What We're Drinking

If you’re looking for relatable, realistic, and delicious wine pairings, the Ruby Hill staff are the people to ask. This week, we asked our knowledgeable team of wine-lovers to tell us about their go-to wines from our collections, plus what they’re eating alongside it! Come along with us as we dream up a delicious menu for April. 

Sandi - Sparkling Wine
Pairing perfectly with a bubbly personality, Sandi loves a glass of our Sparkling wines. Easy to pair with all kinds of food, she says she’d enjoy it this week alongside ham and potatoes au gratin. 

Ami - Grapeful Rosé
This week, Ami suggests leaning into the springtime vibes with a fresh green salad with pomegranate and grilled chicken, which makes a great match for a lovely and unbeatably fresh glass of our Grapeful Rosé

Sue - Sangiovese 
Keeping with the spring theme, Sue recommends Sangiovese for its delicious brightness. This Italian red meets her table next to angel hair pasta with marinara, along with garlic bread and a side salad. As an extra perk, the Sangiovese is on sale as the wine of the month!

Jeanne M - Intesa 
Without a doubt, Jeanne picks an Intesa, a new vintage of which hit the tasting room this week! The combination of Cabernet and Barbera makes it a positively scrumptious pairing for Jeanne’s recommendation of a mushroom-sausage pizza. 

Paul - Reserve Mirage 
The Mirage is an limited-production blend featured in our Reserve Collection, with a lustrous and balanced flavor profile. Right now, Paul enjoys the Mirage alongside baked barbecue chicken, and we agree wholeheartedly. 

Jeanne S - Cuvée Dray 
Also debuting a new vintage this week, the Cuvée Dray is a dazzlingly delicious Bordeaux-style blend, which Jeanne is pairing with a tri tip, smoked and then grilled. Is anyone else drooling?

Sandy - Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 
It’s hard to go wrong with a good Cabernet. Sandy suggests going all-out and enjoying a luxurious prime rib, which partners like a dream with our Reserve Cabernet. Make sure to use freshly cracked pepper on that steak!

Lauri & Clay - Jewel Petit Verdot 
This elegant wine has become the go-to favorite of many team members. Lauri savors the Jewel Petit Verdot with a filet mignon, while Clay says he’ll go for a tomahawk steak with grilled onions and mushrooms, and a dijon horseradish. 

Craving a glass of your favorite wine? Visit our tasting room or order online to stock up on Ruby Hill wines. Don’t forget to check out our mixed cases for the best deals—these prices won’t last long!

Apr 5, 2024 at 6:55 AM Permalink

5 Documentaries About Wine

This weekend, we’re waiting out the surprise showers of springtime with some of our favorite indoor activities. Pop some popcorn or grab your other favorite snacks, pour a glass of wine, and immerse yourself in a documentary about delicious vino!

The documentaries are perfect for any wine lover who wants to increase their knowledge and be entertained at the same time. Enjoy a peek behind the curtain into a few areas of the wine world that deserve some attention. From the soil to your glass, so much art, science, history, and more goes into every wine you know and love. Below is a short list of some of our favorite wine documentaries—and a suggested wine pairing, of course. These are not only informational about wine and wine regions, but they are also incredibly entertaining, and we promise you will feel like more of a wine expert after you have watched them. 

Wine Documentaries to Add to Your Watchlist

MONDOVINO - This documentary follows well-known players in the wine world. You will hear about everything from winemaking to marketing and travel to five different continents as they uncover the complexities of the industry. Since the story of wine reaches all over the globe, this film includes a variety of languages, so be sure you are up for reading subtitles. Complete this watching experience with our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This series will take you on an emotional rollercoaster; you will want something steady, reliable, and delicious to come along for the ride.

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A YEAR IN BURGUNDY - The Burgundy region of France is known worldwide for making some of the most expensive wines in the world. In this film, you will follow importer Martine Saunier and seven families as they work through the 2011 vintage. After watching this, you’ll get an even greater sense of how winemaking is far more than what lands in your glass. You will also see precisely why Burgundian wines command their prices. It's not a Burgundy (in fact, it’s a Bordeaux varietal) but we still love the 2021 Jewel Petit Verdot for this viewing. 

