And now for something completely… delicious!

Today’s classy, wax-dipped, budget-minded Chateau Diana 2016 “Protest” Sonoma County Red Blend is something totally different. This wine was aged in Rye Whiskey barrels, giving the wine rich, sultry aromas and flavors of jammy berry with tobacco, caramel and spice.

We really love this wine - and guarantee that you will, too…

A crimson core shines brightly all the way to a maroon edge. Clearly a wine with some density. The nose is enticing with alluring aromas of vanilla, caramel, toffee, blackberries, amaretto, and molasses. The fruit component kicks in on the palate with bigger notes of dates, black currant, black cherry with holiday spice flavors of cinnamon and gingerbread. This red blend hits all the right notes, striking a balance between fruit, acidity, tannin, and alcohol - all of which are in abundance. It is the perfect companion for a spicy Italian dish such as an arrabbiata sauce with plenty of red pepper.

This wine was made by Dawne Sacchetti who, after working in the lab at Buena Vista Winery, onto roles in viticultural, enology, and winemaking at Cline Cellars, landed the lead winemaking position at family-owned Chateau Diana in Dry Creek Valley. When asked how she approaches life and winemaking she replied, “It’s really all about balance, isn’t it?”

The Sonoma Valley AVA is one of the oldest wine growing regions in California with the first vines being planted in the early 1800s. The AVA is located along California Route 12 and its eastern boundary are the southern end of the Mayacama mountains. The unique micro-climate with less rainfall and fog than other parts of the region along with its unique soil provides ideal growing conditions.