2005 Chardonnay Clone 17: $39/$31/$28
2004 Merlot: $50/$40/$30
2000 Scion: $40/$30/$38
2003 Scion: $54/$43/$48
Monday, March 29, 2010
Robert Young
Nestled a the eastern foothills in Alexander Valley, the home and surrounding buildings of this winery look like they were plucked off a southern plantation. It’s very charming. The tasting room is barely a closet, however, that gets crowded with 6 people in it. Fortunately there are only a few wines to sample here, so your stay will be short.
2005 Chardonnay Clone 17: $39/$31/$28
2004 Merlot: $50/$40/$30
2000 Scion: $40/$30/$38
2003 Scion: $54/$43/$48
2005 Chardonnay Clone 17: $39/$31/$28
2004 Merlot: $50/$40/$30
2000 Scion: $40/$30/$38
2003 Scion: $54/$43/$48
Trentadue
This is really pretty winery, so much so that we thought it’d be a nice place for our niece to be married at. Trentadue usually has a nice staff, but it can be a bit hit and miss. Catch them on a slow day and you’ll have a good time. Catch them during barrel tasting weekend and it my be six deep to get to the tasting bar. (Note: They are smart enough to do their barrel tasting in an out-building. This is just what flows into their tasting room, afterwards.)
Trentadue also has some notable ports, here, but we didn’t taste them, today.
2006 Grenache Rose Montelago Vineyard: $15/$13/$15
2004 La Storia “Cuvee 32”: $32/$24/$32
2003 La Storia Petite Sirah: $28/$21/$30
Trentadue also has some notable ports, here, but we didn’t taste them, today.
2006 Grenache Rose Montelago Vineyard: $15/$13/$15
2004 La Storia Zinfandel: $28/$21/$34
Good, full flavor; well balanced.
2004 La Storia “Cuvee 32”: $32/$24/$32
Interesting finish; goes down like a cab, but finishes like a merlot. Raspberry on the finish.
2003 La Storia Meritage: $45/$34/-
2004 La Storia Meritage: $45/$34/$35
Coffee on the nose. Good structure. Blackberry, little prune on the palate.
2003 La Storia Petite Sirah: $28/$21/$30
Lots of acidity – it had been open for 2 days.
Black cherry on the nose. Doesn’t round out on the palate.
Fritz
A trip to Northern California wine country would be empty without a stop at Fritz. We rarely, if ever, leave without any wine, and this stop was no different (6 bottles, as I recall).
2005 Dry Creek Valley Syrah:$28/$25/-
2004 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $35/$31/-
2005 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve: $50/-/$50
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Estate (Dry Creek Valley): $20/$18/$25
There’s something about their Sau Blanc that enthuses us every time. It’s my second favorite sau blanc, but the one I buy more than all others combined.
There’s something about their Sau Blanc that enthuses us every time. It’s my second favorite sau blanc, but the one I buy more than all others combined.
2006 Rose’:$16/$14/-
2006 Ruxton Chardonnay:$35/$32/$35
If I'm going to pay $30+ for a Chardonnay, it's going to be from Ruxton Vineyards. The balance of fruit is complemented by the modestly creamy mouthfeel, perfect at this price.
If I'm going to pay $30+ for a Chardonnay, it's going to be from Ruxton Vineyards. The balance of fruit is complemented by the modestly creamy mouthfeel, perfect at this price.
2005 Reserve Chardonnay (Russian River Valley): $45/$40/$30
2005 Barrel Select Zinfandel: $40/$36/-
Normally a favorite, this wasn't tasting well at the time.
2005 Dry Creek Valley Syrah:$28/$25/-
2004 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $35/$31/-
2005 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve: $50/-/$50
Opinions vary on this Cab, but I firmly believe it has the structure and quality to be a wonderful cab in a few years.
Rosenblum
TRL/Staff/Wine=7/7/9
Healdsburg Tasting Room
2006 Viognier, Kathy’s Cuvee:$18/-/$22
Slightly sweet, apricots, tropical fruit, honey. Purchase-worthy; easy drinking.
2005 Paso Robles Zinfandel: $18/-/$18
Jammy nose, much more balanced on the palate; cherry, black raspberry.
2005 House Family Zinfandel: $25/-/$28
Good nose, not too jammy. Black currant, cherry, plum. Jammy, but balanced.
2005 Snows Lake, Lake County Zinfandel: $35/-/-
More pepper, but less fruit. Good finish, but over-priced for flavor. More spice than currants.
2005 Lyons Reserve, Napa Zinfandel: $45/-/$35
Black cherry, pepper; good balance!
2005 Abba Vineyard Syrah (Lodi): $25/-/($24-$26)
Finishes like warm fruit. Pair with grilled meat or cold pork/sausage.
2005 Petite Sirah Pickett Road (Napa): $35/-/$35
Luscious nose!! Dark berry, spice & cherry.
2005 Rockpile Road Vineyard Zinfandel: $35/-/$45
Very good!! Doesn’t need time to open. Big jam, little maple on the nose. Smooth.
Non-vintage Desire Chocolate Wine: $18/-/$25
Pair with white/milk chocolate. So worth it!
Healdsburg Tasting Room
2006 Viognier, Kathy’s Cuvee:$18/-/$22
Slightly sweet, apricots, tropical fruit, honey. Purchase-worthy; easy drinking.
2005 Paso Robles Zinfandel: $18/-/$18
Jammy nose, much more balanced on the palate; cherry, black raspberry.
2005 House Family Zinfandel: $25/-/$28
Good nose, not too jammy. Black currant, cherry, plum. Jammy, but balanced.
2005 Snows Lake, Lake County Zinfandel: $35/-/-
More pepper, but less fruit. Good finish, but over-priced for flavor. More spice than currants.
2005 Lyons Reserve, Napa Zinfandel: $45/-/$35
Black cherry, pepper; good balance!
2005 Abba Vineyard Syrah (Lodi): $25/-/($24-$26)
Finishes like warm fruit. Pair with grilled meat or cold pork/sausage.
2005 Petite Sirah Pickett Road (Napa): $35/-/$35
Luscious nose!! Dark berry, spice & cherry.
2005 Rockpile Road Vineyard Zinfandel: $35/-/$45
Very good!! Doesn’t need time to open. Big jam, little maple on the nose. Smooth.
Non-vintage Desire Chocolate Wine: $18/-/$25
Pair with white/milk chocolate. So worth it!
Gallo Family Winery
TRL/Staff/Wine=8/9/7
Healdsburg Tasting Room
2004 Two Rock Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Coast: $24/-/$25
Healdsburg Tasting Room
2004 Two Rock Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Coast: $24/-/$25
2005 Two Rock Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Coast: $24/-/-
Isn’t it amazing what a difference a year makes? We over-valued the 2004 but wouldn’t consider buying the 2005.
Isn’t it amazing what a difference a year makes? We over-valued the 2004 but wouldn’t consider buying the 2005.
2005 Sonoma County Reserve Chardonnay: $13/-/-
2004 Russian River Valley Lagresan (sp?) Vineyard: $24/-/-
2005 Sonoma Coast Winemaker’s Signature Pinot Noir: $28/-/$20
2005 Russian River Valley Syrah: $40/-/-
Dried fruit on the nose that doesn’t come through on the palate
Dried fruit on the nose that doesn’t come through on the palate
2003 Frei Ranch Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel: $22/-/$26
2003 Sonoma Valley Winemaker’s Signature Cabernet Franc: $45/-/$38
Luscious red; smooth. Deep blackberry, tea, prune.
Luscious red; smooth. Deep blackberry, tea, prune.
Belvedere
TRL/Staff/Wine=9/7/5
2006 Russian River Valley Gewurstraminer: $19/-/$10
2006 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc: $18/-/-
2005 Healdsburg Ranch Chardonnay Sonoma County: $10/-/$15
Social Chardonnay - purchased three. Something you can get at BevMo!
2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: $20/-/$18
Milder nose but decent flavor; notes of citrus, melon, with creamy mouth-feel.
2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $29/-/$25
Nice fruity-loopy nose; palate was not as full-bodied. A bit young/lacking. Tasted like it needed to be in the barrel longer.
2005 Alexander Valley Sangiovese: $26/-/$25
Not a bad wine, but not a representative Sangio.
2006 Russian River Valley Gewurstraminer: $19/-/$10
2006 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc: $18/-/-
2005 Healdsburg Ranch Chardonnay Sonoma County: $10/-/$15
Social Chardonnay - purchased three. Something you can get at BevMo!
2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: $20/-/$18
Milder nose but decent flavor; notes of citrus, melon, with creamy mouth-feel.
2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $29/-/$25
Nice fruity-loopy nose; palate was not as full-bodied. A bit young/lacking. Tasted like it needed to be in the barrel longer.
2005 Alexander Valley Sangiovese: $26/-/$25
Not a bad wine, but not a representative Sangio.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mill Creek
TRL/Staff/Wine = 8/9/8
2005 Chardonnay Reserve: $25/$19/$28
Full creamy nose. Well balanced with light oak on the finish.
Full creamy nose. Well balanced with light oak on the finish.
2002 Estate Merlot: $22/$17/$24
Smells of cedar; smooth, light velvety finish. Bold currant flavor.
Smells of cedar; smooth, light velvety finish. Bold currant flavor.
2004 Merlot: $22/$17/$25
Bigger nose w/ more currant than the 2002. Big fruit, lots of currant and blackberry w/ hints of prune.
Bigger nose w/ more currant than the 2002. Big fruit, lots of currant and blackberry w/ hints of prune.
2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel: $30/$23/$26
Understated nose. Balanced jam and pepper. Medium-bodied. A good wine if it had a bigger nose.
Understated nose. Balanced jam and pepper. Medium-bodied. A good wine if it had a bigger nose.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: $28/-/$30
2/3 Dry Creek Valley fruit, 1/3 Alexander Valley fruit – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Green Pepper, mild red fruits.
2/3 Dry Creek Valley fruit, 1/3 Alexander Valley fruit – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Green Pepper, mild red fruits.
2001 Cabernet Sauvignon: $35/$26/$40
Rich, smooth, and unfiltered. Big nose, big fruit; could lay down for a few years.
Rich, smooth, and unfiltered. Big nose, big fruit; could lay down for a few years.
2007 Syrah: $27/$20/$22
Mildly earthy. Smoky bacon, blackberry, pepper.
Mildly earthy. Smoky bacon, blackberry, pepper.
2004 Left of Starboard (port): $27/-/$27
100% Zinfandel w/ brandy
Very, very smooth.
100% Zinfandel w/ brandy
Very, very smooth.
Lambert Bridge
TRL/Staff/Wine = 9/7/62006 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley: $22/-/$18
Big nose for stainless steel fermentation; lemony. I was enthused about this one.
2005 Chardonnay Sonoma County: $32/-/$18
50% new oak; smooth beginning (crisp), but wanes and doesn’t finish.
2006 Sonoma County Viognier: $30/-/$22
3-4 yrs old French oak barrels. Classic viognier nose, likes sweet vanilla. Fruit doesn’t appear on the palate. Served too cold.
2005 Dry Creek Valley Winery Ranch Block Zinfandel: $30/-/$30
Very full bun to overpowering nose. Full fruit – no tang to it. Gentle fruit, but medium-bodied and flavorful.
