Letters from Lodi

An insightful and objective look at viticulture and winemaking from the Lodi
Appellation and the growers and vintners behind these crafts. Told from the
perspective of multi-award winning wine journalist, Randy Caparoso.

February 13, 2012 | Randy Caparoso

Lodi’s memorable 2012 Wine & Chocolate Weekend

Good times during Wine & Chocolate Weekend at Klinker Brick Winery...

Nearly 5,000 lovers of love, life, chocolate and all the variations of lush, juicy Lodi wine cannot be wrong about Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend this past weekend, February 11-12, 2012.

Just four of the many vinous and chocolate infused highlights that were enjoyed:

2009 Bokisch Lodi Tempranillo ($21) with churros and chocolate a la taza (“by the cup”) – A smack of new leather, a squeeze of fresh bing cherry, and a brush of silk on the cheek — what else for a wine that tastes like this with churros dipped in black chocolate?

2007 Van Ruiten Family Lodi Late Harvest Viognier ($27/500 ML) with white chocolate tipped dried apricots – An OMG match for this golden rich sweet wine, dripping with honeysuckle, apricot and tropical floral fruitiness.

Harney Lane Lizzy James Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel “Port Style Wine” ($35/500 ml.) with chocolate chili & Lockeford linguisa – A sweet, satiny, chocolaty, raspberry dessert red with spicy sausages and chocolaty chili? We kid you not — an exhilarating combination!

2008 Jeremy Lodi Petit Verdot ($24) with tamales in chocolate mole sauce – This finely textured dry varietal red, replete with blue and red berry notes, made a completely seamless match with this earth toned snack.

And some photographic memories: