Wine unplugged: A few weeks ago, "Wine Buzz" delivered some scoop about a new music series coming to the Rail Bridge Cellars Penthouse Lounge (921 11th St., Sacramento).
Dubbed "Blues and Jazz Unplugged," this weekly series kicks off Saturday with Clemon Charles and will run on Saturdays through mid-November. Highlights include Dinorah Curkendall (Aug. 25), local jazz guitar great Steve Homan (Sept. 29) and vocalist Francesca Homan (Oct. 6).
Each show is limited to 48 guests, making for a cozy environ to sip wine, hear down-home music and see one great view of Sacramento's cityscape. Tickets cost $20, which includes a drink, appetizer and dessert.
For more information: (916) 492-2530 or railbridgecellars.net.
By the way, "Wine Buzz" recently stopped by the Rail Bridge Cellars Penthouse Lounge to sample the winery's lineup. Rail Bridge Cellars was founded in 2004 as one of the city's first urban wineries. Its bottlings have expanded from two offerings in its first vintage to 10, including a Port-style dessert wine and a dry rosé of pinot noir.
The wines overall showed well, with a pronounced acidity in many of the bottlings. The 2010 Chardonnay Sienna ($16.50) had a nice balance of crisp citrus flavors with just enough oakiness to add some style to the mix. While its 2010 Jordan's Way Pinot Noir from San Luis Obispo County ($30) showed a pleasing depth of fruit and smooth tannins, its less-expensive pinot, the 2010 Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands ($21.50), also was a winner.
Finding a quality pinot noir for a reasonable price isn't always easy, and these bright strawberry flavors with a touch of earthiness tasted just like a pinot should – which isn't always the case for pinots in the $20 range.
Look for select Rail Bridge Cellars wines at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op, Nugget Markets, Raley's and Bel Air, Whole Foods and Corti Brothers.
Rock 'n' rolling feast
If you've got a hankering for some local wine and live music, drop by Jodar Winery (3405 Carson Court, Placerville) on Aug. 18. For $15, there's an Italian buffet and live music from classic rockers Flipside.
To grab a spot – they are filling up fast – call (530) 644-3474.
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