Out of the Sidekick's Shadow
TASTING NOTES:
Russian River Valley - “This wine showcases the beautiful expression of Pinot Noir when grown in the cool climate and loamy soils of the Russian River Valley. For our 2023 vintage, we blended five vineyards and several clones by selecting barrels from each distinct, separately fermented lot to create this elegant appellation wine. Wohler Vineyard provides classic red fruit and earthy notes from its site adjacent to the river. Riddle Vineyard, located in Green Valley, contributes nuance and complexity. Bucher Vineyard, located near Rochioli, adds structure and fresh fruit flavors. Small portions from the renowned Reuling and UV Laguna Vineyards balance the blend, lending intense aromas and silky tannins.” (AbV 14.2%, pH 3.59, TA 5.7 g/L)
Petaluma Gap - “Our blend from the Petaluma Gap AVA has become a crowd pleaser and favorite of the sommeliers we taste with. In 2023, we again blended blocks from Gap’s Crown, Sangiacomo, Nightwing, and Ueberroth Vineyards, with a small percentage from Rodgers Creek rounding out the vintage. This wine has the depth and intensity typical of these vineyards, while offering a touch of restraint and elegance that pairs well with many foods. The aromas spring from the glass with red fruits and herbal notes, while the texture is refined and finishes with length.” (AbV 14.5%, pH 3.68, TA 5.5 g/L)
Sonoma Coast - “This wine represents the phenomenal Sonoma Coast growing region and the moderate weather patterns of the 2023 vintage. It has layers of complexity and strength while offering elegance and nuance as Pinot Noir does at its best. This wine was made with lots from eight unique vineyards spread across the vast Sonoma Coast, from Annapolis in the north, to Occidental in the west, and down to the tip of the Petaluma Gap. Walala, Riddle, Sangiacomo, and Gap’s Crown vineyards are some of the key components. At only $48, this wine delivers outstanding value.” (AbV 14.4%, pH 3.63, TA 6.0 g/L)
VARIETALS: Pinot Noir
BARRELS: 50% new French oak
PAIRS WITH: N/A
THAT REMINDS ME OF: Nightwing.
As in, Dick Grayson. The original Robin, who eventually grew up, moved out of the Batcave, and became his own hero. Which is kind of a fascinating arc when you think about it — Bruce Wayne picks up this traumatized circus kid, trains him for years as his ward and sidekick, and then the kid has the audacity to develop an independent identity. The nerve. Dick relocates to Blüdhaven, a city so grim even Gotham looks down on it, and sets up shop as Nightwing. His own man. His own city. His own costume (eventually — some of the early ones were rough).
What’s interesting is that Nightwing occupies this weird middle space in the DC universe. He’s not Batman — he doesn’t have the brooding or the billions. He’s not a rookie sidekick anymore either. He’s something in between: seasoned enough to be taken seriously, light enough to still crack a joke mid-fight. Other heroes genuinely like him, which in superhero terms is basically a superpower in itself. Batman inspires respect and mild terror. Nightwing inspires the kind of loyalty you actually want to be around.
The vineyard, for the record, is in the Petaluma Gap — rocky, wind-battered, carved out on its own terms. Seems fitting.