2003 Merlot Sonoma County: $40/-/$30
Blended w/ Cab Franc & Malbec. Bordeaux-style with a velvety finish & low fruit.
Dry Creek Vineyards
TRL/Staff/Wine = 9/7/6
The wines here aren’t bad, but not notable, either.
2006 Dry Chenin Blanc: $12/-/$12
Crisp, clean, palate cleanser.
As good as most Sauvignon Blancs
Crisp, clean, palate cleanser.
As good as most Sauvignon Blancs
2005 Estate Fume Blanc: $25/-/-
No noes. Very dry, lemony palate. Little green pepper on the nose.
No noes. Very dry, lemony palate. Little green pepper on the nose.
2005 Taylor’s Vineyard Musque’: $25/-/-
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
2003 Bullock House Merlot: 25/-/22
Light-bodied for a merlot. Bordeaux-style, but modest flavor. Would benefit from decanting.
Light-bodied for a merlot. Bordeaux-style, but modest flavor. Would benefit from decanting.
2004 The Mariner (Meritage): $40/-/$30
Big tannins subdue the fruit. Velvety finish. Was decanted when tasted.
Big tannins subdue the fruit. Velvety finish. Was decanted when tasted.
Mazzocco
TRL/Staff/Wine = 9/7/8
Nice, spacious tasting room with a three-bar, leather couches, and picture windows. This was our first time to Mazzocco and I have to say I was quite impressed. It turns out that the owners also own Wilson winery, who we panned in March 2006 for serving their syrah from the barrel while it was still fizzing. What impressed us about this place the most though was the strong offering in the $28-$35 per bottle Zinfandel.
After the tasting here, we joined the member's Cellar Club, which provides a substantial discount on already well-marked wines. Twice a year, they send a full case of wine and provide up to 25% discount on all their wines. Well worth it! (Epilogue: We’ve since convinced another couple to sign-up.)
2005 West Dry Creek Zinfandel: $27/-/-
Nose is wanting.
Nice, spacious tasting room with a three-bar, leather couches, and picture windows. This was our first time to Mazzocco and I have to say I was quite impressed. It turns out that the owners also own Wilson winery, who we panned in March 2006 for serving their syrah from the barrel while it was still fizzing. What impressed us about this place the most though was the strong offering in the $28-$35 per bottle Zinfandel.
After the tasting here, we joined the member's Cellar Club, which provides a substantial discount on already well-marked wines. Twice a year, they send a full case of wine and provide up to 25% discount on all their wines. Well worth it! (Epilogue: We’ve since convinced another couple to sign-up.)
2005 West Dry Creek Zinfandel: $27/-/-
Nose is wanting.
2005 Alexander Valley Stone Zinfandel: $27/-/$30
This is not huge, but the finish is well worth it. Great when it opens! Nice balance.
This is not huge, but the finish is well worth it. Great when it opens! Nice balance.
2005 Dry Creek Valley Pony Zinfandel: $29/-/($33-$30)
2005 Dry Creek Valley Home Ranch Zinfandel: $29/-/$25
2005 Dry Creek Valley Maple Vineyard Zinfandel: $36/-/($38-$40)
Distinctly Maple Vineyard!
2004 Dry Creek Valley Cuneo & Suini Vineyard: $24/-/$19
Balanced more on the pepper.
Balanced more on the pepper.
2004 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon: $21/-/$21
Smartly simple, balanced.
Smartly simple, balanced.
1999 Matrix: $40/-/$28
Bordeaux blend that is over-integrated “No! Blech!” was overheard…
Bordeaux blend that is over-integrated “No! Blech!” was overheard…
Mauritson
TRL/Staff/Wine = 8/8/8
Only tasted a couple of wines this time. It was the end of the day and they were closing, so we’ll try again another time. I’m never disappointed at Mauritson, so I didn’t feel bad about this stop.
Ferrari-Carano
TRL/Staff/Wine = 10/5/5
The grounds are stupendous. The tasting room is large with lots of gift buying opportunities. The regular tasting is upstairs. The reserve tasting is downstairs, adjacent to their barrel room. Words don’t begin to describe this environment. It’s poss, with black granite countertops, teak and mahogany wood, and plush leather chairs. Truthfully, it appeared more like an upscale nightclub/bar than a tasting room.
The staff barely gave you the time to pour ast they were often finding better things to do.
The wine was often poured in a very inappropriate glass, so it was hard to give it its due consideration. Glasses or no, the wine was unimpressive.
Flora Springs
TRL/Staff/Wine = 7/7/9
The wines here were very well-priced and had that value proposition that said, “if you like them, join the club”. So we did…
Epilogue: This wasn’t a club that we stuck with. I don’t know what happened, but our enthusiasm for their wines waned over time.
Epilogue: This wasn’t a club that we stuck with. I don’t know what happened, but our enthusiasm for their wines waned over time.
2006 Soliloquy: $25/-/$18
2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley: $26/-/$26
Social Chardonnay
Social Chardonnay
2004 Toad Hall Bodacious: $40/$34/$38
50% Cab Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
50% Cab Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon: $35/-/$35
2004 Trilogy: $65/-/$50
Meritage blend; very smooth.
Meritage blend; very smooth.
2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wild Boar: $85/$68/-
2004 Napa Valley Holy Smoke Cabernet Sauvignon: $85/$68/$65
Way too good! Actually feel a little guilty not buying a bottle.
Way too good! Actually feel a little guilty not buying a bottle.
2004 Toad Hall Lavada Hill Carneros Pinot Noir: $30/-/$25
Merryvale
TRL/Staff/Wine = 9/7+/7
The most notable feature of the tasting room was the room full of old casks surrounding a 52-seat table, like a huge chamber. At the head, a cask that had been turned vertical and housed an 8-place roiund table in it.
The Cab Sauvignons were great, just overpriced. It was tough to score the wine under a ranking of 10…until you have pull your wallet out.
2005 Pinot Noir Carneros: $35/-/$30
Balanced; not too big of anything. Not bad, but not notable.
Balanced; not too big of anything. Not bad, but not notable.
2003 Sonoma County Syrah: $30/-/$25
Classic Dry Creek Valley nose but flat finish. Mostly spicy/acidic finish.
Classic Dry Creek Valley nose but flat finish. Mostly spicy/acidic finish.
2002 Beckstoffer Vineyard Merlot: $39/-/$30
Big fruit on the nose, even palate. Little over-priced but a good wine.
Big fruit on the nose, even palate. Little over-priced but a good wine.
(Epilogue: 3 years later, I found this wine at a little place in the Gaslamp District of San Diego called the Wine Bank. They, of course were selling it at $39.99/bottle. With some shrewd negotiations, we purchased two cases @ $30/bottle; the same price we valued it at 3 years earlier, at the winery. What can I say? It's a really good wine.)
2003 Reserve Merlot: $35/-/$28
12% Cab Sau/3% Petit Verdot
Thin nose/palate.
12% Cab Sau/3% Petit Verdot
Thin nose/palate.
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve: $39/-/$42
5% Merlot/4% Cabernet Franc
5% Merlot/4% Cabernet Franc
2003 Oakville Grade: $75/-/-
2003 Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon (100%): $95/-/$60
2001 Profile: $110/-/$80
Lisa loved it!
Lisa loved it!
2002 Profile: $110/-/$85
Jamie loved it!
Jamie loved it!
1999 Profile: $125/-/$60
Castella di Amorosa
TRL/Staff/Wine = 10/6/7
What are going to say about a winery that operates in a castle?! So, the same guy who own V. Sattui built this castle in St. Helena and made a winery out of it. It have several levels going 70 ft into the ground. All of the barrels are stored in tunnels and large rooms which rely upon the building’s depth to keep them cool. And cool, they are! For a little flare, the tour will show you a few medieval torture devices they house in the dungeon rooms. The main banquet hall has cathedral ceilings and murals covering it. The whole tour experience is a “can’t miss” event. Too bad they didn’t give their wines as much focus and attention…
2005 Napa Valley Pinot Grigio: $19/-/-
2004 Pinot Bianco Los Carneros: $24/-/$15
2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay (un-oaked): $28/-/$28
2005 Bien Nacido Chadonnay Santa Barbara: $38/-/$25
2005 Mendocino Gewurstraminer: $21/-/$22
I’d stock it for friends who like Gewurstraminer.
I’d stock it for friends who like Gewurstraminer.
2005 Dolcino Sonoma Gewurstraminer:$21/-/$20
2004 Napa Valley Sangiovese: $30/-/$30
Mild, approachable Sangio blend.
Mild, approachable Sangio blend.
2003 Napa Valley Merlot: $32/-/$28
Modest merlot, smooth with regular finish; not special, but not bad. Good fruit, but not particularly distinguishable.
Modest merlot, smooth with regular finish; not special, but not bad. Good fruit, but not particularly distinguishable.
2002 il Brigante (100% Cab):$27/-/$34
2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $38/-/$25-$35
2006 Late Harvest Gewurstraminer: $24/-/$20
2005 il Raggio del Sole Muscato Canello: $24/-/$24
Cuvaison
TRL/Staff/Wine =8/8/9
This turned out to be a very club-worthy winery. If you note the club price is often less than our guiltless bottle price. That screams “join the club”! Their tasting room (in Calistoga) was small, but quaint. If you’re a club member, though, a tasting in the barrel room is offered. But’s let talk about the wine…
2006 Sauvignon Blanc: $19/$15/-
2005 Chardonnay Carneros: $22/$18/-
2005 Chardonnay S Block: $35/$28/$32
New oak(French); intense wine, worthwhile.
2005 Pinot Noir Carneros: $30/$24/$30
Full fruit nose, smooth but balanced finish; not tart. Not terribly complex but approachable.
2003 Napa Valley Carneros Merlot: $29/$23/$20
Disappointing palate after full, alarming nose.
1999 Napa Valley Merlot: $29/$22/($22-$35)
Chili pepper; very smooth, distinguished – silky.
2002 ATS Merlot: $54/$43/$43
Bordeaux style – very good.
2004 Carneros Syrah: $28/$22/$34Pepper, but smooth, earthy; blackberry. Serve with peppered dry rub steak.
2005 Diablo Syrah (Carneros): $30/$24/$20
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder: $45/$36/$40
84% Cab, 4% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 7% Cab Franc
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder
78% Cab
2003 Brandlin Mt. Veeder: $80/-/$48
This turned out to be a very club-worthy winery. If you note the club price is often less than our guiltless bottle price. That screams “join the club”! Their tasting room (in Calistoga) was small, but quaint. If you’re a club member, though, a tasting in the barrel room is offered. But’s let talk about the wine…
2006 Sauvignon Blanc: $19/$15/-
2005 Chardonnay Carneros: $22/$18/-
2005 Chardonnay S Block: $35/$28/$32
New oak(French); intense wine, worthwhile.
2005 Pinot Noir Carneros: $30/$24/$30
Full fruit nose, smooth but balanced finish; not tart. Not terribly complex but approachable.
2003 Napa Valley Carneros Merlot: $29/$23/$20
Disappointing palate after full, alarming nose.
1999 Napa Valley Merlot: $29/$22/($22-$35)
Chili pepper; very smooth, distinguished – silky.
2002 ATS Merlot: $54/$43/$43
Bordeaux style – very good.
