The winery is attractive enough, nestled in a little valley off the Gravenstein Highway, in Sebastopol. The tasting room is connected to the offices, but is clearly designated. There are two rooms, one includes a larger table for large groups and the full complement of glasses. This is likely for appointments with large groups. For smaller groups, 2-4 people, you stand at a dining room table where they have laid out the winemaker’s notes. It’s not conducive to taking copious notes, whatsoever. Neither is the pace at which the pourer presents the wines and the information about them. It’s fast paced and we were in and out (having tasted four wines) in twenty minutes. The pourer was knowledgeable, but not engaging. She might have been if we had engaged her.
I was unhappy with the fact that they poured the Sauvignon Blanc after three Pinot Noirs and into a Pinot Noir glass, to boot. It was served at a good temperature, but I believe the glass didn’t do it justice.
2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley: $36/-/$30
Great nose, w/ balanced fruit (cranberry, cherry) and herbs (dried).
Palate wasn’t as full as the nose.
2007 Meredith Estate Pinot Noir : $54/-/$40
Much more herbal nose, with a modest degree of spice on the palate. The fruit was a bit subdued, but over time would find it’s way out of the shelter of the spices.
Much more herbal nose, with a modest degree of spice on the palate. The fruit was a bit subdued, but over time would find it’s way out of the shelter of the spices.
2007 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir:$57/-/$50
Chewy blueberry, blackberry notes on the nose, but fully integrated with smoky notes. This wine was deeply complex on the palate and was as good as the nose implied.
Chewy blueberry, blackberry notes on the nose, but fully integrated with smoky notes. This wine was deeply complex on the palate and was as good as the nose implied.
2009 Sauvignon Blanc:$30/-/$12
Amazing nose! Plush nose, full of stone fruits, peach, pineapple, and lemon. The palate was disappointing with a watery mouthfeel, and an embarrassing lack of acidity. I would imagine that this wine would have tasted much better if it had been served in a more appropriate glass (not a Vinum Extreme Burgundy glass).
Amazing nose! Plush nose, full of stone fruits, peach, pineapple, and lemon. The palate was disappointing with a watery mouthfeel, and an embarrassing lack of acidity. I would imagine that this wine would have tasted much better if it had been served in a more appropriate glass (not a Vinum Extreme Burgundy glass).
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