Since 2013 our mission has been to help our followers find great wines of great value that are ready to drink tonight.
If you have followed us, subscribed, or read our content for any length of time, you know that we are big fans of Lloyd Davis’s Corner 103. Back in January 2020, their 2017 Zinfandel was our first wine of the month. Their tasting room on the Sonoma Square delivers the best tasting experience you will find anywhere. Don’t just take our word for it. In 2020 and 2021, Corner 103 was named Best Tasting Room in America by USA Today. In 2022 and 2023 they finished second.
The magic behind the wines of Corner 103 is that all of them are ready to drink upon release. This is the case even though their varietals with aging potential will still have a long life. It’s uncanny. In fact, they were the inspiration behind our tag line, “There are great wines of great value that are ready to drink tonight…”
Corner 103 was the first winery where, as a staff, we could agree that we like everything they make (we have added Chalk Hill, Le Cuvier, and Vinos Unidos to that list). We visited Lloyd the very first weekend they opened in 2015, and then brought a bunch of new fans to his tasting room the very next day.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Corner 103’s 2020 Moon Mountain District Sonoma County Cabernet Franc is our September wine of the month.
A new AVA, having been designated in 2013, Moon Mountain District sits in the Mayacamas mountain range, which divides Sonoma County from Napa Valley. The southwest-facing, high-elevation (400-2,200 feet) slopes produce thicker-skinned, more intense grapes from the rocky, volcanic soils. The grapes get plenty of sunlight, but the peak daytime temperatures tend to be cooler than the valley floor. This provides ideal conditions, not only for ripening, but to preserve acid, making for a balanced wine. Corner 103’s Moon Mountain Cabernet Franc is a wonderful expression of this climate.
The wine is deep ruby, with medium plus acid and tannin. Aromas of cherry cola, blackberry, violet, licorice (turning to black pepper on the palate), and dark chocolate. Full body with a silky mouthfeel. Bright and fresh. A slight stoniness to the finish. This wine is so well balanced that the 14.9% ABV plays much lower. Definitely enjoy this now or over the next 5-7 years. Such a treat.
A great way to get introduced to Corner 103 is by visiting Lloyd and Brent at their tasting room. After you taste their amazing wines, you will become a fan…and a new wine club member. Membership has its privileges: you’ll be able to stock up on the 2020 Moon Mountain Sonoma County Cabernet Franc, our September wine of the month, at a discount. During your birthday month, you’ll be able to purchase their wines at half off.
Corner 103: great people, great tasting room, great club, great wine. Start with a visit and a sip of the Moon Mountain Cabernet Franc (although Lloyd will insist you start with his signature Sparkling Rosé), our September wine of the month. Tell them Peninsula Underground sent you.
Learn more about Corner 103, purchase their wine, and follow them here:
@Corner103
