Napa Gamay

I tried my very first Valdiguié the other night. Pretty funky stuff!

2009 J. Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié (Monterey County, U.S.)
Vibrant purple-pink in colour, almost magenta hints. Aromas of raspberry jam, strawberries, sultana raisins, cranberry cocktail, and a spritz of some kind of perfumy, candly-like bouquet. It is quite light-bodied, with rather high acidity, low alcohol, and low tannin. Once it was chilled down quite a bit, it was certainly pleasant, in a guilty-pleasure sort of way.

I can see why they thought this variety was Gamay, as it was very reminiscent of Beaujolais, especially Nouveau - though I liked it more than Nouveau, since it doesn't have any of those bloody banana aromas.

Funny story: this wine is listed as "J Lohr Wildflower Gamay" on the AGLC website. Guess it's still fooling some people

I recently reviewed a bottle for a local paper. This wine is unlike most that come out of CA. We also tasted the '08 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier, and it too was unlike most CA's. Both are 12.5% ABV, with pleasant acidity and went well with the food we served with them. Strangely enough, when we first did a blind tasting of Beaujolais (Oct. 2001) this wine came it first. Probably the '00 vintage. But again, it seems like a decent backyard wine.
When I go to football tailgates or picnics, my first two choices are Beaujolais or rose'. They both get chilled and are delightful with food. The Wildflower is, IMO, a credible effort by J. Lohr. BTW, everyone is already talking about the '09 Beaujolais. Should be tasty!

Mel, will have to try. See Liquor Depot carry it at Jasper/109 st.