For flight night, Wednesday, January 26, SOHO will feature the wines of another exceptional vinter, Cecil De Loach of Hook and Ladder.

 Grapes in Sonoma County

First, SOHO will pour a 2009 Hook and Ladder Estate Chardonnay from Russian River, Sonoma County, California. The wine is produced from vineyards in the Russian River Valley that are often covered in coastal fog, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly and gives flavors time to develop. The 2009 Hook and Ladder Estate Chardonnay leads off with a refreshing bouquet of pineapple and honey. On the palate the wine has citrus and tropical flavors. A slight minerality compliments the crisp green apple finish.

Next, SOHO will pour a 2007 Hook and Ladder Tillerman Blend Estate from Sonoma County, California. This red blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese. The wine has aromas of ripe currants and cherries with a hint  of cedar and rose petals. On the palate there are flavors of rasberry, cherry-tobacco and oak.

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2008 Hook and Ladder Estate Pinot Noir from Russian River, Sonoma County, California. The 2008 Estate Pinot Noir won received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast described the Pinot Noir as, "Dry and silky, it shows good varietal flavors of cherries, cola, chocolate, sweet pomegranates and smoky oak, with a long, rich finish."

SOHO's Chef Joe has created three tapas plates to complement each Hook and Ladder wine. The following will be featured on SOHO's menu until Wednesday, February 2.

2009 Hook and Ladder Estate Chardonnay, Russian River, Sonoma County, California
100% Chardonnay
Paired with: Seared sea scallops with orzo and lemon caper butter

2007 Hook and Ladder Tillerman Blend Estate, Sonoma County, California
52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese
Paired with: Lamb sliders with feta and tzatziki sauce

2008 Hook and Ladder Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River, Sonoma County, California
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Duck confit and mushroom quesadilla and sun-dried cherry jus

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $13.50. Or, pair the flight with a tapas plate for $18. Try a full glass of wine and tapas plate for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

SOHO will continue to celebrate exceptional winemakers on flight night, Wednesday, January 19. This week, SOHO will spotlight Scott Harvey Wines from Scott Harvey, formerly of Folie a Deux.

 The vines of the Scott Harvey winery
 
First, SOHO will pour a 2007 Scott Harvey "One Last Kiss" from California. The "One Last Kiss" is a red blend – 50% Zinfandel, 35% Syrah, and 15% mixed Port varieties. The wine is full-bodied and balanced with flavors of spicy cloves and blackberry fruit on the palate.

Next, SOHO will pour a 2007 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Barbera from Amador County, California. The wine is 94% Barbera blended with 5% Syrah and 1% mixed Port varieties. The Mountain Selection Barbera has notes of blackberry and rasberry, as well as flavors of cola and red liquorice. The wine features a full lingering finish.

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2007 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Zinfandel from Amador County, California. The Mountain Selection Zinfandel is 85% Zinfandel blended with 14% Syrah and 1% mixed Port varieties. The wine features flavors of spice and cloves, rasberry tart, and cherry cola. The Mountain Selection Zinfandel also features firm tannins and a lingering finish.

SOHO's Chef Joe has prepared three tapas plates to complement each Scott Harvey wine. The following will be featured on SOHO's menu until Wednesday, January 26.

2007 Scott Harvey "One Last Kiss", California
50% Zinfandel, 35% Syrah, 15% mixed Port varieties
Paired with: Mushroom ravioli with pancetta and asiago cheese

2007 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Barbera, Amador County, California
94% Barbera, 5% Syrah, 1% mixed Port varieties
Paired with: Sauteed pork scaloppini, butternut squash and pearl onion sauce

2007 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Zinfandel, Amador County, California
85% Zinfandel, 14% Syrah, 1% mixed Port varieties
Paired with: Slow braised lamb stew and fingerling potatoes

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $13.50. Or, pair the flight with a tapas plate for $18. Try a full glass of wine and tapas plate for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

SOHO continues to celebrate great vintners on flight night, Wednesday, January 12. This week, SOHO will spotlight wines produced by Steele Winery and Jed Steele, formerly of Kendall Jackson.

 Steele Winery in Lake County, California
 
First, SOHO will pour a 2008 Steele Cuvee Chardonnay from California. The flagship wine of Steele Winery, the Cuvee Chardonnay is produced by blending grapes from seven prestigious California vineyards. The Chardonnay has excellent depth of flavor, good acidity and complex aromas.

Next, SOHO will pour a 2007 Steele Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, California. The Steele Pinot Noir is produced from three vineyards. The wine is dark, rich and complex. On the palate there are flavors of dried cherry, herb, cola, sassafras and mineral.

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2007 Steele Cabernet Franc from Lake County, California. The 2007 Cabernet Franc features plenty of fruit, medium tannins and a long, lingering finish.

SOHO's Chef Joe has created three tapas plates to pair with each Steele wine. The following will be featured on SOHO's menu until Wednesday, January 19.

2008 Steele Cuvee Chardonnay, California
100% Chardonnay
Paired with: Extra virgin olive oil poached shrimp, chive polenta and roasted peppers

2007 Steele Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, California
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Hot smoked salmon, grilled scallions, and a fig balsamic glaze

2007 Steele Cabernet Franc, Lake County, California
100% Cabernet Franc
Paired with: Grilled skirt steak, matchstick potatoes and tamarind tomato jam

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $13.50. Or, pair the flight with a tapas plate for $18. Try a full glass of wine and tapas plate for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!