2004 Carneros Syrah: $28/$22/$34Pepper, but smooth, earthy; blackberry. Serve with peppered dry rub steak.
2005 Diablo Syrah (Carneros): $30/$24/$20
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder: $45/$36/$40
84% Cab, 4% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 7% Cab Franc
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder
78% Cab
2003 Brandlin Mt. Veeder: $80/-/$48
Clos Pegase
TRL/Staff/Wine = 10/8/7
Exquisite grounds and gardens with a tasting room that is inviting, yet large enough to cater to a crowd. The wine wasn’t bad, but not special either. Except for the chard, it was fairly well priced.
2006 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc: $20/$16/$22
2005 Hummage Reserve Chardonnay: $40/$32/$26
2003 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Merlot: $25/$20/-
Fruit is subdued by the Petit Sirah and Cabernet Franc.
2005 Pegase Circle Reserve Pegaso: $26/$21/$24
Plum and Rhubarb; not bad.
Exquisite grounds and gardens with a tasting room that is inviting, yet large enough to cater to a crowd. The wine wasn’t bad, but not special either. Except for the chard, it was fairly well priced.
2006 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc: $20/$16/$22
2005 Hummage Reserve Chardonnay: $40/$32/$26
2003 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Merlot: $25/$20/-
Fruit is subdued by the Petit Sirah and Cabernet Franc.
2005 Pegase Circle Reserve Pegaso: $26/$21/$24
Plum and Rhubarb; not bad.
Huntington Cellars
TRL/Staff/Wine = 8/7/7
2005 Sauvignon Blanc: $14/$11/$14
2006 Sauvignon Blanc: $14/$11/$16
2005 Sonoma County Chardonnay: $9/-/-
2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay: $15/-/$15
Good social chardonnay.
2004 Merlot: $15/$12/$18
2004 Merlot Reserve: $28/$22/$28
Nos is more inviting than the palate, but still good; smooth finish. Winemaker says it has a 10 year shelf life; picked at high sugar level.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: $17/$13/-
2005 Petit Sirah: $14/$11/$20
Great nose! Palate doesn’t hold. Good value!
2005 Hidden Valley Syrah: $32/$25/$32
2005 Sauvignon Blanc: $14/$11/$14
2006 Sauvignon Blanc: $14/$11/$16
2005 Sonoma County Chardonnay: $9/-/-
2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay: $15/-/$15
Good social chardonnay.
2004 Merlot: $15/$12/$18
2004 Merlot Reserve: $28/$22/$28
Nos is more inviting than the palate, but still good; smooth finish. Winemaker says it has a 10 year shelf life; picked at high sugar level.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: $17/$13/-
2005 Petit Sirah: $14/$11/$20
Great nose! Palate doesn’t hold. Good value!
2005 Hidden Valley Syrah: $32/$25/$32
Christie Vineyard
TRL/Staff/Wine = 6/9/6
2006 Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc: $16/-/-
2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: $24/-/-
2003 Russian River Valley Merlot: $28/-/$25
2003 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $32/-/$30
2006 Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc: $16/-/-
2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: $24/-/-
2003 Russian River Valley Merlot: $28/-/$25
2003 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $32/-/$30
Davis Family
TRL/Staff/Wine = 7/7/7
2005 Sauvignon Blanc: $20/$-/$12
Big lemon and grapefruit
2005 Chardonnay: $35/-/$15
Flat finish.
2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $40/-/-
Herbaceous, light bodied; where’s the fruit?
2005 Russian River Valley Syrah Gayzer Block: $38/-/$35
Well balanced, but could be bigger.
2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $50/-/($32-$42)
2005 Rapport: $30/-/($25-$36)
Well balanced dessert wine; tastes like a light zin (16.8% alcohol by vol.)
2005 Sauvignon Blanc: $20/$-/$12
Big lemon and grapefruit
2005 Chardonnay: $35/-/$15
Flat finish.
2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $40/-/-
Herbaceous, light bodied; where’s the fruit?
2005 Russian River Valley Syrah Gayzer Block: $38/-/$35
Well balanced, but could be bigger.
2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $50/-/($32-$42)
2005 Rapport: $30/-/($25-$36)
Well balanced dessert wine; tastes like a light zin (16.8% alcohol by vol.)
Holdredge
TRL/Staff/Wine = 6/8+/7+
2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (Wren Hop): $38/$-/$25
2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $34/$-/($27-$30)
2006 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir: $40/$-/$30
2006 “Mazie Rose”: $45/$-/($40-$34)
Bigger fruit; good balance.
2005 Alexander Valley Zinfandel: $24/$-/$25
2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel: $24/$-/$22
2005 Syrah Russian River Valley: $30/$-/$28
2006 Late Harvest Pinot Grigio: $25/$-/$25
2006 Late Harvest Gewurstraminer: $30/$-/$25
2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (Wren Hop): $38/$-/$25
2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $34/$-/($27-$30)
2006 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir: $40/$-/$30
2006 “Mazie Rose”: $45/$-/($40-$34)
Bigger fruit; good balance.
2005 Alexander Valley Zinfandel: $24/$-/$25
2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel: $24/$-/$22
2005 Syrah Russian River Valley: $30/$-/$28
2006 Late Harvest Pinot Grigio: $25/$-/$25
2006 Late Harvest Gewurstraminer: $30/$-/$25
Sapphire Hill
TRL/Staff/Wine = 7/8/9
This is a club-worthy winery, even though they are small and the discount isn’t much. It makes up for the additional break you’ll get during futures offerings.
2006 Rose’: $18/$-/$-
2005 Russian River Pinot Noir: $40/$36/$30
2004 Russian River Pinot Noir: $40/$36/$38
2002 Winberrie Old Vine Zinfandel: $30/$20/($30-$35)
Nose was pleasing.
2004 Chardonnay: $23/$20/$28Note that they blend their chards from oak and stainless steel aging.
2003 Bastoni Old Vine Zinfandel: $25/$22/($32-$43)
2003 Syrah Russian River Valley: $28/$25/$25
Green olive notes on the finish.
2005 Syrah Russian River Valley: $28/$25/$28
2006 Porky’s Patch Zinfandel: $28/$25/$-
2002 Old Vine Zinfandel Tom Feeney Ranch: $25/$22/$25
This is a club-worthy winery, even though they are small and the discount isn’t much. It makes up for the additional break you’ll get during futures offerings.
2006 Rose’: $18/$-/$-
2005 Russian River Pinot Noir: $40/$36/$30
2004 Russian River Pinot Noir: $40/$36/$38
2002 Winberrie Old Vine Zinfandel: $30/$20/($30-$35)
Nose was pleasing.
2004 Chardonnay: $23/$20/$28Note that they blend their chards from oak and stainless steel aging.
2003 Bastoni Old Vine Zinfandel: $25/$22/($32-$43)
2003 Syrah Russian River Valley: $28/$25/$25
Green olive notes on the finish.
2005 Syrah Russian River Valley: $28/$25/$28
2006 Porky’s Patch Zinfandel: $28/$25/$-
2002 Old Vine Zinfandel Tom Feeney Ranch: $25/$22/$25
De la Montanya
TRL/Staff/Wine = 8/7/6
With this wineries success at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, we thought it fair to give it a try. We were quite disappointed…
2005 Fume Blanc: $20/$16/$16
Too tart.
2005 Chardonnay: $28$/22/$-
Good social chard.
2005 Summer White: $19/$15/$12
2005 “Pin up Series III”: $16/$13/($10-$22)
Rose’s are for some people; they are not usually for me.
2005 DLM Tina’s Vineyard Pinot Noir: $32/$26/$12
I don’t know how you can possible screw up a block of grapes from Tina Maple, but they did.
2005 Flying Rooster Pinot: $36/$-/$16
2005 Flying Rooster Red: $22/$18/$16
2005 Felta Creek Zinfandel: $26/$21/$25
The nose made our head snap; could have been corked.
2006 DLM Felta Creek Vineyard Primitivo: $34/$27/$25
I don’t know why wineries insist on using the Italian name for Zinfandel and marketing it as something different (Primitivo); it’s the same damn grape. This might have been a good wine, it was just too young.
2004 “Pin up Cabaret Series III”: $38/$30/$28
This wine was a 2006 Harvest Fair Gold Medal Winner but I wasn’t compelled to buy it.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Vineyard: $38/$30/$30
With this wineries success at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, we thought it fair to give it a try. We were quite disappointed…
2005 Fume Blanc: $20/$16/$16
Too tart.
2005 Chardonnay: $28$/22/$-
Good social chard.
2005 Summer White: $19/$15/$12
2005 “Pin up Series III”: $16/$13/($10-$22)
Rose’s are for some people; they are not usually for me.
2005 DLM Tina’s Vineyard Pinot Noir: $32/$26/$12
I don’t know how you can possible screw up a block of grapes from Tina Maple, but they did.
2005 Flying Rooster Pinot: $36/$-/$16
2005 Flying Rooster Red: $22/$18/$16
2005 Felta Creek Zinfandel: $26/$21/$25
The nose made our head snap; could have been corked.
2006 DLM Felta Creek Vineyard Primitivo: $34/$27/$25
I don’t know why wineries insist on using the Italian name for Zinfandel and marketing it as something different (Primitivo); it’s the same damn grape. This might have been a good wine, it was just too young.
2004 “Pin up Cabaret Series III”: $38/$30/$28
This wine was a 2006 Harvest Fair Gold Medal Winner but I wasn’t compelled to buy it.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Vineyard: $38/$30/$30
Imagery - October 2007
TRL/Staff/Wine = 9/9/8
If you’ve never been to an upscale, culturally effluent winery, then you should make a point of stopping in at Imagery at least once. The tasting room and location is one of the top in Northern California. The wines are big, bold, and complex. Be prepared to pay for the experience, but know that it’s worth it at least once in your life.
2006 Viognier: $26/$20/$18
Citric, clean, and lemony.
2005 White Burgundy: $29/$23/$28
Crisp, but not well integrated.
2005 Mourvedre: $42/$33/$20
Light, spicy and under-fruited
2004 Taylor & Bruschea Zinfandel: $42/$33/$26
Very spicy; we were left asking “where’s the fruit?”
2003 Sunny Slope Merlot: $38/$30/$40
100% Merlot that was good for its makeup
2004 Petit Verdot: $40/$32/$35
2004 Petit Sirah: $42/$33/$43
Smooth; full of good flavor.
2003 Ash Creek Cabernet Sauvignon: $45/$36/$45
Balanced toward mineral, but still has dried fruit flavors
2003 Sunny Slope Cabernet Sauvignon: $45/$36/$38
2004 PALLAS Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: $70/$56/$65
Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec blend (95%/5%)
2002 Ash Creek
Very smooth and earthy; almost too earthy
2001 Sunny Slope Cabernet Sauvignon: $55/$-/$60
Good-to-Great balance; Impress your friends with this Cab!
If you’ve never been to an upscale, culturally effluent winery, then you should make a point of stopping in at Imagery at least once. The tasting room and location is one of the top in Northern California. The wines are big, bold, and complex. Be prepared to pay for the experience, but know that it’s worth it at least once in your life.
2006 Viognier: $26/$20/$18
Citric, clean, and lemony.
2005 White Burgundy: $29/$23/$28
Crisp, but not well integrated.
2005 Mourvedre: $42/$33/$20
Light, spicy and under-fruited
2004 Taylor & Bruschea Zinfandel: $42/$33/$26
Very spicy; we were left asking “where’s the fruit?”
