Tangley Oaks

The wines of Tangley Oaks are part of the Terlato Wine Group, with grapes sourced from Santa Barbara and Napa. They're doing a special promotion for Arbor Day: they'll plant a tree for every bottle of Tangley Oaks wine sold on April 30, 2010. Arbor Day is one of those holidays that doesn't get much respect. Not only is it associated with one of the weakest Charlie Brown cartoons, but the activity requires some forethought. Don't plant the tree too close to the house, under power lines, or on top of buried wiring. Try to pick the right tree for your region, and if you don't want a yard full of squirrels and pecans in 20 years, don't plant a pecan tree. For more tips, check out the advice from the Arbor Day Foundation.

2007 Tangley Oaks Chardonnay
Central Coast
Lot 4
$15, 14.2% abv
Pear and peaches, definitely fruity with a big ripe pear flavor. As it warms honey and floral elements develop. Light acidity, only a third of the wine was aged on oak. I tried this wine with the spinach and ricotta ravioli that I made recently, and it was a great fit.

2006 Tangley Oaks Merlot
Napa Valley
Lot 8
$15, 14.2% abv
Tart cherry aromas and flavors. Blackberry and bramble elements. Not full fruit: these elements are restrained and not overbearing. I'd suggest pairing this with something like slow roasted pork chops that involve a dried cherry or plum sauce.

Do you live in an apartment or otherwise don't have access to land for planting trees? Take a walk in a nearby park and enjoy yourself. The weather's great, and trees provide shade and keep the landscape interesting.


Note: These wines were received as a sample from Tangley Oaks.