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DECANTED -  "What does it take to make it in Napa Valley?" Nearly every wine lover knows Napa Valley for its reputation of making outstanding wines, and this film follows some of the most elite winemakers that represent the region, discussing what it takes to craft wines of distinction. Napa Valley may sit in the spotlight, but critically-acclaimed, high-quality wines are also made right here in the Livermore Valley. We are pairing this documentary with 2020 Cuvée Dray, our Bordeaux-inspired red blend that won Best of Class in the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition. 

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IT STARTS WITH WINE - The team at Wine Enthusiast created this multi-part series. In season 1, you will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and a neighbor to the east, Bonterra Vineyards. What makes this series interesting is how much they also incorporate each region's unique food and culinary culture as a part of what makes their section of the wine world so unique. Here at Ruby Hill Winery, we value sustainability in all our vineyard practices. Our Peacock Patch Zinfandel is one representation of the way we celebrate the natural beauty of our vineyard and our intentions to preserve it. Sip on this one while you watch!

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Do you have a favorite wine-centric documentary film or series that you haven't seen listed here? Send us an email at info@rubyhillwinery.net or tag us on Instagram @rubyhillwines and let us know what we should add to our list!

Mar 22, 2024 at 4:36 AM Permalink

2024 Case Sale Blitz

This Weekend Only - March 9th & 10th ​

Our 2024 Case Sale Blitz is almost here! In this blog, you’ll find the juicy details on wines that we will feature in this year’s sale. Additional wines may make a surprise appearance, available in very limited supply, so don't miss out! More information about the event can be found at the bottom of this post. 

2017 Petite Sirah - Reserve Collection, Ruby Hill Winery

This excellent Reserve Petite Sirah comes highly recommended, scoring 92 points by Wine Enthusiast. Jim Gordon, critic for Wine Enthusiast, summarized this bold beauty as such: “Big and opulent, this full-bodied wine is jam-packed with indulgent, ripe blackberry and blueberry flavors and braced with tons of fine-grained tannins for a mouthfilling and smooth texture.” You can expect tannin-endowed wines like these to only improve with age, so it’s the perfect time to open that 2017 and get lost in the luxury of each sip. 
Case Blitz Price: $150 | Member’s Price: $125

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon - Reserve Collection, Ruby Hill Winery

Also awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast, this wine continues our reputation for phenomenal Cabernet. Multi-layered flavors include the dark fruit notes you can expect, including blackberry, black plum, black cherry, and cassis. Astute wine lovers can also search the aroma and flavors for accents of star anise, earthy forest floor, meaty umami, cedar, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Unctuous and smooth, this wine is perfect with a wide range of foods, and can be enjoyed now or for many years to come. 
Case Blitz Price: $210 | Member’s Price: $185

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon - Riserva Collection, Rubino Estates Winery

This wine was awarded Double Gold in the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and offers richly plush notes of black cherry, blackberry, and dark chocolate. The quintessential wine for a delicious steak dinner. We selected this vintage of Riserva Cabernet from the library and fell in love with the maturity and full-bodied nature of the tannin, with integrated roundness and just the right amount of ripeness. 
Case Blitz Price: $210 | Member’s Price: $185

2018 Trebbiano - Rubino Estates Winery

This light and crisp varietal is a traditional Italian white wine. It is exceptionally prevalent in the old world, but a rare find here in California. A graceful yet subtle profile features notes of tart apple, white peach, orange blossom, and stone. On the palate, it is dry and delicate with pleasant food-friendly acidity, smooth sippable mouthfeel, and mild minerality. Pair with raw oysters with lemon or vinegar, fine white fish in lemon and butter sauce, summery pasta dishes, or uramaki sushi.
Case Blitz Price: $100 | Member’s Price: $75

