Annika Sörenstam is known for her award winning golf skills and successful golfing career amongst a long list of accomplishments. She traded in her golf clubs in ’08 and started up a family. But she didn’t just give up on her competitive edge and passion to continue on with her successes; she was just getting started developing the Annika brand. She is an author, has created a line of woman’s golf clothing, launched a perfume, started up a golf school, designed golf courses, and developed a charity to keep kids fit. As if she wasn’t busy enough, she took her enthusiasm for food and released a cookbook in Sweden and followed through on her healthy obsession with wine by teaming up with Wente Vineyards, of Livermore Valley, California, to create a line of fine wines for Annika Vineyards.
I recently got a sample of the Annika 2008 Syrah, 2009 Chardonnay, and 2009 59 Red Wine (Ms. 59 was her nickname because she was the only female to break 60 in an official golfing event so what better name for her product). Her 2009 Chardonnay has been praised by the media and even received a score of 92 points in Wine Spectator. I really liked the fruity smell and notes of apple and pear. I have been on a wine spritzer kick these days and this was the perfect tart and flavorful addition to seltzer and ice cubes, with its fresh, full taste; it would have been nice to add some citrus like lime or lemon to it as well. It is good on its own though alongside meals that include pork, chicken, or seafood.
The 2008 full bodied Syrah received the Silver Medal Award at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition just last year! It is comprised of 76% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petite Sirah, from Livermore Valley and Napa Valley. Not my favorite of the three wines I enjoyed, it is said to include “wild blackberry, plum and cassis, with hints of chocolate, toffee and coffee from barrel aging.” But for me it was a bit strong and dry for my liking.
On the other hand, the Red 59 is a bold red, that’s a deep, dark red, which I found smooth and delicious. My boyfriend and I savored every last sip with our recent Italian dinner we had at home which included mussels, caprese salad, and pizza. It is comprised of 64% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Sirah, and 3% Barbera, from Livermore Valley and Napa Valley. I am a big fan of this one and highly recommend it because of its balance and flavor.
Prices for her line of wines range from 32 dollars to 225 dollars (for her special autographed 2006 Syrah). For more information on ordering her products, including details on how to join the Annika Vineyards Wine Club (to receive discounts!) check out the website. She also offers wine boxes if you want to store the wine to jazz up a gift for the golf or wine lovers in your life!
The 59 Red is a decent wine. It is balanced, not over bearing and has that hint of Barbera acidity and sprakle. Not bad but not the the best bang for the buck in my mind.
For the asking price one can do better with Caymus Zin 2009. A more complex and inetresting wine to my palate. Just one man’s opinion.
Cheers!
Thanks for this !