2003 Sunny Slope Merlot: $38/$30/$40
100% Merlot that was good for its makeup
2004 Petit Verdot: $40/$32/$35
2004 Petit Sirah: $42/$33/$43
Smooth; full of good flavor.
2003 Ash Creek Cabernet Sauvignon: $45/$36/$45
Balanced toward mineral, but still has dried fruit flavors
2003 Sunny Slope Cabernet Sauvignon: $45/$36/$38
2004 PALLAS Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: $70/$56/$65
Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec blend (95%/5%)
2002 Ash Creek
Very smooth and earthy; almost too earthy
2001 Sunny Slope Cabernet Sauvignon: $55/$-/$60
Good-to-Great balance; Impress your friends with this Cab!
Twomey - October 2007
TRL/Staff/Wine = 9/8/8
A while back, Twomey purchased the winemaking facility and tasting room of Roshambo. Located on the side of the hill on West Dry Creek Road, it is a flowing, modern building overlooking the Russian River Valley. With a grass terrace and picture windows, it’s a wonderful place to stop and soak in the view while sipping a good merlot. While the selection may be limited, the quality is top notch.
You can start or finish your day here, but you’ll never spit or pour. Take your friends here to show them what a great merlot tastes like!
2005 Russian River Pinot Noir: $50/$-/$40
Classically structured. The balance leans toward spice/herbs which is uncharacteristic of Russian River Pinot Noirs. (Davis Bynum is a notable exception)
2000 Napa Valley Merlot: $60/$0/$50
Browning around the edges, showing its age. This is a re-release of the library wine and its very near its life’s end.
2003 Napa Valley Merlot: $70/$-/$50
Great nose, but flavor almost washes away.
2004 Napa Valley Merlot: $65/$-/$-
What a big nose! The fruit abounds, mostly black cherry. This is a very nice wine that could benefit from aging.
A while back, Twomey purchased the winemaking facility and tasting room of Roshambo. Located on the side of the hill on West Dry Creek Road, it is a flowing, modern building overlooking the Russian River Valley. With a grass terrace and picture windows, it’s a wonderful place to stop and soak in the view while sipping a good merlot. While the selection may be limited, the quality is top notch.
You can start or finish your day here, but you’ll never spit or pour. Take your friends here to show them what a great merlot tastes like!
2005 Russian River Pinot Noir: $50/$-/$40
Classically structured. The balance leans toward spice/herbs which is uncharacteristic of Russian River Pinot Noirs. (Davis Bynum is a notable exception)
2000 Napa Valley Merlot: $60/$0/$50
Browning around the edges, showing its age. This is a re-release of the library wine and its very near its life’s end.
2003 Napa Valley Merlot: $70/$-/$50
Great nose, but flavor almost washes away.
2004 Napa Valley Merlot: $65/$-/$-
What a big nose! The fruit abounds, mostly black cherry. This is a very nice wine that could benefit from aging.
Rabbit Ridge - October 2007
TRL/Staff/Wine = 7/5/5
No credit for tasting, but you got to take shitty Riedel “O”s with you.
2005 Live Oak Vineyard Paso Robles Pinot Noir: $20/$18/$20
Not bad. Well priced.
2001 Aventura: $25/$22/$18
Tuscan style
2003 LPR (Zin/Primitivo/Petit Sirah/Syrah): $20/$18/$15
2002 Vortex: $25/$22/$22
Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot/Petit Sirah/Syrah
Not compelling
2005 “No Worries”: $25/$-/$20
A Zin that was supposed to be jammy, and wasn’t.
2003 Sarah’s Syrah: $20/$18/$25
Leans toward jammy vs. pepper and earth; worthy of one bottle purchase
No credit for tasting, but you got to take shitty Riedel “O”s with you.
2005 Live Oak Vineyard Paso Robles Pinot Noir: $20/$18/$20
Not bad. Well priced.
2001 Aventura: $25/$22/$18
Tuscan style
2003 LPR (Zin/Primitivo/Petit Sirah/Syrah): $20/$18/$15
2002 Vortex: $25/$22/$22
Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot/Petit Sirah/Syrah
Not compelling
2005 “No Worries”: $25/$-/$20
A Zin that was supposed to be jammy, and wasn’t.
2003 Sarah’s Syrah: $20/$18/$25
Leans toward jammy vs. pepper and earth; worthy of one bottle purchase
Arista - October 2007
TRL/Staff/Wine = 10/8/7
You won’t miss any sports events by tasting, they have a nice HD screen for viewing. The wines are good, but limited and a bit overpriced.
2006 Gewurstraminer, Anderson Valley: $24/$-/$20
Good palate cleanser
2006 Sonoma County Pinot Noir: $30/$-/($25-$35)
This is so light, with a beautiful fruit nose. The nose is unmistakable. The wine is very smooth, but not terribly complex; drink now/anytime.
2006 Russian River Pinot Noir: $40/$-/($28-$32)
Definitely a RRV pinot. This wine has much more complexity to it with a light body and good flavors.
You won’t miss any sports events by tasting, they have a nice HD screen for viewing. The wines are good, but limited and a bit overpriced.
2006 Gewurstraminer, Anderson Valley: $24/$-/$20
Good palate cleanser
2006 Sonoma County Pinot Noir: $30/$-/($25-$35)
This is so light, with a beautiful fruit nose. The nose is unmistakable. The wine is very smooth, but not terribly complex; drink now/anytime.
2006 Russian River Pinot Noir: $40/$-/($28-$32)
Definitely a RRV pinot. This wine has much more complexity to it with a light body and good flavors.
Moshin - October 2007
TRL/Staff/Wine = 8/8/7
Three pinot noirs between $30 and $55, with a club price at a 20% discount weren’t worth more than $20 a piece.
2005 Molinari Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Merlot: $24/$19/$18
2005 Dorcich Vineyards Santa Clara County Syrah: $30/$24/$20
Great fruity nose.
2005 Bowman Vineyard Shenandoah Valley Zinfandel: $28/$22/$20
Jammy nose!
Three pinot noirs between $30 and $55, with a club price at a 20% discount weren’t worth more than $20 a piece.
2005 Molinari Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Merlot: $24/$19/$18
2005 Dorcich Vineyards Santa Clara County Syrah: $30/$24/$20
Great fruity nose.
2005 Bowman Vineyard Shenandoah Valley Zinfandel: $28/$22/$20
Jammy nose!
Gary Farrell - October 2007
Beware of the limos and buses! Paris Hilton want-to-bes pour out of stretch limousines in search of generous pouring and good girlie fun! If you do manage to elbow in for a tasting, you’ll either be annoyed or entertained by the inane conversations. Some may leave you asking, “What world have I landed on?”
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Martin Ray - October 2007
TRL/Staff/Wine = 7/8/7
Riesling Angeline Winery Mendocino County: $14/11.20/8
2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: $20/16/15
2004 Angeline Zinfandel: $14/11/25
2005 Angeline Pinot Noir: $14/11/18
Definitely strawberry pinot. These are both very easy drinkers intended to drink alone or with light appetizers. Will not stand up to a meal.
2003 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon: $60/48/22
2003 Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon: $60/48/35
2004 Stag Leap Cabernet Sauvignon: $60/48/32
Riesling Angeline Winery Mendocino County: $14/11.20/8
2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: $20/16/15
2004 Angeline Zinfandel: $14/11/25
2005 Angeline Pinot Noir: $14/11/18
Definitely strawberry pinot. These are both very easy drinkers intended to drink alone or with light appetizers. Will not stand up to a meal.
2003 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon: $60/48/22
2003 Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon: $60/48/35
2004 Stag Leap Cabernet Sauvignon: $60/48/32
De Loach - October 2007
TRL/Staff/Wine = 8+/7/7+
The staff is friendly and inviting; probably would open up more if directly engaged and less busy.
2005 Kent Ritchie Chardonnay: $40/$32/$28-$32
Luscious flavor – good!
2006 Golden Coast: $45/36/18
2006 Green Valley: $45/36/30
2005 Nova Zinfandel: $32/25/25
2005 Forgotten Vines Zinfandel: $32/25/45
The smooth old vines were full and jammy, but fairly balanced with earth and spice.
2005 Wild Creek Cabernet Sauvignon: $30/24/24
2004 Gambozi Zinfandel: $30/24/24
The staff is friendly and inviting; probably would open up more if directly engaged and less busy.
2005 Kent Ritchie Chardonnay: $40/$32/$28-$32
Luscious flavor – good!
2006 Golden Coast: $45/36/18
2006 Green Valley: $45/36/30
2005 Nova Zinfandel: $32/25/25
2005 Forgotten Vines Zinfandel: $32/25/45
The smooth old vines were full and jammy, but fairly balanced with earth and spice.
2005 Wild Creek Cabernet Sauvignon: $30/24/24
2004 Gambozi Zinfandel: $30/24/24
October 2007 – Sonoma Harvest Fair
This was, without a doubt, the biggest trip we’ve taken. We dedicated ten days to exploring wine country in Sonoma and Napa counties. For our efforts, we visited 43 wineries, 26 of which were new, and 31 of which successfully plied money from our wallets. Together, we have not dedicated more than a few days to a vacation of any type since our three week tour of Europe (pre EU) in 1992. Needless to say, we approached it with gusto!
Friday Sonoma Harvest Fair
What you should know about Harvest Fair is that it’s not unlike other county fairs you grew up around. It has animal pageants, produce contests, and first rate flowers. The key draw to this fair, in my opinion, is what a $20 ticket will get you the first day… a glass from which you can taste all of the fair’s ribbon winners for the year. This particular year, there were a few standouts. Not only did Clos du bois’ Calcaire win best chardonnay wine, it was voted the best wine of the fair! If you’re a pinot-phile, then you’d want to stop by and taste De La Montanya’s prize winner.
Throughout this entire barn (and it is a big barn) are nothing but tables of wines of all different varietals grown and made in Sonoma County. If you ever wanted to “tour” Sonoma County wineries, there’s no faster way. Here’s the perfect opportunity to taste gobs of new wines that you know are notable, even though you’ve never heard of the winery.
If you do come to the event, I suggest packing a light lunch because there aren’t many food booths to sate your appetite or tame your buzz. Also bring very comfortable shoes, as you will likely be on your feet the entire time. Tables are available if you claim them as soon as you walk through the door or you attempt to reserve them well in advance. Given the size of the crowd and the limited seating, it’s unlikely you’ll have much to work with. Both the barn and the event are big enough to house a couple thousand of your closest friends, with seating for about a tenth of them.
Here's our massive itinerary. If you're wondering about the light day in the middle, somebody had to see the beach and play in the surf...
Friday Sonoma Harvest Fair
What you should know about Harvest Fair is that it’s not unlike other county fairs you grew up around. It has animal pageants, produce contests, and first rate flowers. The key draw to this fair, in my opinion, is what a $20 ticket will get you the first day… a glass from which you can taste all of the fair’s ribbon winners for the year. This particular year, there were a few standouts. Not only did Clos du bois’ Calcaire win best chardonnay wine, it was voted the best wine of the fair! If you’re a pinot-phile, then you’d want to stop by and taste De La Montanya’s prize winner.