2019 Ferrario - Famiglia Collection, Rubino Estates Winery

Velvety and elegant, each sip dances with jammy fruit and playful baking spice, all on a rich backdrop of floral accents. This wine is a club-exclusive blend, named in honor of Ernest Ferrario. Ferrario was an Italian immigrant and the proprietor of the Estate Vineyard from 1921-1975. By the mid-twentieth century, the Ferrario family was well-known for their quality wines, especially their Zinfandel. This blend honors the Ferrarios by combining Barbera—an Italian varietal, and Zinfandel—Ferrario’s specialty. The 2019 vintage components are 43% Zinfandel, 29% Barbera, 14% Merlot, and 14% Petit Verdot. 
Case Blitz Price: $225 | Member’s Price: $200

Our Case Sale Blitz is our annual warehouse clear-out event, offering delicious wines at unbeatable prices so we can make room for the wines of the future! This event is hosted at Rubino Estates Winery in the covered production area around the back of the tasting room. All are welcome to attend this event at no cost, whether they are a first-time visitor or a long-time member of Ruby Hill or Rubino. No reservations are needed, just drop by, say hello, and try these featured wines! 

The Case Sale Blitz will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 9th and 10th only. Sales are valid only while supplies last, and all wines are in limited quantity!

Event Terms and Conditions: Wines are available for purchase in full cases only. All sales are final and wines must be picked up at time of sale. No online, shipping, or phone orders will be accepted. Limit of one case per varietal, per party. Cannot be combined with loyalty points, discounts, or other promotions.

Mar 7, 2024 at 3:26 AM Permalink

Four Gourmet Dessert Wine Pairings

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of springtime, hoping for long, dreamy days and cheerful flowers. In the meantime, we’re making the most of the cooler months by enjoying comfort foods and creative pairings. This week, we set out to find perfect gourmet pairings for our Solera in Perpetuum. This port-style dessert wine bears rich layered complexity in each sip, with just the right amount of luscious sweetness. Because of the wine’s richness, food pairings for dessert wines can be tricky. The recipes we have selected represent the art of harmony and contrast of flavor and texture. Each offers a deliciously complex interplay of savory, sweet, bitter, and more. Let your taste buds sing! 

Blue Cheese & Cherry Crostatas

Recipe by Emma Laperruque with Food 52 

These beautiful crostatas offer an elevated and elegant appetizer. Rich juicy cherries make a luscious flavor bridge, complemented by a perfect savory funk from the blue cheese. 

Pear and Roquefort Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe by Uncomplicated Chef 

Mac and cheese is a dish for all ages. This recipe takes an ideal comfort food to the next level with balanced interplay of complex favor and deliciously creamy carbs. 

Salted Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Tart

Recipe by The Creative Bite 

This impressive and truly decadent dessert is easier than it appears. Savor the delectable interplay of sweetness, bitterness, and just a touch of salt, maximizing the harmony with the pairing. 

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Cookies

Recipe by Beyond the Butter 

The combination of nuts and fruit within these delightful cookies pick up on subtle notes of toasted almond and hazelnut in dessert wine in addition to the deep cocoa and dried fruit. Mouthwatering!

Our Solera dessert wine features dense aromas of fruit preserves, toasted almond, hazelnut, and jammy flavors of blackberry, dried plum, and cocoa. A rich, sweet mouthfeel gives way to a lingering finish. Our recommendations center on cheese and chocolate, the tried-and-true companions of wine. Blue cheese, in particular, is the savory soulmate of this dessert wine. Dark chocolate, with its impeccable bittersweetness, compliments our Solera in Perpetuum in ways nothing else can. When in doubt, choose pairings that build on these flavors and add accent notes of fruit or nuts, just like the recipes given above. 

With February nearly over, our Wine of the Month sale on Solera in Perpetuum is coming to an end! Make sure to get yours now so you don’t miss out on this discount.

Feb 23, 2024 at 6:14 AM Permalink

True Love: Wine & Cheese

In honor of Valentine’s day, we’re celebrating the soulmates of the fine food world: wine and cheese. There’s no denying that they are an exemplary couple! True love makes each individual better, and that’s exactly what you taste when a wine meets the perfect cheese. This week, we gathered some of our tasting room ambassadors to play matchmaker, sharing their favorite duos of Ruby Hill wine with exceptional cheese.

