Sonoma County’s De La Montanya Winery in the Spotlight

This charming family-owned boutique winery located in Healdsburg has a history of multiple generations of dedicated farmers.  I first met President/Owner Dennis De La Montanya several years ago. My recent visit with Dennis, brother Steve, GM Jarod Kline, and the winery’s competent serving staff, including son Dylan De La Montanya, reaffirms my appreciation for what the team accomplishes there. They have 185 acres planted to wine grapes, and all their wines come from their own sustainably farmed vineyards. A visit to the winery offers a relaxing tasting of wines in their delightful tasting room, comfortable patio, and surrounding beautiful gardens. And here is a preview of their well-crafted wines:

A nice start to any evening is their Sparkling Brut Rosé, composed of classic sparkling grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. It's an upbeat, lively quaff.  And be on the lookout for their upcoming fresh, vivacious Sauvignon Blanc, and classic Gewurztraminer that brims with a floral aroma, lychee fruit, and bright citrus accents on the palate.

2021 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley: An engaging aroma awakens the senses with this juicy, pure Chardonnay.  Rich and full-bodied, while being precisely balanced with lively acidity.  Honeycrisp apples, a touch of butterscotch, lemon zest, hints of oak and savory spice unfold on the palate.  Creamy in texture, and the finish persists on and on. ($45)

2020 Christine’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast: The gorgeous fragrance will have you lingering over the glass.  Layers of Bing cherries, raspberries, black tea, anise seed, and exotic spice tantalize the palate, while oak nuances sit nicely in the background.  Elegance in the glass, with savory elements weaving from the bright first sip to the lingering last one. ($60)

2020 Sharli Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley: Red and black fruits on the nose are compelling with this finely tuned Pinot Noir, made from Pinot Noir clones 115, 667, and Calera. Fresh black raspberries, dark cherries, a touch of earth, pomegranate, Asian spices, cranberry chutney, and cherry cola notes wrap around silky tannins, and the finish is heavenly. ($55)

2021 Pinot Squared, Russian River Valley/Sonoma County: This stylish Pinot Noir, crafted from 50%Pinot Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir is highly aromatic. Fruit-driven up front, it delivers juicy red cherries, forest raspberries, cranberries, summer strawberries, Sunkist oranges, and a gentle touch of earthiness.  Fresh and delicate with good balancing acidity, and a pop of Rainier cherries on the bright finish. ($45)

2021 Felta Creek Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley: At first swirl, strolling through a field of fresh blackberries comes to mind.  Deeply flavored with succulent blackberries, red plums, warm baking spices, boysenberries, hints of pink peppercorns, and a suggestion of cocoa melding harmoniously. Well-structured through the lip-smacking spicy finale. ($55)

2019 Petit Verdot, Russian River Valley: A deep hue and expressive aroma of violets and Chinese Five Spice lead you into the glass.  There you’ll find a mighty display of black plums, spiced blueberry compote, a pinch of sage, savory blackberry sauce, and well-managed oak nuances.  Intense while remaining lively and juicy all the way through. ($55)

2019 “5” Bordeaux Style Blend, Sonoma County: This blend of Cab Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab Sauvignon, and Malbec is intensely expressive as notes of cassis and earthy elements rise from the glass and burst forth upon entry.  Blueberries, aged leather, black plums, and graphite add dimension as the wine builds on the palate, and the finish shows off plenty of strength and length. ($65)

2018 “Sybil” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley/Sonoma County: Here’s a powerhouse Cab Sauv that leads with a captivating aromatic.  Sweet BlackSplendor plums, blackberries, fresh pipe tobacco, savory mixed berry compote, cassis, and leather entwine seamlessly. Complex and well defined with skillfully managed oak adding depth through the memorable, everlasting finish; approachable now and ageworthy. ($85)

Barrel Sample 2021 Tiza Colina Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley: Deep, dark, and delicious is this bold, densely flavor-packed wine.  Black currants, black plum jam, new leather, crème de cassis, allspice, and underlying barrel spices fill every nook and cranny of the mouth.  Decant if popping the cork now, or lay it down for a few years if you can wait, this wine is cellarworthy. ($70)

Barrel Sample 2022 Sharli Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley: Aromas of dusty earth and warm cherry pie start the party going with the sleek Pinot Noir.  Lively with bright acids supporting wild strawberries, anise seed, rhubarb, and a suggestion of cherry cordial as it traverses the palate, and nice oak integration prevails.  A pinch of dried herbs peeks through on the persistent finish. ($65)

Barrel Sample 2021 Calandrelli Tempranillo, Russian River Valley: Dense, black fruit and tobacco leaf on the nose gets the juices flowing with this sophisticated Tempranillo.  Sun-scorched earth, black cherries, saddle leather, black plums, and underlying oak interplay with lively acidity and nicely structured tannins.  Finishes with a touch of clove spice. ($50)

Barrel Sample 2022 Primitivo, Felta Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley: A bowlful of berries aroma remains deliciously consistent on the deeply fruited palate.  Blackberry jam, vanilla bean, black licorice, sweet dark red Lambert cherries, a twist of black peppercorns, and roasted figs create a colorful mosaic of flavors in the mouth.  Lush and velvety smooth with a vanilla-scented finish. ($48)

Barrel Sample 2022  “1776” Felta Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, DryCreek Valley: Scents of freshly picked red and black berries waft from the glass at first whiff!  It’s bold and plush while being ideally balanced. Ripe black raspberries, boysenberry jam, and mulberry cobbler flavors accented by clove and cinnamon spice richly coat the palate.  Juicy and sumptuous with spicy red plum liqueur notes on the long finish. ($55)

For further info visit their website at www.dlmwine.com. De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery is open daily from 11 to 4:30 pm.  Reservations are recommended, call them at 707 433-3711 to book your appointment.