Balletto Winery

TRL/Staff/Wine: 8/7/6

The tasting room is charming enough with a modest-sized bar that would accommodate about 10 people. The pourer used water to rinse out an unoaked chard before pouring an oaked chard. He had to ask around to answer what the oak distribution was for the 2009 chardonnay. That's why the staff gets a 7. They were pleasant enough and there wasn't any bad vibe, and I noticed that one of the other staff members was more engaging and knowledgeable. I wouldn't knock them for that...particularly when I have the wine to do that.

2010 Pinot Gris $18/$14/$16

Bright, cool, creamy, melony nose. Nice palate, but the creamy lemon flavors were mild. This is a nice pinot gris, but could be mistaken for a soft, simple, sau blanc.  I didn't buy one, but my guest did.

2010 Teresa’s Chardonnay $20/$16/-

Unoaked chardonnay. Nose is similar to a dryish fruit, but the palate is less than simple; it’s very light bodied mild white fruit.

2009 Estate Chardonnay $24/$19/-

30% new French oak / 70% Neutral oak

French oak is bright on the nose. Light bodied and as neutral in flavor as it was oaked

2011 Rose' of Pinot Noir $18/$14/$12

Another light-bodied rose' w/ no acidity and only a smidgen of strawberry.

2009 Gwurstraminer $18/$14/$15

Soft and medium-bodied with notes of lychee on the palate. Not sweet. Not dry.

2010 Estate Pinot Noir $28/$22/$24

Flagship Pinot Noir for the winery. Herbaceous on the nose, mostly with baking spices, with a little clove and a cinnamon stick.

I’m not a fan of wines w/ clove. This is a light-bodied and an unobtrusive drink.

2007 Zinfandel $19/$16/-

Nose was very muted with hints of mild vanilla and blackberry. It had a spicy palate w/ significant oak notes that almost obliterate the black fruit.

2009 Syrah $28/$22/-

Nose has wild black berries that are prominent. The palate is smooth and spiceless. White pepper on the medium-bodied palate. Hints of raspberries, blackberries, and smoked bacon. Tannic acids are non-existent.