Boeger Winery

Fifteen minutes from where James Marshal discovered gold, the 1850’s Fossati-Lombardo family ranch, winery, and distillery were purchased by Greg and Sue Boeger in 1972. They opened their tasting room in 1974 and today have 55 acres of producing vineyards. Elevations range from 2,100 to 2,300 feet, typical for the AVA. The vineyards are planted on very steep hillsides with shallow, rocky soil made up of sedimentary shale, and have multiple exposures. More than 30 varietals are planted in the various microclimates, with an emphasis on Bordeaux and Rhone families along with the ubiquitous Zinfandel. The Boeger’s son Justin, a graduate of UC Davis in 1998, is now full-time winemaker, and has already earned recognition with a new line of award winning Pinot Noirs.

Carson Peak is a new, lower-priced line from Boeger ($12 as opposed to $15 to $20), rounding our the winery’s line up which includes Boeger Classics, Boeger Reserves, Boeger Tape Labels, and Hangtown.

Slightly cloudy and fairly opaque ruby red, this Cabernet has notes of strawberry preserves, black currant, cherry, mocha, maple, tree bark, and menthol. It is medium bodied and dry with fine, supple tannins, bright oak tones, varietally expressive fruit notes, an undercurrent of grassiness, and a very slightly grainy finish with vanilla/maple/dill notes.

Reviewed December 19, 2006 by Catherine Fallis.