Rockpile AVA, Sonoma County
$75 (Wine Club Reorder Price: $66)
Welcome to Flavortown: this rich red blend is coming to you from the “Triple D” Food Network Star himself, Guy Fieri. Named after his sons, Hunter and Ryder, Hunt & Ryde is a relatively new winery in partnership with Guy Davis of Davis Family Vineyards.
You may not be surprised that Guy Fieri opened his first food business at the age of 10, operating his own pretzel cart. After college, he worked as a restaurant manager. Then, in 1996, started his own restaurant with a partner. In 2006, Fieri began his TV career after winning The Next Food Network Star. Today, he hosts several food-themed shows, includingDiners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games. On “Triple D,” Fieri travels the country in search of tasty, unpretentious eats – I would argue his wine is reflective of that mission. Hunt & Ryde is down to earth. Unlike some other celebrity wines, it’s not meant to be flashy and expensive, just a delicious wine to be enjoyed with good food.
Guy Davis (the winemaker Guy) describes this rich wine as “balanced and complemented by its well-structured backbone, achieved by this high elevation vineyard site, and mouthwatering freshness from the bright natural acidity to highlight the layers of complexity in the wine. Flavors feature dense yet vibrant blackcurrant and bing cherry, allowing the juicy character of the fruit to be highlighted by a complex array of aromas from sandalwood, cedar, and tobacco warm brown spice, as well as black tea.” Only 275 cases were made.
In true Guy Fieri fashion, be sure to whip up a good meal to pair with this wine. A few of Guy’s personal family recipes are featured on the Hunt & Ryde website. The suggested pairing for this wine is Lamb Shanks with Cannellini Beans and Artichokes.
Taylor Morgan – May 2021
Bacchus & Venus Wines 