Surdyk's Price

I have had several visits to California’s Paso Robles area. Fabulous wineries and vineyards with great reputations for well-made wines. J. Lohr is one of the best producers. They have been making a little-known grape into a popular chillable red wine called Valdiguie. Introduced to California in the early 1930s by the University of California at Davis, it was originally thought to be the Gamay grape of French Beaujolais fame. Today, J. Lohr continues a long tradition of producing the very drinkable red as a Gamay-like variation under their name of Valdiguie. Served chilled, it displays inviting flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate fruit. Aromas show floral notes of rose petals and hibiscus. I like the solid mid-palate acidity that gives it vitality and freshness. Tannins are noticeable, yet light. It has a reasonable 12.5% abv and is totally unoaked. I like the easy on/off screw top. Wine maker Brendon Wood says, “…perfect end of day sipper…chill with a touch of soda water and a slice of orange.” I’ll give it a go his way as the weather warms up! This lighter red is a perfect wine for barbequed chicken or beefy favorites on the grill. J. Lohr ‘Wildflower’ Valdiguie may become your favorite summer patio wine.