They offered six barrels for futures purchase, that range widely. At some of the barrel stations, they offered last year’s bottled vintage as a basis of comparison. This is a very classy move on their part; other wineries don't usually bother. The interesting thing about that was that it didn’t have the effect that you might expect. The overall experience today revealed that the year-to-year variation of the wines provided a little uncertainty as to the final, bottled result. Nonetheless, they have demonstrated their professionalism and quality, if for no other reason than they weren't trying to shove last year's harvest down your throat (ahem, Mazzocco).
If you chose to buy futures that day, you were treated to a VIP experience in their barrel room. This was not a small thing. In walking in, we witnessed the winemaker herself standing on the third stack of barrels, thiefing wine for the patrons below, like a momma bird feeding her little chicks. After wading through the chirping crowd, we found ourselves at the first station where a three year vertical of their chardonnay was awaiting us. More on the wines, later, but one exceptional note was that the 2008 vintage was aged in 100% French oak (and here’s the exceptional part) at the customers’ request. Right next to that was a station serving a lobster bisque soup to pair with the wine. Ahhhh…that was nice!
Because they offer such a wide variety of wines and they were taking the opportunity to showcase them, the next station rounded out the list. Taking notes at this point became challenging, but because this was the first stop of the day, we mustered up and soldiered on. While we stood at the table taking notes, a charming member of the Windsor Oaks team introduced himself (Brian) and engaged us in long, deep discussions over their wines. Moments later, he disappeared and returned with three more bottles, and we were happy he did! More about those wines later.
Overall, this was a monumental stop for us, leaving with two cases of futures and a case and a half of their current offerings. I’ll bet you can’t wait to hear about that!
As a side note, through the course the tastings, we learned that Balverne Manor resides in the middle of the vineyards with a spectacular view. For a reasonable rate, the winery provides accommodations for up to three couples, an incredible meal, and all the wine you’d want to go with it. I’m looking forward to maximizing that experience one day.
2011 Reserve
Chardonnay Block 8 Russian River Valley (futures) $35/$26/$30
Cool,
creamy nose; light vanilla. Lemony, tart on the palate (like lemon filling of
meringue pie). Clean mouthfeel.
2011 Pinot Gris
Russian River Valley (futures) $25/$19/-
Organically
Grown Block 10
Light
pink grapefruit nose. Crisp and a little oaky w/ lemon zest on the palate.
2010 Pinot Gris Russian
River Valley
Much
more settled and less oaky. It has a little better mouthfeel but not as
flavorful. Light apricot on the nose.
2010 Red Mountain
Cuvee Chalk Hill (futures) $35/$26/$40
Blend
of Syrah, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon
The
sangio really asserts itself on the nose in a classic Brunello kind of sense.
Perfect tannins and mouthfeel for this type of blend. The vanilla and mocha
comes trough on the palate with a thin note of raspberry.
2009 Super Tuscan
Estate Reserve Chalk Hill (futures) $45/$34/$42
Wonderful
nose! Bright fruit on the nose. No acidity on the palate, but still had a mild,
velvety finish. I expect this to improve with time. See WM NOTES
2008 Super Tuscan
This is
blended with syrah instead of cab franc. It has a better palate and nose. This is a really good wine with the same
mild, velvety finish. Very complex notes. Dark blackberry, brambles, black cherry, cassis with hints of cedar.
2010 Zinfandel Estate
Reserve Russian River Valley (futures) $29/$22/$35
Nose is
consistent with an old vine zinfandel – Jammy and rich, grown in a higher
elevation. It has an extremely well balanced palate. The oak and pepper balance
with the blackberry fruit is fantastic!
2009 Zinfandel
This
older sister has more oak bias but has very consistent fruit to the newest
member of the family.
2009 Estate Petite
Sirah Russian River Valley (futures) $35/$26/$38
Soft
nose with layer of vanilla, fig, mocha. Nice velvet finish, but the palate
doesn’t follow as prominently. A nice dinner might bring out more of the
flavors.
Now we get to the point in the story where we entered the VIP room for the rest of the experience.
2007 Russian River
Valley Chardonnay
French
oak and stainless steel (aged 16 months)
Nose:
nice, creamy – buttery lemon sauce for crab
Palate:
Much more fruit than most chardonnays like a soft apple, tempered with pear.
2008 Russian River
Valley Chardonnay
24
months in 100% French oak (30% new)
Nose:
Milder nose with hints of lime
Palate:
more tropical melon flavor
2009 Russian River
Valley
Nose:
Soft, almost muted. Paler color than the other two.
Palate:
Watery mouthfeel and flavor…I guess the color was right.
2009 Russian River
Valley Rose’ of Pinot Noir (Vin Gris) $19/-/$19
Very
light, crisp, nose; a little strawberry. Completely refreshing and wet for a
rose'.
2008 Russian River
Valley Pinot Noir $35/-/-
Nose:
Cold and a bit muted.
Palate:
Cinnamon and red currant, strawberry-dominated by the spice. Very subtle fruit.
Very light palate. I didn’t get
the fruits that were on the nose. Nose had a cinnamon, fig, and sweet
rhubarb. Not for me… -Lisa
2008 Super Tuscan
Nose:
Hard to find
Palate:
Big! Tannic with cassis, blackberry, mocha
2008 Malbec
Nose:
Big jammy fuit, black anise, black currant
Color:
Deep burgundy
Palate:
I have a different expectation of malbecs, with a desire for more earthiness
that just didn’t exist.
2006 Cabernet
Sauvignon $35/-/$50
Nose
has bell peppers, a little truffle, light pepper, but good dark earth. Needs to
open. Palate is deep, rich, and earthy, with no truffle, but a lot of chocolate
and cab franc taste to it. Spices open up in this quickly. Fantastic cab!
2007 Cabernet
Sauvignon $45/-/$52
Even
more accessible nose, coffee, toasty, peppers, spices, rich dark fruits.
2009 Cabernet Franc
Big
nose – good bell pepper, but lots of fruit and spice on the nose. Italian hard
salami. Great cabernet franc.
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