LDT, as it is known locally in Paso, serves a winning flight designed to please each unique palate in your party. A variety of different styles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reaches even the sharpest palate.

We began a tasting with three Chardonnays that could not be more different. The first tasted just like a Sauvignon Blanc but without the harsh grapefruit flavor or nasty minerality. Bathed in stainless steel, it had brilliantly bright crisp lemon peel and even honeydew flavors with mouthwatering acidity. The next one from Sonoma’s coast had a bit more apricot and nutmeg with a floral fragrance and still a bit of acidity. Finally, their Alexander Valley Chardonnay had much more mellow acidity with lively fruit and felt like buttery popcorn in your mouth.

A surprisingly refreshing rose made out of Merlot had a beautiful ruby color with flavors of watermelon, strawberry, and rhubarb. It makes you wish you had a barbecue or picnic to take it to. Two Pinot Noirs followed designed to please two very different types of Pinotphiles. The first Pinot had tight acidity with an herbal quality and mellow fruit yet the second was bursting with spices and equally rich in strawberries as it was in currants.

Our favorite was a Sangiovese that had just a small percentage of Merlot probably explaining a nice dark cherry and plum flavor in this wine, often known for its tart red cherry characteristics. It was a lovely balanced wine that gave you a hint of vanilla on its long finish.

More tasting notes from my gypsy journey through California.