One of the most beautiful wineries in Sonoma County, Iron Horse is perched atop a hill in the Green Valley. Back in 2002 I knew little about wines but had a chance to visit this stunning location which is located roughly 13 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Iron Horse has roughly 160 acres set on Gold Ridge soils and planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and boasts an expansive high quality sparkling wine collection if you are a bubbles lover.

The winery was founded by Audrey and Barry Sterling in 1976 and gained international success for its Sparkling Wines, which have been served at the White House for five consecutive Presidential Administrations, beginning with the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings ending the Cold War. It has become one of the great sparkling wine houses in North America.

I loved the new wines by Iron Horse including the outstanding new ‘Wedding Cuvée’ which is aged on average three years. The 201 ‘Wedding Cuvee’ (OB, 92) is fresh and vibrant with a silky texture. This one also has some really good aging potential. Learn more about this great house for Sparkling Wine at ironhorsevineyards.com Here are my reviews of the ‘Wedding Cuvee’ wines by Iron Horse.

2018 Iron Horse ‘Wedding Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 Iron Horse ‘Wedding Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine is mostly Pinot Noir (81%) and was aged on the lees for three years prior to disgorgement. Rich Japanese pear and kiwi flavors linger with salty minerals on the palate. Showing good length and weight, this has the potential to cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2030- 92

2019 Iron Horse ‘Audrey’ Chardonnay- Named after Iron Horse co-founder Audrey Sterling, the really good 2019 ‘Audrey’ Chardonnay is a limited production bottling from their Green Valley Estate which utilizes Rued clonal selection. Lemon zest dusted sourdough bread and cardamom fill the nose alongside shades of peat moss. The palate is very soft and elegant, with a silky texture and beautiful sense of length. Very seamless throughout the drinking experience, this is already nicely evolved Chardonnay that will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2018 Iron Horse ‘Gold Ridge’ Pinot Noir- Named after the soil type at their estate Green Valley Vineyard, the 2018 ‘Gold Ridge’ exudes class with cran-pomegranate and Bing cherry aromas that collide with baking spices on this evocative bouquet. The palate is soft and elegant with a voluptuous texture, unveiling a great range of tart red fruits and citrus embers, alongside freely tilled soils. Finishing long, this is broad-shouldered and generous, yet nicely structured Pinot Noir that is built to age. Drink 2022-2036- 93