Okay, I know I tend to write about the same things over and over, but I don’t think I’ve written about J Dusi Wines (http://www.jdusiwines.com) for awhile. It was Sunday morning the day after the Garagiste Festival and we were riding around with Carey Babcock and Mike Ortiz, when I pointed out the Dante Dusi vineyard off Highway 101. Well, one thing led to another and I was texting Janell to see if she could handle us coming by for a visit.
As a good reminder that winemakers are real people with their own lives, she texted back that she was at the hardware store but would text me when she was on her way back to the family property. This gave us a chance to get back to La Bellasera and check out, just as she texted to let me know she was on her way.
Now, before I go too far here, I need to admit that it was fairly presumptuous of me to hit Janell up for a visit on essentially no notice. But Janell graciously invited us to come over.
I had a little trouble remembering exactly how to get to the family home in the vineyard, but fortunately my wife Karen is a great navigator. We got there just as Janell was getting home.
When we got there, Janell’s father and brother were testing the sugars on the grapes still on the vines to see if it would be worth it to make a second harvest of the fruit that was still hanging. Well, based on how the grapes tasted, we all voted “yes!”
Soon, we were set up on the patio, and tasting some great wines.
That day, we tasted…
2010 Pinot Gris [A very pale, delicious white wine. We all agreed this would be great in a sports bottle to take to work. No one would know!]
NV Syrah La Casita [A blend of the 2008 and 2009 vintages from an Eastside Paso Robles vineyard.]
2009 Sabroso Rojo [Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.]
2009 Zinfandel [Always my favorite Zin, from the family vineyard.]
2009 Syrah [I really enjoyed the 2008 Syrah, but I think the 2009 is even better. From Janell’s brother’s vineyard.]
Zinfandel Port [For those of you who think you don’t like Port, give this a shot. You’ll be converted.]
During the tasting, Janell’s mother Jonny came home, and soon appeared at the tasting table with salami and cheese. I guess graciousness just runs in this family.
All too soon, it was time to leave. We gathered up our purchases, exchanged hugs all around, and agreed to come back in March for the wine club pick-up party.
Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.
Love to see this post! I’ve been drinking wines made by others that source from Dusi and have liked them. I was very excited when I heard they came out with their own label. I finally got to taste them at Paso Garagiste and was not disappointed.
Hi Shawn, aka Wandering Wino! Thanks for reading and commenting. I’m sure Mike will see your comment, but I just wanted to respond to it. I’ve only had Dusi here at home, but Mike made their wine, and his visit there, so welcoming. It’s time for another road trip!
I recall the wonderful visit to the Dusi winery arranged by Mike Perlis over a year ago and meeting the lovely winemaker Janell Dusi. I’m a great fan of the 2008 Zinfandel, and it was a memorable experience walking with Janell through her vineyard. Recently I learned how they prep the soil to stress the vines, very interesting process…
Hi Shipwreck, I would bet you’ve got great photos of that visit to the vines!
Yes he did. They ran with the article about our visit back then!
Shawn, as we’ve discussed, the Dusi vineyard is a very special place.
Bobby, don’t give away any trade secrets!
We also tried Janelle’s zinfandel grappa, Aqua Di Vita, a nice warmer for our off-road trips. We bought a couple of bottles. Mmmm, it’ll be nice in my coffee on those freezing mornings and nights around the campfire.
Gee, Diane, have I ever mentioned how much I love grappa? If you swing by my porch it’s plenty cold enough…just sayin’