Bommaritto Estate Almond Tree Winery

Once in a while I find myself in the position of admitting I have made allowed my Driver and Scribe to make a mistake....  No, No, I admit it freely, sometimes it happens. 
But today was not that day. 

Today, the mistake was realized and admitted (finally) by Driver.  That is right, he may have slipped up for say, oh I don't know, YEARS! 

For several years, we have driven to Hermann and back visiting the area wineries - and hit nearly every single one on the way - at least once.  Over the course of the years we have passed and the miles we have driven, up and down Highway 100 we have never visited the Bommarito winery once.  We did try once, a few months back, after much coaxing and whining on my part (stomping my little Tiger feet firmly) - to find them closed that day.

Well, today, all was made well on our visit.  Every single wine we tasted was delicious and well executed - and we had a pure delight in our host, the owner himself, Nick.  The tasting room was well laid out - with plenty of indoor seating, big windows with a beautiful view of the sleeping vines on the slopes outside, and tastefully decorated, with a cozy fire laid in the fireplace, on this cool winter's day.  Outside was a nice little porch and below a patio with seating for the summer.  Since Nick so kindly invited us to come back soon, and bring a picnic lunch, we have already planned to do so - next weekend.  We plan to go back bringing along the kids (Driver and Scribes Son and his lovely bride), to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, next weekend - just us, the kids, a nice picnic basket of food - and Nick's wines by the fireplace.  I can say that I never felt more welcomed or wanted at another winery we have visited.

Being on a budget, we had to limit our purchases today but we tasted them all - and I can honestly say that I am so glad we did, and it was not an easy choice!  The tasting was complimentary, allowing us to purchase two of his beautiful tasting glasses and a bottle of wine.  We decided, after our taste and a nice long conversation - to purchase the Norton.  I can honestly say this is the finest example of a Norton we have had to date in the state of Missouri, and we have tasted every one we have had a chance at!

Our selections today to taste included: 

The 2008 American Oak Norton - This was a full bodied wine with a deep red color, with lots of dark berry (most notably rich cherry) notes.  The Pepper was there, mid palette for sure, but not overpowering - easily giving way to a long pleasantly lingering full fruit finish.  I can see how this can be compared to a Shiraz - but for me, I have to say full on Norton and well done for certain.  

Almond Tree Red (Signature Wine) - A Semi Dry tart wine with hints of spice, medium but creamy tannins - nice color and complexity, and a soft dry finish.  A 50/50 blend of Norton and St Vincent, we almost had to have a bottle of this one too!

2009 French Oak Chambourcin - Normally I am not a big fan of Chambourcin - in my experience it reminds me of a weak Merlot, usually.  This was definitely the exception to that rule!  I could so easily enjoy this one in front of a warm fire on the porch one cool evening to come.  The Plum and Cherry notes weave gently through the soft sweetness -with hints of vanilla, and subtle soft tannins, leaving you with a pleasant warmth and softness.

Dry Vignoles 2010 - This beautiful golden wine with the clean crisp finish was a welcome embrace.  The aromatic nose combined with the color and the complex notes of tart apple, lemony citrus and light florals created a pleasing layered experience.

2009 Sweet Vignoles - The nose on this wine was an experience all of it's own to be sure!  The strong aromas of passion fruit, pears and a soft hint of peaches - combined with the sweet late harvest complexity to envelope our palettes in a sweet  sensation of pineapple and citrus.  A nice porch wine, and one to be shared with a friend!

Solera Misssouri White Port - This specialty wine is produced every 4 years, and one to be appreciated.  The dry fortified blend of Chardonel and Vignole wine has subtle hints o9f stone frui on the front with nice bright white citrus notes of a stainless steel aged Chardonel, a warm spicy finishy and 18% Alcohol.  This would be the perfect aperitif with a soft creamy mild cheese.

2006 Missouri Red Port:  (described to me as the best Port in the USA)  I was very hard pressed to argue after tasting this one!  This 21.5% semi-sweet ruby red fortified wine was a dessert treat!  The winery only produces this wine in the even years, and ages it on average 3.5 years in French Oak Barrels.  The intense notes of blackberry, chocolate and vanilla finished with a brandy warmth.  This is a dessert in a glass and could be enjoyed with dark chocolate as well as strong cheeses.

Thanks Nick! We had a lot of fun, delicious wine, and great conversation!  What more could a Tiger ask for on a winter's Sunday afternoon?