Truett-Hurst

TRL/Staff/Wine: 9/9/9

Left with a half-case. This is an exceptionally club-worthy winery.  The humble exterior of the tasting room belies the rustic, spacious, and charming interior. Walk through the room and you’ll discover tiered picnic areas that lead to the creek behind the property.  This is designed for tastings for 16 and a comfortable seating for 15 more. My only gripe is that the wines are tasted in Riedel O’s.

Staff is already bubbly and informative…within seconds upon our arrival. The energy and enthusiasm was maintained throughout the experience without missing a beat.

This is a stop where you can stock up on meats, cheeses, water, spreads, and crackers. Like Sbragia, this will provide you the resources to extend your tasting day. Moreover, they offered us cheese and crackers to pair with their tastings.

2011 Salmon Run Zinfandel Rose $17/$14/$-

Light crisp and very rose’ like.

2010 White Sheep Pinot Noir $40/$32/$28

Blend of two Dijon Clones, 777, and 667, grown in Green Valley. Light floral notes with subtle layer of raspberry and black cherry. Good color and viscosity. Flavors are warm and comfortable. 100% Pinot Noir

2010 Black Sheep Pinot Noir $40/$32/$37

Blend of two Dijon Clones, 828 and 115. The nose is muted, but the flavors are much more accessible and enticing. Good body with cherry, mild blackberry, and hints of fig. 100% Pinot Noir

2010 Southdown Zinfandel $29/$23/$32

Hints of black tea on the nose with notes of blackberry. The palate follows perfectly, the humble notes of a blackberry/black tea.

2010 Red Rooster Zinfandel $29/$23/$28

The blackberry and leather bouquet. The palate finishes with a tart blackberry and raspberry. Nice body and finish that lingers.

2009 Rattler Rock Zinfandel $29/$23/$32

Interesting nose, with notes of strawberry, boysenberry. Very light and bright fruit on the palate.

2009 GPS Mendocino County Dark Horse Vineyard  $40/$32/$37

40% PS/$30%Syrah/$30% Grenache

Wow, do I ever smell the petit syrah.  This has a nice sweet overtone of strawberry syrup on the nose, but the palate is more of a balanced syrah and Grenache with the right amount of pepper and black fruits to balance the strawberry.

2010 Dry Creek Valley Old Vine Burning Man Petite Sirah   $33/$26/$38

The nose was a little inaccessible, with subtle hints of lavender and plum.  Oh my goodness, was there a rich blend of chocolate and black currant that is so balanced it hits you only as a yum with no “oooh sweet” to it, as the dusty finish explains to your palate.