Oak Farm Vineyards of Lodi, California, with Dan Panella, Co-owner and Director of Winemaking, and Sierra Zeiter, assistant winemaker, thanks to Colangelo & Partners PR.  I was struck by the intensity and “aliveness” of the four different wines, which embodied their varietal essence to the max, perhaps even surpassing their native Italian incarnations.  It’s as if an extra dollop of California sun brought out their full potential, with the deft hand of a winemaking team to find the best techniques to finish these wines.
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Courtesy of Oak Farm Vineyards
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Courtesy of Oak Farm Vineyards
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Courtesy of Oak Farm Vineyards
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Dan Panella of Oak Farm Vineyards
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Chad Joseph and Dan Panella at Oak Farm Vineyards
Although Oak Farm Vineyards has been around since 1864, the Panella family bought the 70 acre property in 2004.  The Panellas had lots of experience farming in the Lodi region, working their agricultural magic since 1936.  Dan, the third generation, set his sights on replanting the property in 2012, concentrating on Italian and Bordeaux winegrape varietals, and building a sleek new winemaking facility and tasting room.  With guidance and advice from local consultant Chad Joseph, Panella sought to “push the envelope of what Lodi can do”.  Working in Mother Nature’s lab, Panella and his team are focused on evolving Lodi wines, tinkering with different yeast strains, blending different vineyards and AVAs, French and American oak aging, and what he considers his secret weapon, stainless steel Italian barrels.  
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Offering several Estate Grown bottlings, Oak Farm Vineyards produces five whites, two rosés, and over a dozen reds, including a few vineyard specific Zinfandel wines from renowned Lodi vineyards.  “Quality over quantity” is Oak Farm’s mantra, they actually thin the crop of clusters by 50%, to concentrate the fruit and make the best quality wines possible, a necessary trimming due to Lodi’s rich soil, which allows grapevines to thrive almost too much.  Fourteen varietals are nurtured at Oak Farm, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Fiano make up the whites, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Primitivo, Sangiovese, and Petite Sirah comprise the reds.  Two different Rosé wines are made, the estate bottle is a blend of Barbera and Sangiovese, and a single vineyard Grenache rosé from a different AVA.
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These are the four wines that I sampled:
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Oak Farm Vineyards Fiano 2019 (SRP $26) - a nod to Dan’s father’s Italian heritage, this white wine is a showstopper!  A recent addition to Oak Farm, this award-winning Fiano has caught fire.  Floral and herbal, with melon, apricot, and buttered pecans aromas, this is a vibrant, fresh white that turns complex on the palate.  With notes of citrus and minerals, it’s expansive mouthfeel turns round, giving body and weight to the wine, due to aging in neutral oak and on its lees for over 6 months.  Flavorful and distinctive, with a long finish, this Fiano is best served cold, so refreshing by the glass, but pairs very well with seafood and light salads.
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Oak Farm Vineyards Rosé 2019 (SRP $26) - estate grown 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Barbera, this aromatic and fruity wine has a Jolly Rancher quality on the nose, lots of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a touch of lemon.  But, it is surprisingly dry on the palate, with mouthwatering acidity and an underlying savory note that provides intrigue, probably due to the nature of Sangiovese.  Produced in a saignée method, which means bleeding off the red wines during processing and finishing the juice like a white wine, it offers an intensity of flavor and a lingering finish.  Fresh and lively, this Rosé is perfect for summer drinking and eating, but I think it would be a very good wine for all seasons.
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Oak Farm Vineyards Barbera 2018 (SRP $25) - this silky, lush and spicy wine is a party in your mouth!  So seductive in its cherry cola, pomegranate, ripe plum and spice profile, beautifully balanced with vibrant acidity and soft tannins.  The nutmeg, herbal and vanilla oak notes really accent the wine, and while mostly Barbera, there is a splash of Petite Sirah to add weight, structure, and color.  The nose is so fragrant, it’s hard to pull yours out of the glass to take a sip.  This Barbera has a special cork, called the Diam 5, that lets the right amount of oxygen trickle into the bottle, evolving the wine for up to five years.  But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to drink it, so immensely pleasurable now, by the glass or with any Italian red sauce dish.  Panella said this wine is one of their top sellers in the tasting room, and I can see why.
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Oak Farm Vineyards Tievoli Red Blend 2018 (SRP $22) - a unique blend of Zinfandel, Primitivo, Barbera, and Petite Sirah makes for a bold, complex wine.  Award-winning, this wine is all about the dark fruit and vanilla spice, smooth and balanced with a long finish.  Panella notes that the name “Tievoli” is “I love it” spelled backwards, and that each varietal contributes something special to the blend.  Zinfandel brings the jammy essence of plums, blackberries and raspberries, Barbera gives the wine brightness, Petite Sirah donates structure, weight, and color, and Primitivo contributes earthy and spicy notes.  Silky and easy to drink, it’s good by the glass, or with hearty fare, and even delicious chilled.  Another popular wine among fans of Oak Farm Vineyards!
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These wines are available online, through oakfarmvineyards.com/Store and at the tasting room.  Oak Farm Vineyards has plenty of outdoor space for wine tourism and tasting, and other hospitality areas for private events when the time comes that we can get together.  In the meantime, wine is our bond, and Oak Farm Vineyards is a bright spot for wine lovers.  And, if you’re not acquainted with Lodi wines, this link to my three part in-depth report on the Lodi region will win you over.  Lodi offers something for everyone, with over 100 varietals grown, Albariño to Zinfandel, these fascinating wines are also easy on the budget, many selling for under $25.  Named by Wine Enthusiast as the 2015 Wine Region of the Year, Lodi offers such diversity and quality, and a commitment to sustainable farming through their Lodi Rules program.  Excellent wines at amazing prices, Lodi is a wine lover’s dream come true.