Throughout this entire barn (and it is a big barn) are nothing but tables of wines of all different varietals grown and made in Sonoma County. If you ever wanted to “tour” Sonoma County wineries, there’s no faster way. Here’s the perfect opportunity to taste gobs of new wines that you know are notable, even though you’ve never heard of the winery.
If you do come to the event, I suggest packing a light lunch because there aren’t many food booths to sate your appetite or tame your buzz. Also bring very comfortable shoes, as you will likely be on your feet the entire time. Tables are available if you claim them as soon as you walk through the door or you attempt to reserve them well in advance. Given the size of the crowd and the limited seating, it’s unlikely you’ll have much to work with. Both the barn and the event are big enough to house a couple thousand of your closest friends, with seating for about a tenth of them.
Here's our massive itinerary. If you're wondering about the light day in the middle, somebody had to see the beach and play in the surf...
- Saturday
- De Loach
- Martin Ray
- Russian Hill Estate Winery
- Gary Farrell
- Moshin
- Porter Creek
- Arista
- Hop Kiln
- Rabbit Ridge
- Twomey
- Sunday
- Imagery
- De la Montanya
- Sapphire Hill
- Holdredge
- Davis Family
- Christie Vineyard
- Huntington Wine Cellars
- Monday
- Clos Pegase
- Cuvaison
- Castello di Amorosa
- Merryvale
- Flora Springs
- Tuesday
- Ferrari - Carano
- Mauritson
- Wednesday
- Mazzocco
- Dry Creek Vineyards
- Lambert Bridge
- Mill Creek
- Belvedere
- Gallo
- Rosenblum
- Thursday
- Fritz
- Trentadue
- Robert Young
- Friday
- Jessup Cellars
- Domaine Chandon
- Castella di Amorosa
- Saturday
- Siduri
- Mill Creek
- Armida
- Fritz
- Clos du Bois
- Robert Young
- Stonestreet
- Sunday
- Trentadue
- Heitz Cellars
Napa in 2007
Having learned some hard lessons in past trips, we made the appropriate adjustments for this trip and toured Napa during the week. Every place we stopped was new to us and the whole experience was unparalleled to anything we’d done before.
I'm still searching for the rest of my barrel tasting notes from this trip. Maybe I'll find them anyway...
Clos du Val
Cabernet Sauvignon
I enjoyed this wine while was still pretty tight, while others preferred it decanted/open. It’s a good wine to drink alone with lots of complexity to it: dark flavors like chocolate, black cherry, coffee.
Luna
Luna had some good wines, but they were overpriced and somewhat disappointing.
Conn Creek
These guys opend with a nice “hey, how are you?” chardonnay. It was the wine that led us to coin the term “social chardonnay”. You know the ones I’m talking about, where company arrives and you’re still settling in for the event, so you open a nice white wine to warm things up while you finish your preparations.
Smack me in the mouth, this is the biggest, baddest, Bordeaux blend I have ever tasted! Conn Creek Anthology, a full blend of the five Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec), is the richest, chewiest, blast of complex flavor and mountainous structure that has ever crossed my palate! Wow! Woohoo!
Charles Krug
I confess that I made the same mistake that most people, new to the area, make. I recognized Krug as a sparkling wine maker, but what I learned was only their French wineries make it. They stick to the traditions of it, and therefore make Champagne. (Note: Champagne is a sparkling wine made in the eponymously named region of France.) Nonetheless, Krug was quite a pleasant surprise. They had a good merlot at the price point ($19/bttl). Their red blend, Generations, didn’t have the in-your-face structure that Anthology had, but it was smooth and suitably complex. For $15 a bottle less, it was also better valued.
Louis MartiniThe chardonnay they offered was good and fairly priced, as were all of their wines. The stand-out here was an old-vines zinfandel.
Simi - Barrel Tasting
We stopped at Simi to hit their barrel tasting since they were one of the few open on a Friday. Regrettably, it wasn’t really worth the stop – even the food was poor. At some point, it might be worth stopping for the winery tour.
Armida - Barrel Tasting
Nestled up on a hill overlooking a pond and vineyards, this is a nice spot to buy a bottle and sit out on their deck with a small picnic. We had a thought that having people at the rail of the redwood deck, overlooking the vineyards, with four glasses and a bottle on the rail, would be a nice artistic picture.
Once again, their Maple Vineyard Zinfandel is fabulous! We bought futures and I’m sure we won’t be disappointed. They were also tasting a 2006 One Old Vineyard Zinfandel that would be interesting to try once it is bottled.
Their chardonnay was so worth the futures. The 2006 Keefer Ranch Chardonnay had a creaminess to it while still sustaining citrus fruits of lemon, pear, and oddly, a little banana.
Hop Kiln - Barrel TastingKeep and eye out for the November Release of the Dijon Clone Chardonnay. They have a lot of great oils, mustards, dips, vinagrettes, etc. If you are hungry, they bake you a small loaf of bread in about 5 minutes for a couple of dollars. It’s nice to cut the buzz with… The most interesting thing about Hop Kiln is its history, having once been a brewery.
Copia
I talk about COPIA a little in my book. In short, it’s well worth the stop. Devote the better part of the morning or afternoon here as the museum, restaurant, and wine/food seminars will keep you occupied for a while.
Freemark AbbeyThere’s no doubt that this is a very charming place, but the wines, we found were a tad overpriced. We’ve since learned that the real value wines are in the reserve tastings.
Heitz Cellars
Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon was a multi-layered wine that will improve even more in five years. It was so incredibly complex that there were two distinct phases to the flavors that appeared from the taste. The finish was so long I almost checked my watch!
The chardonnay they offer is quite nice as a social chardonnay. Note, however, that it differs greatly from other chards in the valley, in that it’s not creamy or buttery. This is a chard with so much oak flavor you almost have to dig the splinters out of your mouth. Don’t mistake me, it’s got good balance with lemon, pear, and melon, but this is not your Napa chard.
Grignolino Port – It’s a sweet port, but without the brand fortification. Heitz uses grappa, a wine spirit, to fortify their ports. It’ll be good with fruity desserts (including, oddly, pumpkin pie).
Grignolino wine – this is best characterized as a good pizza wine. I’ve found this varietal to be a little odd, with notes of yellow and red bell peppers. It’s not complex, but has an appealing nose. This one didn’t follow through on the palate, however.
Ink Grade Port – I have had a fair share of ports and, unequivocally, this is the best port I’ve ever had. Before I say more, I must say first that you should beware of which Ink Grade you’re buying. The non-vintage is good (and very well-priced), but the quality doesn’t hold water against the vintage port by the same name! What a fantastic port! Nobody does it better, in my opinion. Heitz is special in many regards when it comes to this port. First, they fortify it with grappa, not brandy like most ports. Secondly, the grapes they use are port grapes, which is to say they are the same varietals used to make port in Portugal! Don’t screw around with other wineries’ syrah, zin, or cab ports if you can get your hands on so much as one bottle of this elixir. It costs twice as much as the non-vintage port but no more than anyone else’s.
Peju
The merlot here was fine. The chardonnay is good at the price point. There was a fun “summer wine” (an expression I detest, but is favored by many feminine wine drinkers) called Prevance. I don’t know why, but they were also characterizing it as a fun, easy, “hot tub” wine. It’s much like Siduri’s “barbeque wine”, just more expensive. (Note: An argument ensued over which was better. No clear winner.)
St. Supery
There was nothing exciting here. I like a wine called Elu, but it didn’t really have the balance or complexity commensurate with the price.
Sequoia Grove
What a beautiful place! The cabernets were well-balanced, but on the spicy side. There wasn’t enough fruit accessible to the palate for our preferences due to the American oak aging.
Havens
“Black and Blue” was a nice wine that will be quite “yummy” in five to seven years. A new varietal to us, the Albarino was tart, but good. The crispness could easily be attributed to the lack of malolactic fermentation.
Twomey
Nothing but merlots and what a good source for them! They were complex and structured enough to be able to lay them down. They were in the process of release a Russian River Pinot Noir that might be interesting, but they weren’t tasting it.
Sterling Vineyards
What a beautiful place to visit, nestled like a mansion on the top of a knoll in the northern valley. A gondola ride takes you to the top where you begin a tour through the winery, narrated by automated recordings and large poster boards. The view of the vineyards in the valley below is quite rustic and charming. As you tour the winery, there are stations that serve you wine for your tasting pleasure. My overall impression was that the wines had a bouquet that was far and away better than the taste. In fact the wines were a bit disappointing across the palate.
Domaine Chandon
OMG, get your lips on a glass of their Pinot Munier! This is a varietal that is often grown to blend with other pinots and sparkling wines, but Domaine Chandon has found a real treasure in their Carneros grapes to make a vintage of its own.
The Etoile Brut sparkling wine was nutty, with a surprising honey taste that made it deliciously smooth.
Classic Brut was pretty good and very accessible – easy drinking
Chandon Riche’ had orange muscat added – perfectly balanced to be a sweet, dry, delicious sparkling wine, especially for the price point.
Schug
The white wines were a bit tart and acidic. The reds were a bit spicy, but unworthy of adding to our collection.
Viansa
What a great merlot they have! It goes down so smoothly and easily, but has a very fruit-rich nose without smelling like a pinot. Drink now or in 5 years.
The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon was rich and full, but not at that price point.
The Cabernet Franc blend was excellent! Finished extremely well with nice balance and left a rich, smooth (non-drying) coating to the mouth.
Domaine Carneros
Great view! We tasted the sparkling wines which were mediocre. They were accessible, but available in any market. In other words, they weren’t anything special.
Barrel Tasting
Where it all began… Well, that’s not entirely accurate. We had been wine enthusiasts to some degree for quite a few years. I can still remember the first wine that thrilled me. I was in college, poor, and thought that the $18 I spent on a 1990 Cuvaison Napa Valley Merlot was extravagant. When I opened the bottle and let it wash over my palate, though, all I could think was “Wow! I never knew…”
My first taste of a quality wine impressed me with the three distinct flavors that enlightened my palate. This was the beginning of my quest for complex wines, and for that Cuvaison will always have a special place in my heart. Before this trip in March, I can honestly say that I can name each wine that had left a favorable impression on me since my first love ten years prior. (All under $20, by the way)
1990 Cuvaison Napa Valley Merlot
1997 St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel
1999 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
My honest impression was that red wine was synonymous with complexity; an impression that held with me for quite a few years. It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that the preponderance of wines we returned with were Cabernet Sauvignons. Bear with me, there’s a perpetual evolution to this and I’m still youthful.
While I’m at it, cut me a little slack on my note-taking skills at this point. Discipline was never a strong suit of mine.
A quick summary of Barrel Tasting 2006 included 23 wineries in 3 days (not bad for rookies) and about 8 cases of wine on the trip home. Here’s what I could find of my notes…
I have a fairly good memory, even when I don’t take notes, so I’ll do my best to recall the wineries of that trip (with broad brushes).
So, I’m missing a few…shoot me.
Russian Hill Estate Winery
I’ll start by confessing that this was our first stop on our first day and we were quickly enamored by the wines, but trying to curb our enthusiasm, we refrained from purchasing futures here. It was a decision we regretted and have since made up for in spades.
