Peltier Station Lodi Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

The 2009 Peltier Station Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon is one smooth, voluptuous Cabernet that ingratiates from the moment it is opened. Its heady aroma pours from the bottle, and in the glass it completely captivates the nose. Better still the wine’s deep, rich blackberry, raspberry, and dark chocolate flavors are adeptly infused with cedar and toasted barrel flavors that made us literally beg for more. Although it sports a whopping 14.8% alcohol, the wine never comes across as hot or clumsy. To the contrary, Peltier Station’s 2009 Cabernet conveys charm, grace, and plenty of polished Cabernet flavor. Undoubtedly, the 2009 is the winery’s finest Cabernet to date. For maximum enjoyment, we suggest serving this delicious Cabernet at no more than 60º-65º F. Enjoy!

The 2009 Peltier Station Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon needs no accompaniment to shine. It brings its own appeal. Yet, who can resist pairing this racy Cab with a juicy steak, right off the grill? Top that steak with sautéed mushrooms or Brie and caramelized onions, and serve it with piping hot garlic mashed potatoes and a veritable feast is in the offing. Grilled loin lamb chops that have been rubbed with mint, rosemary and thyme and brushed with olive oil make another splendid accompaniment. Rich stews, hearty pastas, grilled Italian sausage and peppers, and game provide other excellent choices to complement Peltier Station’s flavorful Cabernet.

Looking west, one can imagine the old grape packing sheds that once graced the tracks alongside Peltier Road. From the nearby station, thousands of tons of purple and white grapes departed in the “old days” for local wineries and the cellars of countless home winemakers. Today, Peltier Station creates premium wines from the grapes which were once shipped eastward via the rusty old railroad tracks. Owned and run by Rodney and Gayla Schatz, Peltier Station is one of the brightest new stars in the resuscitated Lodi Appellation. Rodney and Gayla Schatz began Peltier Station Winery in 2002 with their first crush at the winery. They grow grapes and produce wine for numerous well-known wineries, both large and small. In addition, they craft a relatively small number of cases under their own name, with their most notable wines being Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Viognier, and a stunning Teroldego from a tiny two acre plot of old vines. Rodney Schatz hails from a tradition of grape growing families. His grandparents on both sides (the Marengo and Schatz families) were established growers in the 1950s, and Rodney and his wife Gayla have expanded on that tradition. In addition to cultivating some of Lodi’s finest fruit, Rodney and Gayla make their own wine from estate grown grapes with the help of JC van Staden, a gifted young winemaker. JC van Staden is a very talented winemaker whose experience comes from growing up on a farm in South Africa and working with a number of prominent wineries in South Africa, France, and the United States in order to hone his craft, before coming to Peltier Station. JC’s wines have earned Peltier Station numerous accolades and awards, including Gold Medal, Best of Class, and Best of Region winner awards at the prestigious California State Fair Wine Competition.