TRL/Staff/Wine: 9/7/7
Based upon the recommendation of a credible source, we ventured into old stomping grounds (Westside Road) to try a new winery. Thomas George Estate is a relatively new winery that exists in what used to be Davis Bynum's facility. They've dramatically renovated the facility and surroundings and elevated it to a real Westside Road attraction. One of the drawbacks to such a large tasting room/bar is that when staffed w/ three pourers, each may end up serving as many has 6-8 people at a time. The intimacy of the experience is lost and your ability to learn about the wine, the winery, or the winemaker is diminished.
The reds are wines good. They are well-valued, but only somewhat compelling.
Crisp, but lushly tart. The nose has a soft citric, like a sweet pear.
2008 Chardonay, Stuhlmuller Vineyard, Alexander Valley: $32/-/$18
No malolactic conversion. Stainless steel barrels.
Light nose, that’s nearly vacuous. I struggle to discern very light lemon and honey on the nose. The palate follows, but this is a chardonnay that has no body, and flavor so subtle that it would never survive a chardonnay blind tasting.
No malolactic conversion. Stainless steel barrels.
Light nose, that’s nearly vacuous. I struggle to discern very light lemon and honey on the nose. The palate follows, but this is a chardonnay that has no body, and flavor so subtle that it would never survive a chardonnay blind tasting.
2008 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: $32/-/$18
100% French oak (1/3rd new oak). Another light chardonnay, where the oak is the dominant flavor and even that was hard to discern. The finish runs long, but it’s just more oak.
100% French oak (1/3rd new oak). Another light chardonnay, where the oak is the dominant flavor and even that was hard to discern. The finish runs long, but it’s just more oak.
2007 Allen Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir : $48/-/$46Slightly floral bouquet, with strawberry on the nose. It lacks a little intensity that might be improved by a better glass. The palate, however, is all Pinot! There’s complex palate to it that includes dark cherry, plum, with some slight boysenberry notes. Almost medium-bodied and very good mouthfeel.
2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir:$38/-/$38
Red currant and cherry on the nose. Very stereotypical Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Silky tannins finish the wine well. A slight sweetness flushes over the palate as the strawberry –rhubarb does its thing. Medium bodied… drink with friends at your happy hour.
Red currant and cherry on the nose. Very stereotypical Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Silky tannins finish the wine well. A slight sweetness flushes over the palate as the strawberry –rhubarb does its thing. Medium bodied… drink with friends at your happy hour.
2007 Zinfandel, Tre Torrente Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley:$34/-/$35The blackberry and raspberry on the nose, knocks you in the head. Luscious doesn’t begin to describe it. This smells like it might be a fruit-bomb, but the nose isn’t jammy. It surprises me with some un-hinted spice and alcohol on the palate. It might be the oak…
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