2003 Gail Ann’s Vineyard Chardonnay: $28
No oak flavor, sweet, slightly tangy, light
2004 Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir: $210/6 pack (futures)
Smooth, light to medium cherry, with a good, full bouquet
The Top Block Syrah is good. Not worthy of getting a 6 pack @$150 but a couple of bottles if we can find it. (A decision we later regretted)
Harvest Moon
2003 Russian River Valley Zinfandel: $20
Smooth flavors; gentle zin, worthy of a half-case
Martinelli
2004 Guiseppi & Luisa Russian River Valley Zinfandel: $42
Smooth, vanilla or some sweet undertones; creamy
Aromas of coffee & cinnamon undertones but very alive w/ fruit
2005 Guiseppi & Luisa Russian River Valley Zinfandel
Not futures purchase; good for a couple of bottles
2005 Bondi Home Ranch Pinot Noir
Good flavor; balanced. Good for a couple of bottles.
Geyser Peak
2004 Walking Stick Cabernet: $47
Canyon Road
2004 Zapponi (Zin, Carignane, Alicante Boucher): $25
Clos du Bois
2004 North Coast Sauvignon: $15
Crisp, lemon, fresh. Great Sau Blanc, available at grocery store.
2004 Alexander Valley Petit Sirah: $25-$30 (they hadn’t decided, yet)
Note to self: Call to order case when wine is available.
Fritz
This was the beginning of an annual May-December romance with this winery. By that I mean, we return every year, and almost consistently purchase futures, in spite of the fact that this isn’t the “top-end” winery in the valley. They have a demographic (price point) and they do extremely well in it.
2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel (Futures purchased)
This wine has a very unique character that I can discern blindly every time it’s opened. I recall a “zinful night” with friends where we consumed 9 bottles. This was number 7 and I recognized it immediately as soon as my nose hit the rim of my glass. There’s a blackberry and anise aroma and flavor that is unique to Fritz.
My first taste of a quality wine impressed me with the three distinct flavors that enlightened my palate. This was the beginning of my quest for complex wines, and for that Cuvaison will always have a special place in my heart. Before this trip in March, I can honestly say that I can name each wine that had left a favorable impression on me since my first love ten years prior. (All under $20, by the way)
1990 Cuvaison Napa Valley Merlot
1997 St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel
1999 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
My honest impression was that red wine was synonymous with complexity; an impression that held with me for quite a few years. It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that the preponderance of wines we returned with were Cabernet Sauvignons. Bear with me, there’s a perpetual evolution to this and I’m still youthful.
While I’m at it, cut me a little slack on my note-taking skills at this point. Discipline was never a strong suit of mine.
A quick summary of Barrel Tasting 2006 included 23 wineries in 3 days (not bad for rookies) and about 8 cases of wine on the trip home. Here’s what I could find of my notes…
I have a fairly good memory, even when I don’t take notes, so I’ll do my best to recall the wineries of that trip (with broad brushes).
- Russian Hill Estate Winery
- Harvest Moon
- Martinelli
- Fritz
- Clos du Bois
- Canyon Road
- Geyser Peak
- Rodney Strong
- J Vineyard
- Kendall Jackson
- Christopher Creek – Purchased Futures, joined the club.
- Bella
- Michel Slumberge
- David Caffaro – Purchased Futures. 17 barrels to taste from
- Nalle
- Wilson – Their 2005 Syrah was still effervescent from the yeast. Bad protocol.
- Passalacqua
- Simi
- Stonestreet
- Kendall Jackson
So, I’m missing a few…shoot me.
Russian Hill Estate Winery
I’ll start by confessing that this was our first stop on our first day and we were quickly enamored by the wines, but trying to curb our enthusiasm, we refrained from purchasing futures here. It was a decision we regretted and have since made up for in spades.
2003 Gail Ann’s Vineyard Chardonnay: $28
No oak flavor, sweet, slightly tangy, light
2004 Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir: $210/6 pack (futures)
Smooth, light to medium cherry, with a good, full bouquet
The Top Block Syrah is good. Not worthy of getting a 6 pack @$150 but a couple of bottles if we can find it. (A decision we later regretted)
Harvest Moon
2003 Russian River Valley Zinfandel: $20
Smooth flavors; gentle zin, worthy of a half-case
Martinelli
2004 Guiseppi & Luisa Russian River Valley Zinfandel: $42
Smooth, vanilla or some sweet undertones; creamy
Aromas of coffee & cinnamon undertones but very alive w/ fruit
2005 Guiseppi & Luisa Russian River Valley Zinfandel
Not futures purchase; good for a couple of bottles
2005 Bondi Home Ranch Pinot Noir
Good flavor; balanced. Good for a couple of bottles.
Geyser Peak
2004 Walking Stick Cabernet: $47
Canyon Road
2004 Zapponi (Zin, Carignane, Alicante Boucher): $25
Clos du Bois
2004 North Coast Sauvignon: $15
Crisp, lemon, fresh. Great Sau Blanc, available at grocery store.
2004 Alexander Valley Petit Sirah: $25-$30 (they hadn’t decided, yet)
Note to self: Call to order case when wine is available.
Fritz
This was the beginning of an annual May-December romance with this winery. By that I mean, we return every year, and almost consistently purchase futures, in spite of the fact that this isn’t the “top-end” winery in the valley. They have a demographic (price point) and they do extremely well in it.
2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel (Futures purchased)
This wine has a very unique character that I can discern blindly every time it’s opened. I recall a “zinful night” with friends where we consumed 9 bottles. This was number 7 and I recognized it immediately as soon as my nose hit the rim of my glass. There’s a blackberry and anise aroma and flavor that is unique to Fritz.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Mazzocco
California Wine Country hasn't been immune to the woes of the current economy and if you knew nothing about the business side of it, you could see evidence in the way Barrel Tasting was conducted. A good, conscientious winery (in good times) will age their wines at least a year before barrel tasting, offering the customer a taste of it after it's matured in the barrels and developed some complexity of character. What we found, beginning with Mazzocco, was that wineries were rushing to get their wines to market, in spite of everything.
When you taste/drink a wine that's labelled with a 2009 vintage (for example), you should know that the wine was harvested in the late summer/fall of that year and put in barrels mere weeks thereafter. So if you're tasting a 2009 vintage in March of 2010, it's been in the barrel less than 4 months. What's unfortunate in this economy is that the harvest may have been their best in years, but the rush to generate revenue is forcing wineries to forgo the maturation process, sacrificing what might be a classic wine.
Evidence would suggest that Mazzocco is in this condition. Their four wines being theifed from the barrels were all 2009, and since they won't be released until September 2011, it was difficult to gage or predict how they'd turn out. At a 35% discount over retail, you could also infer that their cash position was also barren.
2009 Stone Ranch Zinfandel :$29/$18.85/$34
A real favorite of ours at this price point.40 This will blow away any wine within $7 of it at the grocery store (eww...don't buy there) or other wine stores. The alcohol content will befuddle you; at nearly 16% with some vintages, you wonder how it's possible it could be so smooth.
2009 Warm Spring Ranch Zinfandel : $32/$20.8/$36
Antoine, the winemaker, has found a real gem in the WSR vineyards. While not especially complex, the shear fun factor associated with this wine (and Stone Ranch, for that matter) has really made it addictive! Drink it alone or with friends; it has such mass appeal without being overly simple (e.g. Menage e trois)! Pairing it with a meal is possible, but don't get rambunctious.
2009 Pony Zinfandel : $32/$20.8/$--
While the futures prices is very enticing, the wine was tasting very "green". Mazzocco did an unusual thing with this year's tasting by tasting the wine from both new oak and neutral oak (3 yrs old). New oak often imparts a lot more spice to the wine, but the wine was tasting green from both barrels.
2009 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel : $40/$26/$--
For those who know Tom and Tina Maple, you know that they have one of the premier vineyards in Dry Creek Valley for growing Zinfandels. I think Mazzocco, who makes the best Zin from Maple, did them a disservice with this offering. We have conducted a blind, vineyard designate tasting with Maple Vineyard grapes: Mazzocco, Armida, and Dutcher Crossing. All three were the same year, so the same lot of grapes. Hands-down, Mazzocco's "arrangement" (to use a musical expression) was the top pick within the group. I hope that tasting it this young in the barrel doesn't put-off it's cult-like following. It lacked the customary appeal that the Maple grapes are known for. Cross your fingers...
When you taste/drink a wine that's labelled with a 2009 vintage (for example), you should know that the wine was harvested in the late summer/fall of that year and put in barrels mere weeks thereafter. So if you're tasting a 2009 vintage in March of 2010, it's been in the barrel less than 4 months. What's unfortunate in this economy is that the harvest may have been their best in years, but the rush to generate revenue is forcing wineries to forgo the maturation process, sacrificing what might be a classic wine.
Evidence would suggest that Mazzocco is in this condition. Their four wines being theifed from the barrels were all 2009, and since they won't be released until September 2011, it was difficult to gage or predict how they'd turn out. At a 35% discount over retail, you could also infer that their cash position was also barren.
2009 Stone Ranch Zinfandel :$29/$18.85/$34
A real favorite of ours at this price point.40 This will blow away any wine within $7 of it at the grocery store (eww...don't buy there) or other wine stores. The alcohol content will befuddle you; at nearly 16% with some vintages, you wonder how it's possible it could be so smooth.
2009 Warm Spring Ranch Zinfandel : $32/$20.8/$36
Antoine, the winemaker, has found a real gem in the WSR vineyards. While not especially complex, the shear fun factor associated with this wine (and Stone Ranch, for that matter) has really made it addictive! Drink it alone or with friends; it has such mass appeal without being overly simple (e.g. Menage e trois)! Pairing it with a meal is possible, but don't get rambunctious.
2009 Pony Zinfandel : $32/$20.8/$--
While the futures prices is very enticing, the wine was tasting very "green". Mazzocco did an unusual thing with this year's tasting by tasting the wine from both new oak and neutral oak (3 yrs old). New oak often imparts a lot more spice to the wine, but the wine was tasting green from both barrels.
2009 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel : $40/$26/$--
For those who know Tom and Tina Maple, you know that they have one of the premier vineyards in Dry Creek Valley for growing Zinfandels. I think Mazzocco, who makes the best Zin from Maple, did them a disservice with this offering. We have conducted a blind, vineyard designate tasting with Maple Vineyard grapes: Mazzocco, Armida, and Dutcher Crossing. All three were the same year, so the same lot of grapes. Hands-down, Mazzocco's "arrangement" (to use a musical expression) was the top pick within the group. I hope that tasting it this young in the barrel doesn't put-off it's cult-like following. It lacked the customary appeal that the Maple grapes are known for. Cross your fingers...
Cuvaison - March 2010
As club members at Cuvaison, I find a lot of value in their wines. Their vintages can be a little hit and miss, but I'm not compelled to withdraw my loyalty because of it. I'll confess that this visit left us wanting, but I still left with a case, with some confidence of improvement with age. On a positive note, this was the first time we'd been back to the Calitoga tasting room since they remodeled it and it looks fabulous! The TRL rating had been an 8 before, but now its closer to a 9.
2008 ATS Chardonnay : $54/$43.2/$36
This is very good chardonnay, to be sure; I struggle with any chard at this price.
2008 Mariafeld Pinot Noir: $32/$25.6/--
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad wine, it's just that its character isn't one I enjoy in a Pinot Noir.
2007 F5 Pinot Noir : $45/$36/$36-$40
2005 Carneros Merlot : $30/$24/$30
2007 Carneros Syrah : $23/$18.4/$20-$32 (dissenting opinions occur)
Very nice with gamey meat.
