Uncorked: LinCourt Vineyards

LinCourt Vineyards was established in 1996 when Bill and Carol Foley purchased a dairy farm and converted a barn on the property to start their winery. Located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, LinCourt Vineyards has ideal grape-growing conditions for its award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

The Foleys named their winery in honor of their two daughters, Lindsay and Courtney. Leslie Renaud, LinCourt’s winemaker for the last three years, looks to produce wines of exceptional finesse. The vineyard’s staff members practice sustainable methods in all of their farming, winemaking and business practices. The end result of these practices is quality wines that are delicious.

Tasting notes for the 2009 LinCourt Pinot Noir, Lindsay’s Vineyard “is a beautiful example of classic Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir – delicate, subtle and endlessly layered.” With notes of black cherry, this wine is ripe, harmonious, friendly and will resonate with all lovers of Pinot Noir. You can feel confident sipping this wine with dishes like Ahi tuna, grilled or broiled salmon, lamb chops or hearty cheeses. This wine retails for $23 per bottle.

I chose the 2011 LinCourt Chardonnay, Steel because unoaked Chardonnay has been a trend for a while, and this wine is an excellent example. When LinCourt made this unoaked Chardonnay, the company had no idea it would end up being its most popular wine due to its aromas of tropical fruits like kiwi, mandarin and honeycomb. On the palate, the wine is crisp with notes of lemons and green apples. This unoaked Chardonnay is excellent as an aperitif and pairs very well with grilled chicken, fresh fish, scallops or salmon. It retails at $20.99.

LinCourt wines can be found or ordered at many fine retailers around the Greater Akron area, including Papa Joe’s, 750ML, Regency Wine Shop, West Point Market, Mustard Seed Market, Acme Fresh Foods, Buehler’s, Riverside Wine & Imports and Giant Eagle stores.

Wine Wisdom

Red wine and fish don’t go together.

Not true! Pinot Noir and grilled salmon are an excellent match -- smoky, rich and delicious. Try this combination, and you’ll see it’s a match made in heaven.

/ Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.