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| Ryan Leeman, winemaker
Exciting estate-bottled wines.
It was the dream of a young Dutch immigrant to grow quality grapes and produce truly outstanding wines. After his arrival in the United States shortly after World War II, John Van Ruiten settled in the Lodi area. His desire to have his own land was realized when in the early 1950’s and with his personal ‘sweat equity’, John bought his first vineyard property. He then planted Zinfandel vines and began growing winegrapes in the Lodi Appellation. Five decades later, the Van Ruitens farm over 800 acres of winegrapes, with only their very best fruit destined to carry the family name. After more than fifty years, their ambition became a reality as the Van Ruiten Family Winery was built just prior to the 2000 harvest. Three generations of the Van Ruiten family now work together to tend the vineyards and manage their new winery. The Van Ruitens believe that hard work and an uncompromising commitment to top quality are the cornerstones of their business. “As a Family we will explore new opportunities, Nurture those that can make a difference, And pass along knowledge gained from one generation to the next.” |
| Van Ruiten Family Winery Website |
| Chardonnay - Lodi |
| A portion of this Chardonnay is fermented and aged in small French oak barrels, with the balance being handled in our stainless steel tanks. This allows the wine to benefit from a moderate degree of oak character, while retaining a bright fruitiness as well as lovely aromas of melon and honey.
On the palate, the wine shows hints of butterscotch, tropical fruit and apricots, ending with a warm, lingering finish. Enjoy our latest Chardonnay with pasta, chicken or fish! |
| Petite Sirah |
| Petite Sirah grapes have been grown in the Lodi area for over a century, historically used as a red blending wine. Today’s wine drinkers have discovered the wonderful characteristics of this varietal; dark hues, exotic aromas of allspice, plums, and green tea, with flavors of black cherries and ripe plums. Exhibiting generous tannins and a lengthy finish, this Petite Sirah should benefit from several years of aging, yet make a terrific accompaniment to a hearty stew, lamb, or wild game. |
| Cabernet / Shiraz - Lodi |
| The practice of blending more that one variety of wine has been practiced in Europe for centuries and is the basis for our Cab-Shiraz. This full-bodied, yet very approachable blend is loaded with flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, and plums. A lengthy finish and just a hint of oak make this wine an ideal pairing with most grilled meat, pasta sauce, or tomato-based soup. |
| Zinfandel, Old Vines - Lodi |
| This Zinfandel exhibits deep garnet colors and rich, ripe flavors of raspberry, black cherry and a hint of oak spiciness. This heady wine experience culminates in a painstakingly long, silky finish and will pair nicely with a raspberry tart or chocolate. |
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