Van Ruiten wines

April Dowd photo

Van Ruiten Family Winery is located on a former Lodi, CA, dairy farm. Winemaker Ryan Leeman makes some interesting wines, with hints of his early experience creating wines on Long Island after studing at Cornell University in Upstate New York. I sampled his handiwork during a recent visit.

• Pinot Gris 2006:

This boldly colored wine gives off fragrances of pineapple, apricot and melon. It took a silver medal at the California State Fair, no doubt impressing judges with its silk mouthfeel.

• Chardonnay 2005:

I liked the cross notes of lemon and floral that introduced the palate to the full body and slightly acidic finish. Aged 5 to 9 months in small French oak.

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