Picking Lines Wine Tasting Notes

2023 Loco Vaquero Petite Sirah (14.2% ABV)

Smooth, easy-drinking Petite Sirah that puts fruit first: boysenberry and blueberry on the nose with a gentle lift of black tea.

The palate is pure boysenberry and ripe plum, medium-bodied with lighter, polished tannins and a clean, fruit-bright finish with a subtle tea echo.

Pair with smash burgers and sharp cheddar, grilled pork chops with cherry/blackberry glaze, BBQ chicken thighs or dry-rub ribs, mushroom burgers, or cocoa-rubbed cauliflower; cheeses like young Manchego, fontina, or mild blue.

2021 Carneros Syrah (14.4% ABV)

Award-winning Syrah (Double Gold Sonoma Harvest Festival; Gold SF Chronicle) showing bright orange citrus zest and cedar on the nose with juicy red plum and blackberry on the palate.

Medium-plus body with polished tannins and a long, smooth finish that carries dark fruit and cedar spice.

Pair with grilled lamb chops, smoked tri-tip or brisket, campfire ribeye, spiced sausage pizza, mushroom-and-olive flatbread, BBQ portobellos or blackened eggplant; cheeses like aged Gouda, Manchego, or smoked cheddar.

2022 Cabernet Franc (14.7% ABV)

Sierra Foothills Cab Franc grown on decomposing granite—bright violet and cocoa on the nose, with fresh raspberry and red currant on a lively, clean palate.

Medium body, energetic acidity, fine cocoa-dust tannins, and a dry, precise finish.

Pair with grilled tri-tip or ribeye, herb-roasted chicken with thyme and garlic, pork tenderloin with cocoa-rub or molé, mushroom risotto or charred eggplant; also great solo with charcuterie (prosciutto, aged cheddar, cocoa-dusted almonds).

2020 Carneros Syrah (ABV not listed)

Carneros-grown Syrah in the house style: lifted orange citrus peel, cedar, and a hint of pepper on the nose; blackberry and red plum on the palate with subtle campfire spice.

Medium-plus body, polished tannins, and a long, smooth, dark-fruited finish.

Pair with herb-crusted lamb, rosemary-garlic tri-tip, cast-iron ribeye, smoked brisket, sausage-and-mushroom pizza or fennel-sausage pasta; grilled portobellos or blackened eggplant; cheeses like aged Gouda, Manchego, smoked cheddar.

2020 River Runner Red (ABV not listed)

Syrah-led red blend crafted for balance and easy flow: ripe blackberry and plum with a lift of cocoa and a touch of cedar on the nose; a dark-berry core layered with soft spice and a hint of vanilla from integrated oak.

Medium body with supple, rounded tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.

Pair with tri-tip, ribeye, or backyard burgers, BBQ chicken thighs or dry-rubbed ribs, sausage lasagna or mushroom bolognese; veg options like grilled portobellos, rosemary potatoes, charred eggplant; cheeses such as aged cheddar, Gouda, Manchego.

2019 River Runner Red (Low Stock) (ABV not listed)

Syrah-led blend in the River Runner style: blackberry and dark cherry with cocoa and a hint of cedar on the nose; juicy black and red fruit, soft baking spice, and a touch of vanilla on the palate.

Medium body with rounded, supple tannins and a smooth, fruit-forward finish with a subtle savory echo.

Pair with grilled tri-tip or ribeye, BBQ chicken or dry-rubbed ribs, sausage pizza or baked ziti; veg pairings like grilled portobellos, mushroom risotto, charred eggplant; cheeses including aged cheddar, Gouda, Manchego.

2018 River Runner Red (Low Stock) (ABV not listed)

Syrah-dominant blend (with Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah) showing deep, lush dark fruit with integrated oak from puncheon work.

Nose of blackberry, plum, dark cherry, cocoa, and clove; palate delivers a plush dark-fruit core layered with warm spice and velvety, well-knit tannins; long, polished finish with cocoa-dust and gentle spice.

Pair with ribeye or tri-tip, slow-cooked short ribs or dry-rubbed pork ribs, sausage lasagna or mushroom bolognese; veg route: grilled portobellos, charred eggplant, rosemary potatoes; cheeses like aged cheddar, Manchego, Gouda.