24th Annual Autumn Food & Wine Festival
September 11-13, 2009
The Village at Northstar, Lake Tahoe

Grand Tasting by Barbara Keck The Tahoe Weekly

"Life is short, eat dessert first. That's why I want to jump right into my adoration for Deerfield Ranch Winery's 2005 Gold, which is a Select Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc. Their literature calls it Nectar of the Gods, and I have to agree. The winery is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley. This wine is made from Santa Barbara grapes from the Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards in Los Alamos Valley. This is a scrumptious dessert wine, with a beautiful golden hue, aroma of ripe apricots, fried peaches and tropical flowers. The taste is divine, not overly sweet but rich." Only 583 cases made, and it only is sold in a 375 ml size. 12.5 percent alcohol. $50 by the bottle.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD Best Marriage of Food & Wine 2005 Gold Deerfield Ranch Late Harvest Botrytis Sauvignon Blanc with Big Wave Catering (White Chocolate Bread pudding with Mission Figs)

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