2008 Bald Mountain Zinfandel : $28/$22.4/$29
Smelled like metal, for some reason. This is one of the wines I enjoy opening to finish a day. Past vintages have been more rewarding, but this one will do just fine!
2006 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon : $85/$68/$42-$60 (dissenting opinions continue to occur)
Still a little lacking on the finish. For their flagship cab, this isn't a notable vintage. I've had this cab in the past, and it has been a much better value (at the club price), with complexity. Keep trying it in the future. There'll be better ones to come...
2007 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon : $36/$28.8/$40
What a nose! MMMM! This is one of my favorite cabs in this price range. I have come to learn that I really enjoy Mt. Veeder and Howell Mountain Cabs, and this one is emblematic. What a delicious value!
2008 ATS Chardonnay : $54/$43.2/$36
This is very good chardonnay, to be sure; I struggle with any chard at this price.
2008 Mariafeld Pinot Noir: $32/$25.6/--
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad wine, it's just that its character isn't one I enjoy in a Pinot Noir.
2007 F5 Pinot Noir : $45/$36/$36-$40
2005 Carneros Merlot : $30/$24/$30
2007 Carneros Syrah : $23/$18.4/$20-$32 (dissenting opinions occur)
Very nice with gamey meat.
2008 Bald Mountain Zinfandel : $28/$22.4/$29
Smelled like metal, for some reason. This is one of the wines I enjoy opening to finish a day. Past vintages have been more rewarding, but this one will do just fine!
2006 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon : $85/$68/$42-$60 (dissenting opinions continue to occur)
Still a little lacking on the finish. For their flagship cab, this isn't a notable vintage. I've had this cab in the past, and it has been a much better value (at the club price), with complexity. Keep trying it in the future. There'll be better ones to come...
2007 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon : $36/$28.8/$40
What a nose! MMMM! This is one of my favorite cabs in this price range. I have come to learn that I really enjoy Mt. Veeder and Howell Mountain Cabs, and this one is emblematic. What a delicious value!
Freemark Abbey - March 2010
So, if you're going to go to Napa, know what you're going for. Napa Valley is the land of big Cabs, good Merlots, and complex Meritages (or their kin). If you can resist the impulse to hit the brand names you recognize, then you'll likely find the real heart and soul of Napa Valley Cabs. One ventricle of that heart is at Freemark Abbey. Where most Napa Valley wineries will charge you for tastings, the $20 here is worth it, and they'll vacate the charge with a bottle purchase.
We tasted seven wines at Freemark and they were all very good. The reserve tasting introduces you to wines in the complete price range. This is another good opportunity to get calibrated on the correlation between price and quality. Once you've tasted a $35 cab, then $50, then $75, you start to understand there are real steps in the quality. Whether the steps are linear, consistent, or compatible to your wallet is for you to decide. Nonetheless, you'll get a clear impression of what "ranges" to fit wines within.
With the copious amounts we'd tasted to this point, and the later in the day it was getting, we lost our discipline for note-taking. If I could scan the sheet of notes we did take, you'd be more amused than by what I'll try to convey from my recollection! I have other crib notes on it (supplied by the winery) that I'll dig out later and update this with.
1995 Sycamore Vineyard
Nice, with a smooth cherry nose, and hints of tobacco. I do enjoy this aroma combination in a wine.
2004 Sycamore Vineyard
2005 Bosche Vineyard : $70/$70
The best value of the lot, and that's saying quite a bit, given the price point.
2006 Bootleg :
A very accessible wine at a very reasonable price.
There were more, but my note-taking was terrible. I'll have a better recollection when I find the winery's wine notes.
We tasted seven wines at Freemark and they were all very good. The reserve tasting introduces you to wines in the complete price range. This is another good opportunity to get calibrated on the correlation between price and quality. Once you've tasted a $35 cab, then $50, then $75, you start to understand there are real steps in the quality. Whether the steps are linear, consistent, or compatible to your wallet is for you to decide. Nonetheless, you'll get a clear impression of what "ranges" to fit wines within.
With the copious amounts we'd tasted to this point, and the later in the day it was getting, we lost our discipline for note-taking. If I could scan the sheet of notes we did take, you'd be more amused than by what I'll try to convey from my recollection! I have other crib notes on it (supplied by the winery) that I'll dig out later and update this with.
1995 Sycamore Vineyard
Nice, with a smooth cherry nose, and hints of tobacco. I do enjoy this aroma combination in a wine.
2004 Sycamore Vineyard
2005 Bosche Vineyard : $70/$70
The best value of the lot, and that's saying quite a bit, given the price point.
2006 Bootleg :
A very accessible wine at a very reasonable price.
There were more, but my note-taking was terrible. I'll have a better recollection when I find the winery's wine notes.
Merryvale - March 2010
This isn't our first date at Merryvale. Without a doubt, it has one of the most beautiful tasting rooms we've found. The private tastings are conducted in the cask room, and sometimes in casks themselves! The bar is large and we've had the same pourer each time (some years apart), who is not only very knowledgeable, but his aim is seek out your tastes so he can focus his pours on that which you will most likely enjoy (and therefore, buy).
My indictment of Merryvale has never been the TRL or the Staff; it's the price of the wine. Without reservation, I'll say that if you find a good deal on Merryvale wines, exploit it!
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Julian Vineyard :$22/$25
If you're looking for a high-end Sau Blanc, this is a good buy. The notes were rich and full of lemons and green apples. Delicious! The recollection of it compels me to open a bottle...but it's still morning and I haven't finished my coffee, yet, so... maybe later.
2008 Pinot Noir Carneros : $35/$33
Big nose with smoke, caramel, and other spicy herbs. The palate didn't follow, though. In fact, it was a little odd that mushroom was the predominant flavor. If I'd caught that on the nose, I would have suggested it was corked, but no...
2008 Stanley Ranch Pinot Noir : $65/$45-$50
The nose was very well balanced with leather, fruit, and herbs. It was obvious this was aged in 100% French oak. It had a very nice finish and wonderful flavor.
2006 Napa Valley Merlot : $39/ $30--
This wine caused some disagreement. I am very sensitive to notes of clove in a wine and find it quite off-putting. Moreover, the palate was all herbs. For some it was worth $30, but others wouldn't buy it at gunpoint.
2004 Merlot Los Amigas (1.5L) : $86/$62-$70
It has an unusual nose of somewhat fungal fruit, but very rich. It had some characteristic green pepper and leather on the nose that was enticing. It would pair spectacularly with a fillet and some blue cheese. I found that the palate lost its finish and was somewhat disappointing. It would be a good wine to "wow" a big group of friends at the end of a night of "tasting". Let me say, however, that the Los Amigas has been very enjoyable in past vintages. Recent acquisition of a 2002 Beckstoffer Vineyard (Los Amigas Merlot) has reinvigorated my enthusiasm for Napa Merlots...or at least, brought me out of the closet on them. At $39, it's a good price, but if you can steal it for less, then by all means!
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) :$42/--
It had a minty nose with some eucalyptus notes...odd, I know, but compelling. Unfortunately, the fruit disappeared on the palate.
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena Estate) :$95/$70-$80
What a fantastic nose! My cabs have to be medium bodied, at a minimum and this didn't disappoint. The fruit was great and complex on the palate with good balance. The tannic structure indicated it was going to live a long, long time. If you wanted a less critical analysis, I recorded someone's note of "smooth, creamy goodness!" Well...how can you argue with that? I'll tell you why I bought this one, though... The tasting fee is $15, but vacated if you buy a bottle. Done deal. $95 = $80 (my value) + $15 (tasting fee). So, in my head, I bought it for my guilt-free price.
2006 Profile (Red Blend) :$135/$60
The Profile series of wines from Merryvale are almost status wines; if you own them, then you must be rich and important. How else would you buy something so overvalued? Yes, it has a mediocre nose, with a body that is light to medium, but the fruit is forward and nice. For $135, though, I expect my ending to be happier.
2004 Profile (Red Blend) :$150/$65-$75
2001 Profile (Red Blend) :$250/---
Are you kidding me? 2001s have had good pedigree, but the mineral notes on this reminded me of a French Bordeaux. Come to think of it, so did the price...
1999 Profile (Red Blend) :$150/$85
Of this flagship series, this was my favorite. '99 has broad appeal as a vintage for me and this didn't disappoint. The old, rich cherry on the nose and palate enthused us all.
My indictment of Merryvale has never been the TRL or the Staff; it's the price of the wine. Without reservation, I'll say that if you find a good deal on Merryvale wines, exploit it!
2009 Sauvignon Blanc Julian Vineyard :$22/$25
If you're looking for a high-end Sau Blanc, this is a good buy. The notes were rich and full of lemons and green apples. Delicious! The recollection of it compels me to open a bottle...but it's still morning and I haven't finished my coffee, yet, so... maybe later.
2008 Pinot Noir Carneros : $35/$33
Big nose with smoke, caramel, and other spicy herbs. The palate didn't follow, though. In fact, it was a little odd that mushroom was the predominant flavor. If I'd caught that on the nose, I would have suggested it was corked, but no...
2008 Stanley Ranch Pinot Noir : $65/$45-$50
The nose was very well balanced with leather, fruit, and herbs. It was obvious this was aged in 100% French oak. It had a very nice finish and wonderful flavor.
2006 Napa Valley Merlot : $39/ $30--
This wine caused some disagreement. I am very sensitive to notes of clove in a wine and find it quite off-putting. Moreover, the palate was all herbs. For some it was worth $30, but others wouldn't buy it at gunpoint.
2004 Merlot Los Amigas (1.5L) : $86/$62-$70
It has an unusual nose of somewhat fungal fruit, but very rich. It had some characteristic green pepper and leather on the nose that was enticing. It would pair spectacularly with a fillet and some blue cheese. I found that the palate lost its finish and was somewhat disappointing. It would be a good wine to "wow" a big group of friends at the end of a night of "tasting". Let me say, however, that the Los Amigas has been very enjoyable in past vintages. Recent acquisition of a 2002 Beckstoffer Vineyard (Los Amigas Merlot) has reinvigorated my enthusiasm for Napa Merlots...or at least, brought me out of the closet on them. At $39, it's a good price, but if you can steal it for less, then by all means!
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) :$42/--
It had a minty nose with some eucalyptus notes...odd, I know, but compelling. Unfortunately, the fruit disappeared on the palate.
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena Estate) :$95/$70-$80
What a fantastic nose! My cabs have to be medium bodied, at a minimum and this didn't disappoint. The fruit was great and complex on the palate with good balance. The tannic structure indicated it was going to live a long, long time. If you wanted a less critical analysis, I recorded someone's note of "smooth, creamy goodness!" Well...how can you argue with that? I'll tell you why I bought this one, though... The tasting fee is $15, but vacated if you buy a bottle. Done deal. $95 = $80 (my value) + $15 (tasting fee). So, in my head, I bought it for my guilt-free price.
2006 Profile (Red Blend) :$135/$60
The Profile series of wines from Merryvale are almost status wines; if you own them, then you must be rich and important. How else would you buy something so overvalued? Yes, it has a mediocre nose, with a body that is light to medium, but the fruit is forward and nice. For $135, though, I expect my ending to be happier.