The superstar of pairings is our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine can go steady with a manchego, asiago, aged cheddar, or a black pepper BellaVitano for a flavor combination that will have you reaching for more!

Lauri recommends pairing a bold asiago with our Reserve Petite Sirah for a deep, rich combination. Rick is partial to a high-quality manchego, which he recommends alongside Petite Sirah or one of our heavier blends, such as Riverbed Red. Manchego will absorb tannin, so don’t be afraid to go bold!

Karen enjoys the combination of Peacock Patch Zin and a black pepper cheese like BellaVitano. Paul is partial to a nice smoky cheddar with our Peacock. Both of these mouthwatering combinations are a match made in heaven. 

For our white wine lovers, Sue recommends complementing your Chardonnay with a mild stilton with apricots, or a baked brie with fig jam. Anything luscious and creamy, like a swiss cheese, will have your tastebuds singing! For Sauvignon Blanc, Ami suggests pairing up with a lemon zest infused chevre. 

For those who like to balance their sweet tooth with something savory and satisfying, Ami and Karen recommend pairing our Solera Dessert wine, the wine of the month, with a blue cheese. For this combination, Lauri suggests a Maytag Blue, but a Stilton will do as well!

All of the cheeses in the Ruby Hill deli are right at home with a wine pairing. The Garlic BellaVitano, for example, has a pizza-esque quality, making it the ideal mate for our Grapeful Red. Our Champagne-infused Yancey’s Fancy cheese is fittingly enjoyable with our Sparkling wine. The Balsamic BellaVitano, often featured on our bus tour menu, makes an agreeable companion for any red wine of your choosing!

We hope you’ll indulge in these pairings. You’ll know you’ve found a lovely wine and cheese match when they are better together when they are apart. Your senses will buzz!

If Valentine’s day isn’t your thing, this guide is also perfect for putting together a cheese board for the big game this Sunday—or any occasion, for that matter. Cheers!

We invite you to share your favorite pairings with us: @rubyhillwines

Feb 9, 2024 at 5:49 AM Permalink

A Quick Guide to Describing Wine

        At Ruby Hill, we strive to make wine approachable. Wine lovers of all kinds are welcome here! If you have ever felt overwhelmed by wordy tasting notes or just want to know more about how to describe wine, you’re in the right place. 

        If you don’t sense the subtle nuance of wild strawberry jam, graphite, or petrichor that your neighbor does, you’re no less of a wine lover. Still, if you want to hone your wine description skills, there are a few places to start that will empower you to taste what makes a wine refined and elegant! Wine tasting is all about engaging the senses for optimum enjoyment, so ask yourself a few questions:

What do you see?

Always “taste” with your eyes first! For red wines, note the depth of the hue. Is it a deep purple-black, or a bright brick red? These can give you hints about the wine’s character. Swirling the wine in your glass can also give you a hint about how rich it will feel on the palate, like the difference between whole milk and skim. White wines can range in color from very light to rich amber tones. Rosé wines will differ in color depending on the varietal from which they are made and the style in which they are made. Our Grapeful Rosé, for example, has a coppery pink hue, a picturesque indicator that it is made from our vibrant Sangiovese grapes. 

What do you smell?

Don’t be overwhelmed by trying to describe hyper-specific aromas. The aroma could remind you of flowers, fruit, soil, or herbs, easily described as floral, fruity, earthy, and herbaceous aromas, respectively. A wine’s smells are usually divided into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary. For those who are curious, the grape itself influences the primary aromas, the winemaking process dictates secondary aromas, and the aging process provides tertiary aromas. The more you approach wine tasting with curiosity and intentionality, the more common features you will notice. 

What do you taste? 

