Fodor's Expert Review Flambeaux Wine

A family with deep ties to New Orleans founded this winery named for the dancing torchbearers at Mardi Gras. Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon that go into separate bottlings and jointly into a crisp summery rosé flourish in the iron-rich estate Flambeaux Vineyard, up a winding road on the Dry Creek Valley AVA's western slope. Ryan Prichard, also of Sonoma's Three Sticks Wines, has been making these wines plus a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, a Cabernet Sauvignon from sourced grapes, and a few others since the first (2014) vintage. Most people sample these wines in Windsor at Grand Cru Custom Crush, where they're made, but for a more intimate introduction arrange a terrace tasting at the estate vineyard. The Crescent City hospitality and views across the valley to Geyser Peak uplift the experience all the more.