Wines for Every Summer Occasion

Whether you're by the pool or at the campground, these wines are great for summer sipping.


sipping

When the weather’s hot, it’s tempting to go for a beer or cocktail to cool off, yet there are plenty of occasions when wine is just the right beverage: at the pool, picnic table, croquet pitch, campground, even in a canoe on the Russian River. These wines are great for summer sipping.


ZINFANDEL for Camp Cooking

IF YOU LIKE…

Ordaz Family Wines 2014 Montecillo Vineyard Sonoma Valley Zinfandel ($42)

Longtime vineyard guru Jesus “Chuy” Ordaz finally has his name on a wine of his own, and a fine one it is. Spicy cinnamon and black pepper play off a complex, layered, smoothly rounded palate, yet with plenty of power. Red fruit is most prominent, with just the right note of dried herbs.

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Rancho Zabaco 2014 Sonoma Heritage Vines Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($15)

This is a real steal in a hedonistic expression of rich, red berry and blackberry pie, topped with cinnamon sugar. Nicely structured and with a dusty leather note, it will please a hungry crowd.


CABERNET for the Fire Pit

IF YOU LIKE…

Trione Vineyards and Winery 2012 Geyserville Ranch Alexander Valley Henry’s Blend ($54)

Scot Covington blends Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec in this winning wine, a softly approachable take on the sturdy Cab variety.

Licorice, lavender, violets and black pepper pique interest, with a concentrated midpalate and elegant finish.

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The Divining Rod 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)

From water witch extraordinaire Marc Mondavi comes this affordable, lightstyled quaffer. It’s moderately tannic and with integrated oak, singing with cherry and vanilla character. It makes for a fine sipper, with or without food.


CHARDONNAY for Poolside

IF YOU LIKE…

Sanctuary 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($35)

This is a delicious offering from Fetzer Vineyards and its longtime winemaker, Dennis Martin. Grapes from the stellar Charles Heintz and Dutton Ranch vineyards were fermented and aged in French oak, producing a rich wine with lingering flavors of honey, vanilla and baked apple.

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Cannonball Wine Co. 2014 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($15)

Made in a likably light style, the name says it all: Enjoy this wine poolside or on a picnic blanket. Pretty floral aromas, melon fruit and honeyed oak make it just right for drinking during a warm day’s lounging.


SAUVIGNON BLANC for Croquet

IF YOU LIKE…

Judge Palmer 2013 Ellis Alden Vineyard Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($35)

This wine was fermented on the grape skins for a week — unusual for Sauvignon Blanc — and the technique shows in the wine’s dark gold color and distinctive flavors of baked pear, honey and dried apricot. Despite its fleshy texture, it finishes crisp and clean.

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Mazzocco Winery 2015 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($28)

This well-known Zinfandel producer shows what it can do with white wines in this grassy, textured Sauvignon with stone fruit and lime zest character. Relatively full-bodied, it has enough acidity to remain refreshing and bright, with tangerine and lemongrass on the finish.