Contributed by Erica Schreckenghaust – There was a great sense of excitement for our second Wine Sense Club meeting of the year, featuring Seghesio Family Vineyards and Chateau Montelena Winery. Fifty-two Millennial SSU students attended, and some had to be turned away because the room was at capacity for this taste of wine history.
Seghesio Family Winery
Seghesio, established in 1895, in the Alexander Valley, is considered to be one of the historic wineries of Sonoma County. Hospitality manager, Beau, offered a variety of wines including a 2011 Sangiovese, 2012 Barbera and three different Zinfandels. The students voted on their favorite wine, which turned out to be the Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel from Alexander Valley. Some of the vines from this vineyard are over 100 years old. A second favorite was the Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel, made from older zinfandel vines sourced from across Sonoma County.
Chateau Montelena
Established in 1882, Chateau Montelena is one of the oldest wineries in the Napa Valley. It is also famous for producing the chardonnay wine that won in the Judgment of Paris, where it beat out world renown white Burgundies in a blind taste test. Hospitality manager, Katie, showcased five spectacular wines from Chateau Montelena. These included a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 Riesling, 2012 Chardonnay, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and finally, a 2009 Petite Syrah. The top two favorites from this bunch were the Chateau Montelena Petite Syrah and Chardonnay.