2012 Sarocka Cabernet Sauvignon and Fat Tuesday Fofas!
The Winery
Sarocka vineyards is located on the top of Spring Mountain. In 2020 with the devastating Glass Fire in Napa Valley, it was reported that they lost all their vineyards and all other structures on the property burned except the home and guest house survived. It also is the home of Irene Scully and family. I have not heard if they will be replanting. It was an amazing 2.5 acre property grandfathered from county ordinances with slopes greater than 30 degrees. It sits at 1200 feet elevation. Well known and respected winemaker Michael Hirby (Realm and Husic wines) today is making this exquisite wine. Typical vintages were typically between 100 to 150 cases each year.
(Photo from Sarocka Wine. no copyright infringement is intended)
The label and name is to honor Irene’s Lithuanian heritage. The label is modeled after an artwork she purchased from a Lithuanian street artist. It represents the “tree of life” in agricultural mythology in Lithuanian. Sarocka is Irene’s Lithuanian maiden name.
The Wine
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable wines tasted in the past few years! The last time I tasted this wine was in 2020 and it was another vintage. This 2012 is one of 8 bottles left in the cellar. It was on the “Drink in 2021 List” and I was pleased beyond belief as it was fabulous. I still have some 2013’s and 2014’s left in the cellar but have yet tasted them! I have been purchasing wine from this boutique winery since they opened. Knew the 2012 would improve with aging, but this became even so much better than anticipated.
The 2012 was almost black with a dark red tint around the edges with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, floral aromas, soft licorice and pepper. On the palate blackberries, dark cherry notes, vanilla, soft oak, cinnamon, chocolate and sweet tobacco abounded. An almost never ending long finish, with rounded smooth tannins and a firm structure showing its pedigree was evident. The wine aged gracefully with new vigor and life. Made with 85% of estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. They show on the second label Scully website the2017 Sarocka being offered at $135.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Unbeknownst to me a tradition exists in the Azores Islands (Portugal), where on Fat Tuesday, Fihos a traditional pastry is made and given out that evening. Filhos are fried and require yeast, sugar, butter, flour and yeast. You need to wait for the dough to rise and then they are fried in oil. Our local “Portuguese fairy” (name withheld) phoned and stated she would like to give us a Fat Tuesday sweet. Fofas only take flour, milk, eggs, oil and are baked in the oven. Then a sweet coating on top. Apparently in the Azores, it is similar to New Orleans where you “party on the tables until midnight” when the Lent season begins at midnight to start Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter.
I can report no dancing on any tables occurred but when paired with the wine, if we had opened more, shoe scuffs marks would have had to have been removed from a few tables!! It certainly was a great surprise to be presented with this wonderful tasting dessert/tradition and the wine was simply amazing.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 