Just like the aroma, focus on general descriptors that help you unpack what you are tasting. Try to categorize the character of the fruit: Is it red fruit, like a strawberry, cherry or cranberry? Blueberry and plum notes can be described as blue fruit; blackberries, black cherry, and black currant are called dark, purple, and black fruit. Each of these connotes an amount of ripeness as well. Fresh notes like stone fruit, tropical fruit, and citrus fruits are commonly used to describe light wines. 
Common savory notes include leather or cigar box which help capture some of the smoky or dense notes from oak aging. Oak aging can also result in pastry-like flavors, such as pie crust, baking spice, and vanilla. 

What do you feel?

Wine has much more to offer than delightful flavors. When you take a sip, think about how it feels in your mouth. Common descriptors include velvety, suede-like, or even sandpaper. A wine that makes you pucker may be acidic, but a wine that makes your tongue feel dry, like a well-steeped black tea, is tannic. A buttery wine is one that has a full-bodied ripeness, common for oaked Chardonnay. All of these qualities have their place in delicious wines. 

What can you learn from the bottle?

A wine bottle can offer more information to enhance your enjoyment. The bottle will provide the vintage, indicating when the grapes were harvested, and the appellation, indicating where the grapes were grown. Each vintage and region have their own personalities! Of course, the bottle will also indicate if the wine is a single varietal, like Cabernet Sauvignon, or a blend. Every Cabernet will have some character in common with other Cabernets, though the winemaker, region, and vintage all exert influence as well. On the other hand, blends offer a wholly unique experience and often showcase a dynamic balance between diverse varietals.

        It is important to remember that wine descriptions have a level of subjectivity and express the personality of the taster. We all perceive our reference points and the wine’s qualities differently, so the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Remember, it’s always acceptable to drink wines simply because you enjoy them. Life is too short to take too seriously!

If you're looking to "practice" your wine tasting skills, our Mixed Case sales are a great place to start! They offer a delicious assortment of wines at a fantastic price. Click here to shop now!

Jan 26, 2024 at 3:51 AM Permalink

A Mood-Boosting Guide to Mindfulness

This is our recipe for a fun 2024. If you’re already tired of chilly weather or worried about the twists and turns that the year might bring, you’re not alone. As each day goes by, however, we’re working to institute “random acts of wellness”—little doses of mindfulness that can brighten each day. For both the things we can work on and the things that are outside of our control, these simple and realistic actions may help you to feel ready to face each day, week, month, and year. 

Get Outside and Move. 

Even if the sun isn’t shining or the chill is getting to you, it’s worth it, believe us! The physical and psychological benefits of fresh air and movement is overwhelming. You don’t need to have a full workout on your front lawn (although that might be refreshing), just put on a coat, step outside, and breathe. Stretch a little, take a few steps, or go around the block and enjoy that energizing power.

Clean Something.

You don’t have to scrub and polish, just set a timer for 2-5 minutes and straighten something up! Do a little bit of tidying while listening to a favorite song, podcast, or audiobook. Research shows that cleaning is powerfully connected to improved mood and focus, so if you’re looking for a little act of wellness with good reward, this one is worth trying. Bonus points if you grab a friend, family, member, or coworker to join you and do the same.

Express Thankfulness. 

Next time you say “thank you” to someone, try to pause and dwell on your gratitude. Trust us, it’s closely connected with well-being. If you appreciate a sense of meaning or feel like you need a little boost, we recommend taking a moment to write down a couple things for which you’re thankful, or find a reason to write a thank-you note to someone. You don’t even need to send the note, although you may find another boost of joy in doing so!

Change your Scenery.

This is especially important for anyone feeling weighed down by a monotonous routine. Take your work or task to another room, or leave your work behind and spend 5 minutes with a cozy blanket. Try to find a room with natural light. Try putting on some music you enjoy. Sing along, even if it’s not great!

Try Something New.

Trying new things is a great way to make memories, stimulate creativity, and open the door to know yourself better! The gesture does not have to be grand. Try wearing something outside of your usual wardrobe, or find a recipe for something you’ve never cooked. If you usually drink white wine, try reds. If you usually walk for exercise, try biking.  Even if it doesn’t feel as comfortable as what’s familiar to you, it’s always worth trying!

