Sonoma Vineyards

Sonoma Vineyards produce refreshing, approachable wines new to the Akron area. The vineyards are located in California, about 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean, where an ideal climate with well-drained soils and a long growing season allows the fruit to ripen slowly.

The 2006 Russian River Chardonnay is unoaked, forward and fresh, with ripe fruit flavors such as tropical pineapple and wild mountain pears, combining with plenty of citrus and possibly apricot to complement seafood dishes such as Mahi Mahi and salmon as well as leg of lamb, roasted chicken or roasted pork chops.

The Alexander and Russian River Valley 2004 Merlot is a very flavorful wine with hints of juicy plums and wild berries. This Merlot is aged in American and French oaken barrels, producing a soft, rich wine that is easy to drink. It complements steaks, chops, cheeseburgers and full-flavored cheeses such as Swiss or sharp cheddar.

Sonoma Vineyards wines can be purchased for around $12 at Papa Joe’s, Mustard Seed Market, Unexpected Wines and Gifts, Riverside Market, Acme, Buehler’s and other fine wine retailers.-—Rick Rodger, Heidelberg Distributing Co.