2004 Profile (Red Blend) :$150/$65-$75
2001 Profile (Red Blend) :$250/---
Are you kidding me? 2001s have had good pedigree, but the mineral notes on this reminded me of a French Bordeaux. Come to think of it, so did the price...
1999 Profile (Red Blend) :$150/$85
Of this flagship series, this was my favorite. '99 has broad appeal as a vintage for me and this didn't disappoint. The old, rich cherry on the nose and palate enthused us all.
Flora Springs - March 2010
TRL/Staff/Wine - 8/7/6
We haven't been back to Flora Springs in a while and we were interested in some of the changes they've made. A couple of years ago, there was a storm that blew through Napa Valley and knocked down an age-old tree on their property that destroyed their tasting room. Since then, they've built a new, modern tasting room.
Right on the front street of California Highway 128, the western road through valley, lined with countless heritages of wineries, Flora Springs is merely steps off the curb. Having said that, the strongest impression the new tasting room left me with was a sense of being completely out-of-place. It's second only to Opus One as the most anachronistic tasting room in the valley. It's very modern, with flowing lines and colors, like the 70s collided with southwestern architecture.
The staff was pleasant enough, but I recall a conversation where we knew more about his wine than he did.
2008 Soliloquey (Sauvignon Blanc) : $20/$22
2007 Sangiovese : $20/$20
Light-bodied and subtle flavor. Sorry, subtle isn't right. The palate was "light" and left me wanting. This doesn't begin to meet my expectations in a Sangiovese, even one from California.
2007 Napa Valley Merlot: $24/--
This wine neither smelled, nor tasted like a Merlot. After having had some vintage Merlot at Jessup, a standard had been set...and this didn't begin to meet it.
2007 Poggio del Papa "Red Wine" : $38/--
There was no nose on this wine; at most there were notes of very light cherry. Unimpressive on the palate, as well.
2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon :$36/$33
The most interesting thing about this Cab was its cooperage. It was aged in 20% American Oak, 70% French Oak, and 10% Hunarian Oak. Next wine, please...
2006 Trilogy :$65/$36-$40 (more indecision)
In the past, this wine as really been enjoyable. In fact, I recently "rescued" a magnum of 1990 Trilogy that was quite enjoyable. This vintage, however, while also enjoyable, wasn't living up to its price. In fairness, our palates may have been fried from Jessup, still, but the body and color still could compel me to $65/bttl.
We haven't been back to Flora Springs in a while and we were interested in some of the changes they've made. A couple of years ago, there was a storm that blew through Napa Valley and knocked down an age-old tree on their property that destroyed their tasting room. Since then, they've built a new, modern tasting room.
Right on the front street of California Highway 128, the western road through valley, lined with countless heritages of wineries, Flora Springs is merely steps off the curb. Having said that, the strongest impression the new tasting room left me with was a sense of being completely out-of-place. It's second only to Opus One as the most anachronistic tasting room in the valley. It's very modern, with flowing lines and colors, like the 70s collided with southwestern architecture.
The staff was pleasant enough, but I recall a conversation where we knew more about his wine than he did.
2008 Soliloquey (Sauvignon Blanc) : $20/$22
2007 Sangiovese : $20/$20
Light-bodied and subtle flavor. Sorry, subtle isn't right. The palate was "light" and left me wanting. This doesn't begin to meet my expectations in a Sangiovese, even one from California.
2007 Napa Valley Merlot: $24/--
This wine neither smelled, nor tasted like a Merlot. After having had some vintage Merlot at Jessup, a standard had been set...and this didn't begin to meet it.
2007 Poggio del Papa "Red Wine" : $38/--
There was no nose on this wine; at most there were notes of very light cherry. Unimpressive on the palate, as well.
2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon :$36/$33
The most interesting thing about this Cab was its cooperage. It was aged in 20% American Oak, 70% French Oak, and 10% Hunarian Oak. Next wine, please...
2006 Trilogy :$65/$36-$40 (more indecision)
In the past, this wine as really been enjoyable. In fact, I recently "rescued" a magnum of 1990 Trilogy that was quite enjoyable. This vintage, however, while also enjoyable, wasn't living up to its price. In fairness, our palates may have been fried from Jessup, still, but the body and color still could compel me to $65/bttl.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Jessup Cellars - March 2010
TRL/Staff/Wine = 9/9/10
Jessup has been a "must stop" ever since we discovered it. Tucked away in an inconspicuous little building in Yountville, Jessup Cellars has brought culture to their wine tasting experience by integrating private tasting rooms with in an art gallery. Now, this isn't a new concept, Imagery has a similar layout. Some subtle differences, though, is that Imagery's art is self-serving, with each piece of art incorporating their signature logo.
The Tasting Room/Location notwithstanding, the staff is very pleasant and affable, always welcoming and quite knowledgeable. But let's not forget why we're there...the wine!
(Note: Value Primer (Retail $$/Club $$/Our Guilt-free bottle $$))
2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay: $42/$35/$30
2008 Napa Valley Rose (Cabernet Sauvignon Rose): $28/$23.8/$18
2005 Napa Valley Zinfandel: $44/$37.4/$38
2004 Napa Valley Merlot: $34/$28.9/$42
Love the nose on this; totally smooth and soft for romance (with no meal); easy merlot that's understated
2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $65/$55.25/$45
A little spicy, but quite smooth. We've had other vintages that have been far more compelling, Unfortunately, everyone else thought they were compelling too, and now they're all gone!
2006 Napa Vally Cabernet Sauvignon
Wow! Great nose! Sweet baked ham and cloves; perfect. Somehow, the palate fell completely flat! I couldn't believe that the flavor bailed! What a shame!
2007 Manny's Blend : $45/--
Interesting off-dry red blend that would likely pair well with cheesecake. Best notes showed strong strawberries. Good, but hard to place a "guilt-free purchase price on".
2006 Napa Valley Zinfandel
Had trouble with the tangy, tannic finish. Nose is good, but difficult to get the right palate from a Reidel Extreme Bordeaux glass. In fairness, the high alcohol and sweetness of Manny's blend may have fried our palates for anything that followed.
2007 Napa Vally Zinfandel : $39/$33/$37
Nice strawberry notes, but no other nose to it. It'll be good, but it needs to mature for a year or so.
2007 Table for Four : $79/$65/$67
This is Jessup Cellars' flagship bordeaux blend. I have to confess our notes at this point were not as robust as I would have liked them to be, but my recollection is that this is a full-bodied blend without being chewy. The red and black fruits swirl on your palate. The tannic structure is barely detectable, but it's enough to hold together the fruits. By character and definition, it's a red table wine, but at this price, don't mistake it for a simple one; this is, unequivocally, the "impress your friends" bottle of wine.
2006 Zinfandel Port(375ml): $39/$33/$30-$32 (11th-tasting indecision)
Where's the nose? I know it's in there somewhere... Now is where I start to preach about serving wines in a good glass. I felt the broad-bowled glass they used didn't do the wine justice. (What they needed was Riedel's port glass, a scaled down Zin glass.) Put it to your lips, however, and "oh, what a feeling!" I have a bottle from last year (750ml) that is so spectacular that it's been elevated to being my best dessert wine in my cellar; reserved for special company, of course.
Russian Hill
TRL/Staff/Wine = 8/7/8 (note the primer for the evaluations is Their price and Our Value (Them/Us))
2005 Meredith Vyd Pinot Noir : $45/$45
2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $32/$30
2006 Estate Vyd Syrah: $28/$28
2008 Tara Vyd Pinot Noir: $??/$34 (failed to record their price)
2007 Top Block Syrah (FUTURES) :$32/$32 - Purchased
As you can see, the value that we placed on each of the wines was at or close to the list prices. This is the mark of a good winery who knows how to market their product to discriminating clientele. I have to say that the Pinots and Syrahs from this winery have always been enjoyable. Their syrahs are worth making notes on as they can be smokey, and really pair with specific foods. We didn't take any tasting notes at Russian Hill this year, but still left with our futures from last year, and 12 half-bottles of their 2007 Russian Hill Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir.
2005 Meredith Vyd Pinot Noir : $45/$45
2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: $32/$30
2006 Estate Vyd Syrah: $28/$28
2008 Tara Vyd Pinot Noir: $??/$34 (failed to record their price)
2007 Top Block Syrah (FUTURES) :$32/$32 - Purchased
As you can see, the value that we placed on each of the wines was at or close to the list prices. This is the mark of a good winery who knows how to market their product to discriminating clientele. I have to say that the Pinots and Syrahs from this winery have always been enjoyable. Their syrahs are worth making notes on as they can be smokey, and really pair with specific foods. We didn't take any tasting notes at Russian Hill this year, but still left with our futures from last year, and 12 half-bottles of their 2007 Russian Hill Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir.
2010 Sonoma County Barrel Tasting
As you'll see, we have made an event of attending this event every year for the last five. This year was quite fruitful. In short, we hit 21 wineries in 3 days, all but 5 were in Sonoma County. If you ever have a desire for a quality intimate experience, then NEVER go to Napa County on the weekend. Friday's can be a little busy, but not crazy. This trip, we found time to fit in some Napa County favorites.
Friday - 3/5/10
Russian Hill Estate - RRV
Jessup Cellars - Yountville
Flora Springs - Rutherford
Merryvale - St. Helena
Freemark Abbey - St. Helena
Cuvaison - Calistoga
Mazzocco - Dry Creek Valley
Saturday - 3/6/10
Fritz Winery - Dry Creek Valley
Sbragia - Dry Creek Valley
Gopfrich - Dry Creek Valley
Michel Slumberger - Dry Creek Valley
Unti - Dry Creek Valley
Mauritson - Dry Creek Valley
Robert Young - Alexander Valley
Sunday - 3/7/10
Siduri - RRV
Armida - DCV
Twomey - RRB
Mill Creek - DCV
Sapphire Hill - DCV (Healdsburg)
Joseph Swan - RRV
Sunce - RRV
So, I'll be honest and say that our note-taking waned as the weekend progressed. After Siduri on Sunday, my notebook is filled with notes that are written in invisible ink. I'll do a fair job of recalling my opinions from those wineries, though. You have to appreciate the fact that note-taking is time consuming and some people in your party may be bored with the winery, expressing their impatience for the next one on the list. Moreover, you may be just too apathetic to take copious notes by day-3.
The Take: 12 cases of wine, 8 wine futures at 6 wineries. (6/16 is a very good ratio)
...in earnest
So, I started this nearly 3 years ago with high aspirations, but it quickly fizzled; another victim of my ADD. So, here I am again, in earnest, giving it the attention I originally intended.
I think, for starters, I'm going to capture our most recent sojourn into California Wine Country and see where things go from there. Quite likely, I'll spend my lonely nights capturing my notes from the hundreds of wineries we've visited over the years, while enjoying a bottle from my bulging wine cellars.
This is no half-assed approach to wine tasting and is not for the weak of liver. We are amateurs that take a run at wineries like we're sacking a quarterback. Grab your glass and let's go!
I think, for starters, I'm going to capture our most recent sojourn into California Wine Country and see where things go from there. Quite likely, I'll spend my lonely nights capturing my notes from the hundreds of wineries we've visited over the years, while enjoying a bottle from my bulging wine cellars.
This is no half-assed approach to wine tasting and is not for the weak of liver. We are amateurs that take a run at wineries like we're sacking a quarterback. Grab your glass and let's go!
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