Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Hook & Ladder The Tillerman (Russian River Valley) 2005*

This is a light to medium bodied dry white wine. The varietal mix is undisclosed, but my guess is that it includes some (unoaked) Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer (both of which the De Loachs are known to grow) plus some Viognier or perhaps a touch of Riesling. The color is a little light for Viognier but the dominant stone fruit (white peach and apricot) aromas and flavors definitely suggest some Viognier, as does the strong bouquet. At about $15/bottle, this is a great wine to serve with light seafood or pasta in a light cream sauce. There's enough acidity, especially on the finish, however, to suggest it could also match up to Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. As for me, I served it with a bento box dinner of shrimp tempura, ahi and yellow tail sashimi, and California rolls. Lovely. Grade: B++ (bonus for good value)