Curated Wine Tasting Guide
IMBIBE ON MV & BEYOND
2023 SUMMER SELECTIONS
The days are still long and, the temperatures are still warm, so let’s get on the grill and enjoy these last few months of summer. There’s only one question left — what wines pair best with all the foods and gatherings that make up the warmest summer months?
From lighter reds, to rich rosés, to white wines nuanced and crisp, even some tasting like fresh-squeezed summer fruit. Soul of Sonoma has created your guide to the best summer wines. If you’re hungry, we’ve got summer food and wine pairings too. Our goal is to ensure your palate experiences the ultimate summer wine experience.
Soul of Sonoma on the Vineyard guests will have the opportunity to sample several 2023 Summer Selections on Martha's Vineyard. Attendees will be treated to wine tasting amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Dr. Daniel Fisher House and Gardens harmonized with music and art.
The idyllic venue will provide the perfect backdrop for wine enjoyment and networking with new and old friends. We look forward to welcoming wine lovers in picturesque Edgartown to partake in an exceptional array of curated wine selections.
Kumusha Wines
Tinashe Nyumudoka
Kumusha comes from founder Tinashe Nyamudoka's native language, Shona, and it means "your roots, your home, or your origin." Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Nyamudoka moved to South Africa in 2008. He became a server at The Roundhouse restaurant outside Cape Town and his love affair with wine began. Following a few stints at other restaurants he was appointed as head sommelier at Africa’s most famous restaurant, The Test Kitchen (which closed in late 2021). He has created eight delicious South African wines, from Swartland, Slanghoek, Sondagskloof and the Western Cape at large. Nyamudoka started Kumusha Wines in 2017 with the assistance of winemaker friend Attie Louw of Opstal.
Chenin Blanc
Breedekloof, S.A./ 2020
Aromas of pear, white peach and lime on the nose. A juicy palate with flavors of cantaloupe, melon and papaya, following through with a crisp dry finish. Great with Chicken Caesar Salad or lemon & herb spatchcock chicken.
Sauvignon Blanc
Western Cape, S.A./ 2020
Zippy and fresh with tropical fruit aromas jumping out of the glass. Notes of melon, passion fruit and guava make this wine absolutely moreish. Complements seafood, sushi, pasta, chicken and veal dishes.
Cinsault Rosé
Slanghoek, , S.A./ 2021
Aromas of bright red fruit with cherry and strawberry flavours showing off. Notes of subtle floral and dry spice adding character. A vibrant and harmonious wine best enjoyed with a meal to reveal all of its expressions
Theopolis Vineyards
Theodora Lee, esq.
Theodora Lee, a senior partner and trial lawyer at Littler, founded Theopolis Vineyards in 2003. In the wine world, Ms. Lee is known as Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards. Her passion for wine began upon her arrival to San Francisco from Texas in 1987, primarily due to the influence of her law firm mentors, many of whom owned vineyards. She took several viticulture classes at UC Davis, before deciding to develop her own vineyard. In 2001, Ms. Lee purchased sheep land in the Yorkville Highlands of Anderson Valley, and began developing her vineyard. In 2003, Ms. Lee planted her 5 acre vineyard and adopted her Greek name from pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and established Theopolis Vineyards.
Rosé of Petite Sirah
Mendocino, CA/ 2022
This refreshingly brilliant dry Rosé greets you in the glass with inviting aromas of bing cherry, fresh rose petals, and dried apple skins. The palate is bright with refreshing acidity. The soft, round body is enhanced by notes of red apples and subtle cinnamon.
Symphony
CA/ 2022
This exquisite, dry white wine warms the glass with notes of white peach, lilac, and peppery, lychee fruit. The palate greets you with crisp acidity and flavors of honeydew melon. The wine finishes with a soft, toasty creaminess and lingering spice.
Estate Petite Sirah
Mendocino, CA/ 2019
A showstopper from first encounter to last sip—this Petite Sirah opens with a rich potpourri of dried rose petals, black cherry, sage, and black pepper. On the palate, cardamom and clove envelop dense fruit and soft notes of vanilla. Velvety tannins give way to never ending juicy fruit on the finish. This wine will continue to shine for years to come.
Bodkin Wines
Chris Christensen
Founded in 2011 by journeyman cellar hand and self-taught winemaker Chris Christensen, Bodkin Wines disrupted the sparkling wine scene with America’s First Sparkling Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc in 2012. With one foot rooted in wine science and the other in craftsmanship, Christensen’s minimalist philosophy guides his signature style of high acid, low alcohol wines. These wines have garnered over two dozen 90+ point scores in critical review. As an African-American winemaker Christensen works to promote diversity and inclusion in the wine industry through speaking engagements, podcasts and mentorship opportunities for aspiring vintners and winery owners.
Sauvignon Blanc
Mendocino, CA/ 2021
This refreshingly brilliant dry Rosé greets you in the glass with inviting aromas of bing cherry, fresh rose petals, and dried apple skins. The palate is bright with refreshing acidity. The soft, round body is enhanced by notes of red apples and subtle cinnamon.
BadAsstronaut Muscat
Lake County, CA/ 2021
With floral notes of orange blossom, honey, tangerines and fresh baked bread this wine is the enological embodiment of summertime. While this wine is slightly sweet in terms of sugar it’s not cloying or heavy.
Samewerking Red
Mendocino, CA/ 2021
This blend of two co-fermented field blends is a collaboration between South African born winemaker Michael Roets and Chris Christensen. The end result was a blend that has both the structure and mouth feel of Petite Sirah with the aromatic lift of Zinfandel/ Primitivo, the cranberry tones of Carignan along with the mysterious earthiness of Mourvédre.
Brown Estate
David, deneen, & Coral Brown
Drs. Bassett and Marcela Brown sold vines to established winemakers until 1996. That’s when their children Deneen, David, and Coral Brown took over the family business and produced the first Brown Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel, becoming a wine industry leader. In 1980, their parents acquired 450 acres in the Chiles Valley of Napa after being informed by friends that the property was for sale. The Browns helped to forge the long history of Zinfandel in Napa Valley, which is commonly overshadowed by the dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon. It remains their flagship varietal today.
House of Brown Rosé
Lodi, CA/ 2021
Delicate pale pink blush in color. Aromas of star jasmine, watermelon, raspberry, wild strawberry, blood orange, Yuzu, hints of honeycomb and baking spice. On the palate lithe, vibrant, and dynamic. Light body with silky texture and delightfully subtle finish.
House of Brown Red blend
Lodi, CA/ 2021
Brilliant translucent ruby through and through. On the nose, hibiscus, tea rose, pomegranate, and Maraschino cherry with subtle cinnamon, clove, and English lavender. Light body and crisp acidity meet lush fruit and spices. Intense flavors make for a sublime lingering finish.
Chaos Theory red blend
Napa Valley, CA/ 2021
Dark garnet core with a ruby rim and an intense bouquet of ripe red fruits, dark cherry, plum, and licorice. Secondary notes of leather, toasted marshmallow, wild herbs, and florals, followed by hints of caramel apple, Asian spices, heavy cream, tobacco, and cocoa nibs. On the palate, it is ripe, savory, and concentrated with silky mouthfeel, zesty acidity, and sweet tannins.