Here at Ruby Hill Winery, walking through the vineyards, riding the bus, trying new varietals, and meeting with friends are some of our favorite mood-boosters. What are some random acts of wellness you want to bring into your 2024?

Jan 12, 2024 at 4:00 AM Permalink

Your Wine Gifting Guide

For all our last-minute shoppers, we are here for you! With Christmas and gift-giving festivities right around the corner, many of us are working hard to pick the right gifts for all the important people in our lives. For anyone who is struggling to find the right thing for everyone you love, we’ve got a wine gifting guide you can use anytime. Consider this an easy and lighthearted guide to finding the right blend for the right friend!

For a wine lover that loves a touch of drama - Sparkling Wine

Particularly around the holidays, it’s hard to go wrong with a bottle of bubbly. Whether you love it for the “POP,” the bubbles, or the pairing possibilities, this wine is both easy and fun to drink. Tastefully glamorous, this wine is an all-around crowd pleaser.

For your friend who likes to keep things fun and bright - Grapeful Rosé

If they saw the Barbie movie more than twice this year, this wine is the answer. We maintain that Rosé isn’t just for summertime sipping, especially a vivacious one like our Grapeful Rosé. This wine is the answer for the friend who loves pink—or something that pairs with pasta.

For your friend who can’t wait for summer - Sauvignon Blanc 

Sauvignon Blanc combines elegance with cheer. Notes of passionfruit and pineapple make this white wine ideal for anyone who craves sunshine all year long! Our golden Sauvvy B is a tropical vacation in a glass, bringing summer vibes to the table no matter what month it is. 

For your dog-walker, pet sitter, or favorite pet parent - Cuvée Dray

It’s a wine so good you might even call it drool-worthy. In a season of giving, Cuvée Dray is a perfect option. With $10 donated for every bottle sold, plus the amazing quality of this blend and the adorable label, it’s a no-brainer. 

For your easy going relative who appreciates a classic - Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Everyone on your list deserves a wine they can appreciate, and it’s hard to go wrong with a classic like this one. Deep, rich, and warming, this quintessential red wine is beloved by many and pairs deliciously with many winter foods. 

For a loved one who deserves a little extra this year - Jewel Petit Verdot

Our Jewel Collection showcases the best of the best from our estate vineyard, and this Petit Verdot is velvety luxury in a glass. Refined and sumptuous, it’s a wine they won’t soon forget. It’s also ideal for those who like to enjoy their wine now and those who prefer to lay it down!

For that parent or grandparent with a bit of a sweet tooth - Solera

There’s always someone who appreciates dessert more than the rest! Gift them this Port-style dessert wine so they can enjoy something rich, lovely, and sweet. Add another touch of decadence by including a fancy dark chocolate!

For someone who has everything - Peacock Patch Zinfandel

When in doubt, pick a beautiful bottle! Our Peacock Patch Zin is absolutely gorgeous inside and out, with delightfully vibrant flavor. This wine celebrates nature and comes in a colorful spectrum of colors. You can’t go wrong! 

To all our members, guests, and visitors, happy shopping!

Dec 21, 2023 at 3:26 AM Permalink

Wine Pairings for Pie Lovers

With less than a week to go before Thanksgiving, we are putting the final touches on our menus and getting excited for all of the mouthwatering foods and treasured traditions that this season brings. Here at Ruby Hill winery, we like to keep wine simple, fun, and approachable to all. This year, our wine pairing recommendations for turkey day are geared specifically toward pies and the people who love them. In our opinion, pie is the crown jewel of holiday dinners, so there’s no better foundation on which to build! 

Apple Pie - Cabernet Sauvignon

If you are reaching for the apple pie, you know how to appreciate a true classic. We recommend picking your favorite Cabernet or Cabernet-forward blend for Thanksgiving dinner. Lighter Cabs on the jammier side will offer just the right amount of flavor and gravitas to enhance your meal.

Berry Pie - Jewel Petit Verdot

Whether you’re feasting on blackberry, blueberry, or a juicy mixed berry pie, you like to savor naturally luxurious flavors. Our Jewel Petit Verdot is for you! With pleasant and refined flavors, this underappreciated Bordeaux varietal will step into the spotlight. 

Pumpkin Pie - Peacock Patch Zinfandel 

All of our pumpkin pie lovers know how to treasure the enchanting warmth of baking spices. For you, we suggest Peacock Patch Zinfandel to wow your palate with its vibrant combination of jammy flavors and accents of spice. Plus, the pleasant acidity makes a perfect companion for foods of all kinds. 

Sweet Potato Pie - Jewel Chardonnay

If you’re comforted by the warmth and sweetness of a sweet potato pie, hopefully made from your grandmother’s recipe, enjoy it with a beautifully golden glass of Jewel Chardonnay. Notes of caramel, marshmallow, vanilla, and baking spices come together perfectly. 

Pecan Pie - Reserve Mirage

Toasty, nutty, and caramelly, pecan pie is a rich vintage classic, perfect for pairing with a velvety red blend like our Mirage. The Reserve Mirage offers deep fruit notes and balanced acid, with subtle spice and cocoa notes to entice the senses. 

Chocolate Pie - Petite Sirah

All our chocolate pie lovers are looking for something bold and rich, with all the coziness of their favorite flavors. You can find all this in our Reserve Petite Sirah, which is plush with dark fruit notes accented by vanilla and dark chocolate. 

Lemon Meringue Pie - Sauvignon Blanc

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean we are ready to leave behind bright flavors of tropical fruit and citrus! Vivid and expressive, our Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect companion to all of the fresh flavors on the Thanksgiving dinner table. 

If you have a sweet tooth but pie isn't your treat of choice, consider a dessert wine such our Solera in Perpetuum, to satisfy that craving for something rich and delicious. 

From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving from Ruby Hill Winery. We are thankful for each and every one of our guests and members. May your holiday season be filled with wonderful moments with family, delicious food, and of course, great wine. Cheers!

Nov 17, 2023 at 6:12 AM Permalink

Unpacking Petite Sirah

       This November, we are taking time to celebrate our Wine of the Month: Reserve Petite Sirah. Not only has this delectable wine earned a 93-point score from Wine Enthusiast, it has gained popularity and attention from our beloved members and guests. This deep, rich red is especially perfect this time of year as the weather encourages us to stay inside and get cozy. This vintage overflows with flavors that complement the chill in the air, dense with warm, cozy flavors and a balanced body. If you haven't had a chance to taste our 2018 Reserve Petite Sirah, you can expect to be delighted when you do! In this blog, we are unpacking the tasting notes of this vintage, and exploring what makes Petite Sirah special. 

        It’s important to note that Petite Sirah is anything but “petite” on the palate. This name was earned in the late 1800s due to the size of the grapes themselves in comparison to Syrah grapes. It’s the small size and the relatively thick skin that gives Petite Sirah weather hardiness as well as the deeply rich tannins and flavor. Our 2018 Reserve Petite Sirah showcases this in notes of black pepper on the nose and mulling spices, dark chocolate, and black tea on the palate. These deep flavors are lightened by the fruit elements, reminiscent of French plum and blackberry, and are balanced by the oaky notes of toast, mulling spices, and vanilla. This vintage was aged in 60% new oak, a combination of French, American, and Hungarian, for 21 months before bottling.  

        The complexity and power within each bottle of our Petite Sirah are a product of varietal, terroir, and winemaking finesse. Even though Petite Sirah hails from France, the Californian climate is a happy place for the vines. Furthermore, the wine itself has found more of a foothold in New World markets rather than finding popularity in the Old World. Today, it is the 6th-most planted red varietal in California, a number which, in our opinion, should go up.

        Petite Sirah is known for its density, boldness, and body, and rightly so. Our 2018 Reserve Petite Sirah entices the senses with cozy layers of rich texture and deep flavor, from tea leaves to dark fruit and chocolate topped with vanilla and spice. Don’t miss this underappreciated varietal. You might just find a new favorite!

Shop now!

Nov 3, 2023 at 3:00 AM Permalink